March 29th

I climbed up and away from the creek before the trail came back into the ravine and eventually snaked through the cover of oak tree groves.  It was really pleasant under their limbs.  Three good camps could be had here, especially near Cathedral Rock Junction.  Unfortunately, at this time of year, all of them were dry as no water was flowing in the rocky stream beds and no pools could be found.
The switchbacks up to Romero Pass were very steep, but the views from the top were worth the effort.  I could look down the length of two canyons and up to the heights of Mt. Lemon.  A sign indicated that this was a desert bighorn sheep environmental protection area.  I wish I had been able to see one of them, but have heard that they blend into the rock exceedingly well.  Perhaps even more, I wished I was able to climb as well as they can.  I was standing there severely winded and my legs were noodley with fatigue.  Perfect time to take a break, rehydrate and re-energize.
After a well-earned rest, I felt ready to tackle some more trail. What a lovely stroll it was through the Wilderness of Rocks, a jumble of huge boulders, some sitting in piles and others stacked two or three high.  With an easy trail running between the rock formations, Lemon Creek gurgling away, pristine pools of water held in stone basins , patches of welcoming shade and the scent of pine in the air, this was my favorite area on the AZT so far.
 Bumped into a large group of day hikers in the middle of the wilderness who asked me what my trail name was.  When I told them I didn't have one, they seemed slightly disappointed.  Don't much feel I need one on the Arizona Trail because I've been out for over a week and have yet to meet another thru-hiker or section hiker for that matter.
I actually crossed tiny bits of leftover snow on the descent into Marshall Gulch, the overhanging branches providing a shield of green to block the direct rays of the sun, thus slowing down the rate of melt.  The trail comes to its end on a paved forest road, where I hung a left and hiked into town.  Summerhaven, as the name would indicate, is a lovely mountain town in the final stages of rebuilding after a devastating wildfire swept through in 2003, burning many buildings down to their foundations.  When I passed through, I saw a significant amount of construction, most noteworthy were the final touches being put on the restaurant next to the post office, which was set to reopen the following day.  My only stop was to retrieve my box at the P.O., then I was headed back out of town.
The trail on Oracle Ridge was in stark contrast to the stroll through Wilderness of Rocks.  I should have been walking under pine and oak.  Instead, I was surrounded by the grey and black trunks of fire-scarred trees, some still standing while others lay strewn about on the ground.  The burned out hulks of hundred-year-old oaks left me wanting to cry.  Oh the shame of having such beauty lost!  Even though there was a good deal of snow on the flanks of Mt. Lemon, the creeks weren't running.  The blackened land, devoid of plant life, simply absorbs any water or allows it to evaporate quickly.  Tough going at times on the steep descent because loose, unconsolidated soil made for treacherous footing.  Small rocks I categorized as rollers, twisters or sliders provided hard tests for knees and ankles in an attempt to maintain balance.  Plenty of thrills and thankfully no spills.  Winding ever lower to the north, I churned out the miles, at times on broken trail and at times on dirt roads.  Arriving at Cody Junction, I decided to complete the Oracle Ridge Trail, which led into town.  Eventually I was spit out onto a paved road that I followed into the heart of Oracle.  At the market I asked about lodging.  The shop assistant said there were some A-frame cabins out by the Circle K, so I continued walking until I reached the convenience store.  Went on in and asked the person at the register where the cabins were.  He told me they were another mile and a half down the road near the second Circle K.  No!!!!!  This was not the news I needed because it was already dark, I'd already put in 30 miles and my feet were killing me.
Well, as so often happens, the trail provides.  The customer behind me offered me a ride for which I was most grateful.  The cabin was very cozy and had all I could want.  Snack run to the Family Dollar across the road, followed by a hot shower and then a foot soak in a trash can filled with cold water.  Sleeping on a bed tonight!  ZZzzzzzz.  Drool.


Photo 1:  View from Romero Pass
Photo 2:  Wilderness of Rocks
Photo 3:  Stacks and Piles
Photo 4:  A Pleasant Stroll near Summerhaven

Distance Hiked:  26.9 Miles