
Making Miles on the AZT
I wanted to hit 550 miles today. The trail had no single large elevation gain, but it did gradually go up most of the day. Still, I was making miles.

I wanted to hit 550 miles today. The trail had no single large elevation gain, but it did gradually go up most of the day. Still, I was making miles.

I was hiking south of Kearney by 9:15 AM. The trail was mostly up. It was a clear day and although hot, certainly not as hot as yesterday.

I decided to go into Kearney today for a couple of reasons. The rocks have finally got the better of my right foot. I’m going to rest the foot for half a day.

I took several breaks in the heat, which slowed me down. Despite that, I went over the 500 miles mark today in both map miles and actual miles hiked.

Time to go back to the Arizona Trail. After breakfast of freshly cooked blueberry muffins, orange juice and eggs, three of us loaded into trail angel MJ’s car.

I’m at trail angel MJ’s house in Superior. MJ doesn’t call this a hostel, but it is. She made us a super breakfast of pancakes, eggs and orange juice.

Well known trail angel, MJ, in front of her house. AZT Map Miles 485.0Miles Hiked 474.7Elevation 2,396 feetMiles Hiked Today 15.5 Woke up early and

In total there was over 2,000 feet in three climbs where the trail went up in the Superstition Wilderness. Most of the trail was wider except one descent

I didn’t get off until 7 AM. I had wanted to start right at first light, so I could hit my mileage target. Anyway, on I go into the Superstition Wilderness.

I believed there would be trouble getting to the trail from Globe this morning, so I tried to arrange a shuttle. No luck. The hotel owner offered a short ride.