Shortly after passing the 100 mile mark the Continental Divide Trail changes. The trail has climbed to over 6,000 feet. The terrain is no longer desert but now more of a juniper forests. Instead of cross country routes we now have actual trail. Very pleasant and beautiful walking.
Over the next two days of hiking we meet a fat tire mountain biker on his way to a rainbow gathering in Maine (not sure how a southbound ride on the CDT fits into this), have a pleasant chat with a rancher putting out protein blocks for livestock and wildlife, climbed to over 8,000 feet, and walk a dreaded 12 mile road walk along Highway 90 into the town of Silver City, NM.
On Sunday we took a second zero day in Silver City which is a great little town. It was easy to buy food for the next three days of hiking, has lots of good restaurants and they even have an outfitter. Deb tried to find replacement shoes for her Hoka Ones, which have a too-soft sole for thorny trails but ended up having new shoes sent to Reserve, NM.
Tomorrow we will hike on and plan to take the Gila CDT alternate which passes near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and crosses the Gila River more than 100 times. More fun times await!
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