|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 3.00 Miles |
843 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.00 Miles | 1 Hour 45 Mns | | 1.80 mph |
| 843 ft AEG | 5 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Day 2
With multiple reports of cold and windy weather, [along with ‘snow in the mountain areas’], I’d planed for a shorter day of 9-10 miles. The wind was insane, but after stepping outside to 60 degree temps around 10-11 AM, [and getting updated weather reports of a 100% chance of afternoon rain], I was bummed to say the least and extremely frustrated that my mileage goal for the day might not be met.
To top off the frustration, I somehow managed to drive to the wrong starting point I’d planned out, which meant an even longer approach to the peaks of interest [kudos to Route Scout for saving the day!]. The prominence of the Pass BM, [relative to the immediate surroundings], tempted me the moment I arrived at the TH, and I decided to go for it first over the peaks I was planning to bag, [which were several miles from my starting point].
As soon as I reached the summit, the breathtaking views instantly put me in a good mood. Given the mediocre, almost dull views that surrounded me during the ascent, the sensational summit views were the last thing I was expecting. The views of the Patagonia Mountains to the West definitely took the prize, followed by some other awesome looking mountains to the SW in Mexico. The Santa Ritas were also very beautiful, [although the top of Mt. Wrightson was never viewable thanks to a very threatening looking cloud cover that seemed to be engulfing the Santa Ritas]. I couldn’t be certain which way the cloud cover was moving, but the fact that I could see the tips of some of the lower, Western peaks in the Ritas, [only to look up a few minutes later and see that they too had become engulfed], made me a little nervous.
There were some very neat looking unnamed peaks in the near vicinity that I was planning to hit up after the Pass BM, but I did not want to take any chance, as the clouds over the Santa Ritas definitely looked capable of more than just a little rain or snow...! Taking the AZ Trail back was a very enjoyable experience. Unlike the Harshaw Road end of this segment of AZ Trail, [which is extremely washed out and not particular enjoyable], the footing on this part was excellent, as were the views.
Well, aside from # of peaks bagged, [which is the least important of the three parameters in reaching my goals], I’m frustrated to say that my Chiricahua stats [listed second] after Day 2 have a huge ‘lead’:
Average Distance: 8.00 miles [vs. 11.09 miles]
Average Time (w/ breaks): 3:58:20 hrs. [vs. 6:39:18 hrs.]
Total Peaks Bagged: 7 [vs. 6]
Some major catching up is definitely in order… |
| _____________________
| God save the Prom Queen, cuz [reality check!] AEG's King...! |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
: 
