Lake Katherine Hike

My first attempt at this hike was foiled by spring runoff raging rivers in May. In mid June the rivers were quite passable and the trail was in good condition. I referenced a few internet sites and the book Hiking New Mexico by Laurence Parent.
It is a beautiful hike through some very luscious thick riparian vegetation in the Pecos Wilderness about 30 minutes outside of Santa Fe. The hike is about 7 miles out to a Katherine lake which I did not make it to...we opted to stay at Spirit Lake which is just below the steep ascent to Lake Katherine. And here is why: We got lost (ish).
A warning to those hopeful about making this hike...the signage for the turn offs have been vandalized leaving you with a lot less information about your options. First sign you encounter states the trail (Tr261) is not maintained - which it is very much NOT maintained - but this is the most direct route by a LONG shot. The standard trail (Tr254) meanders quite a ways west before continuing north. We took the standard trail on the way in and the unmaintained trail on the way out and our hiking time was cut down to a third!!!!

We missed the turn off for Lake Katherine and had no daylight left to backtrack. Spirit Lake is also quite pretty thank goodness and my dog thoroughly enjoyed swimming.. The mosquito were quite impressively aggressive and loud...flash backs of my childhood in Michigan!

This was also a demo of some gear I plan to bring up Rainier next month.
1. Jetboil stove - 4 stars. Loved it for coffee in the morning especially, no complicated set up and ultra quick results.
2. Mountaineering boots...need to have a plan B here...killed my feet and ended up finishing the hike in my Keen sandals. Thanks Liz for your thoughtful generosity in getting these boots for me but I think they might be a short lived possession of mine!