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| Hiking | 19.50 Miles |
6,061 AEG |
| | Hiking | 19.50 Miles | 12 Hrs 5 Mns | | 1.61 mph |
| 6,061 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Arizona Trail – Day 32
Hiking is an event controlled more by nature than a watch. However, my three dogs have conditioned me to awake by 6AM. Chow time for them. In the desert, south of the Saguaro National Park 6AM was the beginning of light on Wednesday morning. I like my 2 cups of Starbucks instant coffee and a hot meal. Delight is one who sleeps just a bit longer but once up, she’s on the go.
As I drank my first cup, Digger who had camped south of us, was up and packing. He and the gent from the UK (Robin) left camp in the predawn of 6:30. By 7:20, Easy D and I were on the trail.
This was a special day. Camp was near 3000 feet in elevation. Fifteen miles into the park would put us at 8500 feet. A 5500-foot climb. Then another 3 miles to clear the park. Without a permit, you can’t camp in the park and we didn’t have a permit. Next water source for the night was at least 19 miles away. If you’ve ever hiked in the desert and run low on water, you know how sweet the taste of water is.
The issue. Simondi is working on her hiking legs and this kind of climb is a challenge.
We passed a trail crew 5 miles in. Young, healthy people who had hiked in with their shovels, picks, cables and tools to move earth and rock creating a smooth walkable trail. Awesome kids.
Surprised a Gila Monster sunning on the side of the trail. Ever shy, he skirted into the grass before I could get a good picture.
As we ascended the mountain two young energetic hikers cruised past us. Hopeful* from Pennsylvania and Rocks* from Virginia. They’re through hiking the trail with a 45-day respite from work back east. *(trail names).
Eventually we made summit. Came upon Hopeful and Rocks eating dinner. We drove on. Wanted to make camp by sundown (18:30).
Hiking downhill is not always faster. Especially when the legs are sore and tired. By 18:50 it was headlight time. Finally made camp in the dark a 19:20. A twelve-hour day.
Miles: 19.7
Total AZT: 364 |
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