20th May
13.8 Miles (22km)
Rio Chama (561.7) to (575.5)
It was not below freezing overnight. This made me happy and assisted with a good nights sleep.
The morning bought the red rock cliffs alive which was in contrast to the chocolate brown Chama River. My 6.30am start had me following the river for several miles. It was on a road. As much as I dislike roadwalking I enjoyed the scenery.
It was 11 miles to make it to Ghost Ranch, popular retreat in the New Mexico Section of the CDT. It promised so much more to the hiker. ‘All You Can Eat Buffet’. These magical words have thru hikers salivating for days prior to arrival. I was salivating.
Ghost Ranch also kindly accepted delivery of some packages for me. A balaclava, gaiters and microspikes. They also had my package with 4.5 days of food.
The ranch is not only well known to people of New Mexico but also to Hollywood. Many movies have been filmed here. I think the most famous movies have been City Slickers. Look up Ghost Ranch on Wikipedia, they have a full list, you’ll recognise a lot of the movies.
We relaxed for the rest of the day with several other hikers. Bambi and Purple Pants were there, so was the French couple. We all enjoyed contact with the outside world thanks to the wifi.
Dinner came and went. I set off at 6.30pm with Bambi. We only hiked another 2.7 miles. There was a flat piece of ground with a stunning backdrop. No need to go any further.
Next – Day 34 Onto the Colorado Plateau
Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List
Such a beautiful place! Looked at the list of movies and have seen many of them. Liked them all except No Country for Old Men ~ strangest movie I ever saw. Kept me from being able to sleep! But lots of people liked it. Am ready to see a picture from you of the beautiful aspen trees in the mountains !
I hope to watch a lot of the movies again when I finish the trail. I remember my grandfathers favourite western movie was filmed in Wyoming. I’m making a special side trip to see it. The movie is called ‘Shane’.
Never heard of it, but I’ll ask my husband. He’s a huge fan of westerns! Wyoming seems like a long way away, but you are already almost to Colorado!
Amazing! Last photo looks like it is from Mars!
It’s an amazing place. The edge of the Colorado plateau.
I posted your link to the LA County Sheriff facebook page, and a lot of Deputies are following your adventure..
Cheers Roy, many Australian Police are also following along with me.
20c is cold!! Lol
I agree!
Tremendous landscape… and I love those FarWest Movies… Silverado!
I must watch them when I finish the hike. See how many places I recognise
The tropics? Anywhere near Noosa? I have friends living there.
About 2000 miles away, a place called Darwin. Noosa is a nice relaxed holiday town with great beaches. Great place to visit.