MT TAYLOR, NM
After a lot of sleep during a rainstorm I got a very early start. I didn’t have too much difficulty using my headlamp in the dark for making breakfast and packing up
The difficulty came when I hit the trail. It was muddy, slippery, and the wrong direction. I went back and forth a few time until I found the CDT sign pointing off to a trail. I got to where the Mt Taylor trailhead should be when the sun had risen, but the trailhead is not marked for Mt Taylor. It just had some stick figures of people hiking. In addition, this trail looks like it was re-routed since my maps were printed, so it was confusing. Eventually it became obvious that this trail went to the summit
It was a long climb made more difficult with a new layer of snow from the storm. When I got to the top the view was worth it, but as it was cold and windy; I didn’t linger
Coming down the north side of the peak was a challenge. The snow was deeper, causing me to posthole quite a bit. It was hard to find the trail, but after many missteps I found it
When I got down to warmer elevations the hiking was easy and I made good time. I watered up at American Canyon Spring, a good source. I am really liking my FirstNeed water filter, even though it adds about a pound. After dinner I found a great camp site and will rest up
I am doing fine physically, but I have 2 persistent aches:
– My left side below my should blade gets pretty tight. I have been trying to adjust my pack straps for it, but haven’t found the fix
– The back of both heels, right at the corner of the heel and achilles, gets really tender. I try to stretch them out, but hiking makes them sore. It doesn’t slow me down, but it is bothersome