West Fork Gila River
October 31, 2023
The West Fork Gila just might be the perfect fall hike. A cold start is the price you pay for maximum color, but it's totally worth it. Note the beavers are back, and they are BUSY!! The first 1/4 mile is basically flooded.
Gila Hikers, L to R: Marlin, Ken, Natalie, Kim and Dennis.
Grudging Grave. According to Findagrave.com: "The Grudging brothers, Henry (Hank), William (Willie), and Charley, built a cabin on the West Fork of the Gila River (Silver City, NM) in 1885. They were known to be cattle rustlers, although they made similar claims against the Wood family, who had a homestead over the mountain on Iron Creek. In 1893, William allegedly ambushed and killed 15-year-old Charley Wood and Francisco Diaz, who were bringing in supplies from Mogollon. In retaliation, Tom Wood killed William Grudgings but was found not guilty upon surrendering to Silver City authorities in 1896. William was buried by his brothers near the Grudgings cabin, which stood for many years. His headstone inscription, which reads: William Grudgings, 'Waylaid and Murdered By Tom Wood, October 8, 1893, Age 37 Years 8 Months'."
One of the many very impressive beaver dams on the West Fork.
Classic Gila.
Fall color, about as good as it gets in this part of the world.
Kim and Ken.
Cliff dwelling next to a large cave.
Cliff dwelling on the West Fork.
Only one river to cross, but so many times!
This is the "trail"!
This is the reason!
Fall, by the West Fork Gila River and George Winston.