AZT Day 2 – The Staring Cows
Stats
Start: The Windmill- Mile 17.1
End: Red Bank Well – Mile 40.7
Elevation Max: 5,283
Elevation Min: 4,009
Elevation Change: 3,223 up & 4,825 down
Average Heart Rate: 125
Walking Time: 8 hrs 16 minutes
The Walk
I met more cows than water on day 2.
My body wanted to crash on night one. But I had a hard time falling sleep. I woke up every few hours and at 5:30 noticed a headlamp at the campsite. Salsa was up and starting morning chores. I could have fallen back asleep but decided to get an early start. We were aiming for 24 miles. Mostly due to the long distance between water.
I rolled out of bed and broke down camp. I had a liter and a half of water from the night before which was plenty to make it 5 miles to the next water source. I used my headlamp to keep an eye out for snakes as I took down the tent. The sun wouldn’t be up for another hour.
We broke camp around 6:00 using headlamps to see the trail. The only sound was a person rustling around in their tent a quarter mile into the hike. The sun came up and brought good vibes and a goal of 10 by 10. 10 miles before 10am. This is helpful to set up a big mile day. It’s hard to hike faster than 2.5 mph. Hiking time is the controllable.
About 5 miles into the hike we came to a creek flowing across the trail. This was a welcome sight and the first time I heard running water on trail. I cameled up (drank a liter) and filled 3 liters for the 18 miles ahead to the next water source. The rest of the morning was peaceful and took us over the first large climb. We ended up with 9.6 miles at 10am, which is great for day two.
Then the sun came. 75 and not a cloud in the sky. I was used to 30 degree days and snow. It felt like 90 and was a shock to both Salsa and I. But we kept walking and rationing our water. I was happy to have liquid IV to add flavor and hydrate faster. We passed a few cow ponds. I didn’t want to drink the water unless I had to. The trail flattened out and opened up to beautiful mountain views.
Two miles after the final climb we stopped at a trailhead for lunch. I opened the bear box and saw gallons of water left by a kind soul. I couldn’t help but smile and drank a liter of water. The extra buffer for the final 10 miles was perfect.
We were 18 miles in for the day and I was tired. 24 miles felt like a stretch. I still needed to be careful with water in case our campsite turned out to be dry. My body had no idea what I was doing to it. I didn’t prepare very well.
Miles 18-21 were rough. But we’re filled with amazing views. And a ton of cows. In a pinch I could have shared water with cows. But I didn’t need too. Luckily I had enough to skip the cow pond with too many cow pies floating. We even had our first cow standoff. A big one stood in the middle of trail and wouldn’t move. I slowly walked by and the cow didn’t move. It wasn’t a bull, so we weren’t too worried.
I took a break under a shade tree/bush 3 miles away from camp. A handful of jerky and granola bar helped. I felt better heading into camp. The tank full of water was a welcome relief. I downed my chicken and dumplings then set up camp.
We camped at a rocky spot with some cows. At sunset I heard 30-40 doves flying around looking for bugs in the watering trough. The tour bus’s story of Arizona as a birding destination must have been true. It was a nice way to the end night. The stars shown bright with no moon in sight.
Tomorrow we’re walking 10 miles to our the first trail town. Patagonia. Time for a pizza, resupply, and a shower! Hopefully I won’t wake up too sore.
