After two weeks of walking the woods every other day it's time for a long delayed update. The Gila is beautiful right now. Depending upon whether you are on a north or south facing slope you are either trudging through some long awaited snow or on nice not quite dry trails.
The snow I've seen hasn't been deep enough to really impede progress, but did get me thinking about the possibility of getting out the X-Country skis and looking for some deeper areas.
On the south facing trails it's been temperate and lovely hiking weather. Layers work well and it's been comfortable for some nice long day hikes. There are still patches of snow for dogs to enjoy a cooling roll after a nice run. I noticed tents in spots so those who don't mind the colder nights are venturing out to enjoy a refreshing tent camping experience
I've also seen plenty of camping trailers, a sign that the current bow season for deer is ongoing and it's wise to have dogs clearly ID'd with some sort of blaze orange markers.
Sunday, January 3rd, we ventured up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and while it was uncomfortably, face and finger freezing cold along the canyon floor in the morning, the temps at the dwellings themselves were wonderful, and by the time we got back down to the canyon floor it had warmed up a bit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a Junior Ranger program with a nice activity book to help focus youngsters along the hike. It kept my goal oriented 8-year-old hiking buddy nicely occupied and attentive all along the way. (Note, dogs are not allowed on the Cliff Dweller trail itself which also costs $3 for adults to explore. There are some kennels at the contact station where you can leave your dog at no charge for the hour or so it takes to explore the cliff dwellings and there are other trails in the area where your dog is welcome.)
I wanted to update folks on Zulu the hero dog. She has still not been found. Searchers need to be mindful of private property and also should know that area residents are also keeping an eye out for her, so there is no need to knock on doors asking if folks have seen the dog. From what the paper is reporting it sounds like if locals see the dog they know who to contact. Also, folks should be respectful of private property while out on mercy missions.
From personal experience, I can tell you that local folks around here do go the extra mile to help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
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