The End: Journey Day 516 | CDT Day 179

The finish was anticlimactic. I celebrated atop a hill at a monument in a state park in Columbus, New Mexico.

12/11/87

Awaken near road, so quickly pull my gear together. The sun shines on my last day on the trail. Out to the road, hike more mile markers. Make it to within 20 miles of the border, a bit more after a break. But the pavement, road traffic bring me down. Then the Border Patrol pulls into the shoulder where I'm walking, stops me. So I hitch with a suspicious looking guy and a girl. They're nice, but we get stopped for speeding enroute. They drop me at the Columbus P.O. I pick up my last mail, celebratory liquor from A.T. friend Clark.

I crossed the border and visited Palomas, Mexico, in a pickup truck.

I visit the monument marking the state park. Gallery friend John 3 takes me to Palomas, Mexico, where Pancho Villa and his men sat as his troops fought in Columbus, the last time they crossed into the U.S.

Anti-climax. It may take time, friends to bring it into perspective. I end at the Mexican border where I began three years and 8,000 miles ago.

 12/12/87

John 3 drives me to El Paso. I'm snowed in, airlines set me up with suite at the Hilton. Next morning I fly home.