The Gila, Thank God

Daylight savings time really threw a wrench into my getup.  That subtle shift of an hour ruined my habit of squeezing in 90 minute runs beginning in that space between Nautical and Civil Twilight.  With that change came a desire to find a way to get in some trail mileage later in the day.  With Tanya in spring break, it opened up some free time during the day that I had to take advantage of.  With a sudden night free, I couldn't think of much better to do than get to the Gila River deep in the wilderness with my own two feet.

The route.  Little Walnut TH just outside of town to connect to the CDT Gila Alternate.  25 miles later, the river.  Camp, lounge, daydream, turkish cowboy coffee via BushBuddy, read Cormac McCarthy, then hike out to the hwy via Sapillo Creek to get picked up.  Starting at a late hour nearly destroyed my body in my march to camp at the river, but it was worth it.  I'm already dreaming of the next trip, next time with less gear and hopefully this pack in tow.

Both days were filled with a haze that I can only assume floated in on southerly winds from dust storms down in the low desert of Deming and Lordsburg.  May Spring begin!

Staring at maps since moving here, my eye has always been attracted to an area marked "Devil's Garden".  So this was Devil's Garden.  Hundreds of hoodoos dotting the canyon.  This area left me so inspired that I couldn't help but think that an ultramarathon needed to take place outside of Silver City.  This area has wilderness-quality scenery on National Forest land, challenging, varied trails, and creates a memorable experience.

Finding the Details

Any yahoo can point a camera at a massive Colorado vista and get a decent photo.  The beauty found in the trees in the greater Gila is far more subtle and tough to get into a
photo.  This challenge is partially why I created this blog, and in time I'd like to be able to capture some of that subtle beauty.  When there aren't constant huge views to be had, it's all about the details.

Images taken from a fast and fun 2 hour loop starting up Gomez Peak, connecting to the CDT, then back to the car. Fast running inspired by a newly functional mp3 player made this run a memorable one, and reignited my waning spark for running.

This winter has been one of the toughest in recent memory.  Imaginary snow-pack and short days have left me burnt out and ready for spring.    With headlamp-free running now beginning at 6am, I've finally been able to squeeze in regular runs throughout the week.  Add in the fact that the trees are starting to green, and things have nowhere to go but up.  And to think that at once we were seriously considering a move to Bellingham, WA and it's darker winters...