Final push, CDT Southern Terminus

It’s interesting how the mind works and how body and mind go together. Southern New Mexico had been very hard on both after my decision of sticking to the main CDT trail, avoiding all the easier/shorter alternates. My mind then focused on making it to Silver City, NM as a reasonable, meaningful mid-term goal. When I got there, I was relieved and happy. When I tried to keep going after a short break, it was like I couldn’t make it anymore.

The high desert of Southern New Mexico

Of course I kept going, it was only 160 more miles to the Southern Terminus and the end of the trip. You’d see the flat route profile and think it would be easy but no way, the CDT stayed true to its rough character to the very end while traversing the dry grasslands and low bush of Southern New Mexico. No space for any wandering of the mind, close focus on the faint trail and the far away following marker. I needed to make a conscious effort to keep up. My mind was done and my body just followed.

I made it to the CDT Southern Terminus mid morning on 30th October, 141 days after I departed from Waterton, Canada. It was a very emotional moment.

Tired and happy