Firefighters set up a small town in the Gila National Forest fighting the Bear fire which burned 5000 acres.
During this long, lonesome trek through the Gila National Forest and barren desert wilderness with no wifi or cell phone service, basic needs - water, food and safe campsites - were top of mind. Below are glimpses of the past 3 days. We will post more this weekend after we recover from a rugged stretch.
Pinos Altos - First settled in 1861, perhaps the oldest settlement in New Mexico.Inside the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House - Restored impeccablyLunch overlooking Lake RobertsDaLue and Bill give us shelter, shower and teach us ranching skill at Indian Springs Ranch - a retreat for First Responders and Veterans. Lonesome desert roads
Wildfire team encampment of Forest Service, hotshots, county and USDA officials supported by full kitchen and supplies containing Mangas Mountain wildfire.
Riding the rocks and first of the dry and lonesome brush encrusted wilderness of the Chihuahua desertSouthbound riders along the way - Jeff from Bozeman. His trek began in Eureka, Montana, about 10 miles south of the Canada border.John from Maryland. His trek began in Breckenridge, Colorado - where ours will end.The Mangas wildfire plume looms over usWe are headed straight for the wildfireLots of smokeTwo helicopters carry lake water to douse the wildfire as it spreads to about 4000 acres.Firefighter from Phoenix arrived late the night before.Hanging out with Paul at his most excellent Gathering Place eatery and pie house in Pie Town
