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| Backpack | 9.00 Miles |
2,297 AEG |
| | Backpack | 9.00 Miles | | | |
| 2,297 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | It has been forever since I have been here it seems. 2006 I wrote up the description on here. I had wanted to return during monsoon to camp just off the trail where it saddles over, then explore a bit on top. The views up here are simply amazing, of the interior of the small wilderness, looking down on Holdout canyon which I have backpacked in several times. Also the far away view of the Aravaipa country and looking toward the north Santa Teresa's'; reservation territory.
I love stormy weather, I love being out in it. I remembered very little of this trek. The road seemed better in some areas and more washed out in others. I added about a half mile both ways as I did not take the Toyota all the way down to Sand Tank, worried that the impending rain would make the decomp granite and dirt much more slippery. Still need 4wd and clearance, as it is a frame twister, but depends on your wheel base.
I think before I wandered off the trail to take pictures and lost it so had to work to locate it. More cairns and more obvious. Supposedly the forest service is not maintaining the trails in here, but a brand new sign is at the last gate before the tank.
It was a sweat fest ascending the rocky trail; at the top I was able to set up my bivy under cloudy skies and walk around a bit. The light was not good for photos but I still had my view and the "patio", a flat edge of the world fairweather campspot. Sunset was unfortunately a non event, as I tucked myself in the real show began. Lightning, thunder, drenching downpour. I had set up a sil tarp over the bivy and that worked really well. I garbage bagged my pack. The light show lit up the sparse woods and the thunder vibrated the ground. Mist all around in the warm storm. I was surprised when it became light, the night seemed so short. It was breezy but no rain and I missed the early light which disappeared again quickly with the clouds and fog rising from the canyons. I went to the peak proper and was able to check out some alcoves without falling off the steep cliff face.
I was waiting to see if it would clear, instead started raining lightly. I packed up and sure enough about 30 min down the trail the sun came out briefly. I will return on a more stable weather day for my patio camping.
Another "must" off the check list, but not really, want still more. |
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