- NNML day 24, July 11, Saturday
- Start S8 mile 46.7, creek near Truchas Lake
- End S8 mile 70.1, near junction of Skyline and Winsor
- Miles walked: 23.4
The route continues on Skyline to Truchas Lake and Truchas Peaks.
Soon we get to Trailriders Wall, a high ridge with good views on both sides.
Bighorn sheep are resting just down from the ridge, not bothered by my presence. In this photo you can just see the horns.
Soon I get to Pecos Baldy Lake.
The Jaroso Fire 2013 burn scar is mostly clear of blowdowns.
Our route diverts from Skyline to Jacks Creek/Dockweiler/Cave Creek Trail, at a considerable loss of elevation which will need to be regained. My databook says we are leaving Skyline because of heavy damage from the 2013 fire along Rito Perro. That was over 10 years ago, and surely crews have worked on Skyline since then. I will need to investigate, on a later trip.
I am gratified to see that the stepping stones I helped place across Cave Creek years ago on an NMVFO project are still in place.
Cave Creek Trail is now thick with summer growth, especially ferns.
I wrap my injured hand with a bandana, and dip in cold water at each stream crossing, making an effective cold pack to reduce swelling.
Sometimes I find wild raspberries and strawberries, packed with flavor in a tiny package.
The route rejoins Skyline. Stewart Lake and a nearby pond provide a welcome break for a snack.
Spirit Lake is dark with tanins.
Near another intersection with Skyline and Winsor, near Puerto Nambe, I get cell signal, and brief my support staff, Cairn and Dotter, about my injury. They are both medical professionals, and let me know that my hike is over– I need to get to a doctor ASAP to prevent permanent loss of function in my hand. Today my entire hand is swelling, and my ring cannot be removed, and is getting uncomfortable.
Tomorrow Cairn will pick me up.
Finished audiobook Project Mastodon, by Clifford Simak. (Time travel on a shoestring– what could go wrong?)