Some CDT Trailjournals
Mat and Kalyn's journey through the Gila sounds just like I remember it, albeit a bit warmer.
Most of the northbound hikers are in the Gila National Forest area at the moment. I wish I was out there with them! I hope to do a thruhike in the next few years.
The Gila River is much more impressive than I had imagined. I think this could be one of he highlight of the entire trail. The Gila meanders bck and forth through a narrow canyon surrounded by cliffs and rock formations. We ended up doing like 30-40 fords today (we lost count after 14). the deepest was up to my waste but the deeper fords had slow moving water. Nothing like New Zealand, these were fun easy fords that were always refreshing!
As usual we didn't see any people today. I don't think that this canyon has changed much since the Pueblo Indians were here. We saw plenty of wildlife including a countless birds we didn't recognize, a kingfisher, and a bobcat.
We stopped to camp early tonight to set up to arrive at Doc Campbell?s during business hours where we will pick up a re-supply box of food and then head over and see the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It was nice to stop early, We went for a dip in the river and enjoyed this amazing place.
Most of the northbound hikers are in the Gila National Forest area at the moment. I wish I was out there with them! I hope to do a thruhike in the next few years.