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| Hiking | 12.41 Miles |
2,200 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.41 Miles | 6 Hrs 30 Mns | | 2.05 mph |
| 2,200 ft AEG | 26 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | My somewhat inexperienced hiking friend (who’s actually a pretty good hiker) was wanting something to fill out the entire morning. I suggested Black Top Mesa & Loop, with the option of shortening the hike to just the loop. Got started around 0630 and headed out on Second Water trail. South on Black Mesa trail, where there was one group of campers.
Another group of campers at the Black Mesa/Dutchman jct, where we headed east, then up Bull Pass, then up to Black Top Mesa. Lots of grass along the trail up there, where right on cue, a rattler surprised us. It was well hidden in the grass right on the side of the trail, a little too close for comfort. While Jill was deciding whether to faint or run, I took some pics and poked at it with a pole to encourage it to move away from the trail so we wouldn’t have to deal with it on our way back out. After I assured Jill she would survive, we took a break at the top and enjoyed the views.
Once back down, we headed back on Dutchman. By far the most boring part of the loop, as usual. Saw some hikers, but not as many as I thought there might be on a Saturday. Warm the last couple of miles. Nice day for this one, but I’m glad it wasn’t any warmer. |
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| If it’s above freezing, it’s too hot. |
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