9/21/2014-10/4/2014 2,476 miles- Chaco Canyon, NM to Mexican Border

After two months on the road I had mixed emotions as the trip came to a close.  Nearing the end I experienced a deep sense of lonelyness that I hadn’t felt earlier in the trip.  At the same time a part of me didn’t want the trip to end.  A part of me wanted to take a few days and rest in preparation for continuing the trip south into Mexico.

Dry camp in New Mexico.

Relaxing at the Toaster House. Thank you!!!

Want some toast?

Day 59

By the time I made it to Pie Town, NM I could really sense that the trip was coming to an end.  I had lots of time and low miliage days to get to the border. Being Pie Town I had to partake in the namesake of the town.  I stoped at a cafe and order what I assume is a New Mexico special,  apple pie with green chilies.  It was delicious.

Just south of Pie Town along the route is a little sanctuary for long distance travelers, Nita’s Toaster House.  The house is open and available for long distance hikers, and bikers.  I spent the night there and it really felt like a home away from home.  Amazing how good it feels to have the comforts of home on the road.  Nita your generosity is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Nita’s Toaster House!

Journaling in the shade of the Ponderosas.

Enjoying the last couple of nights out.

Bikers version of the farmers tan.

Thanks Sena!

Desert

Day 66

With only one day left of riding to get to the border I entered the desert.  Just a couple days before I was surrounded by Ponderosa pines, the landscape was covered in ocatillo and cacti.  With only 100 miles to go it was difficult holding back.  I had two more days before my Brother and Mom would meet me at the Mexican border.  I pushed on to Separ just 75 miles from the end and found a Tepee to camp in.  At first I was planning to cowboy camp in the Tepee, but after a short investigation unearthed multiple black widow spiders, I opted to put my tent up in the Tepee.

For my last night on the trail the sky was ablaze with color.

Final evening on the trail.

Black Widow Palace!

Trip mascot!

Mexico!

Day 67

After 67 days on the trail and years of dreaming about it I had completed the Great Divide!  The final day was a breeze, driven by excitement the last 75 miles flew by.  With just 23 miles to get to the border I heard a vehicle behind me.  My Mom and Brother pulled up beside me and cheered.  I was so excited to see them.  We took a quick break and I gobbled up the homemade cookies that they had brought for me.  So great to have family there at the very end of such a big trip.

Fueled by cookies the last 23 miles were an easy task.  It felt really unbelievable to be completing such a long journey.  Thanks to everyone that supported me along the way!

Mexico!