Gila R- Middle Fork Loop Day 1

Although Cappuccino will not be able to go with us she was still involved with a send off dinner for most of us doing the Middle Fork Loop. Last night she and husband Scott hosted pizza and salad for Jolly Rancher, Level and spouse Hattie, Old Truck, and me. Scatman lives 80 miles South so was not there. Hattie brought a delicious dessert and others chipped in with libations. A fun get-together.

This morning Old Truck and I drove over to Level’s place and he along with Jolly Rancher hopped in and we headed south to Scatman’s house in Socorro. From there we transferred gear to Scatman’s truck and the five of us started the 3 1/2 hour drive down to the Gila Wilderness. A quick stop at McD’s in T or C for lunch and then on to the Gila where we arrived about 1PM. The rains of the morning gave way to cloudless sunny skies as we hit the trail about 1:30PM.

We decided to hike in along the shorter Little Bear Canyon route to hopefully camp at the canyon’s junction with the Middle Fork. We all started together, but began to string out as we moved along. It is surprisingly hard to hike slower or faster than your normal pace, and everyone’s pace is different. Old Truck and I hiked together in the lead and Level, JR, and Scatman kept a more leisurely pace a few minutes behind us.

Up the sunny south face of the ridge we all climbed, eventually topped out, and then descended in to the shade of Little Bear Canyon. Little Bear narrows as it approaches the Middle Fork and becomes an impressive slot canyon just before the junction.

Although there were a couple of other campers already in the area, the large central area at the junction, with the perfect hammock trees, was available and we took it. With four hammocks and one tent we were a big group. Also, Old Truck was trying out a hammock for the first time. We are hoping he will be warm enough with lows predicted in the low 40’s for tonight.

A pleasant dinner on nearby logs and the of hanging the food to keep critters out was part of our entertainment tonight. Also, JR. surprised us by reading a piece he had written at a writers workshop about family history. Then ensued a discussion of each of our families. Thanks JR, a nice addition to the trip.

Until tomorrow, safe travels and happy trails…