Have you ever been hiking and gotten a blister on your foot? We’ve all been there. 

Now when you pop that blister, it is commonly accepted that you leave the “cover” on to protect the raw skin while it heals. 

However, if you now go for a float in the Gila River, you might end up with a blister chock full of river pebbles. That’s a Rock Pocket, my trail-namesake.

My current AZT rock pocket count is three. My hiking partner Giggles is only at one. I don’t think Junco has any.

Despite the occasional rock pocket, the sights and sounds of the AZT have drawn me in, and I’m almost halfway done. From snow at the top of Mt. Lemmon to boiling water out of cow tanks near Kearney, I’ve gotten a good fill of what Arizona has to offer, and I’m looking forward to the Mogollon Rim and the Northern sections!

This is a photo of a ??? snake, seen on top of the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix.

This scene was my favorite lunch spot yet, with a few cactuses and mountains to make for a beautiful midday rest.

The last photo is from when we got up at 5 to hike the sunrise and beat the heat near the Gila River.

Looking forward to more adventures,

Rock Pocket

I’ve been hanging out in Tucson and Flagstaff since leaving the AZT in late March. Saw Pete and Hannah in Oracle and then today at Roosevelt lake. They are at mile 348 – almost half way there.

I hope to resume hiking for the last 200 miles with my friends El Tejano and Señor Bean when they reach Flagstaff in a couple weeks.

Can’t keep up with the youngsters

Junco

So I’m off the trail after 160 miles.

While I’m in Tucson, I picked up my amigos from our Covid-shortened 2020 AZT trip and returned them, headed northbound, to their stooping point last year – Molino Basin Campground

Then,yesterday, I returned Pete and Hannah to American Flag Ranch Road trailhead to resume their journey to the next trail town, Kearny, AZ

They were both looking strong after a day of rest in Tucson and Paula cooked a big breakfast to power them up!!

Took a few photos while hiking with them for a few miles.

Hot today! Over 90…

Junco