Yesterday, I drove north through Salt River Canyon and turned southeast along a narrow, lonely stretch of road to Fort Apache. The Apache Indian Reservation is a little different than other national forests – they like visitors to pay at every stop. I wanted to visit the Kinishba Ruins, but after learning they were several miles up a dirt road, required a permit to walk through, and would cause me to backtrack from town, decided instead to tour their museum. It was only $3 and worth not a penny more. Most of the exhibits were about ceremonial dances and culture. I like many types of music but I just can’t get into the Native American chants.
I drove north a few miles and pulled down a back road where a sign announced that there was a campground ahead, but all campers needed a permit to stay. Permit means I would have to drive back to town to pay. I figured that this late in the year nobody would be around so I parked way back in the woods, hoping not to get caught. My van was the only vehicle on the campground and I only saw a couple of cars pass by on the road.
I woke up early and left without incident. I was happy to get off the reservation and back to National Forest land. The weather is going to turn bad in a couple of days so I will check out the area west of Show Low today then move south to lower elevations.
I don’t think I have ever had a reason to take that road. Your report makes me think I haven’t missed much.
permits permits now day seems like everyone is find ways to make a dollar. The Smokies are trying to get things together so they can start charging hikers (and no one else) a fee for using the trail that the local hiking club maintains. $4.00 per night. Has your body started repairing itself? What about your weight I know for my self it does not take long. I agree one does not know how hard the trail is until they hike it. No book can do that. Best of luck on your travels West.