AZT Map Miles 729.1
Miles Hiked 718.8
Elevation 4,078 feet
Miles Hiked Today 15.7
It rained last night but not hard. Then just as I was about to take down my tent, it rained again. It looks like it’s going to be one of those days. The rain stopped after a bit and I finished breaking camp.
The target for today is Patagonia, which is 15 miles. Most of the hike was on forest roads with one exception. First thing in the morning was a 700 foot climb. After that, there were small ups and downs. Of course it rained again.
Along the way, I tried to find a room for the night. I was not having any luck. I had visions of another night in my tent, which wasn’t bad, but it was cold and wet. When I reached Patagonia I went over to the Stage Stop Inn. The night’s cost was more than I wanted to pay but what the heck. The lady clerk checked me in. I asked if there were any restaurants open and there weren’t. Looked like freeze dried for dinner.
Just after I got to my room the lady desk clerk appears at my door. She gives me an entire Thanksgiving dinner. It was her dinner. I saw it on her desk when checking in. Wow! What a gift. It had everything – salad, ham, turkey, potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. I ate it all. Best Thanksgiving in seven years.
Tomorrow it’s back to the trail and what should be my last day of hiking the Arizona Trail.
