Easter, Horse Hugs, & Wrong Turns

Waking up in the canyon bright and early Easter morning was amazing. Getting out of camp and hiking in and around the most incredible rock formations – best Easter service I have ever attended. 

There’s a rain collector water source at the top of one of the climbs and it was there that G-Snail caught up to me as I was filtering 3 liters and soaking my bandana to tie around my neck. It’s an incredible air conditioning system if you’ve never tried it.

Hot? Cool your neck. Cold? Throw on your buff and warm your neck.

Why? Cuz your cranial nerve runs thru it and relays info to your hypothalamus which regulates your temperature. You’re welcome. 

I carried on up and over and down and thru passes and canyons for most of the day lost in my thoughts; I have some emotions weighing on my heart and being out here on trail is a beautiful place to really deep dive into your soul’s core.

The local Superior, AZ Trail Angel, MJ was picking us up at Picket Post trailhead at 2pm and I knew there were some Easter surprises waiting for me at her house. 

Doesn’t matter how old you are – an Easter basket is always an Easter basket no matter what form it takes! 

About an hour before the trailhead, I saw some horses approaching. I stepped to the side, removed my hat, and put my hiking poles behind me. I’ve learned that some horses are wary of my hiking poles/hat and being the animal lover that I am, I never want to cause harm.

The most adorable young cowboy was in the lead on a beautiful paint. He tipped his hat and said “Howdy, Ma’am” – and his horse came to a complete stop without him pulling on the reins.

Have you ever been hugged by a horse? It is a magical thing. To be embraced by one of the most artistically proven graceful creatures on the planet. They say that just watching a horse can take all the stress out of your body. Don’t believe me? Give it a whirl. 

This paint put his head down, I held out my hand and introduced myself to his muzzle. He then arched his neck around me, and gave me a hug. I won’t lie, I got a little teary-eyed. 

“He likes you ma’am” the young cowboy said smiling down at me, “Happy Easter” and they continued on.

It’s not the first time a horse has hugged me – but it was the first time it really tugged my heart strings.

At the trailhead MJ scooped us up and gave us a tour, telling us about Picket Post mountain, how it used to be a volcano – and if you climb to the top there’s a mailbox, where once a year on Christmas they collect it. I think I might have to come back this winter and send Santa some of my wishes from up top.

MJ welcomed us into her home with the same warmth and care as she did when I was there last in 2023. She had even made a fresh batch of chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and had Easter supper planned out – almost every place in town was closed for the holiday. 

Freshly showered, 4 of us hikers sat down to an Easter supper of honey ham, potato salad, baked beans, fresh sourdough, and watermelon. I felt beyond grateful and blessed. 

Two letters and two packages served as my Easter Basket, with my friend Foot unknowingly including my favorite Easter candy! Two hand-made cards, and an order of fantastic electrolytes completed the holiday treats for me. It’s an Easter I will never forget. 

The next morning MJ made us homemade biscuits and gravy before jetting off to the Tucson airport to scoop up some other hikers. B&G (biscuits and gravy) are a favorite of mine and something I only indulge in when hiking. I had honey in my coffee topped with whipped cream and a boatload of Cholula on some over medium eggs as well. Favorite breakfast in a cozy trail angel’s house? This is what dreams are made of. Just sayin’

Spud, G-Snail, and I hit up the market and dollar store for some resupply essentials and packed up, hitting the trail at about 11am. Our goal was 20 miles which was ambitious to say the least starting in the heat of the day.

Also, entering the Superstitions – one of my favorite stretches on the AZT, the first climb is a doozy. But we hiked it masterfully and I got to the top right at sunset, the boys having passed me on the way up. 

Hey. You try hiking with 10lbs on top of your heart/ribcage and then you come at me with your slow uphill comments.

I’ll tell you one thing tho. These long legs FLY on the downhill. Catch me if you can.

In 2023 I got to the top of that climb at dark. And the immediate gravel road walk eventually has you turn right, back onto the trail. My buddy Barney Rubble and I totally missed it in the dark. And in true tradition I missed it. Again. But this time, after ¼ mile I had a nagging feeling tell me to check my trail app. 

So, with only ½ mile extra for the day, I found the boys camped near a spring, put my tent up in record time, made a delicious dinner (10/10 compared to G-Snail’s own dinner that he gave an “edible” rating) and after an impromptu constellation lesson with Spud I fell into a deep, deep sleep, dreaming about Ursa Major, Orion, and shooting stars.

Never stop exploring. Embrace the suck. I. Believe. In. YOU. kk ily <3

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