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Ellen S - Arizona Trail Journal - 2019

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No Butt
State: AZ
Country: US
Begins: Mar 10, 2019
Direction: Northbound

Daily Summary
Date: Thu, Jul 18th, 2019
Trip Distance: 756.7

Journal Stats
Entry Visits: 563
Journal Visits: 6,124
Guestbook Views: 85
Guestbook Entrys: 7

Arizona Trail Map

Final Thoughts

This was the fourth time we travelled this trail. The observant reader will notice that we skipped around a bit, and even avoided some parts. Some we did deliberately. Since we live in Tucson, we have hiked a bunch in the Catalinas, so felt no desire to climb the ridge above Romero Pass. We missed a few miles when we bailed out of the Babbitt Ranch; all my fault, as if I had paid more attention to staying dry, I would have stayed warmer and been able to continue hiking despite the cold rain. As it was, my hat wicked water inside my rain gear and I got quite cold. We did what seemed safest and prudent at the time, and bailed out. We intended to return, but found the roads impassable when we tried. Such are the stories that make a hike memorable!

It was definitely a memorable hike. The snow, water, and especially, flowers in the southern and central portions were the best we've ever seen. We felt like we should be taking weeks, instead of hours, to traverse some sections. We didn't have to fuss over water this year, as it was plentiful (by Arizona standards). We rejoiced that we rarely had to carry heavy water loads. To see grasses that reached as high as my shoulders amazed us.


The trail continues to get better every year, thanks to efforts by the AZTA, land use agencies, and volunteers. And we saw plenty of segment stewards and volunteer groups at work. Thanks to every one of you who make this trail a gem!


The trail remains a challenge. Many hikers we met along the way spoke of the 'fun' of surmounting a succession of sky islands, or dealing with less-than-ideal tread. Although one can generally count on good weather in Arizona, the cold, stormy spring surprised many. This is NOT a trail to be taken lightly, even with all the improvements.


It's taken us time to get the photos onto the journal. We hope you get a chance to enjoy them.


To all who hike the long trails, we wish you the joy that comes from each adventure!

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