Pat & Dan's Continental Divide Adventure

The mountains of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado have so much snow the CDT is possible only with snowshoes and winter equipment. Most hikers are making alternative plans. We've decided to 'flip flop.' Judy picked us up at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, and after two days in Golden, we will drive to Lander, Wyo. and hike the CDT southbound.   The trail crosses The Great Basin. It's rather flat and not much snow. Pat and Eli It was sure nice to see family in Golden. Erin was in town to run the Bolder Boulder with Emily. Grandson Eli has grown and seeing the Edwards at Woody's and Erika at Cozy Cottage for breakfast was a treat. And of course, spending time with Judy was so nice. 

Mile 666!  Add in additional miles of longer alternate trails,  I've hiked over 700 miles! A couple of challenging days hiking and camping in two-three feet of snow.  Chama River running high. Thankfully, the CDT crosses the Chama at a bridge. Hiking through another Wilderness Area

Here are two trail pictures. First picture: The CDT leads to the top of a mountain that has a dramatic view looking north. Second picture:  Dan pointing to the point where I took the first picture the previous day. 

A resupply box Judy sends me a resupply box to various trail destinations. Even though I preplanned the contents, when I receive and open my box it's like Christmas! SmartWater bottles are very popular on the CDT.   Not only do these bottles attach to the ubiquitous Sawyer water filter, but the Smartwater bottles are also very transparent so it's easy to see how many floaties I have after refilling!

I'm now at a motel in Cuba, N.M. waiting out rainy weather. Cuba is mile 643 on the CDT. After a round of antibiotics, my foot is healing and I'm feeling better. Thanks for everyone's get-well wishes.  We're staying at the Cuban Lodge. New Mexico is the second poorest state, based on median household income, poverty rate and unemployment rate, and Cuba appears to be a run-down, poor town. Nevertheless, very nice people. Across the street is the Cuban Restaurant. In the picture background are the mountains next for us on the CDT. Not sure if you can see it,  but it's raining and snowing. 

I've gotten used to refilling my water bottles from stock troughs like these. These were desirable refills because a hiker can directly fill from the water running into the trough. Less desirable troughs are those with stagnant water. I carry a water filter for such stagnant water. 

Tonight we're camping on the side of Mt. Taylor on the CDT main trail. Mt. Taylor is a favorite in Grants.  Nearly 17 miles today along with a heavy pack (food for 8 days), and a lot of climbing. My feet are tired, but I think they are holding up. I'll know more in the morning. I'm in my tent and it just started sprinkling. I  hope it stops and everything will be dry in the morning. Also, it feels great to be back on the CDT.