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| Hiking | 15.70 Miles |
2,126 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.70 Miles | 7 Hrs 38 Mns | | 2.25 mph |
| 2,126 ft AEG | 40 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | My good friend Jim passed away earlier this week, so with a heavy heart and in an effort to heal and memorialize Jim, I hiked to a few of Jim's favorite spots in the Superstition Mountains on Friday. Jim and I had what feels like a lifetime of good times and adventures in the Supes and I will forever be grateful for my time with him in those mountains. Hearing of his death and knowing of his health struggles over the last couple of years saddened me greatly this week and getting out and stretching my legs in an area where we had so many great memories, seemed like the most logical course of action for me.
The hike was heavy at times for me, but it was generally pleasant and therapeutic. The fire was bad and the devastation is everywhere, but I knew this going in and to be honest I barely noticed as I cruised to my first stop of the day, Jim´s campsite in Music Canyon. I was pleased to see Jim´s spot had survived, although, the overgrown use trail indicated Jim had not been there in years, which saddened me. To me, the campsite appeared as if Jim had just stayed there, his nice tidy woodpile was still there and his assortment of old rusty tools were stacked on the usual rock. It almost felt like I was waiting for him to get in after backpacking in to meet him, as I had done several times before out there. I hope someone finds his site one day and it brings them similar joy and peace.
I stopped by LaBarge Springs which had a substantial flow, as always. The fire literally burned the Sycamores right up to the tank. Their shaded canopy will be missed. From LaBarge I headed to Trap Canyon. This area was one of Jim´s favorite areas to explore and one of my early favorites in the Supes as well. Jim´s campsite in Trap Canyon did not survive the fire, however, it appears most vegetation up canyon survived and no major damage was evident any further up canyon from where I turned around. It was pretty sad to see the scraggly old shade trees we had camped under, so many times, burnt and our tent pads overgrown with waist high grass, but the canyon appeared healthy upstream and the area still possessed its old charm to me.
From Trap I shot an off trail azimuth back to Bluff Springs Trail and joined back with the trail a few tenths of a mile before Bluff Springs to complete my lollipop loop. Bluff Springs was producing a light but steady flow from the broken pipe and filterable water was trickling in the wash below. The water source can currently be counted on for a night of camping in the area, if needed.
I could never adequately articulate how much Jim meant to me and so many others in a mere triplog. The world simply lost a truly great person. Jim was a Vietnam Vet who served on Seal Team Two, he was a dedicated husband, a dedicated Scout volunteer and the best friend and hiking partner one could ask for among so many other things. If when my time is up, I possess only half the character and kindness Jim possessed, I will consider my life a success. I only hope Jim knew just how much he meant to me and everyone he came into contact with. The time I spent with Jim and the dogs out in those mountains will always be some of the fondest memories of my adult life.
Goodbye Jim. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
