With less than twelve miles to get to Cuba, we were looking to reach town before noon, thus beating the afternoon heat, especially since the last portion of the miles would be spent pounding the pavement on a roadwalk.
The day rose bright and beautiful with a clear blue sky and like yesterday we were up on a mesa rim with views that went to the horizon, truly a bird's eye view of the landscape. Much of the time we walked a gritty path right along the edge needing only a step to the right to peer over the precipice.
After a couple of hours of easy hiking we left the rim behind and made a gradual descent through scattered juniper into a sage filled arroyo hemmed in by canyon walls on both sides. One of the vivid memories on this particular track was coming across a severed badger claw lying smack dab in the middle of the trail. I wondered how such a thing had happened, after all, despite their size, badgers are known to be pretty fierce creatures. In a fair fight, I certainly couldn't see a single coyote taking one on. A pack? Maybe. However, the pack's time would more easily be spent in hunting down rabbits or hares, which I'm sure are quite common in these parts. A mountain lion would certainly do the trick, but badger is certainly not on that predator's regular menu. Perhaps the aggressive little beast was already dead and a claw was all that the scavengers left after picking the bones clean and scattering the rest. So were my thoughts as I plodded onward.
Coming out of the diminutive side canyon, we entered open sage-covered land and it was here that the trail merged with a two-track on the far side of Arroyo Chijuilla. Another tall mesa loomed directly in front of us, but we knew we'd never reach its rim, for at its base ran the 197, a black ribbon of highway leading to Cuba.
On reaching the blacktop, I did as I always do, kick it into overdrive. Shroomer and Why Not were soon far behind, but ahead of me I finally spied Wyoming, who, as usual, had got an early sunrise jump on the rest of us. The idea of catching her before the road reached Cuba lent wings to my feet and gradually the distance between us diminished. Before long, the gap had been bridged and we walked into town side by side. Not wanting to waste time, we hastened to the post office where resupply packages awaited and unbeknownst to us there was a hiker register for CDTers at the counter. With mail retrieved, we waited outside for Scott and Nancy, who, without much delay, were soon seen rounding the corner onto main street.
Reassembled as a group, we headed further into town toward the Del Prado. On the way, instead of just passing by, we stopped at the CDT information kiosk and posed for a few photos. I think the small display made us all feel appreciated and welcome in this out of the way town in New Mexico. Mrs. Yang, the proprietor of the hotel, made us feel even more welcome. She is very attentive to hikers needs and more than willing to do what she can to help. It being a Saturday afternoon, the library was closed, but she happily lent us her laptop so we could check our e-mail and check the news. Knowing that Wyoming and I didn't often stay in trail towns, Shroomer and Why Not generously picked up the lion's share of the room rental, all we were asked to do was pay for the extra person fee as the four of us were sharing a double. Thanks guys!
What did we do in Cuba? First, lunch in a local cafe. Next, back to the room for showers and a bit of down time. Then, take those smelly old clothes to the laundromat. After that, write a few e-mails. In addition, greet Blister, who has finally caught up with us. Furthermore, enjoy a Mexican dinner at Brunos. Lastly, kick back and watch a few movies and the NBA playoffs. Wow, I could get used to these town stops. Well........ not really.
11.6 Miles
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| The Rim of Mesa Portales |
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| A Gradual Descent |
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| Side Canyon |
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| Two-Track Near Arroyo Chijuilla |
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| Kiosk in Cuba |
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