Journal July 3 Mt Taylor
A light to moderate rain fell through most all the night. The tarp tent kept us dry, though the bottom of the packs at the foot of the tent ended up wet. We slept in till almost 8am, waiting to make sure the rain had stopped. Nearby, Coyotes yipped back and forth, encouraging us to get up and get going.
A cool morning so we walked with a determined pace, just to keep warm. In a couple miles we came to the Gooseberry Trail leading to the top of Mt Taylor. A number of people were on the trail day-hiking to the summit. It seems odd to be sharing the trail with other people. In 400 miles the only other place where we’ve seen other hikers was the Gila river. This phenomena will only last a couple miles.
We need to find Gooseberry Spring to replenish our dwindling water supply. From the trail it’s not to be seen. While the Carrot watches our packs, I use the GPS to check out the Ravine; I find the bone dry spring and stock tank. We really need to find water, so I look further down the ravine where it’s been said water might be found. Another third of a mile brings me to an unmarked, unnamed pipe fed spring! In total it’s a 1 mile roundtrip and a couple hundred foot elevation change diversion, but needed.
We continue to climb Mt Taylor, surrounded by mist and clouds. Long switchbacks pass rock outcroppings and slopes covered with tall grass. The cows on the lush slopes look more content than those roaming the scrublands below. Wild Iris dot the upper slopes.
At the top of 11,301 foot Mt Taylor we stand on the highest point so far in this summer’s hike. In fact it’s higher than any of the Montana, Wyoming or New Mexico CDT. We take a lunch break to enjoy the accomplishment. Occasionally the clouds lift to reveal nearby ridges or the tablelands below.
Sub-alpine Firs cover the summit, while the trail going down passes red columbine. On the lower flanks we resume a walk on remote roads. Surprisingly a couple of cars go by.
As we continue to descend we detour into American Canyon for water and come across many scattered elk.
Racing the threat of rain, we find a suitable place to camp.
15.5 Miles
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