June 1, 2013
New Mexico - Done!

On May 27, Memorial Day, we completed the CDNST through NM - Woo Hoo! 
Miles Hiked in NM:  690

For the last week we have been home in CO taking care of some personal matters, including having my orthopedic surgeon check out the the knob that developed below my left knee (picture below). 

Our condition:  The bump below my left knee turns out to be a tibial tunnel cyst.  About  2 1/2  years ago I had surgery to replace a torn ACL from a skiing accident.  The surgery required inserting an absorbable screw to attach the new ligament to the tibia.  While hiking in NM a cyst formed in the space near the screw.  Good news - the cyst can be removed when we return in the fall.  It looks strange but does not affect the mobility of my knee. 

Other than the cyst, both Mike and I are in good shape and eager to get going again.  Blisters have healed and other aches and pains have faded away as we have rested.   

Impressions from the trail between Ghost Ranch and the CO border:
*  Greener and wetter as the trail hovered between 10,000 and 10,500 feet. 
*  There was some snow in shaded tree areas, but really not much for late spring.  
*  Other than one very brief snow fall, the weather was dry.   Most of this 80+ mile stretch was cool and windy. 
*  Plenty of water sources.
*  Lots of nice mountain vistas.

Coming up:  The journey resumes June 5  when we drive north to pick up the trail in southern Wyoming.   

As some of you have noticed,  sometimes that tracking device used for the Where Are They Now? page doesn't work (never because of human error!).   But that doesn't mean we haven't hiked a section.  We are not cheating!   When we are done we will have walked from Mexico to Canada (even the paved road walks).

Note:  Please refer to the May 23, 2013: Ghost Ranch page to see pictures that were just posted for that portion of the hike.
  

Cyst below knee......or......did anyone see the movie "Aliens"?

Railroad building at Cumbres Pass. This was used by Denver & Rio Grande Western RR in late 1800's when DGWRR transported minerals. Now it is owned by Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR.

Lake near Lagunitas Campground

Taking a midday break

Crossing large meadow - elevation is around 10,000 feet

Reward for crossing large meadow

Just completed the entire CDNST through NM!