Outward Link Trail Case Not Decided Yet

Taoseños may be aware that the Outward Link Trail bench trial was this week. The Outward Link Trail would have been an ideal alternate route for the part of the thru-hike that now goes along Route 64 for 0.3 miles.

Fortunately, I do have an alternate route that lets people avoid walking on Route 64.

I’ve never been happy with this alternate route. I worry about the easement. The alternate route exists on multiple maps (and so is “notorious” in the legal meaning of the term), which helps, but that’s not enough.

I can bring up the tax records for this area fairly easily. They’re also shown below.

As far as checking the deeds and getting documentation that an easement really does exist through here, I think it’s time to call the Taos County clerk’s office. In worst case scenario, we just stick to the 0.3-mile walk along Route 64.

Ironically, that 0.3 miles is the most dangerous part of the thru-hike. Even coming down the south side of Santa Barbara Divide probably isn’t as dangerous. That said, please don’t worry too much about the brief Route 64 walk. I have been told by two people that it’s not that big of a deal. And yet, I keep worrying about it.

The guidebook progresses

It’s being proofread.

I will be doing a reading/book event in Santa Fe at TravelBug on Saturday, May 31st, at 5-6pm.

We have a new resupply option

It’s right about at the half-way point and only 0.2 miles from the route of the thru-hike. It will be a significantly better option than having to walk 2+ miles down Route 518 to get to Sipapu and pick up your box (and wait for Sipapu’s front office to be open).

More info soon. I want the check to clear… 🙂 . Don’t want to jinx it. (Which is ridiculous, but there we are.)

Many forest roads and campgrounds are still closed until May 1

Forest Road 437 is still closed (so are most, if not all of the forest roads in Carson National Forest). I drove in and checked anyways… Yep: Closed.

The road to Panchuela Campground and the road to Winsor Trailhead (near Cowles) in the Pecos are also still closed. There’s plenty of fishing going on along the Pecos, though.