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| Hiking | 7.84 Miles |
1,631 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.84 Miles | 2 Hrs 56 Mns | | 2.67 mph |
| 1,631 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This hike was one of my options for the "after-dentist" hike but got relegated to "after-hair" hike. I haven't done this since 2018 and it's always been a bit of a challenge for me. I have some mini Grand Canyon hikes coming up mid-March so this is a good one to see how I'm progressing. I think some other good hikes would be in South Mountain area too. I'm also trying to avoid hikes that might be a bit slippery as I'm still a little gun shy as my wrist continues to heal. My next appt with the surgeon is Fri AM and I'm hoping for good news.
Anyway, it was a nice temp day so that would help me on my way up. This is a longish hike for me with the elevation but I've done it quite a bit back in the day. This trail has its really rocky parts and its smoother parts so I'm always glad of that. It has its little hills, mostly rocky but it has its flat sections to let you catch your breath. It took longer that I thot to hit the Loop junction and to hit the Thumb junction.
I was happy to come around a corner and finally see my destination. It was still a mile away but at least I knew it was within reach. From the Loop junction and back I probably saw four other hikers. It got breezier up here as I neared the pass. I actually felt pretty good when I arrived at the Pass. It was a cloudless hike thus it wasn't as picturesque hiking between these rather tall mountains.
I pulled out my trekking pole for the way down to help in the slippery parts. Even though I am really keeping my eye on the trail, I felt the pole would provide some stabilization. I didn't use it that much though as using it my left hand wasn't that comfortable. I did seem to trip more than I would like but it is a pretty rocky trail in parts. My goal though is to stay upright come hell or high water. I'm sure this shakiness will pass as my wrist heals but they say the total healing will take a few months, UGH!
I tried to make good time on the way down plus I had a beer waiting and I was getting a little hungry too. Once I neared the Loop Junction I encountered more hikers, bike riders and dogs.... and I know which one left its business in the middle of the trail but what can I do? Nada! On top of that, the dog did say hello to me, ha! I did see quite a few lizards along the whole hike today which surprised me. It was a nice hike on a nice day though I was sore from yesterday's barbell class. As I finished my brew I saw the full moon rising above the McDowells so I nabbed some pictures.
WATCH: 133 avg bpm, 161 max with 36% zone 5, 33% zone 4, 31% zone 3 burning 1173 calories. 62.5 degrees and 14% humidity to start finishing at 5:16PM |
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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