last week after much planning and re-con..checking on water and trail closures we headed up the north side of Mt Lemmon. A 14 mile day w/ over 6,000 of elevation gain in the hot southern arizona sun was a spectacular but intense introduction to the sky island mountains. Steep loose talus and narrow trails was a perfect warm up for the challenge that lay ahead. After only a few hours the terrain was steep enough and the ponies all breathing hard enough that the whole group was walking. Transitioning through various life zones as we climbed from Saguaros to Ponderosa Pines was puncuated by bear tracks in the dust, amazing colors, and views that seemed to go on forewver across rugged mountains. Even with a relentless pace it was just after dark when we walked in to camp exhausted but exhilerated by the accomplishmnet. A short day across the top of the mountain set us up for an epic journey down past Romero pass, Hutches pool and out to the old Honour Prison camp Campground. Even though we had been told the trail was passable by equines, the section down past Romero pass is not an place I would ever want to return w/ horses. Steep boulder gardens w/ challenging step downs, and narrow exposed moments on steep side slopes made for an even more challenging day than our climb of the north side. Fortunately everyone did a great job w/ their mounts and the ponies were exceptional in both their willingnes and ability to safely accompany their partners to the amazing little camp perched by Hutch’s pool. Humbled by our amazing equine partners and feeling thoroughly worked by the mountain it was time to just stop, catch our breath, and re-assesses not only what we are ready for, but what lessons matter most and how we can create an ending for this amazing journey that has challenged and blessed each of us in ways we are only just startting to understand. Dose anyone have justa simple glass of lemonade?
when the Arizona trail gives you mount lemmon, make….
November 13, 2009 at 3:46 pm (CLS, On the Trail, Paul)
Tags: Honour Prison Campground, landscape, Mt. Lemmon, Romero Pass
Reunited And It Feels So Gooood
November 12, 2009 at 9:42 am (CLS, Nikki)
Tags: AZT, Mt. Lemmon, Nikki, Return
I rejoined the group in Oracle a week ago. They trailered from Pine to Oracle to skip several impassable sections. This has re-opened the option of making it to Mexico by December which has given us a destination-goal again. I think this will provide the group with the motivation that seemed to be missing when I was last with them. PC has the motto “It’s about the journey, not the destination”, however, I think we’ve discovered that when you completely take out the destination, it all falls apart. Like most things in life, a balance is necessary. Committing to one or the other has not been helpful. This, of course, complicates everything. It would be so easy to simply pick one idea or goal to work towards. Since that method has been discovered to be lacking, we have been trying to figure out a balance between all the different things that are important to this diverse group. It’s difficult. And we never hit it quite right. We’re always discussing and modifying decisions. I believe this will be a constant practice until we head back to Prescott.
It’s great to be back with the group. I was gone for nearly 2 weeks. I am okay to ride and carry on with the group. I am not allowed to lift more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks! This means I will be relying on the support of my peers. It’s good to see Churro again. He’s very fuzzy with his new winter coat. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to step back from this experience to gain a fresh perspective. I am extremely optimistic for the remaining portion of this trip. I feel at home now that we have dropped into the desert. Mt. Lemmon was an extremely challenging experience, however, it’s still one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
