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| Hiking | 13.20 Miles |
4,450 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.20 Miles | 10 Hrs 10 Mns | | 1.30 mph |
| 4,450 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | Its funny how things get started sometimes. It may be a subtle hint in a thread or perhaps a PM challenging your manhood. This one started out with both. I was planning a double ridgeline(Joe said BORING) or a return to Secret Mountain(I didn't push that one hard enough).
I had read a few articles about Skull Cave(aka Skeleton Cave)and was intrigued with the history of it. I'm pretty much always game for an adventure and I knew this wouldn't disappoint. We met at the girl place @5am and proceeded to our destination which was Cottonwood camp. My hike started out with an under-layer,fleece,and jacket and I was still cold. As we gained some elevation and mileage, the "sweat" began to rear its ugly face. I knew this was gonna be one of those windy/hot/cold/windy/hot/cold kinda hikes. After two miles, we cached water and Joe cached one of his layers. I opted to keep mine( a decision I wouldn't regret).
After the turn off, we were off trail. We came across some moguls(which to me looked like... this is where they bury those who don't make it back). How many more ravines? Does this one count? We came across a whispering cactus who told me we should turn around and come back in the spring.
Another hour has passed and we gained 4 more waypoints...yeah, the views would come and go. Joe said they were better than Malapais. I thought they were awesome in their own way, but couldn't touch those of Malapais. The fact that we had to work harder may have altered Joe's perspective. The turnaround spot was truly one of the highlights and motivated me just enough for a return visit.
The hike back thru the cholla fields was nasty. At one point, I had like 5 stuck to my sneaker and didn't realize it as one by one they ended up on my leg...much to Joe's delight.
On the hike back, I found lots of Chalcedony...some were rose colored and looked like there were diamonds in it.
Someone must of had a birthday party out there, we found a bunch of balloons. Then I found a note from Jayden who is looking for an email pal. I emailed him Joe's video of our Skeleton Cave attempt. |
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