|
| | | |
| |
|
| Backpack | 16.52 Miles |
1,379 AEG |
| | Backpack | 16.52 Miles | 2 Days | | |
|
|
| 1,379 ft AEG | | | |
|
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | 3 Day backpacking trip with 4 adults and 3 kids, 10, 12, and 14. The plan was to meet up Friday near Pinchot cabin, Saturday we follow Houston bros trail to the Mogollon Rim, make camp somewhere near there and then hike back on Sunday. My sons baseball game got cancelled on Friday night so him and I and the dog were able to leave earlier than expected, even though we didnt get to Houston Brothers draw until 10:30PM. My buddy Jamaal, his brothers and kids had gone up earlier on Friday to setup a base camp. With no moon, we were hiking through complete darkness, following the trail with our flashlights. We passed and didnt even see Pinchot cabin. After about .5 miles I started the 'call' and heard the response. The guys had made a camp on some trees near the giant rocks past Pinchot springs. With all the hammocks strewn up in the trees about 15 foot off the ground it looked like some kind of Avatar jungle land. The boy, dog, and I settled down for day 2.
We got up, ate, and made our way up the trail. After several stops and making it only 2 miles in 2 hours, we made the 1st of two most excellent decisions. We decided to make camp #2 early and drop all of our gear so we can hike to the rim much more easier. The kids loved the idea. We found a great spot several hundred feet off the trail and we stopped, ate, and then pushed forward. This trail is great as it passes through the canyon. Some of the open areas remind me of the fairways at Augusta as it was Master's weekend. We saw deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, and many signs of bear  . There were also huge patches of snow still, which the kids and dog loved playing in! After the trail crosses FR139, it becomes more strenuous and after 7 miles the boys were really starting to wear down fast. We decided to make it to the rim by following the 139A road instead of the trail. This proved to be most excellent decision #2 as, though not as scenic, saved us much climbing there and the way back. Carrying packs and hiking 8 miles in one day is a lot to ask for some kids and they rocked it. Finally making it to the rim, you could tell they were all proud of themselves and of each other. One of my favorite things about being a father is watching my son's doubt and fear turn into strength and determination. He has faith in me and I have faith in him and that grows stronger everyday. Trips like this are what really solidifies our bond. The views off the rim were outstanding, as always. I made sure every single piece of food and every snack was eaten before we left as to energize everyone and lessen the weight of my pack! Following the road to the first crossing of 139, we made it back to camp #2 about 45 mins quicker than it took to get to the rim. After a much needed nap, we had an awesome dinner, and partied like the rockstars we are.
The hike out on Sunday morning was very quick as we were trying to beat the weather. We got hailed on just a bit at Aspen cabin but overall perfect timing, as the drive out was a different story. Us desert cats are not used to driving in a snow storm!! It was fine however and we made it back safely. It was a perfect end to a great weekend of excitement. We had a great team this weekend, hope to do it again soon. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
|
|
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Went up with my buddy James. He's got 22 years on me so it was great listening to all the stories and drink recipes he has. I usually enjoy hiking alone but I had great company today. Spent a lot of time talking and thinking about that girl who fell off Echo yesterday and how fortunate we are to have our health and to have always had good fortune when in nature. Saw a lot of lizards out sunning on rocks. I love this time of year because those dudes are pretty cool! A little Johnny Walker whiskey sour afterwards was well deserved.
This hike reminded me that, dispite the back issues, I am still in pretty good shape. Was a helluva introduction for the guys and I'm too bashful to post the route but I told them maybe we can make it half way up next time..
I digress, after the point into Tonto, the hike was real nice. Lots of water in the creek, little falls here and there. Gabby dog really liked swimming through all the pools. There were a lot of big birds out there. Im not much of a bird guy, but Gabby sure liked chasing them around!! LOTS of bees. The constant hum was a little creepy. It seemed like there was a hive in every other tree!! Didn't see any snakes, though a guy I passed said he saw 2 rattlers. Do to having to go back to Circle K for the $3, I was short on time and didnt even make it to the ruins. 
Will have to come back sometime from the Cave Creek side. The pics of the glyphs look very interesting.
My dog Gabby was just looking at them with that sideways head "What did you think would happen?" Hung out for a while at the springs while the dogs played in the water. Amazing is the literal oasis in the middle of such beautiful ruggedness. The warm sun and cool breeze were incredible. 2 cars in the lot when we got on trail, completely packed when we were leaving, Also, a lot of people on horseback. Did I mention it was a beautiful day?!
