February 26
Mile 263-276.1
Almost a year ago we came down off some yonder mountain in a thunderstorm to be shuttled away by Fog into Kearny. (Fog, our hiking friend, not the low laying cloud.)Then the reality of Covid 19 hit as we saw masses of people lined up for toilet paper in front of the little Kearny store. Apparently people out of the area flocked there when they saw TP was arriving! We had no idea the world had gone crazy and since Fog could give us a ride to our car, we prudently left the trail for home.
Now we are back to hike a few more miles of this desert wonderland. We’ve brought our motorcycle and our truck and are using them to shuttle us around to be self sufficient.
For this leg of our journey we put our motorcycle at Picketpost trailhead (it has a site host) and then drove to Gila River Trailhead in our truck to start our hike right where we left it last year. Well, actually a mile further on as that’s where the parking spot is, but we did drive on the trail, as they are one and the same here. It was a little worrisome walking away from our truck and camper. See Hawkeye wave goodbye. Time will tell how lucky we are as there has been reported vehicle break ins at this spot.
Water for this section is evenly spaced out. We plan on hiking just under 13 miles for three days. Today’s hike is easy and very enjoyable. Except for a few pointless ups and downs (PUDS) that is. Big desert views, the Gila River and an occasional train were all a feast for our eyes.
Back in the day, the Gila River area was a route for people passing through Arizona and is still used for trains. The trains we see are filled with what looks like coal and dirt and have mining company insignias.
We are now camping by the river. I wade in and the surprisingly icy cold water feels great on my legs. Ice therapy! We filter the muddy water through a pre filter hanky that is folded four times to catch more sediment. Then we use our BeFree filter. The water came out looking sparkling clean. (For ease in gathering water we also use a plastic water bottle cut in half as a scoop.)
Currently, a cow calls mournfully and a cow bell rings. I can hear the faint murmuring of the river. Birds chirp and flit from branch to branch in nearby trees. My sweetie and I sit in the shade relaxing, waiting for the sun to set. It will be quite a wait as it is only 3:00. It’s warm, but not hot. A tiny breeze blows into my heart and my mind feels free. Hiking through wide open spaces bring peace to my soul.
Tonight’s sunset from the hill by our camp.
February 27:
Mile 276.1 to 288.6
Sunrise on a nipply morning.
Someone forgot to turn off the light last night (full moon)and we discovered that we are quite soft. We toss and turn and it gets freezing cold and we put on our puffy jackets. When the sky lightens for morning, I hike up the hill to get a sunrise view and then hurry back to my sleeping bag until the air warms up more.
A great day makes up for the restless night. It is awesome southwestern country of canyons and cactus. We climb over 4000 feet with a descent of about 2000 feet. A top notch day of sweating and enjoying every cool breeze that blows our way.
It’s Saturday, so we see folks out and about. Mostly hikers, but a few mountain bikers too. We greet a big group of off roaders while we are getting our last water before the trail leaves the Gila River. They are all across the river, as it was too high for them to cross today. One group was speaking Spanish and talking about wishing they had their horses (that’s all we could decipher). The other group asked how we got across the river, so we explained we had started on this side. Lol!
Then our climb begins. An honest climb that just keeps going. We see this distinctive rock in the distance and watch it get closer and closer all day, and eventually it is in our rear view mirror.
Distinctive rock
Crown on a saguaro
Almost to the saddle
Bear rock
Cool canyon
Today’s almost 13 miles are much harder than yesterday. We happy to camp when we got to the water cache meant tank. Normally we go about two hundred feet from water for wildlife, but we searched all around and can’t find a flat spot further away. I guess this will have to do. Sorry wildlife. Thanks Arizona Trail for this water tank.
February 28
Mile 288.6 to 300.5
Easy walk today as it is mostly downhill. We pass a few day hikers, one backpacker and a group of women on horses. The views are pleasant and the weather is on the cool side. Hawkeye heads off on his motor bike for our camper and I imagine he is freezing about now. He looked chipper before he took off though.
The mountain behind him is Picketpost Mountain. We think we want to hike to the summit tomorrow. Our plan is to camp in our camper around here tonight as it’s all forest service lands land with free dispersed camping!
Some shots from our day:
Sunrise glow
Our view most of the day. Picketpost Mountain.
Where we are headed. Reavis Canyon and the Superstition Mountains.
My view right now. Looks warm, but it’s not. I’m icing my feet. Therapy. Looks like a storm is blowing in. Poor Hawkeye. He’s probably really cold on the bike. He should be back in a couple hours though and we will sleep posh tonight in the camper.
Picketpost is a busy trailhead with a site host, and toilets. Lots of cars parked and lots of people come and go looking oddly at the weird lady, all bundled up, lying barefoot under a Palo Verde tree. A wild, loud wind blows intermittently across the land and I couldn’t be happier.
Flowers are slim to none this year. Might just be too early.
Ocotillo bloom
Comments
Post a Comment
We love your comments or questions. Have a great day and live a good life.