Azt Map Miles 303.4
Miles Hiked 293.6
Elevation 7,060
Miles Hiked Today 18.6
I was up and packing at 5:30. About 6:15 AM I emerged from my tent and looked around. I couldn’t see Dawn’s or MJ’s tent, and I started thinking they’re gone already. I packed up my tent and was about to leave when I looked over and saw Dawn’s backpack. They were both still there. I need my eyes examined.
We all got underway and the morning was uneventful. I was hiking behind Dawn until just before noon when we split up. In the afternoon, the trail took on characteristics of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Up then down with a very rocky and steep descent. I fell twice. Just like the AT.
Dawn told me she was going to stop at an upcoming creek. I reached the creek and found no one. In fact, the trail continued on the opposite side, but I couldn’t find it. There was nothing but a vertical wall of dirt on the other side of the creek. After searching for a way up the embankment for almost 30 minutes, I just scaled the vertical wall of dirt. Just like the AT.
Once I found the trail, it continued up until it reached a rim. From there it was easy hiking. It was getting late. I thought maybe Dawn kept going because it was too early to stop at the creek. However, I never found her, so a little after 4:30 PM I found a good campsite and setup.
I hope I can find Dawn tomorrow. We have reservations at a house in Pine on Wednesday, and we need to be together for the trailhead pickup.
