[CDT-L] Cuba

[cdt-l@mailman.backcountry.net (Marilyn Dykstra)]

I don't disagree with your points.  Unfortunately, land and water rights
in New Mexico are more complex than in any other state I've ever lived
in.  (Although I don't currently reside there, I lived there for 10
years and like to consider myself a "naturalized resident" of New
Mexico.)  To understand land and water rights in New Mexico, you need to
study the regional history of Mexico and the US and how the tensions
over these unresolved rights continue to this day.  

In regards to Native American historical sites, you have to study and
respect access to them from a Native American perspective.  Although I'm
not sure which sites you are referring to, I do know that many Native
American sites in New Mexico are not merely considered historical from a
Native American point of view.  Rather they are revered as sacred.

In spite of differences between Hispanics, Anglos and Native Americans,
I also add that the residents of New Mexico were when I arrived some of
most welcoming, open, and friendly people I have met anywhere. And
although I wasn't born there, when I go back to live there permanently,
I will feel as if I have returned home. 

Marilyn
CDT section hiker   
   
ROYROBIN@aol.com wrote:
> 
> << ... in all my miles of walking on trails I've found the denizens of New
>  Mexico to be the most friendly, helpful, and generous of all the states I've
>  visited. Therefore I feel privledged to present my experiences along New
>  Mexico's CDT in my new book: Along New Mexico's Continental Divide Trail,
>  Westcliffe Publishers. >>
> 
> >From my admittedly far-removed point of view, it seems odd that the CDT
> through New Mexico hasn't been more defined and developed than it is to date.
>  It would seem to be in the best interests of all the diverse interests in
> the state.  I'm a newcomer to this list and you all may be tired of beating
> on this issue -- or maybe not -- so don't jump on me too hard for tossing out
> my humble opinion.  Which is:
> 
> The CDT should take hikers on a tour of some of the historic and geological
> wonders of New Mexico, even at the expense of adding miles, and provide an
> unpaved (off-road) path for visitors to enjoy.
> 
> o  The value of a relatively narrow trail right-of-way through private lands
> is surely higher than the value of the grazing land forfeited.  At worst, the
> land could still be grazed on a shared basis.
> 
> o  Native American historic sites are a huge tourist attraction.  Isn't there
> some educational as well as economic value in bringing hikers into these
> sites?  What an opportunity for historic and cultural education!
> 
> o  Tourists bring money into the state.  CDT hikers are the most desirable
> kind of tourist.  They (with maybe one or two exceptions) do not litter or
> pollute, are thankful for any assistance, eager to learn about local
> geologic, historic and archeologic attractions, and always return to there
> homes full of stories about the wonders they have seen along the way, no
> matter how tough it may have occasionally been for them.
> 
> It seems to me that there is opportunity here, for the state, citizens,
> businesses, special interests and the hikers, to benefit from an established
> National Scenic Trail.
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