Highlights:
1. Celebrating Bobi’s 44th birthday over the phone.
2. Taking the old-school steam train into Chama.
3. Enjoying a much-needed Mexican dinner.
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 36 km
• Starting point: km 3525
• Ending point: Chama access point, km 3559
• Weather conditions: Hot
Daily Reflections: The Train to Chama and Bobi’s Birthday Bash
The day started with my alarm ringing at 6 a.m., a sound that’s beginning to feel as familiar as my own heartbeat. I started hiking by 7, determined to reach the post office in Chama before they closed at 5 p.m. But of course, the trail had other ideas. At least four times, I lost the path and ended up backtracking, wasting about 30 minutes in total. The CDT loves to keep me on my toes—literally.
Despite the minor setbacks, it was a stunning day of hiking. The closer I got to the New Mexico border, the more the landscape shifted. The aspens returned in all their autumn glory, bathed in yellow and orange, and it was one of those picture-perfect moments that make you stop and breathe it all in. Around then, I finally got cell service and called Bobi to wish him a happy 44th. We shared a nice moment on the phone—a little slice of normalcy amid the wilderness.
As I reached the highway, I heard the unmistakable sound of a train. Not just any train, mind you, but a vintage steam train straight out of a Wild West movie. I’d read that it comes by once a day and costs $32 for the ride into town. My original plan was to hitch, but when I saw three other hikers sprinting toward the train after spending two hours failing to get a lift, I decided to join them (TripleT, Neo and Flood). The train ride was a leisurely 90 minutes, and I have to admit, it was worth every penny. There’s something oddly soothing about chugging along in an old steam engine, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
Once in Chama, I made a beeline for the post office and managed to get there before closing time—mission accomplished. The three hikers I’d met shared a hotel room, and while they seemed to have settled in for the night, I found myself feeling a little adrift. But, I treated myself to a glass of wine and learned about some local trail angels who were offering lodging to hikers for a mere 30$. Dinner was a hearty Mexican meal—exactly what I needed after a long day on my feet.
The trail angel, Tumble Weed, came to pick me up after dinner and took me to his house/workshop, where him and another guy make hiker gear and clothes. I’m curious to check out their work tomorrow, though I’m not sure how much sleep I’ll get tonight. It’s one of those places that feels a little too lively for a quiet night’s rest. But, as always, I’ll take what I can get.
Good night.
