Cuba, NM
Even though I’m not on trail, over the last four weeks my body has gotten used to waking up around 6. So wide awake I was by then. Fortunately, my mind once again overcame my body and I forced myself back to sleep until a whopping 7:30.
I went and got breakfast at a local cafe, where I ordered the “full burrito”. Little did I know, it actually meant there were two. Smothered with cheese and green Chile sauce. Deliciousness x2 that a hiker definitely does not mind.
As I sipped my coffee and OJ, in walked Cribbage and Hobbit. Shortly followed by Caveman (but not Hotlips - his wife). Those four I’ve passed a few times over the last few weeks. And older duo of couples, apparently Hot Lips had to get off trail for a little bit. But it seems those three picked up another older couple. I struggle at a group name for them that doesn’t account for them being the ‘older crew’ on the trail. Good people’s all around. I sat with them and finished my food as they ordered theirs, and then was off to do laundry.
A few other house keeping items, cleaning the pack, getting a couple more days of food (it’s only a three day stretch at max, ahead), and ship out a few items. I lightened my load a hair but really it’s in preparation of what’s to come...
Coming out of Cuba is a big ol climb. About 3-4000 feet, putting me above 10,000 feet, and now as I’m in northern NM, that means snow is on the horizon. Reports are the only 11 miles from Cuba, there’s quite a bit of post holing and snow to trek across.
That said, the “snow” isn’t quite yet beginning. That’s where I’ll likely swap to boots, get my trail crampons, and really get sorted for hiking on ice and snow. Either way, people are already getting nervous. A mass of hikers are huddled up in Chama (next town up) amplifying their fears of the snow ahead, and waiting until it melts.
My buddy, and former “Camel” Jesse is planning to meet me at the end of the next stretch. He hosted his first trail blog on The Dusty Camel, and has since created his own organization to help battle the word of mental illness using hiking and the outdoors as a catalyst: www.hikethegoodhike.com
A bunch more hikers came into town, but I posted up and rested to try and help my knee survive another hike. It’s gotten a little better, but only time will tell. It’s still sore and a bit swollen, warm to the touch. Not yet worried though, only three days ahead, so will be able to reevaluate then and take another day to rest, if need be.
All in all, a good, but most importantly, restful day.
