Jellybean - Arizona Trail Journal - 2010

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Utah Border

Made it to Utah!

I was up early and thirsty. I drank the last of my water last night and had 11 miles to go and no promise of water when I got there! I wasn't even sure how I was going to get home. Shorty was planning on picking me up tomorrow afternoon. I haven't had cell service since the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Then at 8:45 I could see the valley below and tried once more. I was able to get out a call. It is still a 5 and 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix. Then just before I reached the stateline campground, I found 2 gallon jugs of water. One said Big Daddy D had left it for hikers. Thank you Big Daddy D!!! I sat right there and drank!

In the campground, I started looking around for the sign that said entering Utah, when a man chased me down and asked if I would like a beer. I was still a little rummy from dehydration, but the second time he asked, I gave an enthusiastic "yes"! I followed him to his campsite/home away from home. They live and work out of their vehicle and small cargo trailer most of the year. Quite the set up, they even had solar panels to operate a satelight internet dish. After rehydrating with a Corona, we talked non stop for the whole 5 hours till Shorty arrived. Doug and Kathy invited me to eat lunch with them as well. Gourmet pasta with Kalamara olives, red onions, red peppers, green onions, and I don't know what all else, but it was so delicious. And so unexpected of a celebration! Thank you Doug and Kathy. You really made the end of the trail celebration special!

Shorty drove up and we took photos at the border in my mountain man clothes. Boy am I glad I don't have to wear those heavy clothes in this heat! Progress is alright! I like my high tech gear.

5:55 Start mile 0.1
8:45-9:30 at&t mile 8.0
10:18 water cache
10:30 beer and lemonata from Doug and Cathy. And a chair! And internet! Really!

Entry 69 of 70
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