Journal Entries

Summit easily accessible to all ages- view of the Mahone Bay/Atlantic Ocean.

Not Everest but a cool trek to the summit of Castle Rock.

Castle Rock viewed from below.

It took us a while to get the hang of the many (manymany) river crossings this morning during our first foray along the Gila River alternate (pronounced Hee-la for those playing along at home). It was a stunning transition from high dry desert full of pinion pines and dry grass down to the canyons full of towering Oaks and Elms. None of my photos do it justice, and I honestly didn't take many. The constant track finding and river crossings definitely wore me down today. You'd be on an actual trail, cross the river from cairn to cairn then poof! The trail has disappeared. We also followed some very (very) recent bear prints and scats. So recent we could still see the creases in the pads of his paws imprinted in the dust. He was stepping on the hikers footprints of the hiker immediately in front of us (she was only maybe 15-20mins ahead). Kind of amazing really!

Like a confusing oasis you weren't quite expecting. If it weren't for the soggy feet and the MIA trail sections, it would be spectacular...

Silver City was a great town to zero in, although we are still learning the best way to resupply so we spent a lot of time running around getting not much done. It's a super cool little town though, and it boasts two stores that carry hiking supplies so it is a good spot for getting a few bits and pieces if you need.

The hike out to Little Bear creek was pretty mellow (only 12miles) and we took our time (thinking we would have a few low mileage days). The next day, however, we had a near constant climb for several miles, and th altitude really kicked our butts. Guthook was also incorrect about the mileage, we were expecting a 15 mile day and ended up doing a 19.2 mile day. The views were pretty epic though.

Tomorrow, on to the Gila!

Hiked up and over Burro Peak yesterday- our biggest day yet! 23 miles up to 8050ft, and nearly ran out of water no less. Other hikers, note that almost all the water sources on both the ascent and descent were almost completely dry. Also, there is no view from the top!? Gipped

We ended up spending the night at Burro Mountain Homestead, then cut out 20miles by following Tyrone road and the Hwy 90 up to Silver City. We are all pretty worse for wear after 19.5 miles of road walking today and that behemoth yesterday. Good to have a zero day tomorrow.

If you look carefully, you can see the desert we crossed way off in the background, then the town of Lordsburg. These New Mexico mountains are amazing though. 18.7 miles yesterday. About 20 to do today to get to Borough Mountain campground...

Le bonheur de mettre des chaussettes et chaussures sèches :) Ne jamais oublier les rechanges en hiver.

On voit le lac ! Nous sommes presque arrivées.