Stats

Start: Random Fence – Mile 113
End: Grass Shack Campground – Mile 133
Elevation Max: 5,407
Elevation Min: 3,001
Elevation Change: 4,307 up & 2,460 down
Average Heart Rate: 113
Walking Time: 7 hrs 51 minutes

The Walk

8 hours of sleep. This was the first night I didn’t wake up multiple times. And I felt fresh. It’s crazy how your body can go from being sore to normal after a good nights sleep.

I was excited for Colossal Cave. We only had 9 miles to go and the restaurant opened at 9. So we needed to leave around 6. But I was wide awake at 4. Thanks to hiker midnight (7:30pm) I had already slept 8 hours. I didn’t mind because the campsite actually had good enough service to use internet. I researched places to get off trail. I originally booked a flight out of Tuscon on day 16, but we planned to be in Tucson in just 2 days (day 8). So that wasn’t going to work.

Phoenix was a better bet. That would let me cover 300+ miles of trail to Roosevelt. Or I could hop off trail a little earlier in Superior. I booked a shuttle service from Roosevelt to the airport and moved my flight from Tuscon to Phoenix. I also found a few options to shower in either town. I don’t want to smell like a hiker on the flight.

As I finished booking my Phoenix flight; I heard Salsa packing up. I quickly followed suit. We left camp at 6:15. The morning was crisp and we still had internet, so I downloaded some Spotify playlists for the day. The early miles we’re beautiful and we had a nice view of the sunrise. Also, I saw the first saguaro on trail. (The big cactus that can look like a person).

The rest of the morning went smoothly until we got to mile marker 119. We were expecting to see Colossal Cave. But all we saw was desert. We didn’t have service so we walked along a ridge to a high point. 3 bars here. Woo! We looked up trail notes on Colossal Cave. Bad news. We were supposed to get off trail at mile 117.5 and walk 2 road miles. We needed food for two nights, so had no choice but to retrace our steps. It sucked. The worst thing on a thru hike is walking the wrong way! But it was only our first navigation mistake.

We got to Colossal Cave around 10am and started chores (charging electronics and sink laundry). I went into the store to grab my resupply box. The hostess took me to a room filled to the top with hiker boxes.I searched and searched, but didn’t see it. Then she showed me a list of all boxes received and my name wasn’t on it.

Oh shit. I came out smiling and Salsa knew something was up, welp, resupply hasn’t made it even though it’s been 8 days. USPS said it would arrive on Thursday (3 days ago). We dumped all of our remaining food on a bench. Even the handful of trail mix. Luckily we had just enough to make it 2 nights and 3 days. Assuming we stuffed our faces at the food stand.

I was up for the challenge. I had a hotdog with pretzel bun, pretzel with cheese, a pizza, a Dr Pepper, and an orange soda. The food tasted great and I was stuffed. A hiker from Ireland started chatting as I was eating the last few bites. He was nice, but I was holding my stomach trying not to get sick while he talked. In a few minutes the food went down and I felt better.

I had spotty service. I found an Airbnb two nights away. We couldn’t pass up the shower and real bed after a week of sleeping outside. Salsa came around the corner with a beer and grin. I knew we caught a break! He met a triple crowner who offered to help. He even gave us a ride back to the spot we had to turn back. It saved 4 miles of walking! After a wild afternoon, it was just the break we needed.

We started back on trail with high spirits. The next 10 miles were desert. Rough trail and hot sun. I passed a handful of bikers and was jealous of how easy it looked. The miles went by quickly, but weren’t particularly great.

Then got we got to Saguaro National Park. It was beautiful. I had never seen so many cactuses. Great timing because we had the slow climb up to Mt. Mica was here. As I walked through the desert gaining elevation the mountains we’d crossed just the other day faded in the distance. It was surprising to see how far two feet can take you.

Eventually we made it up to Grass shack campground. 20 trail miles and 24 total miles. The camp ground was a flat spot with a bear box. No running water, toilets, store, etc. BUT I was grateful for the flowing stream. Salsa and I soaked our feet in the freezing water.

I was exhausted but not as tired as last night. I did chores. Then made instant potatoes for dinner. Not just any instant potatoes. I bummed a packet of hot sauce and some olive oil from Salsa. It was pretty good.

We wrapped up dinner by headlamp then I crashed. I could see the moon through my tent for the first time. It was a nice way to fall asleep. Tomorrow we have a 25 mile day with a long water carry. We need an early start, so I set the alarm at 5am to climb Mt Mica!