HIKE DIARY
Backpacking & thru-hiking
is not always blissful
NM: Cox Trailhead to near Aragon Well, 18 miles
It’s a glorious day of sunshine and beautiful views, plus good water sources. I climb up and out of the Gila and back to grassland where I camp all alone.
NM: Gila Tank to Cox Canyon Trailhead, 18 miles
The landscape looks like prairie and I’m concerned about a snowstorm in this exposed landscape, but luck out with only a few squalls.
Life is Wide
“Life may be short, but it’s also wide” suggests we accept life’s limits while also being astonished by its abundance.
Never Quit on a Bad Day
When everything goes sideways and you’re having a bad day, repeat the mantra to not quit today but instead give yourself the self-love, the break, the reset to get back on track.
NM: Gila River to Gail Tank, 13 miles
I almost leave the trail with a couple of cowboys, but a miscommunication leaves me waiting, then moving on just as the sky lights up orange and yellow.
NM: Middle Fork, Gila River, 18 miles
The walk through the river surrounded by quirky towers continues before I climb above for an 11-mile hike to again return and camp on the Gila’s banks.
Be Where Your Feet Are
Walking through woodland ephemerals in early spring reminds us to embrace impermanence and stay present in the here and now.
NM: Gila Cliff Dwellings to Gila Middle Fork, 13 miles
It’s one of the most extraordinary days on trail making 65 river crossings under towering cliffs of ancient lava.
NM: Sapillo Creek to Gila Hot Springs, 17 miles
The first day in the Gila River is beautiful and wild with big wind and 55 river crossings. It ends with two new friends.
The Trail Will Provide
Hiking has a way of making us more resilient, not so much manifested as strength and persistence, but in developing trust and embracing the unknown.
NM: Walnut Creek (Silver City) to Sapillo Creek (Gila), 22 miles
I take a day off to explore quirky, artsy Silver City, then head up to the Gila through a hard section filled with blowdown and finally a long descent to a pristine creek.
NM: Red Rock Road to Hwy 180 (Silver City) 18 miles
It’s easy walking now, all down hill, to the highway. I have a spectacular sunrise and views towards the Gila before hitching the highway to Silver City.
