Journey Day 508 | CDT Day 171

My trail led through a frozen Gila River.

12/2/87

Tired miles to Snow Lake, one car passes. Good views from the vista, but the sunshine's wrong. Down to nice grassy mesa, then soon see lake, push to edge and trail. No water, so boil and rest. Revitalized by raviolini and two cups of coffee, I cross the dam and start down the Gila on a trail.

Nice trail, excellent views, many fords. But the sun is hot. The only problem is the river is frozen, making for precarious, icy crossings. One bang of a shin increases my concern, but soon the river is running, snow on banks comes and goes.

Beautiful canyon, caves, cliffs, trees and the trail's well marked. Make good miles, enjoy the signs. Birds enjoy the area, as do three raccoons I see at a beaver dam. Beavers also plentiful. I get close, but too slow on the camera trigger to photograph them. It's still neat.

Great caves, one set up for camp, but it's the wrong time of year. More snow, temperatures drop. Getting cold, sun goes behind the ridgetop.

Finally stop, camp near the river beneath Ponderosa pines. Pitch, go to the river for water. No need to use snow for a change. Stove stalls, but starts on second try. Set up, into tent, off with soaked socks, boots. Cook dinner, tea, water for manana. Update from Reserve, read a bit, then to bed.