Latest SoBo Start on the AZT?

[Trew]

I have an offer for a ride up to the Utah border to start a Sobo hike back towards Pine.

I am wondering, is a mid- late October start from Utah too late in the year? Maybe get going around October 20.

This offer just popped up today from someone I know in Pine.

Can I do this?

[sandyfortner]

No. That should be a great time to go.

[tdwood]

@Trew Is it too late for what? Fall color? Above-freezing nighttime temps? Snow-free travel? As long as you're prepared for the realities of high-country backpacking this time of year, it's never too late. Some timeframes are just more ideal than others. Be informed: All things AZT can be found at

http://www.aztrail.org

Safe travels!

[Sredfield]

I second the concerns about freezing temps and maybe snow.

[Trew]

I am wondering about water from the Utah border to the North Rim. I am not sure I'll be able to place any water caches in that section.

[steelcranium]

@Trew
Hi Trew. I'm starting AZT southbound this Thursday(10/19). Fly into Page at noon, and a shuttle arranged to take me to Stateline. Holler if you wind up starting at same time. Maybe we'll cross paths. I'll post my travels on instagram (search for: jasonrepko). And I'll post comments to the Guthook app regarding water sources. Might help if you're behind me by a day or two.

Weather looks good for next week or so. I know overnights are going to be very cold. I figure when I make it to Flagstaff I'll reassess weather and conditions and decide to forge onto the middle 3rd of the state, or, head back to mine if things don't look favorable. Generally speaking, all the long term forecasts for AZ over the next month or say a likelihood of temperatures above normal and precip below normal. But I certainly know that could change quickly as well. So, I remain informed and cautiously optimistic and will just take what nature gives me on this one for as long as she is willing.

Jason

[Trew]

@steelcranium

Seems I have run into some complications. I had a MRI on my hip last week. I thought it was just a groin problem. Ortho doc said, no, its a hip.

So he ordered an MRI.

If that looks ok, I would like to start on the 20 or 21st from the border and go to Flagstaff.

Everything is still in doubt right now, but I could be packed and ready in a day.

One resupply at south Rim and I figure I could buy enough there to get me to Flagstaff so no resupply box needed.

I will be 69 in December but figure I could be at the South Rim in 8 or 9 days. Depends if I can stay a night at the bottom of the Canyon.

-Trew

[steelcranium]

@Trew
I think you have a good plan. Good luck! I just got word this evening that a friend has passed, so I'm deciding on whether to continue as planed, delay, or cancel altogether.

[Trew]

I was into the Doc today on a MRI consult I had last week.

MRI shows I have avascular necrosis and need a new hip joint. The right leg and hip are deteriorating rather rapidly. Surprisingly so. I should have surgery in 4- 5 weeks.

So end my plans for a sobo hike on the AZT this October. Maybe next year. left hip is showing signs of the same problem but as of right now, no symptoms on the left side. I should be ok and back out backpacking in 3- 4 months.

So the hiking season 2017 comes to a close for me.

-Trew

[Tortoise_Hiker]

@Trew
Good Luck!!

[big_load]

@Trew

It must be very frustrating, but you've dealt with worth. My sister-in-law has had both hips replaced and she bounced back pretty quickly both times. She was 64 the second time, and less active than you.

Good luck!