We wanted to see the Cliff Dwellings but Guarini had a different idea and did not like the prospect oh having to stay with Mark with out us. He bucked and run and distributed his stuff all over the road and parking area till Szolt and I returned. 2 Belts torn, a Bag torn, one hour later we were packet up again and left agreeing with Guarini it was to late now to try to see the Dwellings. Mark now riding Apache, i had the Privileg of riding a horse, i did not need any help to get on. Guarini and i had some more discussions on the road abiout who made the disicions on where to go, but later on he opted for peace. The Trail took us through beautiful bear canyon and down to Gila middle Fork. We followed the river another 25 km up stream and after 38 km made camp.
We have food with us for about 3 weeks, but the heat does make us not really wanting to eat. We have to drink a lot, because it is very dry. Taking a bath in the river is refreshing, but it lasts only for 30 min. and then you again are dusty and sticky. The trail in the Canyon is very difficult for the horses and we do not make good progress. Cause the only go about 3-4 kmh an hour if we ride them and leading them does not provide any better speed, then they just let them self be pulled. We follow the river to the Gila hot springs and take a wrong turn, just about ending up taking a bath with the bathers in the hot springs. Later on at one of the many crossings, Apachee sinks into a mudhole and i load both my boots with fresh cool water. We reach the RV Park and get a Beer from the Campers, who are happy to show their kids the horses. After another 8 km we come to the second Hot Springs where we miss the store just riding passed. After 46 km we reach Woodys Corral at the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The manager of the store happens to drive by and i get him to provide us with hay for the horses. He tells us about the beauty of the trail next day and provides us with some beer. Great fellow. The horses behave very well. There eagerness to hide and run, has turned into them looking forward to beeing with us and getting further. The only issues we have, are they do not like to be led. Except for Kino Kiowa.. We camp outside every night, just with sleeping bag and mat. We cook on a gas stove, cause fires are not allowed. It never has ben so dry in the last 35 years and we might have difficulty finding gras further north. We descent from Tad Pool Lake and reach Sheep Creek Corall, where we load up on fresh water and reach Gila River at about 2 pm. We make camp after 3 crossings and take a refreshing bath in the river.
After 4 seamingly endless days in the "desert" the word River and Canyon had a very attractive note to it. We rode on the trail leading to the CDT and run into some nice small creeks, where the horses where happy eating soft green gras the very first time. The trail took us zigzaging through forrests and ended at Hwy 15. There we startet on Tad Pool Ridge Trail, it said 8,5 mls to Sheep Creek Canyon. We decided to go for it since it was only 3 pm. A decicion we regretted, then the trail was in bad shape and the 15 km did not want to end. Up and down we led the horses on a small single trail and we had dozends of trees we had to climb around or over. Finally short before nightfall, we came to Tad Pool Lake, where a black bar, whos track and Poop we had seen on the trail, was taking a bath. As we aproched he run and we did not see him again. Apachaee was tied to a stake in the ground and the other three where roaming the area inside the elektric fence.
We made about 100 miles in these days and are getting up at 5 each morning, starting to ride at 7.30. The days are long and tyring. It is hilly landscape, that used to be covered with about 700 small ponds, but 90 % of them are dryed up. At Spade Fork Ranch we watered the horses and ride another 38 km till we make camp.
On the Trail to Sepra. After talking with some Ranchers it is clear, that no one wants any riders traveling over his land. The only recomendations we got, was to follow the old railroad track, later we read, that the owner of that peace of property is not exited about traverles of the CDT either. But never the less, instead of going to Lordsburg having to travel tons of tarroad, we chose cross country to Sepra. We endet up at the Village, of two houses at abot 12 am. and arranged for the horses to stay at an empty corall next to the Souvenier shop, that was the village. The Son of the Rancher, who was contacted by the lady of the store, came by to check on us and the cows, behind the corall, and all was fine. After the Rancher came to see us off in the morning we roade accross a hilly desert, following the road
to Lordsburg. We reached a plateau from which we could see the sheer endlessness of the land. One could feel scarred by the sheer size of dimensions. Kaktus is blooming but there is only water in several wells on the road. At 3 pm we reach the official CDT Trail again and camp on BLM Land. After the 65 km yesterday we ended up doing 38 today. The heat wears you out.
. We get to Albequerque about 2 pm and stable at the silver spurs. In the evening we celebrate with Mark his Graduation. At the party i braking part of a tooth. So on top of a tight scedule i have to go see a dentist. Kind enough i am admitted at 12 and have to wait for 30 min. The Dentist, wants to do exrays and th lot, but i can convince him, that all i need is a filing for the gaping whole in my tooth and if it does not hold for the 6 month i will deal with it then. After some more shopping and Mark getting ready we drove down to the boot, as this area is called down here. Its a dry lonely place, here at Antelope Wells. Loading the horses the last time, Apachee hit his head against my forhaed creating two nasty bumps. Luckily my glasses did not get damaged. But i am kind of looking as a devil in disguise. The Men from the Border Patrol are real helpfull and advise us to ride up to the Menonites, where we could ask for staying of night. We start riding at 11 am and we trott the 25 km till we reach the Mennonites Farm, where we are most wellcome.. Just Fences, Gates and the Border Control Customs Building on the US and the Mexicon side. With us where Jürgen and Anita, a German - American Couple that offered to drive the trailer and supply us with Feed and Water for the horses. |
AutorPeter van der Gugten Archiv
June 2018
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