by Melanie McManus | Mar 8, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
I hated this day, heading from Patagonia to Tunnel Spring! Well, that’s not really true. It was just very taxing. So, I left Patagonia and immediately bumped into Cashmere, Cookie and Tic Toc. It was fun hiking with them for the first hour. Cookie gave me all sorts...
by Melanie McManus | Mar 9, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
Today was a day of highs and lows on my march toward FR 4062. Last night was really cold. They predicted 29 degrees. Here’s what I wore to bed: compression sleeves on my arms and legs, running tights, thermal shirt, wool socks, lightweight vest, puffy coat, mittens...
by Melanie McManus | Mar 10, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
Last night, before dreaming of today’s hike to Sahuarita Road – where I’ll get off the trail and sleep in a bed! – I realized I didn’t have my vest. And it’s my only coat, really. I have the requisite puffy coat for around camp and wearing to...
by Melanie McManus | Mar 11, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
Today I was so excited to be headed toward Saguaro National Park. The day had such promise! Sigh. Sandy made me oatmeal with blueberries, plus coffee with heavy whipping cream. Pure bliss! Then she got me on the trail around 8:15. The day looked to be a good one: 19.9...
by Melanie McManus | Mar 12, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
Big fat evacuation bummer! So I heard mid-afternoon yesterday about the rain and snow coming. And how everyone was getting off the trail. Except me, apparently, who didn’t get the memo! Last night the rain began. I was snug and warm in my tent. But it didn’t stop. At...
by Melanie McManus | Mar 13, 2019 | Arizona, Arizona Trail 2019, Hiking, Trail Journals, United States
Today was a zero day in Vail, at Sandy’s home. It rained quite a bit again, plus the winds were very strong. I’m sure it was snowing on the mountaintops. So while I missed hiking, I was glad to be warm and safe. I took the time to revise my itinerary – an...