My Hiking Life: Ghost Ranch

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Ghost Ranch

Day: 31
Start: 671
End: 685 + 12
Miles: 26
Hours: 10
High temp: 89
Low temp: 36
People met: too many to count

Climbing a Mesa this morning

So nice to climb in the cool morning hours. Once I summit the Mesa it's almost downhill for the rest of the day. The forest on top has desert type conifers

A stream winding through a canyon

I drop into a canyon with a nice little stream. The canyon winds its way just like the Gila. I am constantly crossing this stream, the good news is I don't get wet.

The trail empties out into a brush covered valley with dramatic walls of multi colored rock. The air is so clear making everything especially bright.

Soon I cross the Rio Chama on skull bridge. I tried to find out why it's called that, but there is no obvious reason.

Skull bridge

Rio Chama

Now the sun is bearing down and the next 11 miles on a dirt road is without shade. I deploy my crome dome umbrella and hike, thankful for the shade it provides.

Old School

For most if this trip Old School and I have loosely hiked together. We are now just about ready to make a highway walk to Ghost Ranch.

The Ranch is an oasis surrounded by beautiful mesas. This is the off season I guess because it's not very crowded here. Many use this place as a conference center or team building get away. There are bungalows, family quarters, camping and dorms. Among the many amenities are a library, museum, horses, and a nice dining hall.

Check in

Easterly view from my bungalow

Sunrise across the grassy area between the road and the complex

Scout and Frodo are here along with Scout's sister and brother-in-law. They thoughtfully host an evening meal which draws about 20 thru hikers. We all enjoy a delightful time with positive feelings sharing our experiences. Scout and Frodo have a natural ability to gather people together, they inspire kindness and happiness. The evening fellowship was blessed by a pre meal blessing in which we all joined hands during the prayers. Scout's remarkable sister made a delicious meal of stew, salad, and brownies. We all ate and drank with gusto, then did it again. I am thankful for Scout and Frodo's willingness to organize us for meals. The effect of their efforts continues throughout the hike as we all get to know one another.