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| Hiking | 12.12 Miles |
918 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.12 Miles | 5 Hrs 53 Mns | | 2.26 mph |
| 918 ft AEG | 31 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | The oppressive heat has been taking its toll and my attempts to get out this week to get some outside time in haven't proven to be as relaxing or restorative as I had hoped. I was glad that J suggested this section of the AZT. While I've hiked in the general area, I haven't explored any part of the AZT in this region.
The drive up had been going well, though once we passed a gate for what I presume was a ranch, the road degraded significantly with plenty of rocks and some deadfall that required some careful driving. As we made our way along the rocky road, we spotted a coyote, a bunch of elk, and some squirrels. We eventually made it to our designated starting point where the AZT crosses 93A, not far from Dave's Tank. We parked at the edge of the meadow, gathered our gear and set off northbound along the trail.
With insomnia plaguing me of late, and stands of mature pines along the way, I might have benefited from bringing my hammock for a nap, but alas, I didn't plan well. The trail in this section is clear and easy to follow, though sometimes I wondered at its winding nature. The tread was a mix of rocks and dirt, with loose pinecones scattered around for good measure - just enough of a mix to require paying attention to foot placement.
The walking was pleasant, with a gentle grade through forested landscape. We started out walking with some shade through pine, then moved into a more open juniper section before returning to pine and oak. We wandered through a few areas that had been hit hard with burns, but for the most part, it was a nice wooded walk with an occasional step-over or bypass around deadfall. When we made it to Bargaman Park, we had a quick glance through the register before taking a break under some tall pines. While we sat enjoying the shade, the winds started to pick up and some not too distant clouds looked to be building quickly. We decided at that point that we should head back towards the car in case the weather was turning.
As we hiked back, the unmistakeable rumble of thunder started up and the clouds became darker. We opted to take the road that parallels the trail for a more direct route back to the meadow where the car was parked. The clouds stayed to the east, and we got hit with a few stray raindrops, but otherwise the hike back was uneventful.
It was good to get out for a quiet walk in the woods, the wander through the wilderness was just what I needed - thanks for keeping me company, J!
Other people: a single hiker heading south
Wildlife: other than the occasional squirrel and some high flying ravens, didn't see much while walking, though there was lots of elk spoor along the trail. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually  |
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