Graupel, Park Rangers, and Pastries

Day 1 on trail started with a pit stop for an espresso on the way to the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center where I said goodbye to Diogenes in his fancy travelling suit.

Diogenes in SUIT

The last time I hiked the Arizona Trail I was lucky enough to get dropped off at the actual pass, but this time around I was happy to start my hike with a new beginning of sorts.

I followed the blue line, or connector trail from the Visitor Center to where it intersects with the AZT just shy of 3 miles. It was a good start to a long day.

When I joined up with the actual trail I turned left to hike South the 1 mile to the Mexican border and Southern Terminus! Upon arriving there I discovered a park ranger sitting on a bench overlooking the wall/fence that separates the US from Mexico.

Southern Terminus!

After double checking the ranger wouldn’t arrest me for dipping a toe into Mexico I carefully Tetris-ed my way thru the gap in the barb-wire fence. I snapped a few photos with the monument and then I set my sights North.

When I got to the pass itself I bumped into a group doing a documentary on Jaguar activity in the area. They wanted to know where I was headed to which I proudly replied “Utah!”

After signing the register at the pass and topping off my water bottles I began the insane hike up Miller Peak.

starfish signing in!

The AZT gut punches you right off the bat. 3000 ft plus of uphill and that’s just the start. It’s not counting the uphill from the Visitor Center – then the Pass – and even the few miles after Miller.

Tasty pastry!

I decided I’d eat my tasty pâtisserie lunch treat about halfway up – and that’s when the clouds descended. I hiked in and thru a graupel storm for about 4 hours with temps in the teens. And I’m fairly certain I gave myself walking pneumonia doing it. But as a cheery cyclist at the hostel I’ve made it to pointed out – at least you can still walk with it 🙂

I was determined NOT to camp at a high elevation that first night and pushed myself hard to get to a campsite about 13 miles north of the border.

I hiked over 6000 ft of elevation and 16 miles total on day 1. And I’m beyond PROUD of myself.

At the campsite there were 2 lovely section hikers, Manzanita & 6-days. After setting up my tent, having dinner, eating another pâtisserie treat: the browned butter sugar cookie, and having a hot cup of tea with Manzanita (who turned 80 last week and is still out here doing the damn thing!) I fell into the deepest sleep I’ve experienced in a long while.

Trail near campsite #1

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

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