AZT Day 4 – Sliced finger on a windy day
Stats
Start: Temporal Gulch Trailhead – Mile 58
End: Forest Road – Mile 83
Elevation Max: 6,656
Elevation Min: 4,628
Elevation Change: 5,130 up & 4,219 down
Average Heart Rate: 109
Walking Time: 8 hrs 24 minutes
The Walk
5:00 came early. I didn’t sleep well but rolled out of my sleeping bag and got ready. It had to be a big day. We needed to average 25 miles the next two days to leave us a 12 mile hike into Colossal cave, which is 62 miles ahead. After yesterday’s 6 hour stop in Patagonia I was rejuvenated and ready to walk.
I had two hot spots (potential blisters) on my toes closest to the big toe. I felt my toes banging into the top of my shoe during steep downhill sections, but nothing I could do to stop it. I decided to take 5 minutes to wrap them in moleskin to prevent blisters.
I packed up camp quick. And got to work on the moleskin. I needed to cut it down to size. The moleskin was tougher than I expected. In a morning daze I sliced my right index finger with my knife. I didn’t cut it deeply, but in 10 seconds it was bleeding all over.
I tossed the moleskin to Salsa and focused on cleaning and bandaging my finger. An alcohol wipe, bandaid, and duct tape worked great. Salsa used a rock and knife to cut the moleskin and we were off at 5:30.
The morning started with rough road. It felt like walking through a dry riverbed with large rocks. We had 6 miles of rough road. Then started to climb Mount Wrightson, a 2,800 foot climb. I felt strong. I popped in my headphones for the first time and climbed to the top.
The trail opened up to a beautiful view of surrounding mountains. Then switchbacked down 3 miles to a creek. The weather was cool and snow peppered the ground. We took a break at the creek and I properly redressed my cut with alcohol and antibiotic.
Then we were off to Kentucky Camp, an old gold mining settlement. Along the way we read plaques about the hydroponic project and history of gold mining in the area. One of the few times we stop during the day.
We cheered when we saw a picnic table at Kentucky Camp! Two other thru hikers joined us for lunch. The little things matter out on trail. Then we headed out for the final 7 miles of the day.
We climbed a few miles through rolling dirt road and to a flat plain. Up here the wind was ripping at 45 mph. It was exhilarating. The trail traversed an open plain with beautiful Mountain views. I felt the power of the outdoors and felt so insignificant against the wind. At the top of our final 1k climb I turned to yell into the wind. A gust acted as a counter to me leaning forward. My voice was swallowed. No match for the wind.
We hiked the final miles to our camp site. My feet were sore and I was tired. As we crossed the road to camp we saw something leaned up against the cow fence. It was trail magic! There were lawn chairs, food, drinks, water, and even trail supplies. I felt like an 8 year old at Christmas. The trail angles resupply the spot each night, and I was so thankful for their hospitality.
Salsa and I cheersed with chocolate milk and oranges. I also had cookies, hummus, banana, apple, Gatorade, and Pepsi. The perfect way to end a long day.
The wind died down around 6 and we set up camp. I tweaked my lower back while walking to look for cell service. That was the second time today. I was nervous I aggravated a recurring injury. The first time my foot slipped out from under me and I put my whole pack weight in my lower back. If it tightens up in the morning I’ll be out of commission for a few days.
Tomorrow will hopefully be a long day, but I’m really sore. We will see how the body recovers by the morning. Fingers crossed for a good nights sleep.