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| 4x4 Trip | 30.90 Miles |
5,069 AEG |
| | 4x4 Trip | 30.90 Miles | 3 Hrs 16 Mns | | 9.46 mph |
| 5,069 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I drove out Battle Axe Road all the way to where Arizona Trail #16 turns away from the Gila River and heads north, where I placed a 12-gallon water cache for use by AZT hikers. After securing the jugs I drove down toward the river. I checked out the crossing on foot due to the need to cut a few large tree branches to get the Cherokee through, which I didn't have time for with a couple peaks awaiting me. But if I had gotten to the river, it would have been a relatively easy crossing... at least now with no visible flow and only 3-4" deep. I saw plenty of ATV tracks but nothing larger.
After checking out the river crossing I got back on Battle Axe Road heading east. I turned south to bring me back to the river lowlands and again east toward Walnut Canyon. Once I hit the Walnut Canyon wash I drove down to the river and across. Although the river bed was dry on the surface, it was definitely muddy and I ended up with mud all over including on the roof. Ok, enough play time, I have a few peaks to bag.
From the river I headed up the wash to Walnut Canyon then turned back west to begin the drive up and out. Road conditions were much worse than last year, although I'm sure some was as recent as the overnight rains as much of the debris was very fresh. Climbing the first steep grade some of the terrain gave way and for the first time four-wheeling I had both rear wheels off the ground and the rear differential sitting on the hump in the center of the track. I didn't have enough traction up front to pull the rear forward off the hump because the hump got higher, so I stacked rocks under the rear tires and backed up sliding the diff along the ground until it came free. I backed up far enough so I could take a different line and continue on up the hill. At the top I parked, set off on my first peak bag, returned from that hike, drove a few miles, bagged the second peak then headed for home.
Again too much video to edit before posting so it will be a few days. Hopefully I'll post photos today. |
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