Journey Day 483 | CDT Day 146

Walking stick flowering along the trail, 1987.

11/7/87

Almost immediately out to trailhead, talk with Mexican hunters. Push on down, through mud, road a mess. Out to good road, at intersection with road to Circle A Ranch hostel. But I have to push in, hoping to catch post office and or bank open on Saturday. Long walk in, storms a bit. Roadwalk on blacktop past residences, no rides. On into town after hitting the main road.

Down to post office, strange looks abound in this Mexican town. Find out postmaster, call in rain, she comes and takes me to my mail. Leaves me behind in an enclosure, cold and nasty skies intimidating. Old bulk mail carrier tries to help me, I'm mapless, unsure of next move. Pack, read letters, Grama's money a big help as the banks are closed.

Try to reach Sandi Howell, wait for bulk carrier headed for Albuquerque. He finally shows but can't give me a ride. I'm forlorn. Up to El Bruno's, where lights go out, but I enjoy a Navajo taco, nice waitress who looks like Margarita Alvarado, her little sister helping out.

Go for maps, nothing from national forest service in Cibola, also no luck at several gas stations. Finally a map and an attendant talk of a road over the mountain. Should I bushwhack by roadmap?

Weather scares me, I hope for a ride back to the hostel, but she won't come in for me. I drink margaritas, do mail, talk with bartender, his friend. After numerous tries, get Sandi at new beau's (her husband George Radnovich). She will come in the morning, so I head down to Del Prados, for a room, roast beef with seconds from a pretty waitress. Enjoy TV, wash, dry soaked gear. Watch Saturday Night Live rerun. Crash wondering what my Albuquerque visit will be like.