Journey Day 512 | CDT Day 175

The Mimbres Valley I hiked through in December 1987.

12/6/87

Up frozen, gather it all up, meet Bill's dog, then head down road. Soon sun is out, I push to the Divide, realizing near GOS ranch my best Gila roll of film was shot on wrong setting. Many cars, mostly heading in. Beautiful day, sunny and clear again. Double ramen munch, photos at last Divide crossing.

I celebrated in front of the last sign marking my crossing the Continental Divide.

Short hike beginning into Mimbres Valley, past some development to ranger station, where I get my mail. Organize, call home, read letters. All together, I hike down to Rustic Inn, families with Christmas trees passing.

Hit buffet many times, talk with "Mom" Lunscome and waitress. I'm the sole soul to serve. Munch big time, head up to room, as I'm leaving I meet a big group for a birthday dinner, who've read of me. Some adulation, etc.

I head up, shower, do laundry, fitting in coffee and talk with all in between. Birthdayers leave, I call supply guy Mike Way, nice talk. Chilly night, back for coffee to go as the restaurant closes, while I talk with Way.

Up in room, organize, head, down try to Saucier, my old boss at the Washington Post, but he's out to lunch. So back up, I read Mom's clippings, update, before more letters, try Saucier again. Post hike imminent. Just a walk through the desert to go, especially if Richard, friend from Texas, meets me.