Day 1: Crazy Cook Monument to Big Hatchet Mountains
Can’t believe I was standing at Crazy Cook Monument this morning, starting my section-hike of the CDT. I’ve thought about this trail for so long – it seemed so wild and daunting. But one day I realized if I was smart, I’d hike it sooner than later. I’m just getting older every year! So here I am.
Day 2: Big Hatchet Mountains to Hachita Peak
Today’s trek from the Big Hatchet Mountains to the Little Hatchet Mountains was intense. And not so much fun. Just being honest.
I awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and took my time packing up and having breakfast. I was on the trail by 8:15 a.m., feeling pretty good about the day.
Day 3: Hachita Peak to Near Vista Tank
Today’s hike from Hachita Peak to near Vista Tank was interesting, to say the least! So was last night. As I was setting up camp a few miles shy of my goal, if you recall, I’d messaged Jeffery about possibly dropping off water for me tomorrow, as I was pretty low, and the next water cache was far away.
Day 4: Near Vista Tank to Water Cache 4
I don’t want to seem like a whiner, but rather a realist, so other hikers know what to really expect. So many people downplay the hardship of various hikes. The CDT in mid-September through October is supposed to be glorious. At least before our weather got so wonky.
Day 5: Animas Street to Lordsburg
When hiking long distances, you have to be flexible and ready to pivot. I kind of hate doing that; I love to follow my plan. But as I looked over my itinerary, I’d need to hike roughly 25 miles (40.2 km) today to get to Lordsburg and stay on schedule. Not too bad if...
Day 6: Zero Day in Lordsburg
This is officially my first zero day. Sort of. I had to take a zero day on my 2013 thru-hike of the Ice Age Trail due to a case of cellulitis. But I never just took one to rest up. I decided to take two during this hike because, well, I’m getting older!
Day 7: Lordsburg to Engineer’s Windmill
Today’s trek from Lordsburg to Engineer’s Windmill started and ended well, but was not fun in the middle. Here’s the story. The first 3.3 miles (5.3 km) were great, as they were a road walk out of town. I chatted with Ed and was upbeat, as I was leaving early when it...
Day 8: Engineer’s Windmill to Burro Peak Trailhead
I slept well last night. I heard one cow walking around, so I made a little grunt noise to let it know I was here. Other than that, it was nice. Not too hot, no bugs, etc. This morning dawned warm and humid, though – not a good sign.
Day 9: Burro Peak Trailhead to Silver City
I got up before 6 a.m. because Maria said they left early to start working. She mentioned 6:30 as a time I should be up and about if I wanted to top off my water supplies once more. So at 6:30 I wandered over, but everyone was still asleep. I topped off my water anyway; I knew they wouldn’t mind.
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