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| Hiking | 17.34 Miles |
2,610 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.34 Miles | 10 Hrs 30 Mns | | 2.04 mph |
| 2,610 ft AEG | 2 Hrs Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | My Halloween hike was the Baldy Loop, about 17-18 miles. Usually I have a song in my head while I’m hiking to move me along. Today the lyrics were, “Out from his coffin Drac’s voice did ring; seems he was troubled by just one thing…” When I started at first light, it was 14° outside. About 2/3 of the way up the East Baldy Trail, the path crosses a section of Fort Apache Reservation land that seems to have a different trail clearing philosophy. There were quite a few downed trees where the trail just went around them now.
At the trail junction at the top, there is no sign prohibiting going on to the summit, but you have to know this to avoid trespassing on the reservation. I understand it is possible to get a permit from the tribe, but I did not have one, so I headed down. I discovered on my way down that the soles of my boots no longer had street legal tread as I negotiated the fine gravel trail. My mantra on the way down to avoid falling on my butt was, “knees bent, weight forward, poles out front.”
The Crossover Trail junction at the West Baldy Trail is marked only by a bare fence post, no sign. And the crossover trail itself is vague at times. “Use the force, Luke.” I did this loop in 10.5 hours. I have to remember that whatever time is given on HAZ, I need to up it by a third. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation None
Well past prime. Only a few aspens with any leaves left. |
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Wildflowers Observation None
One. |
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