October 4, 2013
So last night after talking with my sister and parents I decided that this is going to be the end of my hike for the year. It just isn't worth sitting in a motel room for who knows how much longer waiting to feel better. So, this morning I am ticketed for a bus to Albuquerque and from there will fly back to Portland.
This is certainly not the way I wanted to end my hike. In fact the only way I thought my hike would end is when I arrived at the Mexican border. I hate the feeling of not finishing something I set out to do, especially in light of all the other obstacles already overcome along the way. At times it seems to me that this is such a lame reason to stop, but then I realize that my health is probably the best reason there is to stop. Doesn't make it suck any less though. I'm hoping to get back to New Mexico next April to finish the remainder of the miles. Anyone interested in a little 450 mile hike?
As for the actual "travel" today, things did not go as planned. I got to the Greyhound bus pickup place an hour early as recommended by Greyhound and began the waiting game. The bus was scheduled to pick me up at 8:45 and get to Albuquerque at 10:15, leaving me plenty of time to get to the airport for my 5pm flight, right? Wrong. At 9am I called to see what the status of the bus was and it turns out it broke down in Flagstaff and was running 4.5 hours behind. No big deal, that's why I left myself so much extra time. I called periodically to check on the bus and around 12:40 the Greyhound guy in Gallup thought it was only 10-15 minutes away, and I suppose it was, but for some reason that I cannot understand and no one was able to explain to me, the bus never showed up in Grants and went straight through to Albuquerque. WTF. The folks at Greyhound assured me that the next bus (8pm) would definitely stop in Grants. Thanks. What the hell is the point of buying a ticket the night before if the stupid bus doesn't even show up! I thought I was buying assurance the bus would actually be there, even if it was running late. Guess I need to learn more about how business "works." So I called and changed my flight to tomorrow morning instead for an additional $150. Needless to say I never plan on taking Greyhound again if I can at all avoid it. And if I can't, then I'm going to make sure I leave an extra 24 hours between the scheduled arrival time and when I actually need to be somewhere.
After more waiting around the bus finally did arrive and I made it to Albuquerque and then from the bus station to the airport. And so begins another waiting game until tomorrow morning. Here's hoping for smooth sailing through the skies and feeling better soon.
Alex
Friday, October 11, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
October 1-3, 2013
October 1-3, 2013
Zero days in Grants, NM
On Monday the Mumms took me over to the clinic where I was able to be seen by a doctor. He basically concluded that I have a case of gastroenteritis, which could be due to any number of viruses or bacteria and due to the mild nature of my symptoms the best course of action is just to let it run its course, taking pepto bismol as needed. He also said that if I am still having issues in another week then I should return to a doctor for further tests.
So, the past few days I haven't been doing much of anything other than eating more yogurt/probiotics to try to get the good bacteria to take over my gut once again and knock out the bad guys.
My stomach still isn't feeling any different really so I don't really know what I'm going to do. I feel ridiculous just staying in a motel waiting for this thing to pass, but I don't feel like I really have any other options at this point. Ugh. I'm even considering ending my hike because I really can't see hiking another 400+ miles with this stupid stomach thing.
Alex
Zero days in Grants, NM
On Monday the Mumms took me over to the clinic where I was able to be seen by a doctor. He basically concluded that I have a case of gastroenteritis, which could be due to any number of viruses or bacteria and due to the mild nature of my symptoms the best course of action is just to let it run its course, taking pepto bismol as needed. He also said that if I am still having issues in another week then I should return to a doctor for further tests.
So, the past few days I haven't been doing much of anything other than eating more yogurt/probiotics to try to get the good bacteria to take over my gut once again and knock out the bad guys.
My stomach still isn't feeling any different really so I don't really know what I'm going to do. I feel ridiculous just staying in a motel waiting for this thing to pass, but I don't feel like I really have any other options at this point. Ugh. I'm even considering ending my hike because I really can't see hiking another 400+ miles with this stupid stomach thing.
Alex
September 30, 2013
September 30, 2013
Grants, NM to Zuni Canyon Road
4 miles
After breakfast and taking care of some town errands, Huck and I made it to the McDonalds on the edge of town to have a final snack before leaving Grants. I definitely should not have eaten there given my recent stomach issues but my hiker sensibilities led me to order food regardless. No bueno. My stomach felt terrible immediately afterward and we ended up sitting there for at least two hours while I hoped my stomach would return to normal or at least feel a bit better.
Around 2pm, my stomach still feeling bloated, I decided to at least give hiking a try for a few miles. We headed out and made it down the road to wheeler the trail headed away from the road and I decided that it wasn't a good idea to hike out still feeling off so I headed back to toward town while Huck continued up the trail. It was a tough decision to make but hiking has just been unpleasant and I can't enjoy the experience when I am constantly focused on the current state of my stomach.
I ended up calling the Mumms who came and picked me up and took me back to the motel. They are also going to take me to the medical clinic tomorrow to get checked out to see what's going on with my GI tract. Thank goodness for the Mumms.
Alex
Grants, NM to Zuni Canyon Road
4 miles
After breakfast and taking care of some town errands, Huck and I made it to the McDonalds on the edge of town to have a final snack before leaving Grants. I definitely should not have eaten there given my recent stomach issues but my hiker sensibilities led me to order food regardless. No bueno. My stomach felt terrible immediately afterward and we ended up sitting there for at least two hours while I hoped my stomach would return to normal or at least feel a bit better.
Around 2pm, my stomach still feeling bloated, I decided to at least give hiking a try for a few miles. We headed out and made it down the road to wheeler the trail headed away from the road and I decided that it wasn't a good idea to hike out still feeling off so I headed back to toward town while Huck continued up the trail. It was a tough decision to make but hiking has just been unpleasant and I can't enjoy the experience when I am constantly focused on the current state of my stomach.
I ended up calling the Mumms who came and picked me up and took me back to the motel. They are also going to take me to the medical clinic tomorrow to get checked out to see what's going on with my GI tract. Thank goodness for the Mumms.
Alex
September 29, 2013
September 29, 2013
24 miles
Today I felt surprisingly good for the most part and the miles went by fairly quickly while listening to audiobooks. Part of the road walk into town went right past a New Mexico State Prison.
Once getting to town Huck and I went to a grocery store to get some snacks and then called the Mumms, Hugo and Carole. While at the store we had an interesting conversation with a guy named Eli, who at first seemed normal, but as his stories were told it became clear that he was not. He is apparently a reincarnation of the prophet Elijah who was sent to save the world. Great news! Also, as of Thursday the universe began to shrink rather than expand. He told us to check out his website, which isn't up yet but will be in the next week or so. Ok Eli.
After that strange encounter we walked over to the Mumms to say hi. They provide water caches at various places along the trail, as well as shuttle hikers around the town of Grants. They invited us to stay for dinner of pizza and beer, so of course we stayed and also had the chance to learn about the surrounding area from the Mumms. They are very knowledgable and still get out nearly every weekend to explore somewhere new, finding petroglyphs and ruins of ancient cultures.
My stomach felt pretty good most of the day but my appetite is still a little lacking. Hopefully tomorrow it will be back.
Alex
24 miles
Today I felt surprisingly good for the most part and the miles went by fairly quickly while listening to audiobooks. Part of the road walk into town went right past a New Mexico State Prison.
Once getting to town Huck and I went to a grocery store to get some snacks and then called the Mumms, Hugo and Carole. While at the store we had an interesting conversation with a guy named Eli, who at first seemed normal, but as his stories were told it became clear that he was not. He is apparently a reincarnation of the prophet Elijah who was sent to save the world. Great news! Also, as of Thursday the universe began to shrink rather than expand. He told us to check out his website, which isn't up yet but will be in the next week or so. Ok Eli.
After that strange encounter we walked over to the Mumms to say hi. They provide water caches at various places along the trail, as well as shuttle hikers around the town of Grants. They invited us to stay for dinner of pizza and beer, so of course we stayed and also had the chance to learn about the surrounding area from the Mumms. They are very knowledgable and still get out nearly every weekend to explore somewhere new, finding petroglyphs and ruins of ancient cultures.
My stomach felt pretty good most of the day but my appetite is still a little lacking. Hopefully tomorrow it will be back.
Alex
September 28, 2013
September 28, 2013
30 miles
Oh man, last night was a bit rough. My stomach was rumbling all night and I had to get up in the middle of the night to poo. From then on I couldn't even fart for fear of sharting. I took an anti-diarrheal med in the morning and that seemed to kick in after a few hours and I started to feel better. Unfortunately I still had very little appetite all day and I'm sure I've been at a calorie deficit since leaving Ghost Ranch.
The hiking today included an 18 mile road walk followed by a climb up the shoulder of Mt Taylor where I'm camped tonight. Nothing too spectacular in the way of views, but pretty easy walking overall.
I'm really looking forward to getting to Grants tomorrow and hope this stomach thing finally goes away. It would be great to get to enjoy the last few hundred miles of the trail!
Alex
30 miles
Oh man, last night was a bit rough. My stomach was rumbling all night and I had to get up in the middle of the night to poo. From then on I couldn't even fart for fear of sharting. I took an anti-diarrheal med in the morning and that seemed to kick in after a few hours and I started to feel better. Unfortunately I still had very little appetite all day and I'm sure I've been at a calorie deficit since leaving Ghost Ranch.
The hiking today included an 18 mile road walk followed by a climb up the shoulder of Mt Taylor where I'm camped tonight. Nothing too spectacular in the way of views, but pretty easy walking overall.
I'm really looking forward to getting to Grants tomorrow and hope this stomach thing finally goes away. It would be great to get to enjoy the last few hundred miles of the trail!
Alex
September 27, 2013
September 27, 2013
~25 miles
Today was not particularly fun in any way. It rained off and on for most of the morning, and when the rain stopped, a nice strong wind picked up where it left off. This was again in addition to my stomach feeling like crap all day. Having GI issues makes it very difficult for me to enjoy the hiking lately. Ayayay. If this thing doesn't go away by Grant I'm going to need to see a doctor I think. Bummer.
The hiking did go through some pretty cool badlands type terrain today, but I was miserable enough that I didn't bother taking pictures.
Alex
~25 miles
Today was not particularly fun in any way. It rained off and on for most of the morning, and when the rain stopped, a nice strong wind picked up where it left off. This was again in addition to my stomach feeling like crap all day. Having GI issues makes it very difficult for me to enjoy the hiking lately. Ayayay. If this thing doesn't go away by Grant I'm going to need to see a doctor I think. Bummer.
The hiking did go through some pretty cool badlands type terrain today, but I was miserable enough that I didn't bother taking pictures.
Alex
September 26, 2013
September 26, 2013
Cuba, NM to ???
25 miles
Today's hiking was again very mellow and actually pretty cool once the paved road walk at the beginning of the day was taken care of. It was primarily along the edges of various mesas providing great views of the surrounding area as well as the rocks of the mesa itself at times.
My stomach issues continued today, perhaps in part due to the greasy gut bomb of a burrito I had for breakfast. Not a good choice. It seems that my stomach started to feel better towards the end of the hiking day, but I'm not fully convinced I've seen the end of this trail tummy.
Alex
Cuba, NM to ???
25 miles
Today's hiking was again very mellow and actually pretty cool once the paved road walk at the beginning of the day was taken care of. It was primarily along the edges of various mesas providing great views of the surrounding area as well as the rocks of the mesa itself at times.
My stomach issues continued today, perhaps in part due to the greasy gut bomb of a burrito I had for breakfast. Not a good choice. It seems that my stomach started to feel better towards the end of the hiking day, but I'm not fully convinced I've seen the end of this trail tummy.
Alex
September 25, 2013
September 25, 2013
??? To Cuba, NM
25 miles
Again today my stomach was not happy with me which made it a challenge to enjoy hiking. The essentially consisted to a long gradual climb through the San Pedro Peaks Wilderness to the "peaks" themselves, and then back down the other side and finished off with a road walk into Cuba. The trail goes literally right through Cuba along hwy 550. Not the most fun walking, but convenient for resupply.
Huck had gone ahead at the end of the day to make it to the PO before closing while I lingered and took a break a few miles outside of town. Once in town, I stopped at El Bruno's Mexican restaurant, which was actually kind of disappointing and probably not a good idea with whatever stomach stuff is going on. After eating I found Huck and we ended up splitting a room for the night at the Del Prado motel, a klassy establishment.
Still hoping this stomach thing will go away!
Alex
??? To Cuba, NM
25 miles
Again today my stomach was not happy with me which made it a challenge to enjoy hiking. The essentially consisted to a long gradual climb through the San Pedro Peaks Wilderness to the "peaks" themselves, and then back down the other side and finished off with a road walk into Cuba. The trail goes literally right through Cuba along hwy 550. Not the most fun walking, but convenient for resupply.
Huck had gone ahead at the end of the day to make it to the PO before closing while I lingered and took a break a few miles outside of town. Once in town, I stopped at El Bruno's Mexican restaurant, which was actually kind of disappointing and probably not a good idea with whatever stomach stuff is going on. After eating I found Huck and we ended up splitting a room for the night at the Del Prado motel, a klassy establishment.
Still hoping this stomach thing will go away!
Alex
September 24, 2013
September 24, 2013
27 miles
Ghost Ranch to ???
The hiking today was nice and mellow. It was also some pretty cool scenery hiking along the road to Skull Bridge and then through the Rio Chama Wilderness, before climbing up out of the canyon and back into the shady shelter of ponderosa pines. The weather was also quite pleasant. A little brisk in the morning and warm in the afternoon, but not too warm. In the evening it cooled off once again and I am cowboy camping for the first time all trail! The sky is perfectly clear and there are no bugs are to be found anywhere. So far New Mexico has been very cool and I hope the trend continues.
On another matter, my stomach has felt a bit off all day today. I'm not sure what it is, but hopefully whatever it is will resolve itself by morning. It's not terrible, but it is uncomfortable.
Alex
27 miles
Ghost Ranch to ???
The hiking today was nice and mellow. It was also some pretty cool scenery hiking along the road to Skull Bridge and then through the Rio Chama Wilderness, before climbing up out of the canyon and back into the shady shelter of ponderosa pines. The weather was also quite pleasant. A little brisk in the morning and warm in the afternoon, but not too warm. In the evening it cooled off once again and I am cowboy camping for the first time all trail! The sky is perfectly clear and there are no bugs are to be found anywhere. So far New Mexico has been very cool and I hope the trend continues.
On another matter, my stomach has felt a bit off all day today. I'm not sure what it is, but hopefully whatever it is will resolve itself by morning. It's not terrible, but it is uncomfortable.
Alex
September 23, 2013
September 23, 2013
Zero day at Ghost Ranch
After some contemplation last night and this morning I decided to stay yet another day at Ghost Ranch and plan to hike out with Huck tomorrow morning. In order to make sure I link my footsteps, Henry was nice enough to give me a ride up to where I hitched a ride to Ghost Ranch so that I might walk back. That way when I leave tomorrow I can walk right out from the ranch.
After getting back from my morning walk, I lounged around for a while, read some magazine articles, and then met Huck and a couple of the staff members (Will and Cale) at the dining hall. Will was planning on going to the archery range in the afternoon and invited Huck and me to come along. The answer was an emphatic yes. It was awesome. Not only were there targets to shoot at, there were also two 4' tall piñatas. One was a one-eyed red monster and the other was Darth Vader. Oh man was it fun to shoot an arrow right through Darth's head.
After dinner (ribs!) We headed back to Will and Cale's place to hang out and drink some beer. Not a bad way to end the day. Tomorrow it really is back to the trail, after french toast of course.
Alex
Zero day at Ghost Ranch
After some contemplation last night and this morning I decided to stay yet another day at Ghost Ranch and plan to hike out with Huck tomorrow morning. In order to make sure I link my footsteps, Henry was nice enough to give me a ride up to where I hitched a ride to Ghost Ranch so that I might walk back. That way when I leave tomorrow I can walk right out from the ranch.
After getting back from my morning walk, I lounged around for a while, read some magazine articles, and then met Huck and a couple of the staff members (Will and Cale) at the dining hall. Will was planning on going to the archery range in the afternoon and invited Huck and me to come along. The answer was an emphatic yes. It was awesome. Not only were there targets to shoot at, there were also two 4' tall piñatas. One was a one-eyed red monster and the other was Darth Vader. Oh man was it fun to shoot an arrow right through Darth's head.
After dinner (ribs!) We headed back to Will and Cale's place to hang out and drink some beer. Not a bad way to end the day. Tomorrow it really is back to the trail, after french toast of course.
Alex
September 22, 2013
September 22, 2013
Zero day at Ghost Ranch
After a sprinkling of rain last night, things were dry in the morning as I got up to go to breakfast. It was a continental breakfast, nothing too fancy, but still hit the spot. Again I sat with the Hoppers and enjoyed their company.
After breakfast I sorted through my food and checked the forecast for the day. With thunderstorms in the forecast for the afternoon and evening, it was an easy decision to stay another night.
I had a nice chat with a volunteer in the trading post (store), another retired minister named John. And also a good conversation with one of the volunteers at the front desk, Mary. Everyone here at the ranch has been so kind and welcoming it is going to be a little sad to leave this wonderful place tomorrow morning.
While at dinner I reunited with the Hoppers and enjoyed another nice conversation over pizza and wings. Since they are taking off tomorrow to head back toward Pennsylvania, I asked if they would mind giving me a ride back to the trail and they agreed! Such nice people. One more meal with them tomorrow in the morning and then it is time to head back out and do what I'm out here to do: hike!
Also while at dinner a dirty, grungy looking guy walked into the dining hall and lo and behold it was Huck! Haven't seen that guy since northern Montana and it sure was good to see a familiar face. We caught up a bit in the evening and compared horror stories from the Weminuche. Since Huck is following the Ley maps for the most part, and I am following Bear Creek for the most part, I may or may not see much of him for the remainder of the trail, but hopefully we'll end up crossing paths again before the end.
Alex
Zero day at Ghost Ranch
After a sprinkling of rain last night, things were dry in the morning as I got up to go to breakfast. It was a continental breakfast, nothing too fancy, but still hit the spot. Again I sat with the Hoppers and enjoyed their company.
After breakfast I sorted through my food and checked the forecast for the day. With thunderstorms in the forecast for the afternoon and evening, it was an easy decision to stay another night.
I had a nice chat with a volunteer in the trading post (store), another retired minister named John. And also a good conversation with one of the volunteers at the front desk, Mary. Everyone here at the ranch has been so kind and welcoming it is going to be a little sad to leave this wonderful place tomorrow morning.
While at dinner I reunited with the Hoppers and enjoyed another nice conversation over pizza and wings. Since they are taking off tomorrow to head back toward Pennsylvania, I asked if they would mind giving me a ride back to the trail and they agreed! Such nice people. One more meal with them tomorrow in the morning and then it is time to head back out and do what I'm out here to do: hike!
Also while at dinner a dirty, grungy looking guy walked into the dining hall and lo and behold it was Huck! Haven't seen that guy since northern Montana and it sure was good to see a familiar face. We caught up a bit in the evening and compared horror stories from the Weminuche. Since Huck is following the Ley maps for the most part, and I am following Bear Creek for the most part, I may or may not see much of him for the remainder of the trail, but hopefully we'll end up crossing paths again before the end.
Alex
September 21, 2013
September 21, 2013
Mogote Ridge to Hwy 84 (Ghost Ranch)
20 miles
Today started the way the last couple have started... condensation/dew on the inside and outside of my tent. After the usual routine and after the sun had risen I was on the trail, that is to say, a dirt road. The majority of the day was on road hiking through a combination of cow grazing areas and clumps of pine trees. Along the way I crossed paths with a guy named Jesse on his four-wheeler checking out the current cattle situation, but mostly out enjoying himself. We chatted for a while and he gave me a breakfast bar and some ritz crackers. Yum! I have been packing too many sweet snacks of late and not enough of the salty variety so the ritz definitely hit the spot.
As I descended further down the road the pine trees became more plentiful for a while, until reaching Martinez Canyon. Somewhere through the canyon, I feel like I officially entered New Mexico. The temperature seemed to increase (probably just because it was after noon) and the water situation was a little bit more difficult. I can see that I am going to have to be more aware of water for the remainder of the hike and probably carry more than I think I will need because more of the sources shown on the map are bound to be dry this time of year.
Once at the highway it took a little while to get a hitch, but I was able to make it to Ghost Ranch with plenty of time left in the day to get set up camping (first night free! normally $19/night) and secure my meal tickets for both dinner and breakfast. This was of utmost importance to me. I also received a package from my sister's family, the Egle clan! So many new treats to try, I guess I'll just have to get rid of some of MY snacks in favor of theirs. Thank goodness!
Dinner did not disappoint and I enjoyed a large helping of chicken marsala with noodles and side of green beans. So nice to eat real food for a change. I also enjoyed the company and conversation of a retired couple here to relax. The Hoppers, who live in Pennsylvania, have been here about a week relaxing and going on some hikes in the area. Henry is a retired Presbyterian minister and Allison a retired floor nurse who worked on med/surg and psychiatric floors during her career. It was great to have real conversations about something deeper than the weather and exchanging pleasantries.
After dinner it was off to do laundry. Can't wait to see what's for breakfast!
Alex
Mogote Ridge to Hwy 84 (Ghost Ranch)
20 miles
Today started the way the last couple have started... condensation/dew on the inside and outside of my tent. After the usual routine and after the sun had risen I was on the trail, that is to say, a dirt road. The majority of the day was on road hiking through a combination of cow grazing areas and clumps of pine trees. Along the way I crossed paths with a guy named Jesse on his four-wheeler checking out the current cattle situation, but mostly out enjoying himself. We chatted for a while and he gave me a breakfast bar and some ritz crackers. Yum! I have been packing too many sweet snacks of late and not enough of the salty variety so the ritz definitely hit the spot.
As I descended further down the road the pine trees became more plentiful for a while, until reaching Martinez Canyon. Somewhere through the canyon, I feel like I officially entered New Mexico. The temperature seemed to increase (probably just because it was after noon) and the water situation was a little bit more difficult. I can see that I am going to have to be more aware of water for the remainder of the hike and probably carry more than I think I will need because more of the sources shown on the map are bound to be dry this time of year.
Once at the highway it took a little while to get a hitch, but I was able to make it to Ghost Ranch with plenty of time left in the day to get set up camping (first night free! normally $19/night) and secure my meal tickets for both dinner and breakfast. This was of utmost importance to me. I also received a package from my sister's family, the Egle clan! So many new treats to try, I guess I'll just have to get rid of some of MY snacks in favor of theirs. Thank goodness!
Dinner did not disappoint and I enjoyed a large helping of chicken marsala with noodles and side of green beans. So nice to eat real food for a change. I also enjoyed the company and conversation of a retired couple here to relax. The Hoppers, who live in Pennsylvania, have been here about a week relaxing and going on some hikes in the area. Henry is a retired Presbyterian minister and Allison a retired floor nurse who worked on med/surg and psychiatric floors during her career. It was great to have real conversations about something deeper than the weather and exchanging pleasantries.
After dinner it was off to do laundry. Can't wait to see what's for breakfast!
Alex
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