update from Reserve NM 12-05-09

We have now hiked about 290 miles north of mexico and are in the (very small) town of Reserve, NM. Our best scenery has been on the 50 miles of the Gila river (lower and middle fork canyons for those who know the area) . Its been exciting- hot , dusty, too much water, too little water (!) and some coyotes , wolves and very few people on the way. We have met only two other hikers and we are now hiking with them! Richard and Ted are from Florida & Indiana respectively and are both retired but are hiking hard. Ted hikes in sandals and has no stove. Richard bivvies.
Martina on the first (of about 100!) crossing of the Gila.

Brian and Martina at 'Doc Campbells' welcome stopover half way up the Gila.

Ted and Martina cool their feet on the Gila middle fork....

Ted , Martina and Richard at 6.30 am on the top of 'Waggontongue' mountain....

A shot of Lance Armstrong from about 10 days ago cycling the 'tour of the gila' in silver city...