And so it begins… CDT Monument to Lordsburg, NM

I walked 27 miles, I planned 21

Elevation Gain: 1777 feet

Temperature: 87 and sunny all day.

AM Mood: Surreal, excited. PM: Exhausted, dehydrated

Temporal disorientation: 1.1 miles

Our day started at 04:06 when the elephant above jumped out of bed. I wanted to sleep until 4:30, well. The day started with the last shower in 4 days, some cold coffee, and the first of many Thunderbird bars.

The shuttle from the CDTC office to the trailhead was fun, I think everyone was waking up and maybe a little anxious. We had great conversations with Charm, Hulk, Ravioli, and Christina, who we will now know as Durango.

We took some group photos and noticed how close the border wall was next to the CDT Monument.

The weasel became dehydrated and nauseous during the heat of the day. The desert was desolate and dry, so we felt the need to be modest with water among the hiding places. We got further than expected as we had to get to the next water storage box.

Animals: Pigeon, horned lizard, hare, flies biting in the streams and a rattlesnake resting under a tree next to the trail. the gGrasshoppers hummed rhythmically in the afternoon heat.

Gear Review: Backpacks that fit well with 4 days of food. The cuffs on my new Olympus shoes are worn out. I wish shoe manufacturers would put kevlar thread in this place. Weasel’s Hoka Speedgoats have slight delamination on the toes.

Physical: I have major irritation in my perineum due to the unfortunate seams of my cycling shorts. It’s much better with Eucerin. I have a hot spot on my right forefoot, fixed with leucotape. We both have minor sunburns on the backs of our legs.

Best meal of the day: Sidewinder Fable Fish Salmon Jerky in the first water tank (salty and chewy). weasel enjoyed chipotle nuts as a snack. There is no dinner for arriving at night.

The terrain was undulating. We walked a bit in sand washes. Washes absorb energy from the legs and appear to accumulate heat.

People found: Charm, Hulk, Ravioli, Durango, Commissioner

Day 2

22.16 miles, planned 21.8

Elevation Gain: 1661 feet

Temperature: blessedly cloudy, cooler but still 86, light breeze all day

Mood: Well, he slept soundly, probably due to exhaustion.

Equipment: Bamboo spoon of split gauze into the bowl. I have a tear in my damn sturdy sock, maybe from kicking my ankle while walking.

Physical: Irritation of the perineum improves with Eucerin and underwear. Hot spot best right foot. Now I have a new hot spot left bow. Small blisters on the front of the ankles bilaterally.

Weasel’s dehydration and mild ileus resolved.

Best meal of the day: Weasel loved his Fable fish as a second breakfast. Mine was Mama Rosa Instant Pot Refried Beans with Green Hatch Chili for dinner.

People found: Charm, Commissioner

No off-trail guidance. Less creek walking, more double track and hard terrain.

Animals: Quail, noisy birds, crow’s nest with babies in the water tank, black Angus cows, lizards, ground squirrels.

Less time playing with the Durston store.

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Day 3

24 miles planned 21.8, 9 hours of walking

Elevation gain: 912 feet

Temperature: Cloudy all day, couple sprays 82 degrees. Terrible storm from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Terrain: Desolate, windy at night.

Theme song: Joe Walsh «I’m just a normal guy»

Mood: Good, singing and talking all day.

Mostly hard terrain, less gullies, some pink granite, some basalt. Some two-way walking.

Cow tank full of seaweed for the last water of the day. The water looked disgusting but tasted pretty good after filtering and chlorinating it.

Best food day: Fable fish at night for weasel. Moon cheddar cheese at 3 pm, break for me. Too much food, it is difficult to eat so many nuts.

Animals: lizards, crows, horned lizard.

Team: The tear in my sock is twice as big. The bamboo spoon is still split but it hasn’t pricked me yet. I’m not sure if I’ll replace the spoon. We will definitely get new wool socks in Silver City.

Shopping List: When we get to Lordsburg, I’m buying new boxers because bike shorts don’t work on their own. Silver City: Wool socks for Weasel and Sidewinder. Maybe a long spoon. More sunscreen.

Half mile off trail orientation today. The image of the store was the calm before the storm. There was a dust storm that blew fine sediment into the tent. We weren’t sure the tent would tolerate the strong wind, but it kept us dry.

People found: Commissioner, Pants

Day 4

15.4 miles to Lordsburg plus 1 mile in town running errands
Elevation gain: 878 feet

Temp: Sunny all day, heat 84

Mood: bright all day

Terrain: Hard, easy terrain most of the day, 2 miles of hard asphalt near town.

Best meal of the day: Green Chile Chicken Burritos at Ramona’s Cafe and some bananas and apples from the grocery store.

Shopping List: Mission Accomplished I bought new boxers, 3 pairs, for $8 at Family Dollar.

Shameless Crazy Go Nuts ad! These are the best tasting nuts in the world.

Return to the city to shower and wash clothes.

Rest day in Lordsburg and then 78 miles to Silver City. We will hike through the Gila National Forest.