Journey Day 515 | CDT Day 178

It was the last night of my hike, more than 7,000 miles, three long trails.

12/10/87

Up and ready, I cook an omelet we munch, then my host drives me back to where we met. I leave sadly, but it's time to go. Trucks hauling road cover make the hike out a haze of anger. Finally hit the road, after a break, hike a ways, but abandon paved shoulder for thumbing. Quickly a ride with a guy from Taos who drives me to Deming. I wander a bit, hit a pie ala mode spot, then hike back out of town. Megatraffic, nothing but sage and house at roadside. Views of the Florida Mountains are often obscured by vehicle exhaust.

Down the road, darkness approaches. So I look, finally find a spot in high scrub, dash into thicket, concerned by truck passing slowly, but I get set up and sleep under the stars on my final night. Sleep fitfully, dogs, voices, trucks flying by.