Month: May 2016

Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Grand Enchantment Trail section hike Polvadera NM to Tijeras NM, starting here
Day 4
Start waypoint 35030 Segment 35 mile 2.3, a few miles from the summit of Manzano Peak
Stop waypoint 1 mile past 35175, Ojo del Indio spring, Segment 35 mile 16.8
Miles walked [Segment 35] 16.8 – 2.3 = 14.5

Approaching Manzano Peak, one can make out the thin green strip of vegetation along the Rio Grande far below.

At the top, we are rather high up.

Glorious panoramas stretch out in all directions.

More than my little cell camera can handle.

Later, I spy a remaining patch of snow, and see several more throughout the day.

The crest trail goes along the ridgeline of the Manzanos all day, full of impressive views.
The Trigo Fire causes some peaks to be naked in their majestic beauty.

And more views.

A good day of challenging hiking along the ridgeline.

[finished audiobook Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery]

 

Tuesday, May 23, 2016
Grand Enchantment Trail section-hike Polvadera NM to Tijeras NM, starting here
Day 3
Start waypoint north of 33470 Section 33 mile 39.6, a few miles south of US60
Stop waypoint 35030 Segment 35 mile 2.3, on Pine Shadow Trail a few miles from the summit of Manzano Peak
Miles walked [Segment 33] 42.5 – 39.6 + [Segment 34] 15.3 + [Segment 35] 2.3 = 20.5

In a few miles I reach US60, where a food cache was hidden under a tree. I had taken a photo when hiding to remember which tree.

Water bottles and goodies were included in the cache box to offer as a surprise treat for other hikers, known as “trail magic”.

I had tested when hiding the cache how far down US60 until a cell signal could be found, so I could signal Base Support of my continued health.

But after walking much further down the highway, more than a mile, I still not send a text, even with several bars.moral of the story: don’t rely on a signal meter to test for cell reception, but instead actually place a test call or text to see if it goes through!

The trail follows a rocky arroyo for several miles, enclosed enough to provide some shade.

Surrounding cliffs become tall and rugged.

When the arroyo joins another larger arroyo, pools of water were found, welcome since all seasonal springs along the route have dried up.

The arroyo passes under train trestles.

Leaving the wash, the route goes along a two-track road which climbs for a number of miles.

Formidable rocky mountain faces start to appear in the distance.
After going on a forest service road, one arrives at the trailhead for Pine Shadow Trail, going up Manzano Peak, the first actual man-made trail of this trip.

I find a rare flat spot a few miles down from the peak, to escape wind and exposure, and rest up for good climbs and scenic views expected tomorrow.

[completed audiobook The Wizard That Wasn’t, by Ben Rovik]

Monday, May 23, 2016
Grand Enchantment Trail section-hike Polvadera NM to Tijeras NM, starting here
Day 2
Start waypoint 33230 Segment 33 mile 19.4
Stop waypoint north of 33470 Segment 33 mile 39.6, a few miles south of Highway 60
Miles walked 39.6 – 19.4 = 20.2

Early in the day I meet thru-hiker Chimichanga.

He was as surprised to see me as I was to see him, as this trail does not have any hikers. He agrees it is pretty late to be hiking in Arizona later, and has a sun umbrella and plans siestas during the heat of the day.

A branding station near the dirt road is ready for cattle.

I pass a ranch house on a long dry road walk, and happen to see someone doing yard work, so I ask to use the faucet.

The day brings a lot of cross-country walking, sometimes along fence lines but often with no landmarks as a guide.

I finish the day just a few miles from highway 60, where I left a food cache, and included some treats and extra water that will be a treat.

[finished audiobook How to Succeed in Evil: Consultation with a Vampire by Patrick E McClean]