At Mile 2523, Poptart 908/1000
Up before the sun for the first time in a whiles. Very cold, getting sick of that. Also very moist, again. Mass dry outs in order. Sheep Corral Canyon was not flowing, which was a concern because there was potentially no more water all day. Eventually pulled from a pool of stagnant water that looked OK. Still haven't treated yet. Trail was a bit vague, but well graded and after wacking through a heavily overgrown stretch that was becoming less and less fun we came across a trail crew. Which made everybody happy. Some nice views of the flat, hot desert to the west and conversations with Richard Fidler brought me to highway 35. Lunch with RT and everything drying under the sun. Took a road alternate I'd spotted, saved some climbing, was shorter and quicker (not always hand in hand, those two) and avoided the killer bees. Found the trail again easily and enjoyed the last little stretch of official CDT we would hike on. Except we were going the wrong way... The official route had come down from the Gila Mountains (which we didn't hike) and was going west before heading south to the Southern Terminus at Crazy Cook (which we also didn't hike). Oh CDT. So after briefly experiencing a NOBO hike it was off official trail for good.
I and most of the other hikers heading south this year have opted for the alternate ending going through Mimbres, Deming and terminating at the US/Mexican border at Columbus/Palomas. It's easier logistically, Crazy Cook is nowhere away from anywhere and the towns are easier. There are established trail angels, it's supposed to be nice and water shouldn't be a problem. Crossing into Mexico will also be a fun way to end the trail. Margaritas and all that.
After passing another trail crew in pretty Allie Canyon we caught up with DIY and got out to the highway in time for a quick hitch down to San Lorenzo. Everything was closed but some locals pointed us toward trail angel Julie's house. Still were unsure exactly where we were going RT volunteered (because I'm horrible at asking for things) to go door knocking and a gentleman named Albie came to our rescue. After pointing out Julie's house he asked if we were looking for a place to stay and offered his workshop. Which was warm and contained beer, a TV and good conversation. Albie brought out some tasty chillie which was destroyed. Watched the Vikings lose to the Packers dangnit. Massive thanks to Albie, again proving that the good people in this world are all around and make life wonderful.
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