Day 58: To Gila National Forest (Sapillo Campground)
Tuesday March 30, 2010, 55 miles (89 km) - Total so far: 2,557 miles (4,115 km)
Waking up in the Hillsboro campground was freezing. We have been slowly gaining elevation, and last night was the first time we slept outside at such an elevation. We quickly packed up and went to the only cafe in town. After some pancakes and eggs, and a lot of coffee, we were ready to tackle Emory Pass. Thiswas our first day of real climbing. We gained 2000+ feet in about 8 miles of switchbacks. Constant switchbacks, constant climbing. It was amazing. We encountered snow on thw mountainside and some serious views. And then of course, we had the payoff. About 18 miles of mostly downhill switchbacks. Later in the day we had more climbing, not as serious, as we crossed the Continental Divide for the first time. Not a bad day.
