Journey Day 475 | CDT Day 138

Another New Mexico Skyline, 1987.

10/30/87

A long night of little sleep ends. After a stormy night, I begin a sunny, clear day after repacking and leaving the cabin and the book, "Of Wolves and Men." Down to the "big house" of Harvey Mudd, a Taos millionaire ecologist. I talk with Shem and Waters once the dogs, malamutes with wolf blood, accept me. Drying, preparing for anticipated hard wintering at the ranch, legally classified as a wildlife refuge. Excellent breakfast, more good talk, they decline my offer of work. They lack an axe to chop wood anyway. Treat boots, then leave after "a hug for the road," goodbyes. Dogs follow me to the river. Up river despite Shem's words, finding narrows she spoke of and tough going. Fall in twice on fords, eventually bushwhack across after losing a glove. Come down at footpath, dry out hiking up valley according to instructions, then over ridge to a jeep road on sunny, but cool day, unacceptable due to my wetness.

Hike road through high woods, past Ponderosa pines, among other vegetation, down to an intersection up to 15 Springs. Soon after beginning up this trail, meet caretaker and rancher. We talk of my hike. Get a can of soup. Then hike on, stopping in increasing cold at Spring Ojito Azul, where I eat lunch before deciding to stay, pitching tent amidst aspens and pines.