Tmcorcoran - Arizona Trail Journal - 2018

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State Line Monument

Utah State Line!

I spent a beautiful night under the stars. It was definitely worth it to bring the binoculars just this one time. At 2 am I awoke, looked up and saw the Milky Way in all its brightness, it was almost vertical. Got the binoculars out and was able to locate M75, M103, and M52 from my Starmap app, all nebulas which I'd never be able to see in Phoenix. I also saw what must have been the Space Station and 2 shooting stars. Up until 3:30 when the sky began to get bright at the edges, then back to sleep for a little nap before the final push in.

The sunrise was beautiful.

We are here! A leisurely walk of 7 miles down off the plateau has brought us to the Utah Border. Smurf was ahead but waited for me and we walked into the trailhead together. It's a strange feeling to be done. Last year after three weeks at Roosevelt I was ready to be done. This year not so much. I really felt like going on but there was nowhere left to go. Of course I do need to go back and redo the Flagstaff area closed for fire restrictions, and also to fill in my gaps at Tucson, so I'm not really done. Hooray!

When we got to the trailhead Daktari and daughter TJ were there ahead of us. We had a great conversation and all congratulated each other. I may do the Flagstaff leg with Daktari this fall depending on our schedules.

I am so grateful to Smurf for sage advice, and for getting me into this hiking thing in the first place, and to Momma Smurf for all her help, support and patience schlepping us around the state throughout this whole trip.

I may post some final thoughts later after I've had some time to settle in. Until then I wish to all to enjoy your adventure, whatever it may be.

Entry 32 of 32
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