Mexican Border to Lordsburg

I am finally on the trail!  

The drive to the border went smoothly, with a few stops to cache water along the way.  Border Patrol was on high alert, as we received a helicopter fly-by within ten minutes of reaching the fence.  After the requisite photos, we began the dry, shadeless, 83-mile hike to Lordsburg.  

This part of the trail was fairly straightforward: Follow the posts/signs in the desert scrub or dirt roads, as there is not actual tread.  The GPS came in quite handy when the posts were knocked over or the roads intertwined.  

We received visits from Border Patrol when taking a siesta in the shade of an informational kiosk by the highway (at 4'x4', it was the best shade for miles).  The first officer was just saying hello, but the second pair was much more formal, as they had received a call that it appeared a couple border crossers had given up and were waiting at the road to be picked up (I hope we did not look quite that bad...).  At least they are being vigilant.

Crazy Cook Monument, Mexican Border

Posts are the only sign of trail 'construction' for long stretches.

Brooks looking for the next sign.

BYO shade

Locals

Working windmill water source.