AZT Day 3 – Town Day!
Stats
Start: Ted Bank Well – Mile 40.7
End: Temporal Gulch Trailhead – Mile 58
Elevation Max: 5,323
Elevation Min: 4,056
Elevation Change: 2,568 up & 2,130 down
Average Heart Rate: 112
Walking Time: 5 hrs 17 minutes
The Walk
Town day! I huddled in my sleeping bag at 5:15 not wanting to move. It had only been 2 days, but the thought of real food got me going real quick. Patagonia was just 9 miles away. I could be there before 10 if I left by 6.
I puttered around camp to wake up Salsa and broke down my tent. I had time to boil water for oatmeal. It only took a minute. I shoveled down the oatmeal and we were off.
When the sun came up, the trail opened up and mountains rose around us. Even taller mountains framed the bowl we were hiking through. And it made for my favorite section of trail so far.
9 miles went by quick and we were in town by 10. Number one item on the list. Shower. The town had 3 options. Option 1 was an RV park. We road walked to the park and found a locked up bathroom. The owner came out and shooed us away. Strike one. The state park with free showers was option 2. I finally had service and checked google maps to look for the state park facilities. But they were 7 miles away. Strike two.
We kept moving and found our last option. TerraSol camp site. The owner was reluctant since we weren’t staying the night, but offered a 5 gallon porch shower with warm water for 5 bucks. Deal. It was worth 20 bucks.
Clean and hungry, we went to The Wagon Wheel, a local restaurant. I got a breakfast sandwich with chips and enjoyed every bite. My body wasn’t used to the grease but damn was it good! I did sink laundry and headed out for more town chores.
Next up a trip to the post office to resupply. I sent WAY too much food. I even had a few meals left in my backpack because we were going twice as fast as planned. I shared the food with Salsa and left the rest for other hikers. It was plenty to get to the next resupply, 70 miles ahead to Colossal Cave.
We lounged around for a few hours and charged our electronics. Then headed to the other restaurant for meal number 2. I had a salad with lots of nuts and avocado. I was craving avocado.
We popped by the market for a few things and headed out for our last 6 miles to the Temporal Gulch Trailhead. The whole hike was on a gravel road. I threw some music in and enjoyed the scenery. The last mile opened up to a beautiful view of tomorrow’s climb.
We got to the trailhead but didn’t see much for camping. There were one or two okay spots, but we would need to clear a lot of rocks. I was ready to call it, but Salsa suggested we keep going. I felt pretty good, opened my bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos from the market and followed. About a half mile up trail we saw a flat spot where 3 men set up camp and joined. A beautiful orange sunset lit up the sky while I made camp. One of those moments where you are at peace and truly appreciate the beauty around. I had no phone service and nothing else to do. I climbed up a hill and watched the sunset. Well, I could have finished setting up my tent or made dinner. But my belly was full from Patagonia and it didn’t feel rainy.
I settled in for the night and looked at the upcoming trail. My next Resupply is at Colassal Cave. 62 miles to Colassal in 2.5 days. The best way to do a town is to camp 10 or less miles out so you can get in early. Relax while there, then walk a few miles before dark. Two big days will set us up for 10 miles into Colossal Cave. Plus there is a rumor of trail magic and apple pie 25 miles ahead.
I had an apple and orange waiting for breakfast! I went to bed excited for the climb in the morning.
March 15, 2022 @ 6:18 pm
That sunset had to be mind blowing. Looks like the color of fire in the pic. So interesting walking with ya abit thru pics. 💚