SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Anyone familiar with my posts knows that I spend a lot of time hiking in the Gila (pronounced Heela) National Forest and Wilderness, terrifying my dog Ted with novel and usually unwise routes in search of better views. Often these quests don't pan out and we end up in precarious situations. Ted keeps us from being totally lost, though he's had his flub-ups. But even when things go really wrong I am glad to have seen a new area (Ted is not).

Last Sunday I visited Gallinas (Ga-YEE-nas, means chickens, don't ask me why) Canyon, a favorite of mine because of its outstanding rock formations and steep canyon walls, not to mention a beautiful creek which is finally flowing after a pretty much dry summer, and after little snow in the winter. Except for a few access points it is virtually impossible to reach, so of course I'm always looking for new ways to get down to it, or at least for new vantage points for photos. It ended up being a gift day in that I found both. After only a moderate scramble across a difficult hillside we were rewarded with a great view of the canyon. Well, I was; Ted was rewarded with cow pies. Then when I asked him to lead us back the way we came, he gave me a knowing look and headed downhill towards the creek. I worried that we'd end up on a cliff but Ted had found a cow trail that actually led to the bottom of the canyon without difficulty. From there it was perhaps a mile to an established if little used trail (mostly by cows and cowboys) that I intended to return by, but Ted decided on a weird shortcut that cut off the first half of the trail and was far steeper...whatever, we got back to the car with only a few scrapes, good memories, and some decent photos. I hope you enjoy them.

Sorry, UTMike, if you're reading this, Ted was not in a posing mood that day--so no shots of him.

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Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Definitely looked like rugged terrain! Very nice hike!

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

I hope you realize how excellent #6 is. Hike on, Feral.

MichaelEBM Loc: Los Angeles CA

I absolutely agree with Cany143. #6 was my favorite from this interesting series. The interplay of the tree, the leaves and the rocks was nicely composed.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Yes, incredibly rugged, and difficult yet rewarding hiking. You see why I am always in awe of cattle grazing out there? It's a bit annoying, as it is evidently no problem for them, while I struggle to stay on my feet.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I didn't actually, and had to go back and count through the images too see which one you were talking about. Coming from you--I very much admire your work--this is high praise, and I thank you. This was one of the first shots I took in the canyon's bottom, where I was suddenly cold after having been on that sunny, exposed mountainside, and the unpictured Ted was splashing in the cool stream. Like the areas you frequent, this is one of extremes. I do plan to hike on until I can't, and then I'll have all these memories to keep me happy. (Ha. I'd go nuts if I couldn't get out there but it's something I need to plan for).

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you!--and welcome to UHH--is it true you just joined us today? In that case I am even more flattered that you commented on my post. I have been in love with the Gila for over three decades, its rugged beauty. I have lived here for more than half my life now, which tells you I'm no spring chicken (gallina, ha). I will explore it for as long as I am able to, and will post photos of it on UHH so that others may appreciate it as well.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Very nice, SWFeral. (south west gone wild, I like that!). I've always liked that part of New Mexico. Nice photos.

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

I absolutely love the Gila Forest area. I only get there every 2 or 3 years, but it is a favorite area of mine. We used to stop about 1/2 way up to the cliff dwellings, at a lodge that attracted more hummingbirds than I had ever seen in my life! I loved that place, sad it was closed the last few times we went. But thanks for sharing your photos and story. I really enjoyed them.

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

Just where is this place? You make no mention of what state or even what country this is in. Your avatar has no info either as to where you are from, which might give us a clue.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Fantastic downloads and what a great place to hike!

DragonsLady Loc: Los Alamos, NM

I'm with Ted; looks too rugged for a four-legged animal and much worse for a crazy two legged one. I'm not crazy so I probably would never try it. But you did get some interesting pictures and Ted got to drink and splash in water.

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

Well worth the climb!

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

Tom, it is the Gila National Forest, in New Mexico near Silver City. The cliff dwellings and Forest are part of our National Parks.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Wonderful series! My crew still believes a beginning or ending pic of Ted would have worked, but they are spoiled - lol.