Day 18: High Point
Day 18: April 11, 2023
AZT mile 258.7 to 268.4
Hiked today: 9.7 miles / 15.6 km
AZT ascents today: 279m , descents: 95m
AZT hiked to date: 33.6%
After a warm night, we were up early and hit the trail, which headed straight up the next mountain. As we wound up the mountainside, we moved through a magnificent garden of colourful wildflowers – purple, yellow, white, and orange.
At the top, we were greeted by spectacular views – on one side over a plateau below and the other side out to layers of mountains into the distance. Then, we followed the path along a narrow ridge, extending our views over the valleys and foothills below and a large mine in the distance.
With the sudden increase of temperature over the last few days, we continue to see more and more blooms emerge and more active wildlife. Another rattle snake greeted us on the trail this morning before retreating under a shrub.
We were thankful to have only 9 miles to hike until we reached the Gila River trailhead from which we could call a volunteer to drive us into the nearby town of Kearney.
We have a room in the Kearney General Inn which, thankfully, has functioning air conditioning as the outside temperature is 37°C or 99°F (14°F above average for early April).
We plan to have a rest day tomorrow, which will also be very hot and then hike again when the temperatures are expected to have dropped a little.
4 thoughts on “Day 18: High Point”
Appreciating the beautiful floral displays and the sunset skies
Spectacular flower photos….love that orange flower on Day 15. The cacti are Amazeballs! such wonderful sculptures, I am sure each one holds a spirit. Love the rattle snake video, you could see the tail shaking away.
Glad you are getting some air conditioning breaks , it does look sooo hot. The cacti letterboxes are fun too.
Did eventually make out the rattlesnake in the grass, took awhile, but caught the curved line at last.
On, On….Kris
What beautiful photos. Hope you all are able to stay hydrated and being able to handle the sudden heat, take care of each other. Ros and Rob, I hope you don’t mind. I have given Samantha who used to work with us, she called into work today she is back from the UK as her grandmother was unwell. So lovely to see her. She asked about you Ros and I told her what you and Robert are doing, she also would love to do this. I thought you would not mind, so I hope she may comment at some stage. Take care of yourselves. Love Lisa and John xxoo
No worries Lisa. Happy for anyone to enjoy the lovely wildflowers we are seeing