March 21-23, 2014 Mt. Peeley to Twin Buttes 48.5 miles and 8,400 feet of climbing. 

Wow, what a fantastic trip this was.  Although, many of my family and friends may disagree, I will get to that later. This is a unique segment of the Arizona Trail.  Almost the entire 48 miles is within designated Wilderness areas.  This was the one thing that gave me the most concern as I was planning this trip.  With limited access points to the trail, I was not able to drop any extra water.  Given the very dry year we have had water availability was one of my biggest fears during the planning stages. 

Luckily, there was water where there was supposed to be and it worked perfectly with the spots I had planned to camp.  If you've read any of my previous posts, you know that this almost never happens. 

And on this trip, I didn't take any wrong turns, misread any maps or gps units, miss any signs or markers. Again, this almost never happens on my hikes!!! More importantly, the scenery and the trail were a true Arizona wonder.  The photos I took are great, but really don't do justice to the true beauty. 

Unexpectedly, I ran into three other hikers on this trip.  Actually two hikers and one great AZT volunteer.  Given the remoteness of the area, that was a bit of a shock. 

I planned my first night stay in a spot that was close to a spring.  The camp site was listed as about a quarter of a mile off the trail.  This is usually a bit further than I like to go as I'm pretty lazy out on the trail, not wanting to go much further than I actually have to.  In this instance, I made the right choice.  This camp spot looked like something that was used by equestrians and possibly Forest Service personnel at some point.  It was a great oak tree shaded area with great tent spots, a camp table and great views.  I've got some photos posted here, for a night on the trail it was almost like staying at the Hilton. 

My day two camp site was another regular camp spot for wilderness hikers and horseback riders.  Not quite as nice as night one, but still better than many spots I've spread out in. 

This trip was another trip through areas where there have been forest fires in the not too distant past.  The devastation is something that is hard to comprehend.  One can only wonder how much more beautiful this area was before the fire destruction. 

On my AZT journey, there is always something that offers a mental and physical challenge.  It happens on day trips and multi-day trips.  On this trip it was the last 11+ miles on White Rock Mesa.  While the climbs were challenging, they weren't the worst I've encountered.  What was challenging on this segment was the trail, or lack there of.  Most of the 11+ miles the trail tread was invisible.  Navigation was done by "cairns".  I've attached some photos for you to test yourself.  See if you can pick out the "cairn".  If you can, you are ready to come out on the trail.  If not, you better stick to the sidewalks!!  And if you have to ask, "what is a cairn?"  Better that you stay inside.

Last, but certainly not least on this trip was the excitement going on behind the scenes.  Given the fact that my trip had gone along without any real adversity, I should have known there was something else not working right.  That one thing was my SPOT locator.  Funny thing about technology, sometimes it doesn't work.  What I didn't know is that my SPOT message for Saturday (day two) did not make it out to my contact list.  So by Sunday some friend and family were expecting the worst (eaten by a bear, lost in the woods etc).  In the end, all was OK, although most in my family still think I'm a bit crazy for taking these "out in the middle of nowhere" trips.  This will be one of those funny family stories told and re-told for years to come.

If all works out like I have planned, the next post you will read will be the completion of this trip.  I'm really at a bit of a loss for words on that.  I'm amazed that it is almost over.  I'm humbled by the support of friends and family.  I have to pinch myself to understand that the journey is almost complete.  What am I going to do with all that free time?  The wheels are already starting to turn!!!!!!!!!!! 

The East Verde, a great spot for lunch!

Test #1, Where is the cairn?

Test #2, Where is the cairn?

Better than a cairn!!!

Test #3, Where is the cairn?

Saturday March 8, 2014 Hardscrabble Mesa (Twin Buttes to Pine) 12 Miles

What was better, the hike or the after hike stop at THAT Brewery in Pine?  I would guess that my hiking companions would vote for the Brewery!!!  Especially after Dain and I decided it wasn't necessary to look at our GPS until after we parked the car.  This necessitated an extra mile of hiking.  Another perfect example of technology only being as good as the user.

This 12 mile hike was an enjoyable Saturday hike and I was again joined by wonderful friends, Lillian, Dain, Debbie, Andrea and Ernie. 

The hike starts on a Forest Service Road, then heads down a powerline road before entering some really neat trails.  Great views, mostly a downhill hike (except for one challenging climb).  The week before this hike, Arizona had a really nice rainy weekend (the first real rain since December) which was showcased in creeks, streams and numerous cattle/wildlife tanks. 

 

This hike ends at the trailhead in Pine, right off the highway.  A great place to explore the Arizona Trail for a day hike.  Then after the hike, enjoy an Arizona Trail Ale at THAT Brewery in Pine.  Friends, food, adult beverages and an Arizona Trail hike. It really doesn't get much better than that!!! 


 

As dry as the State has been, it was a treat to be able to enjoy the sights
and sounds along a creek.  This isn's something we see
much of living in the desert.  



 

This is Lillian and Deb at the end of the hike right before
Lillian stole my beer!!  Guess we shouldn't have made them walk that extra mile.