Beep beep. Beep beep. Our 6:30 am wake-up alarm broke the stillness. Britta and I grudgingly sat up and began the regular morning routine of packing as much as possible without getting out of our sleeping bags. As we munched our breakfast of Poptarts and protein bars, a faint pittering sounded above our heads on the tent’s rain cover. “It rained a bit during the night, too,” I said.

Britta nodded. “I heard it.”

According to the latest weather report, we were due for rain that afternoon, and snow the following day.

“Some hikers don’t start until later,” Britta remarked hopefully.

I wasn’t looking forward to getting out in the rain any more than her. We’d battled extremely strong winds for most of yesterday’s 20 miles, and over half of this day’s walk would be on a paved road – the worst for feet due to its unvaried and unyielding surface. “We could just go back to sleep until eight,” I suggested.

At eight o’clock, the occasional pitter patter had grown more steady. Britta peered out. “I think some of this is snow.”

We sat in silence, each considering our options. We could hike less, camp early, but that would still mean dealing with wet, freezing gear. After being hungry on the last leg, we’d packed more than enough food, so that wasn’t a concern. Minutes ticked by as we tried to summon the courage. An hour. Then Britta, a half-smile curling her face, said, “I’m thinking of a probably terrible idea-”

“That we don’t hike today?” I finished. We laughed. “We got spoiled with that zero day in Pie Town.”

“Mmm,” Britta agreed. “Just call it a snow day.”

And so we did. We stayed right there in our nice, toasty sleeping bags while snow and rain pricked the tent and built-up snow slid off regularly in a whoosh. “You know what that is?” I said to Britta. “That’s the sound of being warm and dry. I’ve never heard a more pleasant sound.”

We played poker with M&Ms. (I came out ahead.) We snacked and talked and napped. I finally had the time to work on the novel that I’m currently in the middle of writing. I listened to the entire Hamilton soundtrack.

The following day we dug out our cold weather and rain gear, and packed in over 24 miles. It was windy and snowy, but I stayed dry and (mostly) warm. Plus the snow made for some beautiful scenery even though the day was mostly road walking.

After that, it was just an 18 mile day into Grants, partially along the famous Route 66. We’re now headed off to Cuba!