DESTINATION Generic 34 Photosets
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| Gila Wilderness Aeroplane Mesa, NM | |
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| | Gila Wilderness Aeroplane Mesa, NM | | | |
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Gila Wilderness Aeroplane Mesa, NM
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| Backpack | 8.00 Miles |
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| | Backpack | 8.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
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| no partners | | Spur of the moment trip, to revisit an area of the Middle Fork of the Gila River that I found enchanting several years ago on an extended backpacking trip. I found that from the Aeroplane Mesa TH it is just a short 4 miles to the Middle Fork, near Trotter Meadow, where I left the Middle Fork to cross over on my previous trip. Near the trail was a big alcove, I remember at the time thinking what a great campsite it would make. This trip, with rain in the offing, I set up in the alcove as a base camp. No need for a tent. With one goal met, I wanted to see more of the Middle Fork and return to the Flying V meadow and homesite area, a place that was and is just as special then as it is now.
Aeroplane Mesa is a beautiful grassy area dotted with small junipers and some pine which reminded me of areas around Sonoita or Patagonia. A pleasant jaunt down to the river, then after camp, I roamed up and down the Middle Fork, visiting Porcupine, Moonshine, Flying V and Canyon Creek side canyons. Thunderstorms came and went. Such a pleasure cooking in an alcove nice and dry and looking out to sheets of rain falling and mist rising from the canyons depths.
While hiking out the weather changed to noticeably colder and windy. Driving out a dusting of snow was on the road and in the forest up near the Crest trail. Hope folks up on top had some warm clothing on hand.
Some of the Aspens were changing as was some of the forest foliage. Fall is coming--- |
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