Gila R- Middle Fork Loop Day 2

We were up before the sun hoping to get an early start. A bit nippy in the predawn hours, we all made it through the night. Old Truck had the coldest night as it was his first overnight hang and he hasn’t dialed in his insulation yet. Hopefully tonight will be better.

We all packed up in the dark then gathered on the dinner logs to eat. Some coffee and breakfast warmed us as the sun lit the cliffs above. Thus fortified, we hit the trail. It was almost 8AM.

We planned to hike 9 miles up to the Meadows today. The first order of business was to make our first crossing of the Middle Fork at the edge of camp. Old Truck however, had always removed his boots to cross streams. This being his first time in the Gila, we assured him that there are so many river crossings that leaving his boots on and just walking through was the best thing to do. Dubiously he plunged in and took the first ford without problem.

The group was on its way. Walking through mixtures of hardwoods, softwoods, brush, small meadows, and patches of Ponderosa forest sandwiched between the towering red rock canyon walls almost overwhelms the senses. Toss in negotiating a stream crossing every 100 yards and it all adds up to an amazing experience. Today was a perfect upper 60’s blue sky day with a slight breeze. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Two miles from last night’s camp we pass Jordan Hot Springs. Several people are camped nearby and claim to have caught some bass and trout in the Middle Fork. After a short snack break, we continue upstream toward the Meadows.

Of course, I was just up here last week with Cappuccino in the rain. So you might think the canyon would be less charming to me this time. Something about familiarity breeding contempt. But on the contrary, it was possibly more awe inspiring as I noticed details that I missed last week. It seems that every time I visit, I am almost overwhelmed with its rugged beauty.

Lunch was at an old campsite just off the trail. By this time everyone was used to having wet boots, even Old Truck. We had moved steadily up river and crossed the it dozens of times. A little over halfway to our destination, we were all feeling a bit tired, but a rest and some food helped. Feeling somewhat reenergized we started along the trail again.

The Meadows is an open relatively flat area in the bottom of the Middle Fork canyon. By mid afternoon the sun was getting more intense and we were all getting ready to be done. We pulled into the Meadows’ camping area about half past three. This shady corner of the canyon, offered respite from the sun and a chance to rest a bit before setting up our shelters. With the river nearby, water was easy to get and we eventually all got our camp set up.

This evening we sat on the logs around the old campfire ring (no fire) and had dinner together. A fair amount of time was spent hanging the food with much laughter, and JR lead us in singing an old Irish Pub song for entertainment. As the darkness settled quietly around us the stars came out and the Milky Way was a banner across the night sky.

Until tomorrow, safe travels and happy trails…