CDT: 48 Days and Counting

Just had a nice visit by son and family down from Helena, MT – future trail angels! Not much hiking with an almost one and almost three-year-old in tow. Played the tourist with a trip to the zoo and a fascinating trip to the Pima Air & Space Museum. A little golf and sampled some fine IPA’s and Belgian Style Ales from some great new microbreweries in town.

And then came down with a bad cold – I guess I need to be exposed to grandkids more often. Been tough to keep up the training plan and need to hit it hard.

My CDT route in NM and CO is pretty much nailed down. I will take the Bear Canyon route but am planning some alternatives. These include the scenic Gila River route, the route through Pie Town, and the Ghost Ranch route. I am leaving Crazy Cook later than most to better chances of hiking Colorado’s San Juan route without being stopped by high snow. My favorite part of Colorado having spent time in this high country for years while living in NW New Mexico.

The resupply plan is also finalized. I use maildrops whenever I can because I hate to spend time on the trail planning and shopping for food. Believe me, I will be supplementing with some tasty snacks, ice cream and cold beverages. The logistics look good – the longest stretch is 130 miles between Doc Campbell’s and Pie Town. I also plan to bounce my paint bucket of other supplies and catch up with it every few weeks.

Good luck and all the best to those getting an early start!