Little did I know this morning that today would be my last day on the CDT for the year, and for New Mexico.
It began raining at 4 a.m. I was hoping it would stop and my tent would dry, but nope. It continued until shortly before 8 a.m., when I packed up my sodden tent, crossed Skull Bridge and began the day’s trek.
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Leaving Skull Bridge Behind
The sad thing about today’s hike is that I could tell that trail would be absolutely glorious in good weather. But with the rain – which started up again and continued for hours – it was miserable.
First, the path’s smooth dirt, which would normally make for easy hiking, was muddy and slippery. In some parts, the mud was the kind that packs onto your shoes for inches (e.g., two inches) and weighs down your feet. You can’t really scrape it off.
When I went to filter water from a cattle tank, strangely tucked into thick vegetation, I slipped and fell, drenching my bottom and legs, plus my backpack. What more would go wrong?
Soldiering On
I tried to keep up my spirits, but the trail then made these steep declines and inclines down to a creek and up the other side – over and over and over again. If it had been dry per usual, that would have been lovely. But the mud made for difficult descents and ascents.
Because of the rain, I wasn’t eating or drinking, which I knew wasn’t wise. But I just wanted to power on. I was starting to get chilled, as I was soaked, and fearing hypothermia.
Angels to the Rescue
At one point, just as it began to pour, I saw another soul on the trail. He didn’t have a big backpack, so he must be day-hiking. But why would someone choose today to take a hike?!
I said, “Are you out here to rescue me?” The guy said, “Do you need rescuing?” I paused and said, “Yes, I think I do,” then began to 
cry. (But just a little.)
Turns out I’d run into Michael (Peacock) and his colleague, Kinsey, who are employees of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. They were in the area to scout the trail, and opted to do so despite the weather. But by the time we met, none of us wanted to be out there.
Shuttle to Cuba
The duo’s vehicle was 4 miles (6.4 km) away, so we trudged along. It was much less miserable suffering with others. Kinsey even took my heavy pack, as I was the slowest and most tired of the group. They literally danced along the trail, while I plodded. Of course, they’re young enough to be my kids.
We entertained ourselves by sharing lots of trail stories and discovered a lot of similarities among us. At the truck, they gave me a dry coat, food and water. They even shuttled me to Cuba, my ending point for this year, where I secured lodging for the next two nights, Kinsey and I also discovered her dad had shuttled me from the Albuquerque airport to Grants, N.M., last year! What a coincidence. Oh, and she also participated in November Project when she was in Boston.
Michael said this storm is going to sit in the area for another full day, so there’s no way I’m going back out there in all of that rain and mud. Much as I hate doing this, I decided that sometimes you have to accept a shuttle into town and end your hike prematurely. Sometimes the weather makes the trail unsafe.
Final Ponderings
Good thing I didn’t try to go back. There was an absolute DELUGE the next day, including super-strong winds. I would have been in trouble if I’d been on the trail. So I guess the trail was telling me it’s time to go home. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, given my last day’s departure was from a spot named Skull Bridge! We’ll see if I’m brave enough to return next year. I hope so.
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: =13.4 (21.6 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 812.6 (1,307.8 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,287.4 (3,681.2 km)
