Posted by 15.5 miles today. 123.5 miles in on trail.
Other than collecting water from the next water cache in 7.3 miles I did not really have a plan for today. I was in two minds – race through and do 2 biggish days putting me in Silver City in the early evening in 2 days time; or slow down, taking 3 smaller days to reach SC by midday on the 3rd day. I had sufficient food for more days and had planned to take a full day off, a ‘zero’ day with no hiking, in SC. Option 2 would mean a full day and a half in town. I went with option 2.
I have to keep reminding myself that this is a marathon and I need to pace things out, particularly at the start. The big mile days will come and there is no point in pushing too hard too soon. 3 smaller days sounds great.
I didn’t reached this decision until I was at the water cache and 7 miles+ in for the day. In addition to water there was a camping chair at the cache. I plopped into it, thankful to not be sitting on the ground for a change, and explored the map. I was looking for a suitable location in another 7 or 8 mile that I could aim for. About a mile off trail I spied a place called Burro Mountain Homestead that fit the bill.
I’m not usually one to do a lot of off trail side missions but this place sounded like it offered camping to CDT hikers, a shower, toilets and cold sodas. And so it was my mind was set off to Burro Mountain Homestead. Just another 7.9 miles on trail before the turn off. But first I had the first major climb of trail to content with, up and over Burro Peak at a height of 8,000 feet.
The hiking was fantastic following a meandering gravel single track in amongst the trees and boulders. It was perfectly benched and switched backed avoiding any major straight ups and downs. This meant a longer distance up the mountain but very pleasant.
The transition of vegetation types and trees must be based on elevation gain. Starting out in rocky country with cactus, shrubs and small oak trees transitioned into tall pines and grassy understory as I climbed up. It was so good being back in native pine country. The smell in the air was sweet.
It was a tough climb in sections with an ever present cooling wind to keep the sweat at bay.
Office hours of the homestead were 10am to 2pm so with in mind I flew down the back of Burro Peak. I was just after midday and I had another 2.4 miles to cover. Plenty of time.
I arrived at the Homestead around 1:15pm with heaps of time to spare. I thought the deal for hikers sounded good but it got better. Presently at the office to ask about camping I was informed by the host Heidi that camping is free for CDT hikers, showers are free, aswell as a towel. If that didn’t do it, $1 sodas, access to a recreation room and wifi. Can charge electronics as well. This place is great.
I found the allocated hiker camping areas, all conveniently bear the bathrooms; with all sites shaded by cypress and have tables. Bloody awesome. Here’s to a restful afternoon.
Mick Beckers 