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| Hiking | 3.78 Miles |
2,648 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.78 Miles | 6 Hrs 30 Mns | | 2.31 mph |
| 2,648 ft AEG | 4 Hrs 52 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Eagle thought it would be a good day to meet for lunch in the desert. I was feeling lazy so I agreed to join. Unfortunately, Bob, John, and Linda wanted to climb a mountain instead. Whatever. I'm easygoing, so I agreed to the plan.
We set out a couple of hours before normal adult humans start their day. I pre-complained the day before but only mentioned it five or six times during the hike. Bruce sold a story about Don Joaquin's huge shaft, but we were all disappointed to find nothing more than some old tailings.
We also learned that the less-talented offspring of the architects of Notre Dame de Paris found their way to Arizona and built the earliest European structure that still exists here. Apparently they learned from the native population how to stack rocks rather than using any of those pfancy things they had learned across the pond. A bizarre remnant in an unexpected spot.
Proceeding upcanyon, it was time for first lunch. Or was it second lunch? I forget. There's some nice granite stretches with scrambly dryfalls that were pretty fun. The bell curve kept curving, and things gained a little steepitude. Route Scout repeatedly told me how long my previous break had been -- despite not having ever stopped. Apparently the software thinks you have to cover a certain distance in less than a certain amount of time to be considered movement. And that threshold was not being met. 
I was reminded to not follow Bob. This is a lesson I have learned before. The saddle at the crest provided lovely views across the Gila Valley. There was some more aggressive scrambling along the ridge and up the north chute before reaching the summit. Once all had arrived, we settled in for 4th lunch.
Air quality was surprisingly nice with clear views of Mingus, Pine, the entire Mogollon Rim, Mazzies, Ancha, Supes, Pinals, Catalinas, Ritas, Babo, and all the notable western peaks and ranges. Only some low agricultural haze obstructed the near surface areas looking to the south.
With getting back to the truck before sunset now in serious doubt, we began our descent, stopping for lunch two final times to appreciate the rugged geology and share further tales of fantasy and adventure.
Another lunch was on tap before making the drive back. Not all vehicles are made for 5 adults, and the drive provided more soreness and pain than the hike. At least for me. ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
All told, a very enjoyable day. It was nice to meet John, reacquaint with Bob, and to share a trail mile with Linda and Bruce as always. Thanks to Linda for planning and driving, two things for which I rarely get a reprieve. Much appreciated! |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
