Journey Day 493 | CDT Day 156

The trail led across lava through the Malpais.

11/17/87

Frozen awakening again. I hike down Zuni Canyon Road, soon in sun, but not too warm. Stop at road intersection, use snow to cook meal, then hike on down Bonito Canyon. More wide open with parks to the sides interspersed with timber stands. At windmill, move float to get water, then find auxiliary spot where I take water for my next meal, a cold wind chilling that break.

Strange guy with woman in car comes back, drives up. He warns of a "cantankerous" man in the Malpais, says it's 12 miles to the highway. I basically tolerate him, take little heed. Woman remains in car. He drives off. On down the road, past Gallo Mountain.

I checked out gravesites before hiking onto the Dominguez-Escalante Trail.

Cross to parking area, use facilities, hike into the Malpais, after checking out burial spots, on the Dominguez-Escalante Trail.

i camped on the lava with great views of a snowy Mt. Taylor.

BLM guy said it wasn't possible, but I manage to pitch on lava. Great stars, views of snow-covered Mt. Taylor. Cook and crash at spot on the edge of the Malpais.