We've almost reached the half-way point! Should make it by Friday!
From Pine we've managed to make it to Saddle Mountain...or Passage 22 as it is called.
Sadly, the heat has been pretty horrible.
112 degrees yesterday and not a lot of miles. No time to really appreciate the Tonto National Park. More of a forced march.
Last night it rained, and today was cooler and more pleasant.
The mountain is covered with Ponderosa pine trees and the ground is carpeted with needles. The air has a vague Christmas smell.
By the half-way mark I'm going to have to find the nearest trail town and pick up more hiking boots. I am sure the outfitters in the area are aware of how the rocky trail chews up boots.
This passage leads to #23 The Mazatzel Wilderness...which we will begin tomorrow.
Exhausted tonight.
Saddle Mountain
https://youtu.be/kaNDnraHZxI?si=aJrrQnSydv5ELUSt
Will catch up with everyone on Friday.
Love,
"Beans"
(...the slow roasted...)
