Sagebrush personal hiking blog
GET 2017 Day 26, May 21, Sunday.
Start Burnt Canyon, Segment 23 mile 8.6 of 11.5
End Segment 25 mile 5, on CDT Trail 74, after 16.5 miles of Segment 24
Miles walked: 24.4
The water bottles were partially frozen in the cold night. Fortunately, the water filter was detached from a water bottle and hidden under bedding to keep warm– freezing would destroy it.
The route climbs out of Burnt Canyon.
GET 2017 Day 25, May 20, Saturday.
Start just past only ford of East Fork of Gila River, Segment 22 mile 9.1 of 24.8
End Burnt Canyon, Segment 23 mile 8.6
Miles walked: 23.3
Diamond Creek runs fast, deep, and narrow, with grassy banks and few rocks in the creek bed.
GET 2017 Day 24, May 19, Friday.
Start Lower Scorpion Campground at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Section 22 mile zero
End just past only ford of East Fork of Gila River, Section 22 mile 9.1
Miles walked: 9.1
This morning I was the first civilian to enter the Gila Cliff Dwelling after its 9AM opening.( I had toured in previous years with family, and always enjoy the experience.) You wind along a wooded path near a creek and cliff face, with birds chirping and lizards watching. Suddenly you walk out to see several rooms built of stone and mortar built into a huge overhang of a cliff.
These dwellings were built around 1280AD, about the same time as other cliff dwellings in the southwest USA. This structure was only occupied for a generation. Why? There are theories, but the answer is not settled.
In this series of photos, look at craftsmanship, and details such as steps, windows, and vigas.
