Wednesday 11-17-10 Hike to Hot Springs

Wednesday – 11/17/10


Photos: 

Today we are going to hike to the Hot Spring! We pack a sandwich and something to drink. After breakfast we are on the trail at 11:30am. Ok, so we are slow.

The trail that we have already walked doesn’t seem nearly as hard or take as long. Unlike that Appalachian Trail, this trail has no trees to leave marks on. The trail is marked by rocks piled up. If you are not to turn to the right on what looks to be the trail, there are rocks lined up across the trail as a marker. It would be very easy to get lost if your mind wanders or you aren’t paying attention. Looking into the near distance there can be what appear to be different trails to take.

The sun and shadows add to the ambience of the scenery. With the sun behind a prickly pear cactus the thorns leap to a brilliant fiery red. Canyons and crevices punctuate the vast emptiness. Mid-day sun sends animals of all sizes to seek the coolness of shade where ever it might be found. Crickets and birds are the only animals to be seen.

The last 1/3 of the trial is close by the Rio Grande River. This area has the more varied scenery. A couple of spots on the river look like they would be a great private swimming hole if there were only some access. There just wasn’t anyway to get down to them. The best swimming hole was already occupied by 6 turtles. They swam lazily in the green clear water.

Boulders were everywhere in the next section. Lots of shadowy areas were around for small creatures and snakes to curl into for shade and safety. Large rocks were floating on several smaller rocks and looked like you could just roll them from one place to another…if they weren’t wedged in.

Next was an area which had fossils in the path of the trail. One had rocks piled around it so you wouldn’t miss it or step on it. The shell was larger than Thomas’ shoe! Other fossils appeared to be leaves and smaller shells.

Now the horses on the Mexican side come into view and we know it can’t be much farther. At long last, the Hot Spring comes into view. As we approach the only group there is leaving.

Hiding in the reeds, we change clothes. Then hunger overcomes us. A fast sandwich and we are seeking the refreshing water. The Hot Spring water feels good but I’m more interested in the cold water of the river. Oh yes! The river’s cold water soothes the heat of the sun and wind toasted shoulders and the feet which have walked almost 3 miles on very hot sandy soil.

Now it is time to turn our attention to the return trip. Our hope is to find someone to give us a ride back to the campground. Sorry, the next two groups have no extra room. Neither of us wants to walk back but if we had to it would be shorter going back on the trail rather than to try to walk the road and hope to hitch a ride. Finally, with us about to give up, a couple shows up just to look at the Hot Spring. They have the room and give us a ride back.

More people have moved into the campground. It’s starting to fill up. By Saturday, all the spots which can be pre-booked will be occupied. Thanksgiving week is to be one of the busiest of the year hear.

A really nice couple moved in across from us. They are Mike and Adela from Texas. We enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them.

Get back with you soon.......