A New Beginning

 Well It was bound to happen. We had been laying the groundwork for this many years ago, knowingly or not. Now the house had sold. Emotions were everywhere. A rollercoaster of up and downs. It was time for us to unroot all we had known for the last 25 years and try something new. Some would say radically new. For anyone who knows me, knows when I am in, I am all in. For better or worse. This will be for the better.

October 24th, the day I could get the big ass Penske rental truck. 26 foot long cargo box, International Diesel, air chair and school bus steering wheel. "Damn, this sits high up" I thought to myself.  Air brakes take getting used to that's for sure.

I back it into the driveway and now the move can really start. 

Tracy and I held a Halloween Party probably every year we had lived here. We couldn't stop now. A Pizza Moving Halloween Party it would be with a Bonfire to boot.

With the help of family and friends we got a large portion of the house on that truck. With the realization that it was not going to be enough. Another Penske truck was in the drive by Tuesday. We had two days to fill it and leave. 

I queried the family, who want's to drive this extra truck? No one felt that comfortable doing it. It was really too late to ask many people to commit to 4-5 days to help. Except one guy who kept texting me asking if we needed any help. 

"Hey Glen, when can you get up here, I need a driver"

"Ha, Good one, Oh wait, you're serious?"

"As a heart attack"

"Had to go there?"

"You would have, nothing is sacred you know that"

"Fair"

"I can get you up here Wednesday night, will that work"

"Let me ask the boss, and no not Kathy, I have a real job now"

A few hours later schedules were cleared, plane tickets were bought and the move was not to be stopped.

We continued to shove crap in those trucks. We thought we had purged, but apparently not enough. I will forever be reminded of what I brought along and the reasoning behind it. It wasn't pretty. I deserve all the jokes and ribbing and will toast those who bring it up. I l augh because if I didn't I would probably cry.

Crying. Over the last few days the memories haunted us and caused some wet eyes. It was Thursday morning when we were done and ready to leave, all doing a final once over. Mackenzie, Joel, Tracy and I all found ourselves in the basement. Everyone was tearing up, group hug. It was a good house and I hope the new family gets the same out of it as we did. We have been gone two weeks and sometimes I still emotional on memories. This will take time.

It is time, the caravan gets fired up. Except Tracy's car. It's dead as a door knob. You have got to be kidding. Hope this is not an omen. Jump the car. Finally we are on the road. Only a little later than intended. The caravan looks like this: Tracy with the two dogs, Joel and Mackenzie with her cat Molly, Glen in the smaller truck and myself in the bigger truck with the other cat, Gracie, as my co pilot.

Today its about 580 miles and will take over 10 hours with gas stops and food breaks. We travel through Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and finally Kansas. For the most part today was uneventful. and we arrive at the hotel just before dark. Travelling with pets is harder because not that many places allow pets or if they do they ding you extra, a lot extra. La Quinta is a chain that has embraced the pet traveler. Three hotel rooms and a bunch of animals and we are in for the night. Its not the nicest place but we are gone before the sun anyway.

Today is another near 600 mile day, this time traversing Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Today is also my birthday, so I am given cards gifts, hugs and high fives before we roll. 

Sunrise on the open road. Gracie is the best travelling cat ever.  She sleeps on the seat, under the seat, watches out the window or the best is when she naps on my lap. It's my own personal stress relief, purring away. I have tried to listen to music on the trip but its a lost cause. The truck is too loud so to hear anything the radio has to be so loud its just annoying. Today I dig out my earbuds and make a few phone calls and take a few calls to pass the time. 

After we left Kansas City most of the trip is on state highways. Interstates, while larger, and generally faster would add hours per day to this trip as they generally only connect larger cities. We were on Highway 54 for a long time. Most of it two lane with the occasional passing lane. I get passed a lot. This truck is limited to 75 miles per hour, and it only does that down hill. About midday somewhere in West Texas a semi decides its time to pass me and not in a passing zone. Fine, I move over a bit and he goes by. However, he comes into my lane well before he is past me. I hit the brakes and move over a bit more. Too much, I catch the muddy shoulder. Code Brown. This truck wants to go into the ditch. I get it back on the road but then all the wheels hook up and now I am in full oversteer, crossing into the oncoming lane. The truck feels like she is going to roll, I counter-steer and bring it back around. Holy Shit! A deep breath and a long loud WOOOOOOOO! No need for a monster drink when you got this much adrenaline pump.  

Stuff in the cab is everywhere. One of my Kit-Kats flew into the litterbox on the passenger floor. Classic. Where is the cat? She was still lying there like, why did you wake me? Never phased her at all.

Thankfully, no one saw that. Even though we are a group we go at our own pace. Cars go faster and have dogs and other needs. No need to wait for the lumbering trucks. We all end the day in the same place. 

This place today is Tucumcari, New Mexico. A slightly famous old west town with Route 66 remnants. Time has not been kind to it.

We park the trucks and I get out to inspect it. There must be 50 pounds of mud on the underside of the truck from the muffler back. No noticeable damage. Damn, that is a lot of mud.

We check in and unpack. I go for a run, I need to de-stress. I have run on my birthday for the last 4 years. not going to change today. Its cold and windy, I don't care. It had snowed a day or so ago and there is still snow everywhere. 

We get some Lotaburger and of course being New Mexico, it has hatch chilies on it. It was delicious. Or it could be because I am so hungry, stressed, tired or all three. We all destroy our food and turn in.

Saturday. Halloween. Our 28th Anniversary. One more day of driving. another 580 miles and 9 hours to Tucson. The rest of New Mexico is uneventful and it feels surreal when I cross the Arizona state line. I now live here. This is going to be home. Let that sink in.

We finally arrive at the last LaQuinta I ever hope to stay at. We can't move in to the new place until tomorrow.

Sunday morning we head over to the new, temporary housing. a casita on La Mesquital Ranch. 

Casita. Otherwise known as small house. And they aren't kidding. 700 square feet in a 100 year old adobe building. It's got, um, character. It does have a fenced in yard at least. This is where we will live for the next 5 months or so.  

With that squared away, we drive the moving trucks to the storage place I have reserved. We get there when they open. Except there is no one there. I call, no answer. I eventually call another storage unit of the same chain to get some help. 2 hours after we arrive we finally get access to the facility and my 2 lockers. 

Unpacking begins. I thought packing the truck was painful. Unpacking, getting looks and comments  from all your help as to why they hell did you keep this or why the hell did we move this. I try to explain, but it doesn't matter. I just couldn't jettison 25 years of living in that short of time. I shrug, laugh, and hang my head.  The day ends and we are not done. I have to rent one more locker so tomorrow we can finish the emptying of the last truck and return them to Penske.

We all crash at the Casita. Joel's bed frame breaks. Man its been a crazy few days.

Monday we finish the last truck, take Glen and Joel to the airport. I return the trucks. Nothing was mentioned about my off-roading mud run.  

Tracy and I get back and try to unwind. It's been a whirlwind of a week.  

The adventure continues.

 

Appalachian Trail Smoky Mountain Through Hike

 September 19th through September 25th

Day 1 (Saturday)

4:15 AM the alarm goes off. I get up put some clothes on and make some coffee. Oh yeah, I recall that I have some video shots I have to get for Mike and his production company. I am really not good at this movie making as I would like to be. Anyway, I toss the bag in the car, drive to the airport and thus begins the day of mask wearing. On the parking shuttle, in the airport, on the plane. Making my transfer in Charlotte I have to walk the tarmac and use runway steps for the little regional jet. It has been a while since I did that. I arrive in Asheville North Carolina on time. A rarity for me and air travel. I wait for Mike to come pick me up. It has a feeling like the Colorado trip all over again. I like the feeling of dropping in for some adventure via airplane. Its so Nat Geo. Ok, its not that exotic but fun none the less.

Unlike the Colorado trip, its business right away. Mike points the car to Fontana Dam. We grab some McDonalds chicken for lunch, a gas station energy drink and over an hour later we are at the dam parking lot. The sky is overcast, which is fine as it’s not raining. Twenty minutes later we are unpacked, loaded up and start walking. The packs are heavy. Not 2016 Arizona Trail heavy, but we are each carrying northwards of 11 pounds of food. This is 7 days and 6 nights days with no resupply. A week of food is heavy. I think with water and full camera gear I come in around 34 pounds. We best start hiking so we can start eating. 

We cross the Fontana Dam. A tail of the dragon road rally is going on, lots of exotic and semi-exotic cars slowly roll by. Being both car guys, Mike and I enjoy it as they go by. Finally, on the other side of the dam, there it is; the park entrance. Smoky Mountain National Park. It begins. The steady climb from the dam into A section of the grandfather of long-distance trails: The Appalachian Trail. Where we pick it up it has already begun some 180 miles back in Georgia. We have 73 trail miles through the park. A small sliver of the entire 2200 plus mile trail that stretches to Maine.

Today it’s a short 5-mile jaunt uphill to the Birch Springs Campsite. Permits are required for all hikers and we had to pre determine where we would stay when applying for these. It works out great since we didn’t actually get on trail until 3 PM, any longer and we would be hiking into the dark. As we walk, we take bets on the over under of seeing a bear. I say 2 or less Mike says 3 or over. Two miles into the trip we meet a couple of hikers who say there were bears just ahead. 3 to be exact. Could I be losing the bet in the first hour of this trip? 

We walk on and never see a thing. The trail is crowded. Granted it is a Saturday but over 15 people in 5 miles is a lot. Other trails we could go 2 days without seeing a soul. About three quarters of the way to the campsite we jump on a side trail to Shuckstack fire tower. We are doing this trail leisurely so we will do many side trails and look outs as possible. Shuckstack is what I will deem a ‘sketchy’ tower. Angle Iron construction, steep wooden stairs and missing railings all add to the pucker factor. Cameras in hand, I can only get to the second platform before I feel like I could fall, drop a camera or both. Irrational, probably. Just when the fear of heights meets perceptions of poor construction and the brain says nope. Mike went all the way up. Which I have to say, going up is ok, it was the down on the steep stairs and platforms with no safety features that made it tough. His decent was slow and steady.

We tossed our packs back on and finally made it into camp, a little after 6. The camp had several people set up. Socializing, eating, sleeping. We scout out a few spots for Mike’s tent and my hammock. We set up. Quickly, we get some water from the spring and make dinner up by the fire ring. All sites and shelters have designated areas for this and it makes it easier for all and also keeps trash and odors limited to a few places.

Another note, most if not all shelters have a spring. Finding water is never too hard. Getting to the spring can be hard because it’s usually some drop or climb to get to it.

For dinner I had some Pasta Roma dish in which I added too much water. Nothing worse than drinking your dinner.  We finish eating in the dark. We pack up our food bags and put them on the bear cables. No tossing a bear line or hanging food on a bear pole. These are legit steel cables specific to hanging food to keep the bears away.

Its after eight when we crawl into bed. The forest sounds are loud tonight. I fall asleep.

Day One by the Numbers:

Miles 6.47

Time Hiking 4:00  Total Time 4:00

Elevation Gain 2615 Elevation Loss 712

Calories In 2260 Calories Out 3584

Max Temp 77° Min Temp 53°

Day 2 (Sunday)

We wake up late. Who am I kidding? I was awake, but really had no inclination to get out of bed. Warm and cozy, slight swing, cloudy outside. You would do the same. When I do get up, I make some coffee and some hot oatmeal multi grain bowl. Really good.

The whole campsite is fogged in. We take our time and we are the last people to leave camp. Its almost 10 AM. I am anxious to get moving. I tell Mike he can catch up to me or I can meet up when I stop for a break. Again, like yesterday, it’s a slow climb but the haze and fog lifts and the sun shines through the trees. Feeling really good, I catch up and pass two women who were in camp with us and left before us. That makes me feel even better. 

So far, I have not said too much about the scenery. That’s probably because there is not much to say. I could be in any forest in Wisconsin for all I know. The foliage blocks most of the views we would have as we continually climb in elevation. In early spring or late fall it might be different, but so far, this a walk in the woods. 

I eventually make it to Mollie’s Ridge Shelter.  Off with the pack and get at some lunch. (any opportunity to lighten the pack!) I go down the hill for some water at the spring. Two other gentlemen that stayed at the site with us last night are finishing up their lunch as well. John and Gavin. They have done the trail before and usually try to get out at least once a year for a longer distance hike like this. I find out we will be in the same shelter tonight so I will see them later. They leave and I wait for Mike. The ladies I passed come in, then another group of hikers from another direction roll in. Where is Mike? Finally, he rambles it. I know he likes to shoot video and pictures, but I have been here over an hour. We chat a bit and I let him know I will head out and we can catch up at the next camp where I can grab a site for him.

I put my outer shirt on, then my pack. Back on trail. It’s another 6 miles to Spence Field Shelter. The weather is great sunny, no bugs, it’s pretty easy going.

I roll in right around 5 PM. Gavin and John are already there as are 3 other couples. I find a site with 2 trees and a pretty flat spot for a tent. This will work. Being last in camp you don’t have many choices. Mike arrives and we have dinner. All the hikers are around the shelter and because there is much more daylight, we have time to sit and join the evening discussion and storytelling. It doesn’t take too long before the sun starts to set and a chill creeps in. We hang our food and hit the hay. 

Day Two by the Numbers:

Miles 11.77

Time Hiking 5:06  Total Time 6:47

Elevation Gain 3215 Elevation Loss 2037

Calories In 2453 Calories Out 4482

Max Temp 78° Min Temp 48°

Day 3 (Monday)

The wind picked up last night and I woke up a few times due to some gusts. Really re-thinking my lightweight quilt choice. By 8 AM the camp is up and humming. People eating, packing up and getting water. Standard camp chores. Again, we are the last out of camp. Today we finally get to see some views. The wind cleared any remain clouds out and the morning out of camp is glorious and clear. On the trail I notice there is a good hard frost on the grass. Yep it got cold last night.

 A little over a mile out of camp we hit the famous ‘Rocky Top’. You may know the song. The views are great in every direction. We take a lot of pictures and it gives me a sense of accomplishment, finally seeing some things for the 20 miles of effort.

The next spot is Thunderhead Mountain. Talk about opposite of Rocky Top. We would have missed it if not for the USGS Disk on the ground. Socked in with vegetation. 

We work our way to Derrick Knob shelter for lunch. Again, we have caught up to John and Gavin. They are staying at Silers Bald Shelter tonight. We are going further to Double Spring Gap Shelter; the rest of the day is pretty uneventful. Silers Bald is another view point in the early spring, not in late summer. 

I get to the shelter as the sun is setting. I have about an hour to set up and eat to beat the dark. This site has 12 people tonight. The max. A few are really ambitious as they try to make a fire. This late in the season all the wood has been picked over, or is rotten and wet. It’s mostly smoke. Mike and I make it past dark chatting for a little bit. Again, hang the food and off to sleep.

Day Three by the Numbers:

Miles 14.2

Time Hiking 7:00  Total Time 8:37

Elevation Gain 4314 Elevation Loss 3802

Calories In 1993 Calories Out 5130

Max Temp 66° Min Temp 38°

Day 4 (Tuesday)

Today is different. We are out of camp before 9 AM! We were trying for 8:30 but 8:45 isn’t too bad. Two reason for the early start. Today will be the longest day so far day and we might be meeting Mike’s Uncle at Clingman’s Dome so hence the reason to get an earlier start. Today we also hit a few high points of the trip. Literally. Clingmans Dome is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail at 6684’. It takes us less than 2 hours to get to the paved trail where all the tourists are plodding up the hill. We get to the observation deck (which has a UFO like appearance) and walk to the top. 360-degree views and a perfectly clear day. This is actually my 4th time to the top of this look out. Its still cool all the same. We come down from the observation deck and decide to walk down to the parking lot to get rid of some garbage (weight reduction!), use the restroom (weight reduction!) and see if the tourist center has any snacks for sale. Mike is really jonesing for diet Coke. Sadly, COVID restrictions have it limited to park merchandise and a few candy bars (which I purchase two). We chat with the Park ranger for a bit then head back up the paved tourist path. 

We meet up with the trail where we jumped off and get back on. Running into a few of our camp mates form the night prior. 

Today seemed a bit harder. Not sure if it was just the few days catching up to my body? Maybe it was the trail. Mike and I were hiking together for quite some time, when I hear a short “Ahhggh!” I turn to see Mike on the ground. He had just twisted his ankle of some particularly rocky part of trail we were on. He’s ok, has some pain and weakness, but we continue on. 

On this trail water is pretty easy to get and this afternoon we were going to fill up at the Mt Collins Shelter as it was around our halfway point. When we get to the side trail for the shelter it states it was more than a mile roundtrip (with a lot of up and down no less), we decide to pass and try our luck at a possible source a bit further down and much closer to trail. When we get there, we see a wet path and some seep from the rocks, but nothing that will be easy to gather. Luckily, we search a little further and find the source, trickling out of a rock, much like a faucet that was left running. We fill up, eat some lunch and Mike takes some Advil to ease the sore ankle.

The next stop today is Newfound Gap the highway that bisects the park and major tourist attraction. Today is no different. It’s packed. We take some pictures, take a break and then get back on trail. It’s 3 miles of almost all uphill to our campsite. 

It’s a long day when we arrive at Ice Water Spring shelter. It’s a nice site, views and clear skies for the evening. Unlike most shelters, this is not buried under some canopy of trees. We set up camp, eat some dinner, chat with the other guys here and go to bed. Mike’s ankle seems ok, but the more he lets it sit the tighter and sorer it gets. 

Day Four by the Numbers:

Miles 15.31

Time Hiking 7:44  Total Time 9:30

Elevation Gain 3894 Elevation Loss 3478

Calories In 2108 Calories Out 5279

Max Temp 79° Min Temp 39°

Day 5 (Wednesday)

The night wasn’t too cold nor too damp, so I slept pretty damn good. That’s the thing with these trips. It takes a few nights for your body to acclimate to the new sleeping arrangements. But once it does its not too bad. I woke up made some breakfast and instant coffee. That was super disappointing. I had brought enough pour over coffee for the whole trip. The issue is my collapsible cup got a hole in it, so I was down to one pot to hold water and hence nothing to pour the coffee through and into. At least I had some back up.

Mike rolled out and tested the ankle. Sore and weak, clearly sprain symptoms. It’s causing him some pain and probably not going to get him 31 more miles. It’s his choice to continue, but this is also the best place to get out if he can’t go. Newfound Gap is only 3 miles back and his parents can pick him up easily. If he tries to continue there are no more outs s easy as this. He makes the right call and then calls his Dad to schedule a pickup. Mike and I exchange some items (I left all my cables to charge my phone and inReach in the car). We wish each other good luck and we go in opposite directions. 

I have done plenty of solo trips so I won’t have any problem with finishing the trip. I just feel bad for Mike, he was looking forward to this for so long and now he can’t finish it. 

The sun has disappeared behind a gray sky. There are a lot of day hikers out today. Having easy access at Newfound Gap is a reason why. The other reason is Charlies Bunion. Its less than 2 miles from camp, making it an easy out and back for many. Charlie’s Bunion is a rocky outcrop near the summit of one of the mountains. It’s a tourist spot and people are lined up waiting to climb up, look at the view and take pictures. I drop the pack and do the same. All week-long, day hikers and tourists alike always ask if I am through hiking the trail. I always answer, yes, I am though hiking the Smoky’s. Then they ask if I will do the whole trail and need to explain that I still have a job

. 

The rest of the morning is uneventful, I sit on the trail and have a bit of lunch. The next shelter I am slated to stay at is Tri Corner Knob. Until then I need to get water again. Like the other day I was going to get water at a shelter, this time Pecks Corner Shelter. Also like the other day it’s more than a mile round trip to the shelter and back to trail. I start the walk down to the shelter and see some water trickling off the side of some rocks. I improvise a leaf to channel the water into my container. Its super slow, but sure beats 25 minutes of extra hiking. 

The rest of the day is pretty boring an occasional great view, but much of the same we have seen all week. Seemingly ancient temperate rainforest.

I roll into camp and the shelter has 6 people in it. I say hi and go find a place to hang the hammock. Once that’s done, I change clothes and walk back to the shelter for dinner and chat with a completely new group of people. 

This group is all older. By older I mean in their 60’s or perhaps even older. Four of them are local and do they have the stories of the park. How the dams were built, how people were removed from the park when it became national park. All the secrets; homesteads where stoves and chimneys may still stand. Family graveyards that are all over the park and so much more. They tell the stories and I just listen. 

It slowly gets dark and we all retire for the night. There is rain in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon. I can’t complain, we had 5 days without any bad weather and for me that’s unheard of.

Tomorrow afternoon happens much sooner. More like 11PM and  I am awoken by rain drops hitting the fly. I start thinking if I left anything out, yep. My hat is now getting soaked, as I had it hanging to air out when I came into camp. I reach to get my water bottle under my hammock and take a drink. I am hanging on a pretty steep slope so when I put the bottle back, I slides and I hear it roll down the hill. Perfect.

Day Five by the Numbers:

Miles 13.1

Time Hiking 6:07  Total Time 6:28

Elevation Gain 2900 Elevation Loss 2917

Calories In 2011 Calories Out 4133

Max Temp 63° Min Temp 45°

Day 6 (Thursday)

Well the rain has not stopped. Its not hard, but it is steady. I lay in bed not wanting to get up because is chilly and damp. I eventually work my way to the shelter eat some breakfast and say goodbye to my campmates. 

I have a few options today. My permitted shelter is over 16 miles away. Davenport Gap. There is another shelter that was closed due to bear activity when we secured our permits but has since been re-opened. That would make it an 8 mile day. Decisions, decisions.

I pack up under the tarp and then finally put the tarp away, trying to stay out of the rain as long as possible. 

Surprisingly I am in a pretty good mood, even though my feet are slowly getting more wet. Especially when you walk though tall grass that just dumps all that moisture on your legs and into your socks.

I am cruising today and get to Cosby Knob Shelter before noon. The signs are everywhere. Caution – aggressive bear activity - a fed bear is a dead bear. I get under the shelter and strip off my rain jacket. Put a warmer shirt on. Trying to dry out a bit, I take my shoes and socks off. I mean why not I will be staying here for the night. 

A couple I stayed with last night roll in as well to take a break to have some lunch. They only have a few miles and take a side trail to where they left their car. We chat as we are both eating and eventually, they leave.  

I am sitting here in my thoughts, rain just pounding on the metal roof of the shelter. Am I really going to sit here damp and cold for the next 6 plus hours while I wait to go to bed? Should I start a fire? I could sleep in the shelter (uncomfortably). Just me and the bears and mice.

Nah. I stuff my feet back into those cold-ass socks. Back in those damp shoes. Repack my bag and grab by raincoat off the drying hook. Way too much daylight to sit here. Plus, when I make it to Davenport Gap Shelter, it will leave me with a 3 mile day and not a 9 miles day tomorrow.

I leave Cosby Knob with the rain coming down nice and hard. Good. Bring it on.

About 2 miles in I come up on the Mt Cammerer look out trail. It will add another one and a half miles to my day. The Guthook trail guide says it’s well worth the effort. I think to myself. Its only miles, you may never have this chance again. Why am I even debating this with myself, out loud. I take the fork to the left and head to the look out. This trail is muddy, steep, rocky and slippery. I have to climb up a few spots of granite. The rain and wet does not help.

Eventually I see it, a dumpy little building. I climb some more granite and get to the little stairway. I can already tell my choice to come here was a good one. The views are amazing, the rain has stopped. The clouds swirl though the valley below me. 

I jump into the creepy building take off my pack and get the cameras out. I walk back on the 360° deck and just soak it all in. I am not religious by any means. However, it felt strangely spiritual, in a one with nature, type of way. 

I grabbed a snack in the dryness of the building and look out the window. Still feeling it.

Completely re-energized, I leave Mt Camerer Lookout and bound down the trail. (Until I almost fall several times on the slick rocks). Tempering my enthusiasm just a little bit I get back to the Appalachian Trail and continue my journey.  The rest of the day is mostly downhill. That’s hard on the knees and treacherous with the rain. About 2 hours later I am nearing the Davenport Gap shelter, I am making incredible time. It’s not quite 6 PM. I still have over an hour of light left.

I pause at the fork to the shelter for the night. Again, decisions to be made. Go set up in the mist and spend one more night here, where I can clearly hear Interstate 40 traffic? Or pound out another almost 3 miles and complete the trip a whole day early? 

It doesn’t take long before I am down the trail and letting Mike know I will need a pick up around 7:15 under I-40. 

Giddy with exhaustion, having wet feet that are starting to feel signs of blisters from wet socks. I narrate the remainder of the trip to myself. I finally slip enough and hit the ground. I just laugh. It took the trail all week to get me down. It was going to happen. Just can’t believe it took this long. The trail follows a stream that grows into a river and that finally dumps me and its contents on a bridge to the Pigeon River. Unceremoniously, I am out of the park and done with this walk in the woods. That’s it. 80 miles and 20,000 feet of elevation gained and lost. So much planning, one false start in July and now it’s over. Proof that sometimes the journey is better than the destination.

Day Six by the Numbers:

Miles 19.1

Time Hiking 8:08 Total Time 9:25

Elevation Gain 2412 Elevation Loss 6752

Calories In 1623 Calories Out 4665

Max Temp 56° Min Temp 42°

Epilogue, (sort of).

Mike picks me up with a small cooler of beer as I requested. A hand selected assortment of local micro brews. I grab one and throw everything in the car. We head toward the airport. In seconds I am on the phone booking a room for the night. 

I get to the room, drop my gear and take lovely, long, hot shhhhhower. Trail remnants circle the drain. I come out and Mike who is waiting to take me to dinner asked if I had anyone in there because I must have made lots of ‘ahhh’ sounds in the shower. Hey, sometimes it’s the little things.

We get burgers and beers and after 6 days on trail it was delicious. 

I try to alter my flight to leave the next day, but the cost to change is more than the cost of the whole flight itself. The next day Mike picks me up for lunch and some sightseeing. Sadly, much of the sights are socked in with clouds and rain. I have known Mike a long time (over 20 years). We have done quite a few of these adventures and to his parents I am just a myth. Until now. We sit and chat on the screen porch for over an hour. I hope I let them know how much I appreciate them accommodating us with the car drops and pick-ups.

What’s left? Dinner. North Carolina BBQ. Ribs, pulled pork and smoked wings. Enough said. I would come back just for the ribs. 

Mike and I talk about the trail, how we both felt about it, and what the next trail we can do. 

The next morning it’s a 5:45AM shuttle to the airport. The week ends just the way it started.  Although now I am anxious to get home instead of back on trail.

FULL PHOTO ALBUM ON FLICKR or JALMBUM

Welcome back to the trip report travel blog!

First, a little background for this trip. My friend Mike had moved out to Colorado and over the last few weeks I had been listening and watching the videos from his recent forays in backpacking. Mike has done some backpacking with me in Arizona and in Minnesota and now he was working his way through the Colorado Trail that has a starting point almost in his backyard.

The Colorado Trail is a nearly 500-mile trail that traverses a large swath of the Rocky Mountains, starting in Denver and ending in Durango. It also shares some of its path with the Continental Divide Trail, a 3100-mile trek from Mexico to Canada along the Rocky Mountain range.

The Colorado Trail is divided into 32 sections and so far, Mike has done 1 through 5. We got to talking and I casually asked If he would mind some company in the future. By future I meant within the next few weeks as my window of opportunity would be very short, with school starting and then the weather getting colder in the mountains.

Mike was a little reluctant at first, nah, of course he would be happy to enjoy some company on his next trip. It was then we got to the planning. We agreed that sections 6 and 7 would be the logical choice. Because Mike has seen 1-5 twice (he has to double back with no shuttle) and this was the next closest and probably easiest to do car shuttle.

6 and 7 would take us about 47 ‘map’ miles. We figured we would need 3 nights to do it enjoyably with not killing ourselves. Mike took the honors of figuring our approximate daily distances, as well as shuttle positions. While he did that, I busted out some free airfare, courtesy of some points I had and it was on!

It was only 3 weeks away and as it grew closer, I stepped up my cardio by running every other day, even getting Joel to sign up with me for a 13K trail run. Heart and legs ready, my only worry was the altitude. I would have a day to acclimate to 10,000-12,000 ft of altitude.

Day Zero

Wednesday morning, I flew to Denver, where Mike picked me up and we dropped all my stuff at his place.

From there he took me directly to Red Rocks (also the music theater) for what else? A hike. We figured anything at elevation higher than what I was living at would be a good start and this got us up over 7,000’. No one tells you but Denver is very warm in the summer, we did this 7+ mile hike in 90° heat. Which made it all the tougher. This is Mikes hiking training ground as it is literally a few minutes from his place. He’s very lucky because it is a very pretty place to play.

We earned some DQ blizzards for our efforts.

From there we went back to Mike’s cleaned up, changed and did a few pre trip errands (Grocery and REI). From there we ended the day as with some pizza and beer.

Day 1 (8/1/19) And it Starts

One of the cool parts of this trip is Mike owns two cars so we can shuttle and leave one at the beginning and the end and not have to worry about expensive shuttle services or unreliable ride shares. The not so cool thing is, one of the cars he owns is a first gen Mazda Miata. It becomes a little under-powered with the thin air. Oh yea, there is not much of a trunk in that thing. No Backseat either. I had to ride shotgun with a backpack on my lap for 45 minutes. Mike thought this was pretty damn funny.

With the cars dropped we were finally ready to hit the trail. It was about 2:00 PM when we started. Kenosha Pass 10,0000 ft elevation.

The plan was to do about 8 miles today, a short day but with a late start it would be fine. Plus, it would help with my acclimation.

As we start it’s hard not to notice some of the clouds. As is with the Rocky Mountains the afternoons can be prone to thunderstorms. That and I was on the trail. I do have a knack for rain when hiking.

We aren’t but a mile or two in and the sprinkles start. Then stop, then thunder, then sprinkles then it stops again. I stop to put the rain cover on my pack. That should appease the rain gods and stop this on and off showers.

Nope. About 30 minutes later it starts to pour. Big, heavy, plunking drops. It rains enough to soak my hat so that the water runs off the brim like a roof. We tough it out and decide we don’t need any other rain gear for the time being. Mike thinks it will pass and at this point it’s somewhat refreshing.

Only 5 miles in and the hike is great. The views are spectacular. Mountains, meadows, forests and ample streams. Last winter was one of the heaviest snow packs the area had received a long time and the water was evident (so were the mosquitoes).

A few more miles and we gather enough water for camp and breakfast tomorrow.

We set up camp just in time to be sheltered from another 30-minute rain shower. 30 minutes in my hammock and I was almost asleep. Once that ended, we made dinner but didn’t hang out too much as the bugs were pretty bad.

A few people on mountain bikes flew down the trail just above our campsite all evening long. We later found out that there was a trail long bike race and we were in the middle of it. This is a multi-use trail, Hikers, Bikers and Horses get to share.

We both retire to our quarters and trail off to sleep.

Miles: 8.79
Highest Altitude: 10,692’
Lowest Altitude: 9,771’
Total Elevation Gain: 1,706’
Total Elevation Loss: 1,017’

Day 2 (8/2/2019)

The morning broke and I woke up less than rested. During the night I woke up frequently with a pretty good headache. Probably a bit dehydrated and possibly feeling the effects of sleeping at altitude. I cursed myself for packing the Tylenol in the food bag, which was in my bear bag which was tied to a tree some distance from camp. Due to this it was way too much effort to get up and take care of it, I suffered. Tonight, I will keep the meds with me in case it happens again.

When I finally did get up, I took that Tylenol and made some coffee, what better way to boot a headache?

We eat and break camp. Back on trail by 8:00 AM. This is a huge improvement over the last few trips Mike and I were on, where we tended to lollygag. The earlier start, the more time for lollygagging in the evening. Today would be our big mile day of over 18 miles.

The sun is out and the rain is gone. This first part of the day we head up and over the tree line and a slow ascent to Georgia Pass. This also gives us the closest and fullest view of Mt Guyot we will see all trip. It’s at this point we finally merge with the CDT. We also hit our highest spot on the trail so far at over 11,700‘. I am getting used to it, not as good as Mike, but better than yesterday.

We meet a lot of people on the trail today. Bikers that whiz by and hikers we swap positions with as everyone has different picture spots and rest breaks. Our pace is pretty leisurely. That’s the way we wanted this. Enough miles to make it a challenge but as the same time no rush to get somewhere. We take a few breaks at water sources and near trail campsites. Trying to soak our feet for more than a few seconds at a time in these ice-cold streams and rivers. The weather today (and the remainder of the trip) is nothing short of perfect. Sunny, breezy, not too hot and the nights cool but not cold.
At about 2:30 PM we start our final ascent followed by a 'quick' 1000' decent. At about 14-15 miles for the day my feet are starting to feel the rocks and work they are being put through.

With about 2 miles left we catch up with an (ahem) older gentleman. I say older but this is the pot calling the kettle black at this point. We learn Terry is a longtime outdoors man with a lot of miles and experience under his belt. He is also recently retired after selling off the organic chicken business he was CIO of. We also find out we are all camping at the same spot tonight.

It’s a long day and we finally get to camp about 6:00 PM. We all find suitable sites (or trees for me) and make a little dinner. One more hiker, Jules, joins our party.

By now the sun is starting to set and it has picked a fine place to do it. So much so, that someone has gone through the hassle of bringing a bench and mounting it to the ground for this sole purpose. Watching the sunset in the mountains.

All four of us sit together on this bench and watch the colors change as the sun says goodnight and dips behind the next range in front of us.

Miles: 18.4
Highest Altitude: 11,756’
Lowest Altitude: 9,847’
Total Elevation Gain: 2,795’
Total Elevation Loss: 3,468’

Day 3 (8/3/2019) Town Time.

I slept much better, no headaches this time. I get up make coffee and try to east a little something for breakfast. When I am this active for some reason, I lose my appetite. I eat because I need to not because I want to. It’s odd to me because I like to eat. Its also clear at this point I have brought enough food to last me 4 to 5 nights not just the 3 we planned.

Our merry band is packing up and we talk about everyone’s plans. Terry has a truck at the Gold Trailhead in Breckenridge. We will all meet there. Everyone has their own pace and not everyone hikes together, but eventually you all meet up.

Jules is through hiking the trail and is staying the night a hostel in Breckenridge. She has laundry to do and food to resupply. It’s what’s known as a Zero (no mile day) or a Nero (near no mile day).
Terry is staying at his sister-in-law’s condo for much the same reasons. Terry even offered us a place to stay if we wanted. We decline the hospitality as we are not though hiking but we do take him up on the ride into town from the trail head. We get dropped off at Breckenridge Brewing for lunch (even though it’s only 10:30AM). We say goodbye and good luck to Jules and Terry. Except I left my phone on the seat in his truck and after 30 minutes or I get it back and say good bye yet again.

Mike and I order some food and a beer, use a real bathroom and enjoy an extended break. We watch all the summer tourists mill up and down the main street of this Ski town.

Eventually, we catch the free bus that gets us within ¼ mile of the trail head where we left off. That was the plan if we didn’t meet Terry, bus in and out for free. Very convenient!

Needless to say, hiking on a full belly was not the best. On top of that the first few miles out of town were almost all up and the sun was out in force. It got hot.

We meet an 18-year-old kid named “Deke”. Deke was a big boy and he was attempting to solo through hike the trail before he starts college in Denver in the fall. We could tell that his commitment to through hiking the trail was wavering based on the conversation and his pace. As much as I hope he made it I have my doubts. We ended up hiking with him for a mile or two but eventually he fell behind and we never saw him again.

While this morning’s miles flew by, the afternoon’s seemed to drag. We weren’t going any slower it just felt like it.

We hit a decent river and almost decided to call it a day. There were many great campsites in the area and the water was a sirens song that was hard to resist. Stronger wills prevailed, there was a lot of daylight left. We watered up and soldered on. If we could do another 500’ climb over the next mile to mile and a half it would only get us that much closer to the final climb tomorrow.

It ended up to be a great call. We walked into what would be camp tonight with some amazing sites. The Miner River would be right behind us and there were plenty of logs and stumps for seating.
As we set up another hiker, Jenny, came and grabbed a spot not too far from ours. Then maybe a half hour later a tall lanky kid, Kaleb, camped with us. Oh, but the fun doesn’t end there. Eventually Brian and Seth join the party.

Seth was an interesting kid. Late twenties and a college math teacher. He had thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015 and was also a very established hiker. He sat with us and made dinner. We swapped stories and talked for some time when he decided that there was plenty of light, left packed up and headed back on trail. We wished him well and off he went.

As I mentioned previously, we had quite the party. But it gets better. While we were chatting with Seth, a couple drives their Toyota 4Runner to the edges of the camp. Apparently, there is a few logging and ATV trails in the area. We are all wondering what is going on.

We eventually find out they came up to give Jenny a bit of support. We walk over to see what is going on and before you know it, we are enjoying some ‘support’ as well in the form of a cold Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. We sit around and talk until its almost dark. Victor (Truck owner) and his girlfriend need to get going as they are camping somewhere down the mountain tonight. They have yet to set up the tent.

We all say good night and retire for the evening. The river sings some of the best lullabies.

Miles: 12.08
Highest Altitude:10,602’
Lowest Altitude:9,144’
Total Elevation Gain 2,448’
Total Elevation Loss 1,988’

Day 4 (8/4/2019) The Summit

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Everyone around is doing their morning chores; breakfast, breaking camp, making coffee. Not in any particular order.

Today is the last day but it is no slouch. We will top out at almost 12,500’. Right now, we are about 10,000’. To get an idea what is ahead of us the we will hit the top of our climb less than 4 miles into the day or around 700’ of elevation gain per mile.

Even though we made some friends everyone leaves on their own when they are ready. Jenny, Kaleb, then Mike and I and finally Brian a little later. We would never see Jenny or Kaleb again. Brian eventually catches up with us. Because Mike and I are enjoying the journey at this point, taking pictures and taking in the incredible scenery. We eventually work our way past the tree line and the views really open up, rock fields and hidden meadows with streams and leftover snow pack.

We eventually hit the first saddle and catch our breath. Eyes squinting as the trail slowly winds up the side of the mountain only to disappear above us. Every now and then we can see occasional hikers popping up and then disappearing as they work their way up the trail.

The ascent feels like it may never end, every time we think we are close we realize that we are really not. Switchbacks and outcrops above hiding the trail from our view. As we get closer the snow we see is incredible. Its August and there are walls of it. Many still with wind whipped cornices still hanging on.

We finally reach the top. Well at least the top as far as the trail goes. The air is thin and cool and the views seem to never end. We look down into Breckenridge and see where we were just a day ago. So far away. The feeling of accomplishment feeds my inner self, I feel giddy. Or perhaps it’s the lack of oxygen. We soak it all in. Unfortunately, the realization sets in. What goes up, must come down.

Walking uphill is all cardio and muscles. Downhill, is a leg, joint and feet aching good time. My feet will feel this when I am done.

It starts out steady but quite a few times turns steep. Add in some loose soil and rocks and you can and will slide. I do, but never fall completely. I have amazed myself with these feats of balance. No one else is around to see it though. I have lost Mike on the trail a way back. He is ever the diligent videographer, shooting every shot from every angle. I look back and he’s not even in sight. That’s ok, we are all going to end at the same place today anyway

I continue my hike, passing snow melt trickles and all the wildflowers that go along with it. Back into the large pine forest, through a recent avalanche area and eventually to the Copper Mountain Trailhead. I find the pavement and look at the parking lot. A fellow hiker offers a banana. Dare I say it was one of the best I had ever had (Well it was at the time).

I am coming down off the physical high. My feet are sore, so I find a spot near the trail to wait for Mike. Eventually, I can hear him, well before I can see him. “who is he talking to now?” I think to myself. When he does pop out of the trees where I can see him, it looks like a familiar hiker is with him. Sure shit, it’s Terry from the other day. He was finishing section 7 as a day hike. Now, the shoe was on the other foot now. Terry was looking for ride back into Breckenridge. It’s all very trail centric karma. We load up the car and we hit a gas station for cold drinks and possibly an ice cream treat or two before we leave.

We get Terry back to his car. Wish him well and we head back to Kenosha Pass to get our other car. Time to get back to civilization.

Miles: 9.45
Highest Altitude:12,425’
Lowest Altitude:9,824’
Total Elevation Gain 2,145’
Total Elevation Loss 2,838’

Day 5 (8/5/19)

Because I have a late flight home today, Mike the super host, has a trip to Colorado Springs planned. We visit the Garden of the Gods and the Air Force academy. Very nice additions to my time here.

On the flight I reflected on whet was a great trip. The trail, the scenery, the good company and new memories made. I really couldn’t ask for much more and it was a welcome break from the work and the real world if even for only a few days.

Can’t wait until the next trip.

FULL PHOTO ALBUM HERE

MIKE'S VIDEO HERE

My Video may be out in a a few months....

Mackenzie would be finishing up her first year at the University of Arizona in a few days.

We flew to Tucson early Tuesday morning. I mean like leave the house at 3:30 AM early. When we are on vacation, we don’t like to waste a second!

Since we were going to be out here for a week. I used this as an opportunity to get an overnight backpacking trip in. Not just any trip, but the redemption of the trip that didn’t quite end the way I wanted to in 2016.

Finishing the Arizona Trail trip from Molino Basin to Summerhaven.

Tuesday and Wednesday fly by, we have a great little place in the Catalina Foothills and Kiki has her final, final. We celebrate.

Thursday morning, I get ready for my Lyft ride to pick me up at 5:30 AM. It was only 12 hours ago that I decided not to chicken out and go through with it. I have my doubts. Am in in good enough shape? can I do all this elevation gain? among other niggling self-doubts I had.

I planned this trip accordingly. I gave myself a bailout point half way through the first day. It would be fine.

My ride shows up, it turns out to be the most interesting ride share ever. It’s only her fifth day with Lyft. She is new and unfamiliar familiar with the area. She has a History PHD but no job. Lots of student debt. Turns out doctorates in history don’t make a lot nor are the prospects all that great. Even she admits this. Since she is not familiar with the area, I tell her how to get there. Its one road and one road only. Yet she keeps looking down at her phone on her lap. The problem is, the Catalina Highway is a 2-lane mountain road. She is going too fast, breaking too hard and tuning too late. I was nervous, which is rare for me in these circumstances. To top it off when we got to my stop, neither of us had cell service. She freaked out that she wouldn’t get paid. I gave he my phone number and said I would take care of it of she didn’t get paid and to call me if that were the case.

Here I am, not quite 6 AM all by myself in the campground. Sun is about to start peeking over the mountains. I breathe it all in. 1 night 25 or so miles. Something that I had wanted to re attempt almost instantly after failing to get here the first time. Here I am. No quitting, no turning around. Time to start walking.

The trail starts out relatively flat but as the sun creeps over the eastern ridge and everything starts warming up. Eventually, I stop put a bit of sunscreen on and whip out my new hat. It had forgot to pack my standard large brimmed hat that I usually sport for these trips. I now have this baseball- legionnaires hat. Quite fun, quite functional. The weather is seasonal, It might hit the low 80’s. Unlike the last time where we…. (I will add we in here on occasion as I will refer to my friend Mike, who accompanied me on the first attempt.) attempted and were assaulted with 95° temps for the entire trip. Very unseasonal indeed.

My first major point of interest comes a little less than 2 miles in. The Gordon Hirabayashi Campground. Formerly a prison camp as well as internment camp for Japanese in WWII. It has horse corrals as well. Part of the trail is multi use; Hiking, Bike and Horse.

The next stop is the Sycamore Canyon Reservoir. Very strange seeing a dam built here. The lake that was once behind is small if nonexistent do to all the rock and soil that has washed into it.  I stop here take my pack off, drink some water and enjoy a snack.

After about 20 minutes I leave the reservoir and get back on trail.  I am daydreaming and thinking of so many things I realize the trail no longer looks right. I am just walking up a dry stream bed. I consult the map and my gps bearing. Yep, I missed my turn, so I double back. Added almost an extra mile in total. Duh. I easily picked up the trail, but to my credit the almost U-Turn was not marked and easy to miss.

From this point on its about 2 miles to Shreve Saddle and the Bear Canyon Trail. My bailout point. The trail that will quite literally take me right back in to Tucson and were we are staying. I send a message on the satellite thingy (another item that would have been beneficial last time) to Tracy, I am feeling good (I was!) and I am going to continue. No going back now.

After a long hike down into the canyon a run into 3 teens. Asking me if I know were Seven Falls is. I do. (of course I do). Its on the Bear Canyon Trail that I just came from. About 2 miles back (then another 3 miles on that trail) and 1500 ft up. They then ask me about Hutch’s Pool. I also know where this is, it is where I am heading. Another 2-3 miles away. They were obviously looking for some water fun, but really didn’t research where or what trail they needed to use to get there. They decided not to follow me and went back the way they came.

A little over an hour later I finally arrived at Hutch’s Pool.  A large reliable water source in these mountains. Very popular for swimming and diving. One end of the pool is 20 feet deep or more and the cliffs to jump off were at least 20’ up. The water was flowing well and man was it cold. I called it Lake Michigan Cold. I waded in as high as I could without actually getting my shorts wet (rolled up). The cold was numbing but at the same time felt great on my feet and muscles.

It was 11 AM. The plan was to relax, eat lunch and hang out until 2. This missing the heat and sun of the mid day.

After my little ‘swim’ I made lunch. Bean burrito with cheese and a little bottle of hot sauce I had picked up when I bought my hat. It was amazing how good these were. Well it could have been the appetite I had built up over the last 5 hours or so. These will be in my normal rotation, that is for sure. I also had some of the other snacks I had brought. My candy bars were, well, not edible. Too warm and they were just goo in a wrapper. Being at such a nice water source I also drink my fill.

Speaking of water, this would be my last place to get water until half way through my day tomorrow. Even though there has been great snowfall, the upper parts of these mountains start to get dry once into May. I didn’t want to wager my ability to find any water so I would load up here. That meant enough to drink to get me to the camp site, dinner, breakfast (COFFEE!) and then water to get me to Lemmon Creek, over 2000 ft of climb and 6 miles from camp.

I filter 6 liters of water, just to be safe. Water is heavy. I was now carrying over 13 pounds of water. Almost doubling by dry pack weight. Also, about 5 pounds more than I started with this morning.

Eventually some dudes joined me at the pool and shortly after a couple started setting up camp nearby. Time to get out. I talked to the guys a little, but it was after 1:30, close enough to my 2:00 established exit time. I was fed, rested and ready for more.

Originally this was to be the spot Mike and I would have stopped at on the original plan. And what a great camp site it would have been.  I decided to go about 3 more miles. This would take me to Cathedral Junction. The idea is to climb about 800 feet this afternoon, after my nice break, to get a jump on the large climb looming tomorrow. 

It would prove to be a little hard but worth it.  The canyon was a slow climb, but was in among large trees keeping me shaded and a somewhat surreal change from the high desert vegetation of the morning.

About a tenth of a mile from the junction I found the perfect site. Trees to hang my hammock and an existing fire pit. I never checked the fire restrictions before I left, so to be safe, I opted not to have one. No matter it was good to get my pack off and relax. I hung my hammock. It wasn’t quite 4:00 so I took a nap. I did set an alarm for two and a half hours just so I wouldn’t sleep too long and have to make diner in the dark. Or worse, sleep through the night and miss a meal.

The clouds had been on and off all day and they finally broke just as the sun started to set, I was treated to a little sliver of red and orange on the top of the canyon ridge as I made dinner.

Speaking of dinner, I had my other low water favorite meal, the All-American burger. Rehydrated hamburger crumbles with cheese, onions, relish and fixings all on those versatile tortillas. Not sure what it is about that meal. Maybe the ease of prep, uses only 4 ounces of water or that it’ not some super-hot steaming thing to sweat over when its too warm. Could be that it’s just tasty.

Anyway, with that out of the way it was time for dessert. Peach and blueberry crumble. Serves two, or one me. Nice end to the day.

The clouds rolled back in. I requested a weather report from my inReach. A very handy feature to use when you have no cell service. Giving you location specific weather for 2-3 days. Of course, there was a ten percent chance of rain. Didn’t bring any rain gear, didn’t bring a rain fly to sleep under. I mean I guess I should know better; I have pretty bad luck when it comes to rain.

I crawled back into my hammock around 9:30 and listened to all the birds. Specifically, a lone Whippoorwill that was perched nearby. It never shut up.Oh well, I am a guest here so I won’t complain.  I eventually fell asleep only to be woken by the rush of wind and a splash or rain hitting my face through the bug net. Ten percent chance, more like ninety percent for me. It didn’t last long and I just pulled my quilt up and fell back to sleep.

The next morning was much of the same, grey and about 45 degrees. I made some coffee and went back to sit on my hammock, porch swing style.  

I had some oatmeal and a protein shake for breakfast then packed up. Today would not be as long, about 9 miles or so, but there were some hard climbs. The Arizona Trail Guidebook lists this section of trail as strenuous. The maximum level in the book.

Back on trail before seven AM. The first milestone would be Romero Pass. A junction of several trails and the halfway point of my first major climb.

The weather was cool and that was a boon as I got pretty lathered up climbing some 1000’ over the first 2 miles.

Eventually, I made it to the pass. A bit of elation swelled. The confidence was high. I turned to take the Mt. Lemmon trail. It went straight up. I hit the first major peak at around three and a half miles and having climbed over 2100’ in that time. I would dip from here to about 7000’ in elevation only to have one more climb back to 8000’. 2 weeks ago, I was struggling with my self, could I do this? Well, here I was and the doubt was unfounded.

At the next trail junction, I entered the Wilderness of Rocks trail. It was one of those amazing places with huge boulders balanced here and there, very hard to explain but enchanting none the less. Definitely one of those places to come back to and do further exploration.

It was here a giant bug flew by and landed about 10 feet in front of me. It was a huge wasp. I got closer to see it was a tarantula hawk. One of the largest wasps in existence and, well, you guessed it hunts tarantulas for food and home for its larva.

From here I eventually made it to Lemmon Creek, another reasonably reliable water source according to the guides. And it was. A clear, cold spring fed creek, running and burbling though a small canyon. Break time. I drop my pack, sit on a log, which is at perfect bench height. Have some snacks, drink a lot of water and filter some more to get me to the end. Another one of those places you want to come back to or spend more time here.

After about a half hour I decided it was time to push on. That last climb was still in front of me. I put my pack on and off I went. Not too bad. Again, very different vegetation from here on out. Large pine trees now began to take over in spots.

Eventually, I reach the last trail junction, Marshall Gulch. From here I would be on trail that I actually traversed some four years ago. A wonderful little trail that follows an ever-growing creek though a small gulch. It is very green and full of pine trees and Albert’s squirrels. Running all over with their large furry ears. Wanting to come close to me but never quite getting the nerve.

Eventually, I see the trailhead and sign. I have made it to Summerhaven. The trail was done for me at this point but the adventure was not.

My plan was to either get a Lyft or Taxi down from here. Or Hitchhike since there really only is one road back down into Tucson. It couldn’t be that hard.

I started walking into town from the trailhead, spotted the Cookie Cabin and said to myself, actually, I probably said it out loud, as I tend to talk to myself when in the woods alone. That might be a good place for lunch while I wait for my ride.

I ordered 2 hot dogs, one chili cheese and the other just normal. Now, it could have been my hunger from all the hiking I did, but that was quite possibly one of the best chili dogs I had ever had.  A quarter pound all beef dog on a toasted hearty roll that could stand up to all that chili, cheese and onions. An actual chili dog that required no fork because it had fell apart half way through. Enough said.

While waiting for my food, I got on the cabin Wi-Fi, because cell service is still spotty and called for a Lyft. After 5 or 6 attempts no driver wanted this fare. I tried Uber. Same result. Not good but I still have options. After lunch I walk further into town, sticking my thumb out. No one stopped and only one slowed down. No matter, I really wasn’t feeling it and didn’t try too hard after that.

I found my way to the community center, which is hiker friendly. I let Tracy and Kiki know they would have to come get me at this point. I spent the next hour or so with Jerry, who was manning the visitor booth for the day. We had some nice conversations between visitors.

At 4:00 the place closes and Jerry went to take the flag down. He brought it for me to help fold it. When I saw him taking it down, I just knew he was going to do that. All my scout training came rushing back as we did the fold and tri fold to finish.

Not long after that the girls showed up and thus brought my adventure to a close. Couldn’t have scripted that any better.

It was a great trip. Trail demons exorcised and self-doubts put to rest.

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