Sixty to Manzano

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.

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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.

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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.

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Surrounding cliffs become tall and rugged.

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

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The arroyo passes under train trestles.

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

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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.

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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]

Author: Jim, Sagebrush

Jim (trail-name Sagebrush) codes audio software for Windows, Linux, Android, and embedded systems. When not working at sagebrush.com, he enjoys backpacking, which this blog is about.