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| Hiking | 12.52 Miles |
3,604 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.52 Miles | 7 Hrs 32 Mns | | 1.66 mph |
| 3,604 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | It's been a couple of years since I've done the whole enchilada and really do enjoy this summit. The view from the top includes iconic landmarks you might not think of when you're this far south including Picacho, Flatiron, and Browns. Not to mention the rugged beauty of the Galiuros that you can see best from its highest point.
It was a treat to enjoy yet another "last big hike ever" with the miracle that is wilderdog Daisy, who continues to impress.
We encountered a gaggle of recognizable names and faces from across the hiking community. It was a pleasure to share a few steps on trail and some conversation with Andy and his wife Lynne, to try to out-sarcasm Richard Webb, and to finally meet in person FB hiking guide extraordinaire Tom Rodriguez. Somehow blackout alluded us, though who knows, perhaps we passed each other without realizing it?
Despite the numbers, there were rare moments that lacked solitude. The exception was at the upper spring, where a group of 15 Tucson NOLS hikers at the end of a weeklong backpack had stopped for a break at the same time a group of seasoned hikers from Green Valley arrived. A couple from the trod group had stayed behind and I enjoyed a nice conversation with Michael Houseknecht, who it was also great to finally meet in person.
Leaving the drainage resulted in much warmer sun exposed climbing and the already irritating gnats and flies reached next-level. Must have been the ample summer rains as I've not experienced that here previously. Reaching the crest, a trio of backpackers on a multiday trip stopped as a recognizable Asian woman poked me in the chest with her hiking pole and exclaimed "I know you! I met you before!"  Always a pleasure to run into a Fan 3992 of mine ;)
I set a goal for the summit time in order to return to camp by sunset, leaving Jon and Daisy up top to enjoy the end of the day's light and set up to capture a scene. I had about a 15 minute window to enjoy the views.
On the way down I stopped at Fan's backpack camp for a quick visit before arriving back at Pivo's hot pizza camp in time for dinner and requisite libations. In the morning, the hiker parade continued as I peered out of my sleeping bag to see Letty driving by. A few others sauntered in as we packed up camp, but I decided against any further adventures and called it a satisfactory 4-day weekend in the islands.
My first introduction to Bassett was back in the late 00s when the original (but unofficial) fall hazfests occurred. I looked at the mileage and elevation and declined the joe n friends invite, doubtful I was capable of doing it (or at least keeping up). But some of those 06+ triplogs remind me of the "look who else is here this weekend" experience I enjoyed this year.
Always a great peak to bag, but definitely an extra notch up at this time of year. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Not the best I've seen here, but still exceptionally enjoyable. Aspens were bare, maples near the spring were well past prime. Lower elevations were about right on. |
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Upper Ash Spring |
Gallon per minute |
Gallon per minute |
| | | Nice flow from the pipe, and plenty of filterable water at the xing. | | _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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