Mile 162 to mile 220
Friday April 13
After a zero trying unsuccessfully to replace missing part for my trekking pole, Ghost and I accepted a ride for the road walk asphalt section to trailhead with Mary Catherine the famous trail angel known as the banana tree lady. It was great to have the opportunity to meet her.
Ghost and Mary Catherine
We were misplaced a couple of times trying to find the Gila (pronounced hee-luh) River optional trail.
It was spectacular morning hiking.
A long abandoned homestead. Truly a fixer-upper.
In the late afternoon we met Doug the hermit living on 40 private acres in middle of national forest land. He is a Roman Catholic Hermit by choice spending his time praying. The wilderness hideaway has been his home for 20 years thanks to his benefactors whose family has owned the land since 1880’s.
Doug’s hiker registry
Doug the hermit
We took the time for him to show us his garden and humble abode before continuing onward.
Saturday April 14, Day 13
The trail led straight up the mountain. No switch backs, just straight up. At the top we had our last cell service.
It was a pleasant easy walk down a Sheep valley occasionally lined with wild strawberries before our climb drown into the cliff walled canyon of the Gila.
It took us a little time before we discovered how to find the trails after each river crossing. After a couple of miles we made camp along the river.
Sunday April 15, day 14
In the early morning hours we were treated to the terrible sounds of javelinas killing wild turkeys.
The temperature dropped in the teens in the night.
My shoes that I had set inside my tent were frozen solid. They had to be dipped in the river before I could get my feet inside.
I meant to keep track of the river crossings but soon lost count.
A large flock of wild turkeys flew across the river. A beautiful sight.
Monday April 16, day 15
After another chilly night it warmed during the hike toward Doc Campbell’s. We walked fast and were exhausted by the cold morning river crossings.
Lucy Ondo 