This list has all the gear I usually do not carry but need for unique conditions, such as bear-resistant food storage, terrible expected weather, a larger pack for carrying more gear, a larger tent, and more days between resupply stops. Description Weight (oz) FOOD STORAGE BearVault BV500 rigid container 41 […]
My friend Bruce invited me to do a day hike of four 14ers, Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Bross, called the Decalibron. Before and after the hike, we stayed at his place in Frisco. The trek is a 6.89-mile loop with two short out-and-back segments. We would travel the day before to
This hike had lots of type two fun. There were times when I was tired and concerned, but there were also times when I took in the beauty and isolation and felt an enormous sense of accomplishment. The newness and times of concern were qualities that made this hike fun. I wanted to have some
The two mothers are permanent residents. Sometimes additional does, and bucks pass through. The deer know they are safe from hunting on the property, so they are more frequent in the winter when the hunting season comes around.
There are so many lessons learned and impacts from this hike that I know I missed some. Hopefully, these are the most important ones. They are in no particular order. I strive to be accepting, open, listen, and learn. Everyone can improve on these, especially me! Chronicle My Hike As I reviewed my photos and
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Yogi Berra Every backpacking trip has worn on me more mentally than physically. Before going to Arizona, I did some soul-searching to understand why I wanted to do the AZT and the end game for success or failure. I used these
AZT trail towns are usually close to the trail, spaced between 50-60 miles apart, so resupply is generally straightforward. I sent the first few resupply boxes before I left and dropped off a package at Roosevelt Marina. My initial strategy worked fine. However, for the resupply boxes that I needed to send, I asked my
Water along most of the AZT is sparse. A good strategy is never to pass up a water source. Most water sources are “tanks” intermixed with some springs and some water caches from trail angels. The trail angels on the AZT provide water, rides, shelter, and even sometimes trail magic, showers, laundry, and food; they
Towns, in some instances, are just a store. Regardless, I greatly appreciated towns for resupply, cold drinks, snacks, sit-down food, laundry, and shelter. I enjoyed the respite from eating trail food and always tried to take advantage of restaurants, cafes, and sandwich shops. The added benefit was the feeling that I supported the local economy.
