- GET 2024 day 9, Oct 9, Wednesday
- Start home and town
- End near San Mateo Spring
- Cleared blowdowns on Apache Kid Trail near San Mateo Spring
I drove to Springtime Campground in late afternoon, and was pleased to see the facilities in good shape. Sometimes a high water event will flood the normally dry creek running through camp, and mess up the road, but today all looks fine among tall Gambel oak and a few ponderosa.
Hiking up Apache Kid Trail, it was surprising how much oak was on the trail, considering that we lopped this section in 2021 with NMVFO.
Approaching the ridge, fine views to the east reward the climb.
At the intersection with Shipman Trail, a fallen tree hides faint tread on Shipman. This is unfortunate, because NMVFO worked to make the trail clearer here on their last project.
My goal for today is San Mateo Spring, which I have seen with good water, and at other times completely dry. Today the trough is dry, but a slow leak at a pipe joint going to the trough may be enough to keep me supplied with water.
Camp is at a nearby saddle we used on a backpacking trail project in 2021. Cell reception there is possible, though spotty.
There are enough blowdowns to keep me busy for days. Sorry, loppers, you will have to wait.