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| Hiking | 9.50 Miles |
1,703 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.50 Miles | 4 Hrs 18 Mns | | 2.35 mph |
| 1,703 ft AEG | 15 Mns Break | 20 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Drove out to the end of Battle Axe Road where AZT#16 heads north to cache water for Tracey's upcoming AZT passages 16/17 hike. (We left some for public use as well)
From there we drove back east turning off to follow following the wash down almost to the Gila River and set up camp within a hundred yards of the AZT. Then we decided to do an out-and-back hike starting by heading westward on AZT 16.
We had no plans for any trail work, but after noticing some reasonably fresh grubbing done along the trail but no trimming, it got me thinking it could use some. While hikers might not give a second thought to just stepping to the side of any thorny brush to pass by, it isn't as practical for mountain bikers, of which we saw some recent tire tracks.
So... I got out my clippers and proceeded to do some reasonably aggressive trimming of any bushes obstructing the trail for a 5-mile section along the Gila. While doing so had a few interesting occurrences...
#1. At one place where the trail was close to and high enough above for a good view of the Gila River, we were treated to a woman across the river in a state of undress... since she was not aware of us, rather than draw her attention which would likely be extremely embarrassing we silently continued on our way.
#2. A military Blackhawk helicopter with medical markings buzzed over us at an elevation I'm sure was under a hundred feet.
And that was it for excitement for the hike.
Back at camp, I slid under the Jeep to see why the exhaust suddenly was so loud on Battle Axe Road. A mounting point had broken off leaving a 2" diameter hole. Hmmm, I'll dig through my odds and ends and see if I can come up with a temporary solution. Ok, I've got a large hose clamp, but what can I used to cover the hole?
Bing! Idea! We always seem to find a preponderance of Bud Light empties on our hikes, so I'll find one and cut out what I need. But wouldn't you know it... Tracey and I spent 15 minutes walking around and it was all we could do to find was a few pieces of long-lost aluminum cans.
But... it was enough to cover the hole so I could clamp it, and it's still good. Hopefully it sill stay so until the replacement pipe comes from California. |
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