I can’t even describe how ready I was for this…it’s 70 degrees, sunny, and beautiful down here in the Gila Wilderness. We just spent 3 days hiking down the Gila River. We left from the uplands by Snow Lake with the knowledge from other hikers that it was cold down in the canyon with lots of stream crossings and plenteous poison ivy. But we lucked into a balmy spell and the only thing that proved true was the amount of stream crossings which made for cold feet in the early morning.
On our first night in the canyon we decided to put the tarp up like a lean-to so that we could see the stars. Snuggled up together in our bags, watching shooting stars and trying to figure out what the heck it was dad was pointing at as he taught us constellations was good fun.
In the morning however our sleeping bags were very wet with dew and condensation and we had to hang them up to dry.
In the process I stepped on a bees nest that was in the ground. Bummer! I ran as fast as I could but one got in my shirt and stung me, and for a first ever bee sting, getting stung on your stomach sure does hurt. We still had to get our sleeping bags which were hanging right above the bees nest, so dad said he would go get them after the bees calmed downed. Watching his ninja stealth bag rescue while Jess videoed was pretty funny.
On the same morning of the bee attack we saw all of the eagles that are in America; a fish eagle (osprey), a bald eagle, and a golden eagle (who was approximately the size of Deso). They were so amazing, and graceful. I also saw a Javelina – something akin to a wild pig. He looked like a fat sausage running through the woods and we gave chase because no one else had had a good look. Nothing like a good wild pig chase to get the blood pumping.
After exploring some remarkable Mogollon cliff dwellings yesterday we made our way to a little campground along the river for a day off. There are beautiful little bubbling natural hot springs pools just a few feet from the picnic table and we’ve already soaked twice today. We re-supplied at a little store up the road that has few groceries, and more importantly, homemade ice cream. Tomorrow we’ll head back out and try to accomplish the illusive “30 mile day.” Most days now we are making 20-29 miles but have not cracked the 30 barrier yet. Ten days of hiking left to the Mexican border!!
