Day 19 leaving Doc Cambells + Gila cliff dwellings

May 2nd

I woke early and dozzed. I didn’t have to rush as the Cave Dwellings did not open until 8.30.

I eventually packed up and took my pack to the shelter.god it was heavy.can I carry this !!.

I put on a brew.that will make every thing okay.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see the caves or put in miles. The caves won.i hoised up my pack omg.

And set off down the tarmac (pavement in the usa).it was 7am and it was already heating up.

It was 4 miles. But I had misread and so went to visitors centre

I liked the exhibition and I filled my bottles with fresh cold water.

Okay so now I have to walk back the way I came then a miles to the caves.

At last I came to caves. I was met by the ranger.she briefed me on the site. Said I should take water snd sun screen and told me where to leave my pack.

As I crossed the bridge I met Shoes and Co coming back across the bridge..

the path snakes around crossing numerous bridges climbing ever higher. Every now and then I got a glimpse wow.

And to think these people built all of this with simple hand tools maybe bone or sharp stones..

At last i was here.omg its amazing.

I made my way through the labyrinth of rooms imaging how they lived. I found it amazing.

Okay time to go down.

Once down I topped up with water before hoisting mypack and strolling out.

Well that was well worth the visit.

Again I headed back the way I came until I got to the trail head.

There were guys doing maintenance on the start.but they waved me on.

Of course the trail starts climbing and the temp is 97 and it climbs and climbs and climbs and it’s roasting. Then I’m on a very steep part and no where to stop. I’m puffing and panting at last I’m at the top and I collapse in a heap.

I’m just getting my breath back when bandaid appears she joins me on my break.as we sit here several more hikers arrive and depart .followed by bandaid.

I need a little more time before I set off after them.

The trail spiraled down and then I was in a river bed. And sand. I hate sand. Its sand…….

As I followed it down it began to get damp and then a stream..

Then I turned a corner and wow I was now in an amazing canyon.

Breath taking in places wow..

It was time to stop and sat with 2 girl hikers doing their first thruhike. Impressed.

Afterlunch my first river crossing and with big fish. Milage was a little slow as I had to keep stopping to stare at the scenery as it was breathtaking.

Okay snail come on or it will be bed time. I put my head down and pushed several hrs later I came to Jordan Hotsprings,I decided to take a peek. Once there the two girls where here. I stripped to my boxers and joined them.

The pools were so clear and so warm. Oh my could have stayed here all day.several other hikers joined us but after 40 minutes I needed to move.. as it was now 4pm.