Crowded Trails this Morning

I was running up Pat Scott Canyon Trail to the Crest Trail this morning and stopped at the trail intersection to catch my breath. I looked down the other side of the ridge - towards Mexico - and saw a train of illegals hiking up about 100 yards from me. They were headed north (makes sense) and I was headed south. I stayed to watch - over 30 people and the last guy was dragging a sleeping bag behind him - I am guessing to cover the tracks.

As I went my way, I wondered what I would do if I came face to face with a large group like that on the trail. I figured I would use an "Ola Amigo", make a friendly gesture and go on by the group. I did not have to wait long to test my plan out. After reaching Bear Saddle, I headed south down the Ida Canyon Trail and planned to loop back to the Crest Trail. This was a new trail for me - I had started down this way once but the downed trees and lack of time turned me back after a quarter of a mile. Today I had the time and looked forward to completing the loop. About three-quarters of a mile down I came face to face with a group - the leader was about 30 feet away with the others (I could see 7) further behind.

I said hello and motioned that I wanted to go on by - he did not say a word but only nodded his head. He also had one hand behind his back and never did show the hand. I looked at him, looked at the others behind him and said Adios - I don't want to take the chance. I turned and ran the way I had come. He never did say a word to me - and in that hand was it rock, stick, or gun? I did not care to find out. He had a look of all business - with paying clients behind him.

I decided to head along the Crest Trail out to Miller Peak and back - this is familiar territory. I ran a side route that stays high to see how much litter had accumulated in an area I cleaned up last spring - quite a bit. About 10 minutes later I came across another group of about 20 people - this time the lead man responded with a hello and the nature of the area allowed me to give them a wide berth. I continued on to Miller Peak. At the top I stopped to enjoy the view and just below the peak was another illegal immigrant in the brush - he was a bit surprised to see me but did say hello. There was at least one other person in the brush and I did not care to go snooping around so left a short time latter.

The rest of the run was uneventful - made a side trip up Carr Peak and headed back to the car. This last bit - a much more popular route - I came across three hikers enjoying the day. It was incredible how many illegals I saw today - in the past I have encountered a few here and there but over 50 in one day and 4 separate groups?!! May have been that with the high winds the coyotes know that the Border Patrol helicopters are grounded and they take the opportunity to make the trip. Now I can say for sure that I have seen many more illegal immigrants on the trails in the Huachucas than other hikers or runners.