Day 18 San Pedro Parks backpacking

I woke before dawn and hiked the CDT to the highest point in the San Pedro Parks. The landscape was more gently rolling hills, creeks and wide meadows. The sunrise turned it all emerald. Cassi, John and Mary followed later.

We loitered around camp, hoping the stray dog's owner would return. At 10am, after we'd packed everything up and were about to take the dog with us, the horseback rider showed up. With little explanation, he and the dog trotted off. A strange scenario, and I am sure there is more to the story we'll never know.

We finished our loop hike, spotting numerous herds of elk grazing.

Back in Cuba, we had a late lunch at El Bruno's Resturant. Fantastic food in a beautiful setting. Apparently, folks come from all over NM just to eat here. We saw a cyclist with 4 panniers and a BOB heading out of town. Someone else touring the GDR. Hope we catch up to him.

We said goodbye to John, Mary and the dogs, and checked back into the Del Prado. The evening was quiet and we enjoyed our last night in a soft bed.

new plants seen- blue spruce, cineqfoil, wild raspberries & strawberries, blue elderberry

animals identified- coyote, elk, blue grouse, tree swallow, least chipmunk, cutthroat trout