March 14-17 

-Border of Mexico to Patagonia, AZ

-Miles hiked: 52.5 miles in 3.5 days

-Total miles hiked: 52.5 + 1.8 off trail

Taking a nero and maybe a zero in Patagonia (means only hiking part of the day)

This trail is brutal. I’d dare say the first day of this trail was the hardest 1st day of any trail I’ve done. Right off the bat we had a 6 mile relentless 3,200 ft. climb to 9,090 ft. After  about a week or two that would still be hard, but day 1 it was super duper hard. We made it though and then had a 2 mile straight down which is also difficult on the feet and knees. Our water source was a bath tub with a pipe. As you can see in the pic….not too appealing, but…it filtered well and tasted delicious. 

The second day we hiked 18.6 miles in 88 degree heat. The water sources are few and far between. Most are dried up. We had to carry 3-1/2 liters each ( which weighs 7 lbs.) the last 4-1/2 miles with 2 difficult climbs in those last miles to dry camp. 

We head out every morning about 6:30 and have been hiking 9-10 hours a day. Our pace is painfully slow because of the rocky terrain, the heat, the altitude and the lack of water. 

Day 3 we were up and out by 6:30 and hiked 15.9 miles. We had to take several breaks in the 90 degree heat. Our water source today was a nasty cow trough. 

Today, Day 4, we had 10 miles to hike to Terra Sol Campround where we’ll set up camp. We got in about 11:30 am.  It’s like a hostel with outside kitchen, shower and camp spots. It’s hot, but a lovely place!!

I’m not loving my new tent. I love the weight (1.3 lbs) but it’s a challenge to set up. Guess I’ll get the hang of it eventually. 

I carried too much food. My pack weighs waaaay too much! 🥵 Later, hiker hunger will hit, but now with the heat I’m not too hungry. 

Even though this is tough, the desert is just a different kind of beautiful than I’m use to. I love it out here. 

We’ve met a father and son doing an overnight hike and 2 guys from London planning to go the whole way. Also a mountain biker doing a 6 day loop. That’s about it so far. 

Gotta make a plan for later in the week as temps are supposed to get to 104 degrees. Already at 90, our water is tepid and there’s no way to cool down. We may have to hike in the dark early morning and late evening. We shall see.