HIKE DIARY
Backpacking & thru-hiking
is not always blissful
AZT: Oracle to high point, 15 miles
I start right where I left off at American Flag under Mount Lemmon then walk north into desert beauty.
AZT: the return
I arrive in Tucson and spend the day on a wild circuitous detour exactly where I’ll walk with my African-American friend Hector.
Good Luck, Bad Luck
My outlook on life is a belief in grace and abundance tinged by some bad luck that tests our character.
CDT: Deadman Peaks to Cuba, New Mexico
The final twenty miles included climbing up on several mesas made of different types of rock and all with amazing views including the last night’s sunset show.
CDT: Ojo Frio to Deadman Peaks, New Mexico
This is one of the most interesting and varied sections with whimsical hoodoos, massive dry washes, views for miles from ridges and two good water sources.
CDT: Los Indios to Ojo Frio, New Mexico
The trail winds through pinyon before a steep decent to desert, dotted with enormous volcanic vents and mesas.
CDT: Ranger Tank to Los Indios, New Mexico
The trail continues on dusty road through wheatgrass and pinyon ending at a stunning canyon, golden in Autumn colors with a piped spring.
CDT: Mount Taylor to Ranger Tank, New Mexico
After Mount Taylor, there’s a 24-mile dry stretch. I watch the eclipse from a mountain with an Hispanic rancher.
CDT: Grants to Mount Taylor, New Mexico
The start of the trail from desert is steep, but then levels off into ponderosa pine and aspen before beginning the ascent of 11,000-foot Mount Taylor.
Pre-hike: Albuquerque
Before hiking a CDT section, I visit Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta, Old Town, and to see old friends.
Appalachian Trail: Gorham to Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire
The Wildcats are considered some of the hardest hiking in New Hampshire with sketchy rock climbs.
Appalachian Trail, Grafton Notch, Maine to Gorham, New Hampshire
The short section that straddles Maine and New Hampshire is considered one of the hardest with bouldering and dangerously steep descents.
