Where to? Gila National Forest, New Mexico?

9/16/09: Having left Big Bend N.P. in Texas, I was finally headed North toward the Gila National Forest. Originally, the second target destination for my roadtrip was to Mesa Verde N.P. in Colorado. The thing that sparked my interest in the Gila was a conversation with a local resident who lived near Big Bend. He said that he frequented the Gila and was a big fan. He gave me directions and said he was looking for property there. I didn't know much about the Gila. I called my old high school chum in Boston and asked him about the park. Remarkably, he said that he and his girlfriend loved the Gila and he was able to suggest a few spots to visit. He also said he'd be in Albuquerque the following weekend. It was quite a coincidence I thought. Unfortunately, we never did connect out West. I would have had to leave the Gila and drive to Albuquerque. I'd gotten way too comfortable in the Gila by this time, but more about that will follow. Dave and I eventually did meet up in Boston and we hiked in the White Mountains together.