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| Hiking | 25.30 Miles |
2,970 AEG |
| | Hiking | 25.30 Miles | 10 Hrs 48 Mns | | 2.58 mph |
| 2,970 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| partners | | As the GET continues. So far I have sections 1-14 complete and only a couple more to do before crossing into New Mexico. Dave has been instrumental in planning and pushing forward with the slow effort to complete this trail. Hopefully someday we will reach Albuquerque.
Todays trip started with Karl, Lee and myself meeting at 2:00am in Mesa and making the journey to Clifton/Morenci where we would meet Dave and swap vehicles. Dave was prompt to arrive at 6am and we went our respective ways. I hadn't spent much time researching what we were about to embark upon but wasn't too concerned considering all three of us had a GPS Track.
We started off by following the road for a bit and then onto the Painted Bluffs Trail. This one climbs steady and then is an up and down roller coaster for a ways. Along the way we stumbled upon a Black Tail that sent me straight back. A ways further down the trail Lee wanted to go up and investigate the Indian Paint on the Bluffs. I reluctantly followed him up the hill as Glyphs and Ruins aren't really my thing. Wow, was I glad I did! These were awesome with well preserved color against the light colored rock.
We continued on and in time crossed paths with Dave. Shortly thereafter we hit Eagle Creek. I loved this part but must admit the many river crossings take their toll. As we were making our way down stream we saw some Wild Horses. Being one to share I went over and offered them some of my Honey Roasted Cashews. Naturally this was a hit with the equine crowd.
Further down stream Lee stopped to get the sand out of his boot. Karl and I continued on and when coming around the corner we spotted a large group of Big Horn Sheep. Quietly we observed them hoping Lee would come along and enjoy the sights as well. No such luck so we took some photos and then made some noise sending them up the side of the cliffs. What a sight to see them navigate with such ease. We were hoping Lee would see them as they headed up. Later when he caught up he told us of his magical sighting. We let him wallow in his joy while keeping ours to ourselves.
On the way out we text Dave to let him know we were done. Shortly thereafter he replied that he had finished as well. We made a plan to end this great day with a meeting in Safford at El Charro for some Mexican food.
I give this section of the GET two thumbs up! Stunning scenery with lots of wildlife! |
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Route Editor
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