North of CUBA, NM
I had an early breakfast with Boston Bones at the Cuba Cafe and then went back to the del Prado for an 8:00 call to Miami University. I was informed that at the annual spring meeting of the Pulp and Paper Science Foundation (which I obviously missed) I was given the Pioneer Award for long standing service to the foundation. Wow!
After that warming news I hit the pavement on a warm and sunny morning. The pavement turned to mud, trail tread, slush, and icy swamp as I climbed to over 10k feet through the los Pinos and into the San Pedro peaks. Water was gushing down the mountain in many directions and it was impossible to avoid soaking my feet. The water diversion efforts on this trail are failing, and it is hard work to build and maintain them. My work with the Central Texas Trailtamers often involves dealing with water and erosion, and hopefully future projects will help mitigate the issue. Navigation is also a little tricky on this section, so putting CDT markers on the proliferous pines could really help
I had several episodes of unavoidable knee deep plunges. There was also a good deal of postholing and unintended glissading on the snow. I setup camp early at the top of the ridge where I had planned. It might be a cold morning this high up, but I have some good warm things to snuggle in
On the good side, I found an adjustment on my pack that greatly relieved the strain on the left side under my shoulder blade. HeHo!