Wednesday, March 19, 2014

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.
























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