GET Day 41: Potato & Big Rosa Canyons

Daily Miles: 24.2, Total Miles: 584.0

I nearly walked to Mt Withington Lookout before turning down Potato Trail that led me to Potato Canyon. The forest was burnt most of the way down which no doubt contributed to the severe erosion in the creek. I mostly stayed in the wash which eventually had some flowing water.

Potato Wash eventually joined Big Rosa Canyon and I had lunch and refilled water at the Cooney Windmill and tank. A pipe gushing fresh water made it oh so convenient. The cows weren’t too happy about sharing their watering hole.

Running low on food, I noticed that the trail crosses NM107 and that this graded dirt road goes into Magdalena, my next destination. I made it about eight miles up the road, jumped the fence and found shade and cover behind a juniper tree, my stealth camp. I’d say I’m about seven miles out of Magdalena and already dreaming of a late breakfast.

Saw several deer, elk and turkey coming out of the San Mateo Mountains. A tribute to the San Mateos, the best and worst of times!