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| Hiking | 11.60 Miles |
1,170 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.60 Miles | 5 Hrs 1 Min | | 2.43 mph |
| 1,170 ft AEG | 15 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Day 5: AZT #41 SOBO Out-and-Back from AZ 89A
Although we timed our last hike of the trip so as to reach the Road Work along AZ 87 (just North of Mount Ord) just after they stopped for the day, with the extra rest I got after the shorter hike yesterday, even with a few detours to unplanned spots of interest we knocked out the hike quicker than expected. I didn't even seem to break a sweat due to the nice cool temps (40's) and a very brisk wind.
We checked out the tank at our turn-around spot before seeking a spot for lunch. Another perfect spot... rocks to sit on, shade (not really needed) and a breeze.
Naturally we had to take a detour to check out an old gravel pit on the return trip.
We would meet up with the two SOBO through-hikers whose footprints we saw on our SOBO from the terminus 4 days ago. It turns out they were passed by the hiker who started late the same day they had started.
Although it was the longest hike in distance of our trip (by a half-mile?) and at the highest elevation, it was by far the easiest for me... hiking with a wind whispering (albeit loudly) through the tall pines and all the aches-and-pains seem to fade away.
While being stopped dead in traffic for 20 minutes along a two-lane highway (AZ 89A) would usually be frustrating, in the end it turned out to be a blessing-in-disguise. By losing those 20 minutes, the construction along AZ 87 wrapped up for the day just minutes before we reached it some 3 hours later so we had no further delay getting home.
The stoppage itself on 89A was a bit baffling, as when we passed where traffic alternated lanes we could find no reason to do so, just a bunch of people loitering around with no urgency to accomplish anything. There were some construction vehicles parked well off the side of the road some distance past the alternating lane and an ambulance next to the road, we saw no evidence of an accident, no damaged vehicles and none in the ditch.
Whatever, once traffic was moving it just began the dangerous game of I'm going to pass you if it kills me, you and others in the oncoming vehicle which played out for the 40 miles or so until we decided we wanted no part of it and left it to the crazies by stopping for gas in Cameron.
Once back on Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff (yes, we avoid I-17 at all costs) it was great that the total white-out of smoke 5 days earlier was completely gone, leaving the rest of the trip home completely uneventful... and safe.
Temps: 42°/45° & WINDY |
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