Peter on the CDT – Deming to Emory Pass (Segment 2)
For 2013 Hyperlite Mountain Gear is sponsoring one thru-hiker on each of the Appalachian Trail (AT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and Pacific Coastal Trail (PCT). Here’s the second update from the trail by Peter, Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s sponsored CDT hiker. Peter will keep all of us up do date with periodic posts and pictures from his journey. We hope you’ll check in regularly to follow Peter along the trail!
Thru hiking is demanding on the body. I learned that on section 1 of my hike and continue to learn that as I keep progressing on this trail. I left Deming after taking a “Zero Day” (no hiking — zero miles covered) and got my knee to feel a little better before leaving town. The knee brace I bought at Walmart didn’t exactly do the trick for me as I left Deming, and started the next section of my hike leading to Emory Pass. I left in good spirits hiking the highway out of town to the residential section north of Deming following my map to the first landmark, an old broken down windmill. From here I have to admit I got a little lost, trudging cross country in the brush and heat to a point that was not there when I thought it should be.
After about 3 hrs of hiking I finally realized I was walking in the wrong direction. I was far off my intended mark. Frustrated, I threw my pack down on the hard sand that constantly surrounded me and took my bearings as best as I could read my map. I climbed a high fence looking for some my next landmark on the horizon.
I was looking for a gate and a broken cow tank which I thought would be easy to spot. After a long look an object shinned in the distance and I took that as a sign that I should head in that direction. I got my pack back on, climbed under the barbed wired fence that wanted a piece of my flesh and walked 3 miles cross country to what turned out to be (!) the fence and old cow tank I had been looking for. Getting lost is a once a day thing on the trail and that was my one for the day.
About 2 hours after reaching my shiny beacon in the desert, I was greeted by other CDT hikers who were going my way and they happily invited me to join them. I was happy for the company and excited to have some other hikers to talk with. Its great to think you can go at it alone but, having others to suffer (or have fun) with out there is a great feeling. They were a couple from Seattle who had been talked into doing the trail by some friends and a guy from Austria who had flipped a coin to either do the CDT or PCT — tails it was.
We spent the next 4 days hiking together, sharing our stories and experiencing the trail. We passed through ranches, scrubby dark black hills and open desert. We went from water source to water source looking for windmills in the distance which are your lifeline out there. The wind is your companion as you hike. Its a relentless partner, blowing the sand, debris and cow funk into your face all day, every day with no let up. I camped several timed behind the cow water tanks just to get a break. The downside to these campsites is that you’re surrounded by cow poo — which is not appealing at all, but surprisingly you get use to it quickly. Purell also becomes my best friend….
My gear and body has been tested on this trip and everything has held up well so far. My right ankle is twice as big as my left and my knee hurts but, Tylenol takes care of that. My gear such as my Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider pack is taking the beating with the thorns, brush and sand constantly trying to break it ever minute. Every plant out here is like its own fortress, protecting what it has, not wanting anyone to get anything for free, so its covered in long, sharp and pointy thorns that seem to be reaching out to scratch you. The cuben fiber construction of my Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack has held up great with no tears or fractures and the hip belt is in a place that just perfectly wraps my hips so no adjustment is needed. My clothes become filthy quickly but hey, its my funk so I can live with it.
After two days we finally reached the hills with trees — actual living trees(!) to give you much need shade from the blazing sun in the afternoon.
I’ve created a little afternoon mandatory siesta to get out of the mid-day sun for a little while and recharge the batteries. Its great to rest a bit, nap and take off my shoes and socks to prevent any more blisters from getting created.
We found an old abandoned house that had stacks of old National Enquirers from 1986-1992 which were interesting. I read an article about how O.J’s wife is worried he’s cheating on her… I wonder how that worked out???
The hills brought a great change of scenery from the constant sand but brought some navigational challenges as well. At only a day and a half away from Emory Pass I was excited to finally get to town. Making the final push I we walked faster then normal but then lack of water slowed us down to a screeching stop. The two water sources we were counting on were either broken or the spring was not running because of a 3-year long drought that has crippled this area of the country. With no water I made the last 7 miles dreaming of water.
Its amazing how thirsty you can become after physically exerting yourself on only the last 2 oz of water you had left. I finally made it to Emory Pass early in the morning and got a hitch from a nice couple from Arizona. After slamming a gallon of water I rested, getting ready for the next leg of the hike, the Gila Wilderness. I can’t wait for the change of scenery and more water… or at least I hope there will be more water.
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