[cdt-l] New Mexico in April

[Francis Tapon]

I'm in Chama, so I've effectively finished hiking New Mexico and wanted to share my quick thoughts.
   
    
   It's nice that there's an official blazed route for several sections around Lordsburg.   
   There's a new route just south of Gila, north of Lordsburg. It's sweet!  
   More official trail around Mt. Burro (I think that's what it was called) in Gila.  
   The Black Range route is fairly well blazed (except for this one place that I got completely lost). South of Diamond Peak is not as good as north of it. The Black Range looked a bit white because I had snow fall, including in Silver City.  
   There's an unlocked cabin on the top of Reeds Peak, which Ley's match does not mention (and should), because it was a life saver when it started snowing on me in late afternoon. Reeds Peak, at 10,000 feet, is the tallest mountain the Black Range.  
   Trail north of Diamond Peak (in the Black Range) is well blazed and the blowdowns aren't that big a deal, although they clearly hadn't fixed them when I was there in mid-April.   
   The Ice Store that Ley mentions on the El Malpais map is a cute little store that has a $9 tour of the surrounding place. It's worth seeing.  
   Cuba, NM has an awesome register at the PO.   
   Circle A Ranch wasn't open for the season when I went thru, but they are open now. Looks like a great place. I didn't find the trail after I left them because there was snow everywhere.   
   Ghost Ranch has a computer lab with unlimited use. The whole place is awesome! Good food! Yummy! Buy meal tickets at the office. Laundry 50 cents!   
   Chama's library lets you use the Net for as long as there is no one waiting! Finally!
  I've been snowed on 3 times since I left and the snow keeps falling in Chama in the mountains. Colorado should be fun in May! Where's global warming when you need it!?
   
  The CDTA will open some new trail north of Rawlins so we don't have to road walk. The ceremony will be May 31, I believe. Not sure if I can make it, but it will be good to see it!
   
  Happy trails to all and I hope to see you!
   
  Francis Tapon
  http://CDTyoyo.com

       
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