When the morning star rises, that means the sun will come up soon. It’s cold, but I was toasty warm in Big Greenie. I shiver changing from a sleeping T back into my hiking uniform, then pack up and get moving. I’ll eat along the way once I need to change back out of all my warm gear.
I knew it would be cold, but the wide variation is still shocking. The trail is a roller coaster of up and down through thick grass laced with sharp thorns, and in and out of sun and shade. I shiver as I drop down into a draw.
I thought I heard a few people pass as I got set up last night, but I count six tents down here. The trail moves out of the cow pies and into views of hill upon hill. I pass a trail crossing that leads to a road and an explanation that the Arizona Trail Association is trying hard to keep us off roads.
How nice of them, as I head into a seemingly endless series of PUDs (pointless up and downs) OK, maybe that’s not fair. I’m just tired and I haven’t been able to eat much. Right now, uphill is making me sick.
Just when I think I’ve hit the flats and see a way out, the trail zooms right back up. In one low area near a wash, I count three more tents. Then another. Did anyone sleep out last night? I’m beginning to feel kind of bad ass.
Soon I reach a gate at a high point and at last I see the town ahead – far ahead, but I’m making progress! It’s still ups and downs, but at a smaller degree until I reach a road. I call Richard right away as I walk hoping for a hitch. Lovely Judy on her way to volunteer at the church picks me up (only because I’m a woman) and drops me a mile ahead at Ovens of Patagonia, where I have a ginger ale to settle my stomach.
A ’nero’ is in order, a short day hike with a town stay. I get a room at the Stage Stop Inn and try to eat some food. I see several of my fellow hikers in town at Red Mountain Foods, which only takes cash. I have just enough for piles of bars, more carbs and way more electrolytes.
I’m tired, sore and just need a rest. But there’s still time to take a Zoom call about a little voice over work when I get home.
But not for another six weeks and today’s goal is to chill and get ready for the rest of those six weeks. And what an ideal place for it, this small town right out of the old west tucked into the hills. I’m so lucky I landed here.
2 Responses
I’m caught up and enjoying your hike! I’ve never spent time in that area but it looks beautiful . . .very rich colors. I wonder if the sun/ time of year make a difference in the beauty of a spot. I think spring and fall on the North Shore provide the best light . .. . probably happens elsewhere too. It sounds like you’re getting into your rhythm. I bet it takes about a week. Do you ever take gingko for altitude? Sure works for me. I don’t have much appetite at elevation but I’m never nauseous. I imagine that the daily journaling also takes a bit of “warming up”. So far, so good! Already looking forward to the next one!
An ultra runner told me today I’m likely lacking salt. Who knows?! Just exhausted cos this is like NZ only rocks this time!