There weren’t other people back here. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across another AZT thru-hiker, but I wasn’t lucky. Though I was treated to a remarkably beautiful sunrise, my emotions and my will would be tested on this day.
Not realizing that just yet, I got busy capturing the sunrise, hoping I was close enough to Ripsey Wash so that some of the photos could be used for the area.… Keep reading...
Chapter 12Zero 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...
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...
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...
January was cold. We were in the heart of a historically cold and precipitous winter. The sun by this point had become a legend, forgotten behind the clouds that never seemed to lift from the valley, constantly dropping more and more snow as they had done since late November. Despite the Vitamin D deficiency the area was experiencing, along with the psychological aspects of not seeing direct sunlight for three months, I still made attempts to get out and shoot the remarkably unique landscapes.… Keep reading...
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...