PIE TOWN, NM
I have had several cold and tasty beverages, thanks to the Toaster House
I began the day on Manges Mountain determined to be fully packed and ready before the others, but She-Ra said her goodbye while I was still having my oatmeal in my tent. I hit the trail at about 7 am and said best wishes to BearClaw who would wait for a ride to have her foot examined
I immediately went the wrong way and soon ended up at the road to the lookout tower. I figured we climbed this mountain for a reason, so why not check it out? Even though the top deck was locked shut, I got a great view of the sunrise over this expansive area from the top step. Well worth the detour.
I got back to the trail, which looped around to our campsite with BearClaw sitting there waiting for her ride. She thought I was lost, but I explained my detour. This time I went the right way down the mountain.
On the way down I saw a big elk and two angry dogs, but nothing else dramatic. It is just a long roadwalk to Pie Town, and I was dying for a soda. When I got there, I found the house with a bunch of toasters hanging from it. Noone was there, but I found the fridge with a cold Dr Pepper in it. That made the whole day.
Later, other hikers (Boston Bones, Grits, She-Ra, Andy) returned from their town activities. The restaurants were now closed, but I found an elk loin in the freezer and cooked it up. That along with pasta and Guinness (after a thorough shower and de-lousing at the RV park) made for a great evening
The Toaster House is open to hikers on their way on the CDT. There is food stashed and sleeping quarters, only at the request of a donation. A true oasis