<p>I also enjoyed the CDTS route.<br>
Keep telling myself that when I hike the CDT again I will use the official route but then I remember how bitter sweet it was to climb South Peak on day 2 and have the whole region for 100 miles spread out.<br>
The Florida Mountains jagged as dog's teeth thrust up in the plain.<br>
The mustard yellow flowers around Cookes peak. Hillsboro peak.<br>
Finally climbing out of Mimbres and finding the first official CDT emblem.</p>
<p>All my friends ask me which trail I liked best and which I would hike again.<br>
As much as I think of the PCT as the "Cadillac" trail as soon as I say that I remember the freedom of the CDT.<br>
Always having to be attentive and route finding..<br>
It pissed me off and I loved it at the same time.<br>
Choosing to go through one range of mountains, along a river, off trail, walk through resupply instead of hitch.<br>
All those things make the CDT the trail I dream about the most.<br>
I'm glad there is an official route and even more glad there is the CDTS and Ley alternates.<br>
Forces us to think outside the box.<br>
The trail becomes more of a corridor.<br>
Long live the purple line.</p>
<p>Iceaxe</p>