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| Backpack | 5.75 Miles |
1,708 AEG |
| | Backpack | 5.75 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 1,708 ft AEG | | 37 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I arrived at the Deadman-Highline trailhead about an hour before sunset, knowing I would have enough time to reach my backpacking destination by dark. Another short, easy, solo backpacking trip called for extra beverages and the night vision scope. Soon after setting off I was greeted by the trail sign I had made years ago, still looking good. Fresh bear tracks in the trail would be my companion for the next mile or more, bringing to mind an old country song by Johnny Horton. I had cleared a few deadfall trees and numerous fallen branches from one of my all time favorite trails by the time the spruce-fir timber began to glow orange with the setting sun. I made it to my favorite viewpoint in time to catch an amazing sunset. I continued on a little further in the growing darkness, past a patch of unexpected snow, before going off trail a bit to camp in a tiny spot I had noticed years ago with a spectacular view of Frye Canyon and the Gila Valley. It was a tiny campsite, with just enough room to set up my 2 man/1.5 yeti tent on a slope. My chosen site would suffice for one night. I soon had every bit of my cold weather gear on. Finding a rocky spot, I rehydrated an old Mountain House dinner I had dug out of my hiking closet while enjoying the lights of the Gila Valley and Morenci far below. "Vegetable Lasagna" no bueno. Cookies delicioso! I spent the rest of the evening doing night photography beneath a windy sky of alternating stars and clouds. A rising moon peaked through broken clouds over Mount Graham itself. It was a cold and exciting night. I eventually crawled into my tent at 2 am. After a night of fitful sleep battling the cold and the downward creep of my sleeping bag, I awoke to warm, sunny weather around 9. I made oatmeal, packed my gear, then began the downhill journey through deadfall, snow and spruce, moving debris off of the trail along the way. Back at the trailhead, I cleaned up and then contemplated where I should go next. A great trip!  |
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| "…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan |
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Route Editor
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