Got some stealth camping in daytime picnic areas to a blood red ashy sky and some spooky looking vultures.

Finally hit the Gila and heard some strange sounding cows at 3am. The Gila is lush and ripe, and seeing so many natural water sources was exciting.

Doc Campbell’s was a hiker trash oasis, so many new faces to meet! Are we meeting up with a bubble?

The Gila really provided for this stretch. A 7 day carry quickly turned into a 6 day, our legs are getting stronger.

Natural hot springs, cougar prints, and about 70 crossings of this single river. Oh my!

Definitely super glad to take the Gila alt. The scenery in both the cliffs and water is fantastic. So green and lush and full of life. It gets cold down here! One morning our shoes were frozen right when we got up. Brrr.

Took a zero in Pie town and consumed many pies. Toaster house was glorious.

Pika has been hiking with Squashy and I for about 200 miles now! Closest thing to a trail fam we’ve got so far. He’s a real gem.

This section we took the redline, so we got some sweet scenery in the Chain of Craters and El Malpais scenic monument! Getting stronger by the day, 25-28 feels easy.

Pack broke a load lifter, people I talk to advise emailing Gossamer Gear, apparently very friendly!

Sad to say goodbye to Pika, he has to push onward to make miles before getting off trail for a wedding. We shall meet again.

Met a new family! Caught them the day after Mt Taylor. They’re about 8 strong and have a family dinner every night. So wholesome!

They’ve been super welcoming and fun. It’s nice to travel in such a big pack (sometimes we split up at night) and to be around such experienced hikers. Nearly everyone has a big trail, and there are a few completing their triple crown.

Mama we made it!! New Mexico down. Taking a double zero with the new trail fam at a lovely BnB.

Hitting the border was glorious and exciting. Immediately Colorado provided some EXCELLENT views!! Soooo sweet.

Lots of photos on the border. Lots of blow downs and postholing to wrap up New Mexico. Excellent town food, excellent company and poetry reading and mac n cheese and wine night.

Canada or bust!!