Day 7 – 4/29/13 – 22.6 mi (125.6)

Today was a long day, but had quite a few rewards. First thing in the morning I spotted bear tracks…big bear tracks!

We walked many miles of actual hiking trail. Up until today, we’ve been walking on dirt jeep roads or following signposts cross country. We also climbed up into actual forest with big trees. This meant nice views and some shade, but also steep climbs at 8000+ feet elevation. It kinda kicked our butts.

About 19 miles in, we reached our only water source for the day, Mud Spring, which was much better than it sounds. This was our first natural water source of the trail.

We also had our first map/route discrepancy. The Jonathan Ley maps show a different route between Mud Spring and the highway we have to walk into Silver City than the new official CDT. The official route will eventually go all the way to Silver City without the highway walk (I’m assuming), but right now it just makes a big loop around the old route with dirt roads. This adds a few extra and not very scenic miles of hiking. We took the official route, but until more actual trail is completed, I think the old route is probably nicer.

I’m camped again tonight with the girls and Strider. We’re hoping the remaining miles into Silver City go quickly tomorrow and we get into town with enough time to relax a little.