Cautiously Optimistic

Last weekend the Hummingbird Fire in the Gila Wilderness had consumed more than 5,600 acres and was zero percent contained. Its location, directly to the west of our proposed trek, and prevailing westerly winds did not bode well for us. The path of the fire would be toward the trails we were to hike and the fire was growing unabated. Things were looking grim.

But over last weekend the weather took a turn for the better. They got rain and even more rain than expected. The relative humidity was high, lowering the Energy Release Component (ERC) which is an index of how hot a fire can burn. Hotter fires spread faster. Low ERC is great news. Also, it appears that the wind was out of the east, blowing the fire back on itself, limiting its spread. All in all the growth of the fire stalled at 5,650 acres and the containment rose to 76%. A huge improvement.

Of course 76% is not a hundred percent and the weather could shift to red flag dry and windy. That could undo some of the containment that has occurred. But so far the weather is more or less cooperating. With one week to go until our Gila trek starts, fingers are crossed that the firefighters can keep up their momentum.

In other news, Nancy (the Professor) and I have been in Kansas for the weekend, visiting a group of college/hiking friends at Jolly Rancher’s ranch. Old friends, good food, in an idyllic setting. What is not to like?

Finally, my training hikes have me slowly, but surely improving with more distance, more elevation, and less exhaustion after each. I do notice a diminution of my stamina over years past, but I’m not out of the game yet. I am pulling down 10-12 miles, 1,500-1,700 feet of elevation gain and loss, and coming out the other end feel tired, but pretty good. And all this with a full backpack. Assuming we get to hike the Gila Loop, I think I’ll do fine. I guess I’ll find out next week.

As far as next week’s post, I will have started our hike by next Sunday and will be off the grid for the following week. I will write everyday, and will post the whole trip when I finally get back in wi-fi contact on May 22 or 23.

Until then, safe travels and happy trails…