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Hiking | 14.00 Miles |
2,200 AEG |
| Hiking | 14.00 Miles | 6 Hrs 35 Mns | | 3.05 mph |
2,200 ft AEG | 2 Hrs Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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Partners |
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[ show ]
| partners | | Bummed after realizing that my truck shopping delay meant backpacking entirely in the dark and probably not being able to find Jake's campsite, I decided to camp out near First Water and dayhike into Marsh Valley the next morning to meetup. I stealthily drove up a dry wash in the wee hours of the morning to catch a few hours of sleep.
I awoke at dawn in the bed of my truck, threw my pack together, and drove a short distance to the trailhead, where I met Jack (mnlumberjack). After chatting for a few minutes in the chilly morning air, I set off on the Dutchman Trail.
I made good time, and was soon on the Bull Pass Trail, where I had my first glimpse of Aylor's Arch in the distance. After crossing the healthy water flows of Needle Canyon, I found myself at the junction of the Cavalry Trail in Marsh Valley, in just under two hours from the trailhead. Not noticing the word "Yeti" with an arrow clearly spelled out in rocks at my feet, I listened carefully for voices in an attempt to locate Jake and company. I heard chatter upstream, and so I went, finding two guys who directed me a bit further up the trail.
I arrived at camp and Dustin let me know I had found the right place. Dan and Tim introduced themselves, and Jake emerged from the creek bottom moments later. I rested in the shade of a mesquite while the guys finished packing. Before long our group of five was heading west toward First Water, moving at a pleasant pace, and stopping now and then for a short break on this warm winter afternoon. Thoughts of food spurred us on. Back at the trailhead, we parted ways, and I began another round of truck shopping.
Jake and Dustin: great to see you again! Jack, Dan, and Tim: it was a pleasure meeting you guys.  |
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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan |
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