Twilight over the Oracle Ridge

Zero Day Unknowns

Twilight over the Oracle Ridge Chapter 12

Zero days are a common practice among thru-hikers. Meaning, zero miles covered, they’re days when thru-hikers just want to rest weary feet, reconnect with new and old friends, share stories, replace supplies, do laundry, heal an injury, get more food, or any other chores or tasks or relaxation techniques that need tending to.… Keep reading...

Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountians

How the Arizona Trail Weeds Out Thru-Hikers

Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountians

Chapter 11

Through some of the most spectacular desert scenery I had ever seen, I pushed on, continuing my downward trek to my surprise.

I reached Hutch’s Pool shortly after the trail began a gradual climb upward. Hutch’s Pool was the last reliable water before an intimidating and lengthy climb roughly 5,000 vertical feet up to Summerhaven.… Keep reading...

Ocotillo Along Arizona Trail

Advice from Milestones

Ocotillo Along Arizona Trail

Chapter 10

Today was the day I had decided to leave the trail. It just felt like the right decision. Being on the trail felt too forced and I simply wasn’t enjoying it due to the stress. I arranged a ride to meet me at the next passage end, the Molino Basin Campground, just inside the Santa Catalina Mountains.… Keep reading...

Mica Mountain Above Grassland Desert

Education and Politics on the Arizona Trail

Mica Mountain Above Grassland Desert

Chapter 9

After overadmiring the overwhelming view, I headed back down on my way again. I had been taking full advantage of my trusty hiking poles the entire way, fearful that my legs couldn’t handle the weight of myself and my food and gear. But on my way down, the poles felt like they were just getting in the way, constantly snagging in the brush along the trail.… Keep reading...

Night Sky over Sky Island

Civilization and My Night Skies

Night Sky over Sky Island

Chapter 6

The mark of the civilization was now becoming more obvious. I was hiking below large homes propped up on hills so the residents could boost their ego knowing that people were talking about their house. It didn’t matter if people were complaining about how their house ruins the view, they just wanted the attention, otherwise they wouldn’t have put their houses in such noticeable locations.… Keep reading...

Silhouetted Trees Under Sunset Cloud

Adjusting to 100 Miles of Trail

Silhouetted Trees Under Sunset Cloud

Chapter 5

My days were becoming more euphoric. The stresses of preparation that I had carried onto the trail were beginning to fade. I had learned how to cope with my (relatively) abundant array of electronics and was feeling good about it. The days were open and free. I seemed to have a perfect amount of delicious trail food that didn’t need cooking, and I had just enough to get me to the next stop – an average of about four days.… Keep reading...