by Melanie McManus | Sep 19, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
The hike to the cistern area featured the usual: the good, the bad and the ugly. Last night, my ORV neighbors headed out around 8 or 9 p.m. They appeared to use the spot in front of my (hidden) tent as their rendezvous point with their friends. I heard them again...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 20, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
Today’s trek to the Trujillo water cache was very beautiful, but very difficult. This morning I struck out at 7:30 a.m., not sure whether I wanted to try to make it to the Trujillo water cache (about 22 miles/35.4 km) or stop a few miles short, knowing I could fill up...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 21, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
I thought today’s hike to Jones Canyon Spring would be a walk in the park. After all, I’d start out full of water and only be hiking about 15 miles (24.1 km), compared to yesterday’s 22 (35.4 km). Ha! So I let myself sleep in until 6:30. It had been quite windy from...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 22, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
I woke up stoked for the hike into Cuba. It was another short day and the last several miles were on the road. It would be a breeze! The hike began with a long, gradual downhill, but a mesa loomed ahead. I was sure I’d have to climb it, as I knew I had one big climb...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 23, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
So today’s hike to “outside Cuba” is kind of a joke. Last night I stayed at the Chaco Lodge Hacienda, a small B&B operated by Denny Herrera, the same guy who owns the Phillips66 in town. The gas station, by the way, has an enormous New Mexican food menu and has...