You may remember my trail-name from our year-long hike on the AT.
Today, begins our new Virtual Adventure on the 800+ two month adventure known as The Arizona Trail (AZT)
We will be NOBO (Northbound) from Mexico's border to Utah.
Outfitted yesterday, and was somewhat alarmed after a discussion with some SOBO hikers who were just finishing their journey.
Apparently, June is a rather late start for NOBO hikers...and I have missed the Spring Window of Mar-May.
What this means is that we will miss a lot of the early cactus blooms, but more importantly that the heat will be oppressive, and water sources will be sketchy.
"I'd wait until next year, if I were you."
I heard this a lot.
But this is virtual...and we are as ready as we'll ever be...so let's go.
Started out after a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast.
Packing in 5 liters of water and mindful of reminders to top them off every chance I get...because this late it can be miles before you reach another water source.
Other tips included a floppy hat that shades the back of your neck, good sunscreen, sunglasses, a thick sleeping pad, thermal underwear for cold desert nights...oh and a cell phone...not for communication, necessarily, but for GPS so they can (QUOTE)
"...locate your dead body..."
Yeah, very funny.
Started out at 6:30 AM...it was 75 degrees. Planning 25 miles a day for the next 4 days...to reach the 100 mile marker by Friday. Plan to take every weekend as Zero Days...restock and camel up...800 miles in 8 weeks.
I will check in on M-W-F.
It is now past noon and stopping in the already 90 degree heat because damn...
The terrain from the border seems to immediately climb and is little more than desert...scrubs...dead plants and rocks.
I can envision this in 65-70 degree temps with blooms and wildlife...but this month is not that.
Others have advised to watch for green areas indicating water...but I've yet to see anything remotely green.
The heat...dry though it may be...is exhaustive...relentless...and I'm beginning to wonder if this was a mistake, already...
I'll quit whining, now...catch you further up the trail.
Love,
"Beans"
Trailhead Marker
