500 Miles
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018 | 2 minute read | Updated at Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018
The trail weaves through the hills, going around Picket post mountain, instead of the summit.
I’m a little disappointed, but not really. I can always come back for that. This is more about the trail.
The views of the peak are spectacular, but after a while, the rolling hills begin to seem repetitive. As Picket Post fades into the background, the hills are a new combination of yellow and green.
Though the hills go up and down, I have Mary’s Christmas treats.
I come across a hiker box with 8,000 gallons of water, lots of treats, and a tent stake.
Shnikies.
An extra tent stake is exactly what I needed.
Trail angels are my favorite people.
On the road nearby, hipster golf carts run by. Hunters looking for Elk.
There’s a quite a climb coming, and the trail turns into a ridge walk along the side of a mountain. Some turns are lush with green grass, some are yellow rock, and others are red rock.
Today is a special day. Today, I hit 500 miles, right around one of those nice Arizona Trail gates.
500 miles. I’ve walked 500 miles. It’s almost a rite I’ve passed. No one can say I’m not a thru hiker anymore.
This is easily the most beautiful rock landscape since the Grand Canyon; it looks a lot like the north rim, except there’s no people, anywhere.
It’s getting dark.
The ridge walk is nice, but I can’t camp here.
As I often do, I pray for a nice campsite. For an open space that feels good.
Sometimes I get it.
Sometimes I don’t.
This time, I do.
It’s almost perfect. About 100 feet away, there’s a view unlike I’ve ever seen. I bet I could actually see Mexico from here. 100s of miles laid out before me, at least.
Something about this area feels exposed though.
I wonder what’s past that turn.
I question whether it’s a good idea to push farther.
I do it.
Turn.
Turn.
I ask, is this a good idea? In general? Or just for tonight.
Sunset it coming. It’s almost here.
And then I find a great spot.
Is it better than before?
I don’t know. But I feel good about it.
Darkness is coming soon, though. I think…I think I’ll cowboy camp again.
Lay down the tent as a ground sheet.
Cook some dinner.
Yeah.
This is great.
