October 20th, 2024
Mile Marker: Gila Alternate
Miles Hiked: 26
This morning was another freezing one. However, the sky was clear, not a cloud in sight, I will take it! I also slept well last night, it was going to be a good day. At one point in the night we all woke up to howling and yipping of animals. Whatever and I thought it sounded like wolves but wasn’t sure they existed here, it was quite different than a coyote sound.
My tent had a lot of condensation on the inside that froze and there was no way it would thaw out in time so I packed up my tent with frozen fingers and we headed out around 7:30.
Instantly the trail was beautiful as we could see the sun rays shining through the trees. I was all bundled up, hiking out in my puffy jacket for the first time ever.
I found myself smiling and realizing that this trip is almost over. That we had about a week and half left and we would be finished. All I could think about was how bittersweet it’s all been. Ups and downs and a lot of learning and growing.
Today we would be starting the Gila alternate. We decided we would start low and get to the high route and tomorrow we would dip down into the low route.
Apparently the low route follows the river the whole time crossing back and forth and route finding. It was known to be a bit more slow going so we decided to split it up.
When we turned to enter the Gila, we overlooked a lake and rolling hills. It was stunning, painting like.
We hiked down the canyon and I loved to finally see flowing water. It has felt like it has been so long since we have used or seen actual flowing water like this.
We followed the river crossing back and forth and tried to hike fast to get into the sunny parts. It never felt like tough bushwhacking but occasionally had to push a branch aside to get where we wanted. This area is also known as choose your own adventure because there isn’t one exact route. Essentially follow the river and you’re good.
After a couple hours of following the Gila we came out on a gravel road and took the orange line for the high route alternate. This allowed us to move quick and boy did my legs feel ready to groove. Except for that weird shooting pain in my glute that happened less today than yesterday, my legs felt ready to rumble.
I hiked fast up a gravel road to our lunch spot. I was itching to breathe hard and feel like I was working hard. It was nice to feel like I had my hiker legs back. Where I could move at a fast pace regardless of the elevation.
We arrived at our lunch spot that was over populated with hunters. We were hoping to score a picnic table but every spot was taken so we set up by the privy and laid out all our gear to dry.
While at lunch, Whatever noticed this sign that said they had reintroduced Mexican wolves to this area. We both looked at each other and said “We knew it!” as Aster was dubious that it was wolves.
After a long lunch we continued onto a trail that led us along the high route of the Gila. It was beautiful and I plugged in some music by Hollow Coves recommended by Journey and loved it.
Their music makes me feel like there is hope and goodness right around the corner. I wanted to extend my arms wide and feel the wind cover my body. This was a magical place.
We passed by many hunters on their horses and some knew what we were doing and some didn’t and gave a wide eyed “What!?” When we told them we were headed to Mexico. My favorite response when anyone asks us where we are going.
We eventually dropped down into the Canyon for a short stretch to pick up water and head back up. Once again loving the flowing water.
The last part of the day flew by quick as it was an easy grade and felt almost PCT like. We made it to our area to camp a little early and since we didn’t see any spot we continued on for a bit longer until we found a spot right before 7. Which is my current favorite time to get to camp so that we still have some sunlight to set up our tents.
Aster and Whatever are cowboy camping but I’m happy to set up my tent for the night.
It’s clear skies which makes me so happy. It’s wild how much our moods can change with a shining sun and warmer temperatures.
Today was a good day. Looking forward to the low route Gila and cliff dwellings tomorrow!
Goodnight,
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 