Day 11

Day 11 – Cold morning, lots of condensation in the tent. Hot rest of the day, some clouds after 3. Up Mud Canyon, which got tighter and tighter, some narrows (with water), some hard to get past. Fell in one while trying to get around. 2 hours to go up canyon and get out. Across Keesle Country to the head of Ramp Canyon. Then up the brutal “Behind the Reef” trail. Very hot, incredibly steep. Finally get to the top, then long down into Cistern Canyon, only to find no water at the head (Bullberry Spring. It is possible I didn't look in the right spot, but I did look around, and couldn't find a thing). Go down Cistern Canyon (through the San Rafael Reef) and finally find some water, end up going all the way through, wade 3 or 4 times, fall once on a wet and muddy rock, finally come out of the Reef right after the last pothole. Find a mediocre campsite, use water from the last pothole. Free of the river and the Reef – most of my stress is completely gone now. Full moon, a few bats. Still haven't seen 1 person the entire trip.