Hike #67 – CD Trail up Signal Peak Rd. A.K.A. – My Knees Hurt!
In my youth, whenever I would want an adventure, I would go sky diving, hot air ballooning, or skiing (got over that one quick!), and then, as I became a scutch more responsible, my adventures turned to traveling: Spain, Italy, France, Belgium. When I began this hiking challenge, I did not anticipate the sense of adventure I would experience. I thought it would be a way to get in better shape, a way to push myself farther. But the adventure bug is really happy when I start a hike I’ve never been on. What will I see, where does it go, what’s around the next bend in the path?
When Pamela contacted me for a hike, she said she wanted to do a hike she never did before and after some research, decided she wanted to aim for the Twin Sisters. The Twin Sisters are well-known here due to their resemblance to Madonna’s bra. What Hoodoos do for the ladies, the Twin Sisters will bring snickers from the men. For all the stats, check out this site: http://www.summitpost.org/twin-sisters-nm/390937
Early on, I decided I liked hiking with Pamela. She brought a map and had written directions off the internet. What a girl scout. Okay, she’s actually on Search and Rescue and I want very much to keep on her good side….just in case. This is my style of hiking. A girl with a plan!
We park far up towards the summit of Signal Peak where there’s a pull off and well-marked CDT signs. This is a continuation of the CD trail from my hike last week with Steve (see Hike #65). We meander up in altitude and through a pine tree forest enjoying the shade on a warm June day. Along the way we see a variety of flowers in bloom and wonderful views. The trail takes a decidedly turn downward and find ourselves down the mountain side and at the base of ‘the girls’. Man, I can think of about 100 pseudonyms to use right now!
We consider the fact that we have a long climb back up to the car and with my knees being sore, decide to honor the mounts from the base. A challenge for another time perhaps. We see a mountain biker from Bisbee along the way, admire his abilities, and head back home.
At one point, we see an odd shape trunk of a tree and Pamela sums it up wonderfully. “That’s like life. It may take an unexpected turn, but then it gets back on track again.”
5.40 miles /4.0 hours
67 down / 33 to go
Posted on June 13, 2012, in CD Trail, Challenge, Continental Divide, Gila National Forest, Hiking, Nature, New Mexico, Outdoor Activities, Outdoors, Silver City, Southwest and tagged CD Trail, challenge, Continental Divide, Gila, Gila Wilderness, hike, hiking, New Mexico, Pinos Altos, Silver City, Southwest. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
100 Hikes Near Silver City, New Mexico 
oh, i know exactly what you’re talking about when you say your “adventure bug” gets happy at the start of a hike. i get almost giddy with happiness and anticipation at the trailhead of a trail i’ve never walked before. great photos, too. can’t wait to visit new mexico and get some miles in.
I thought I’d have to make a grand gesture of adventure to feed my desire. But it turns out, all I need is something new and interesting. It’s a lot safer and cheaper than my youthful adventures!
thanks for the kind words Linda! I very much enjoyed our hike and talk. After a nap, I am much recovered. Looking forward to summitting the Girls one of these days. And by the way, your writing skills are just fine – easy to read and fun!
Pamela, you’re a great hiking partner! Let’s go again soon! I didn’t get a nap, but I did fall asleep around 8:30 at night!
Sore knees, consider trekking poles. They made a huge difference for me.
I do use a single stick; I always thought for balance in rugged terrain. They can help with weak knees too?
Use two poles and it will make a world of difference. Get ones with anti-shock.
Thanks for the idea, I may just have to try that…even today I’m in discomfort.