Journey Day 505 | CDT Day 168

Alone again, I headed south after bivouacking in a yard along the trail.

11/28/87

Up slowly, dry tent, finish donut dozen from last night. Dave up, we begin to head back after a Denny's pig out. Dave decides to start home, we hit the Windy Mountain Road over the Divide.

Laundromat in Silver City has my sunglasses! Drink beers in L.A. water. Nice drive, Dave and I talk, but time gets late. Quick so-long at Reserve.

Alone at store, I get fuel, while preparing for return to the trail. Grocery shop, check alternative routes. Down to the motel after a call home. Burger and fries at the diner, then talk. Then down the road in the dark, bivouac in yard near the road I was seeking. No problems.

11/29/87

Up early to avoid detection, out onto road as smoke comes from the chimney. Down past Negrito Creek Road, past more homes, then lumber mill, into the national forest. Rip rain jacket on a flip over a barbed wire fence. So much for that method. Nearly pass state forest river trail. Walk back, begin freezing fords, follow river through a pretty canyon. Some private lots, one camp, never find actual trail, but make my way.

Wet, sandy crossings. sometimes knee deep. Thankful prospective storm never showed. Sunny, but cool. See two deer.

At break, notice trail fork. When river cuts east, I abandon canyon and get lost. First rock draw, then ridge. Head east, almost north, then adjust and contour until it's getting time to camp. Find a spot, pitch, boil snow, stove iffy, but boils water and I can barely finish my freeze-dried cajun chicken dinner. Update journal since Pie Town and crash.