May 19, 2025
‘Red line’ mile marker 146.0 to 158.7
Hiked today: 11.7 miles / 18.8 km
Hiked so far: 158.7 miles / 255.4 km (approx: 5.1%)

Starting around 6 am, after a small snack, we headed down the highway towards Silver City. The road was busy with morning traffic and there was only a narrow shoulder with a steep drop down into a dry gutter on each side. This meant we were constantly looking out for cars and stepping further down the slope each time they approached. It was made worse because there was only one lane in each direction, and the traffic was moving at 60mph with nobody slowing down for hikers.

Despite this being the actual trail route, there appeared to be no road signs directing traffic to watch out for hikers. Another small problem was finding a suitable spot to dig a toilet which was not visible to passing cars!

We nevertheless managed the 10 tedious miles without major incident, then took the turnoff to Silver City. We met a hiker heading in the opposite direction who was finishing his southbound journey through New Mexico, then planned to hike from the northern border on northwards through Colorado and the rest of the trail. He passed on some useful tips regarding water availability and must-see places to go.

On into Silver City we went. It turns out to be quite an historic town, quirky in some ways with a bit of a new agey vibe. People are friendly and we’ve had great homemade ice cream milkshakes and really good coffee. We will spend 2 nights in the Palace Hotel. This was built as a bank in 1883, then converted into a hotel. Back home, it would be heritage listed. It is somewhat in need of repair but quite atmospheric.

Tomorrow, we will look around town, buy our supplies for the next section, and rest up our tired bodies.