Adventures as a family
Someday is today
Day 6 of the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 17 miles
Weather: Below freezing morning and sunny afternoon with high winds
The morning hike started at 5:35am. We woke up to completely frozen shoes and socks. My shoes laces were sticking straight outward. Family Mule could only get his feet half in his shoes, so the entire time we are packing up, he was basically barefoot in the snow! Life was rough. We finally worked our feet in the frozen shoes dreadfully and headed down the trail. We were trying to start early in hopes we could walk more on top of the snow and have less of the sinking.
The trail started more in the valley of deep snow. After about 3.5 miles, I was losing my mind. I was froze, no end to the snow in sight, it was deep and I could barely move, and I had not had cell service to talk to our kids in about 3 days. I know cell service doesn’t rank high on backpacking priorities but as a parent, I wanted to check on our kids! I stopped in the middle of this field silently screaming in my head, kicked the snow only for the one spot I decided to kick….didn’t move! Family Mule was behind me being as quiet as possible so I didn’t turn my anger towards him. I never said a word out loud. I took a deep breathe and moved forward a few more steps and looked up. There was a coyote looking at me across the field. It just stood there, staring at me. It was actually calming and felt like a good omen. The coyote slowly started moving up the mountain but kept an eye on us.
We pressed forward until we found a crossing where there was a bear box and a restroom. We stopped and had a protein bar and soaked up some sun before pushing to the next section of the valley. We checked the map and it was around 3 miles to the fire tower. Someone commented that they were able to get a bar of Verizon service there! We looked at each other and then the next thing we know we were packed back up and pushing forward to get there in hopes of checking on our kids. We came to the gate of the Grand Canyon park. There were signs of no camping or fires. The snow was less in this area. We soon came to the fire tower to the left or the trail to the right. The fire tower was .3 off of the trail but not a bad walk and it held our hope of cell signal! We made it to the fire tower and no signal! Family Mule took off to the top with his cell and was able to get signal as he climbed. I followed behind! We were able to get 3 bars and talk to the kids! Life was getting better! The views from the top were totally worth the climb!
After our stop, we headed back on the trail toward the north rim. The trail was getting less and less snow the further we walked. The sun was shining and it was warming up. We reached the main park area. It was shut down for the season, however lots of vehicles were going in and out. We used the facilities and filled up our water. The trail to the north rim was not bad at all. The snow was gone, the sun was shining, and the terrain was fairly easy with exception to the 1.5-2 miles at the end that was a steady increase in elevation.
Once we reached the north rim we decided to camp. We went up the .7 to the north rim campground and stayed. They allow AZT hikers even when they are closed for the season. The Backcountry Office is open and will supply the permits as you need them if the openings allow. They are located in the admin building, which is hard to locate initially. Backpackers be sure and stop there if you plan to stay in the Grand Canyon. They will 100% check your permit. Be sure and tell them you are an AZT hiker, you are more likely to get the permit as they have reserved areas just for you. Also, by the office is a water supply and heated restroom!
We camped out with magnificent views. The wind was very strong all night. Our tent was being whipped but it was still relaxing.
Lastly, I am going to spare you from seeing the pictures of our feet but they didn’t do well with the 5.5 days of wet and cold.
Day 5 on Arizona Trail
Mileage: 18 miles
Weather: Cold and snowy
This was a very rough day, actually my worse day yet. I was ready to call an Uber (if I could have got one there) and leave. I was done being wet and cold.
We got an early start this morning just as the sun was coming up. It was a gorgeous view. We started our journey through the harder slush and snow since everything was frozen again. About a mile into the hike, we came to a section with excellent climbing, so of course Family Mule had to take a moment and show he still has his skills! He is like a kid in a candy store when he sees a rock to climb on!
As we kept on the trail the snow was deeper and deeper. We came to a large opening where all we could see was snow and some views of the green pines once in a while. The snow was so deep it was hard to walk through. Each step I took I had no idea if I would stay on top, crash through a couple inches or crash through a foot. I tried to tie bags on my feet before we started to try to minimize the water getting to my feet. It didn’t work! I was still soaked and so was Family Mule. The morning was very cold so the tops of my soaked shoes had frost and snow covering them. The bottom of my pants were even frozen.
We came to an area where the rock was above the next portion of the field, so we soaked in the sun and had some lunch. We took off our shoes to try to dry our feet at least for a few minutes. That felt great paired with hot lunch, it was like 30 minutes of heaven.
After lunch we pressed forward (not very willingly). We were in another snow field. This time the sun was beating down on our heads at full force and reflecting on the snow. Snow blindness is real! I know what you are thinking:…why didn’t you bring sunglasses! Well we did! Somehow we lost them in the snow yesterday! We believe they are on the log we took a break on but not worth going back for. We pushed 4.75 miles through the deep snow under our feet and the sun beating down on our heads. We both had burns on our faces and Family Mules head. We took our shirts off and put them on our heads which made a little visor type thing. It was comical if you were to see us but it worked to get us across the area.
We finally made it out of the field where we did a 300ft climb up through the pines, yes still snow covered and steep. We pushed through in hopes we would be getting out of the snow soon. According to the FarOut App, a comment stated that just past Crystal Springs water source, the snow goes away and there will be good camp spots. I was holding on to this hope……we’re only another 6 miles away, so we kept pushing.
We came to the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. It had some beautiful views and good camping. We really wanted to stay here but we needed to get water and knew we would be out of the snow soon…so we thought. It was just another few miles to the water, so onward we went. We came to Crystal Springs, which was an excellent water source. Hard to spot in the deep snow but on a normal hike, probably an easy spot for most to find. At this point we knew whomever the contributor on the FarOut App who made the comment regarding the snow was WRONG and we were becoming distraught (me more than Family Mule). By this time the sun was starting to set and it was getting very cold. The temperature was dropping quick in this valley. We kept going another mile and then realized we had to make camp soon or we were going to be in trouble with the dark and cold. I was shivering nonstop and both our feet were soaked and froze at this point.
We found a small spot on a hill across the field. We made the journey off the trail, and up the hill, to the only dry spot we could find to fit our small tent. It was covered in rock but we did our best. We set up everything as quickly as possible and made dinner. It was spaghetti. Luckily, Family Mule had an idea to put both the bags in one of the gallon bags so it was easier for me to hold and try to get warmth from it. Good thing we did because one of the small bags leaked everywhere! It was just how the day was going. We ate dinner by light and tried to get some sleep. It was bitter cold and windy. We had soaked socks, shoes, and pants that we knew was going to freeze. Not much you can do about it in this situation. I do have to say our Big Agnus double sleeping bag did keep us warm!
Day 4 of the AZT
Mileage: 13.5
Weather: Sunny – 30-62 temps
We started the morning coming down the mountain campsite and back on the snow covered trail. We got an early start because we knew the low temperatures would allow the snow and slush to harden and make it a little easier to walk on. It did help but inevitable we would have soaked feet. Within .5 our shoes and socks were drenched. I could feel my feet just swooshing around in my shoes. The footprints from the previous hikers were becoming more slush and it made it even harder to walk. Bottom line…walking in snow just sucks but as a backpacker, you embrace it and try to get to camp soon enough to allow you and your shoes to dry! Good luck!
We stopped for a lunch about 4 miles in since we found a crossing with a bear box full of water and a restroom! Score! If you are a backpacker then you know what it means to have a luxury of a toilet even if it is an outhouse! During lunch we took our shoes off and let the sun beat down on us! It felt great. Although we both knew as soon as we hit the trail again, we were restarting the cold wet process again.
The terrain was harder today especially with the snow. We were through 8 miles of burnt forest that looked like awake zone covered in snow. We both ended up having sun burned faces as the sun beat down and the snow was reflecting back on us.
We met up with a backpacker checking out the trail. He is supposed to start his journey in a couple days. It’s his second time doing it and he is trying to set a record of 13 days! That would be amazing if he makes it but this snow will make it a challenge!
We set up our tent on the best spot we could find which was at a slight slant but we managed. We watched the sunset and ate our dinner. It was relaxing. It was time to get some sleep so we can turn in.
Shortly after starting to fall asleep I heard a noise. Then suddenly Family Mule felt something under him. He lifted up and we could see something under the tent! He got out of the tent and lifted it…WE WERE ON A MOUSE COLONY! Yuck!! We had to move our tent over a foot and then shined the light on the ground. The mice were running out of the hole and one was trying to run up family miles leg, he was kicking it away from the tent. After the battle, we were able to get some rest.
Day 3 on the AZT
Mileage: 12.5 miles
Elevation Change: 1,334ft
Weather: Sunshine, high 54, low 31
It rained all night and in to the morning. We woke up to some ice! It was cold switching out clothes. Once we started walking it helped. My shoes were soaked. I made a rookie mistake and didn’t put them on top of my bag! Live and learn or in my case, live and remember!
We were able to refill our water in about .5 miles from camp. We drank our water and packed the rest for the full day just in case the water supplies coming up were not available. FarOut had mixed information from hikers so we didn’t chance it.
We stopped for lunch about 6.5 miles in to the hike. We found a nice sunny spot that was warm and perfect. Ramen Noodles for the win. We even learned you can cook them in their own bag. Bonus!
Once we reached another .8 miles, we found the trail crossed the highway to a camp area. It had a restroom and a bear box filled with water. We didn’t need it but it will be good for the next people who pass through.
Once we got past this point, it was a walk through a valley and covered with snow and slush. Our feet were soaked and all the cold air was collecting in the valley and sunshine was limited. After 6 miles of this, enough was enough and we decided to find a camp. My upper right side of my back has started to get very painful. Family Mule found us a camp spot on top of a pretty steep snow covered hill that was perfect. So we took the trek off the trail and up the hill to the sunshine. We let our shoes, socks, and garments dry on some rocks in the sunshine along with ourselves.
Family Mule set up the tent, we watched the sunset, ate spaghetti (my favorite camp food now!) and called it a night! It was cold and windy but we stayed warm in the tent!
Side note: Family Mule collected snow and we used it to cook our dinner!
Day 2 on the AZT
Mileage: 18 miles
Weather: strong winds, rain at night, cloudy, 51 degrees during the day and 29 degrees at night.
We started the day in cold and wet conditions. We saw 4 deer within the first 10 minutes! They were much smaller than what we are used to back in Indiana.
We needed to resupply our water. We had to hike 1.2 miles off trail to find water. The source was excellent. It was clean, filtered well, and tasted good. They call it the WildLife Tank on FarOut. We decided to have a nice lunch at this water supply. Freeze dried sausage and eggs with oatmeal and hot chocolate! We prepared all our meals at home with our freeze dryer. Very pleased so far with it!
The hike was pretty smooth for the most part with not much elevation change. We had pretty views, and lots more cows! We decided to set up camp when we saw the clouds rolling in and we were about .5 miles from the next water source. We had plenty of water to make dinner and hydrate before calling it a night. Family Mule can have the tent set up in under 3 minutes or so it seemed (I need to time him)! We had freeze dried spaghetti for dinner, YUM! We made it in the tent just as the rain started. The wind and rain were beating on the tent all night but our Big Agnus tent held up well!
Day 1 on the AZT
Mileage: 5 miles
Weather: snow, cold, storms
We woke up at 5am to a thunderstorm which then turned to snow. Looking at the weather, it was supposed to clear out in the next couple hours. So we had some breakfast and got ready. Our shuttle wasn’t picking us up until 10.
Our shuttle was on time! Our driver/guide, Heather, was fantastic and knew so much about the area. She taught us a lot. She made our 3+ hour drive go by very quickly. Highly recommended! Her picture is below (she gave us permission to post it)!
We arrived at the trail! Our journey began! Woohoo! About 10 minutes or .15 of a mile the rain started. It was light so we didn’t much mind. The wind was strong! We climbed 1,031 ft in 2.33 miles. The rain kept getting harder and the wind stronger. The temperatures were dropping and it started to snow on us. I was starting to freeze. The trail was muddy and rocky but pretty flat once we reached the top. Since it was getting pretty bad weather wise, we decided to stop and camp. We completed 5 miles. By this time I was soaked and froze! We set up the tent (my fingers were like frozen sausages)! Putting up a tent in bad weather is a backpackers nightmare. Keeping it all dry just doesn’t happen but we did our best and survived. It was only about 4:30pm and we were lying down for the evening. We didn’t bother cooking anything just needed to warm up. I couldn’t stop shaking. Family Mule and I snuggled up in our warm clothes, sleeping bag, and called it a night. Then all the sudden a cow comes right up to the tent and was freaking out we were there! Luckily we are accustomed to cows or that would have been a huge deal! We did finally get warm and settled down but the night was miserable! The wind and rain (even some hail) didn’t stop all night and most the morning. Body wise…it hurt but we survived!
Day Zero of the Arizona Trail
It was a very long day for what ended up being a zero day due to some “mistakes”! If you plan to hike this trail, learn from us! We started with arriving at the airport at 3:40am for our 5:40am flight in Indiana to start our epic journey! American Airlines first class food and service was excellent! We landed in Phoenix at 6:48am due to the time change (9:48 for our Indiana followers)! With a 2 hour layover we just hiked around the airport, after all, we needed to move! Our flight left at 8:48 Phoenix time and landed in Flagstaff at 9:39 (short flight on a small plane)! Now the journey gets to begin….so we thought!
We reserved a car from Enterprise to get us from Flagstaff to the northern terminus. Upon reserving days prior, we were mislead! Our reservation couldn’t be found! However, they found us a vehicle but WE WOULD HAVE TO RETURN IT verses it being picked up like we were originally told. This wouldn’t work for us! So new plan in place!
Uber to the rescue, well at least for the next 10 minutes. They took us to the shipping company so we could mail back our suitcase. On a plane you can’t check your backpacks because of the straps and they are too big to be considered a carryon. So we condensed to a hard suitcase then took all our important stuff and put it in duffle bags to carry on with intentions of just mailing it all back. We unloaded the bags and packed our backpacks on the sidewalk (looking like a couple crazy homeless people) then took it in to mail it. It was going to be $186 to mail the suitcase back the cheapest way possible! The suitcase cost $100, I said forget it and let’s donate it! They had a Goodwill in the town that a nice gentleman in the shipping company drove us to!
A nice coffee shop was connected to the Goodwill (formerly a Barnes and Noble), so we decided to enjoy a burrito with some type of tea and coffee (it had special names they gave it) as we hashed out a new plan.
We checked the Uber and Lyft which was going to cost about as much as our flight! Local taxis and shuttles only went around town. So we moved back to calling and getting prices from the list of shuttle companies from the AZT website. Unfortunately, (several didn’t answer or were no longer in business) we finally found one who could pick us up the following day! The cost was $747! Yes, you read that right! This was our cost but we were stuck at this point, so we agreed.
Next we needed a place to stay for the night. We found a Drury Inn not far so we hiked over and got a room. After tax the price was around $177 a night. The hotel offered hot tub, pool, dinner, breakfast, and three drinks for each guest. It was clean and the people were friendly. We dropped our bags and started hiking to the REI in town to find the things the plane wouldn’t allow like a knife, lighter, and fuel! We found everything and was set as far as gear! We found a little Mongolian place to eat that was pretty good and right next to REI!
Once back at the hotel we enjoyed our three free drinks and we went to bed! It was 8:00 Phoenix time.
Starting the journey at the airport!
Final Day on the Vermont Long Trail!
We woke up with a lot of energy today! We had the the last stretch of 4.1 miles to finish the trail today! Tiny Turtle knew this was the final day, however he was under the impression when he woke up the trail was over. He was a little hard to get started this morning. The trail was pretty easy and went quickly. We stopped for lunch then headed to the finish line. WE MADE IT! We completed the entire trail as a family. It is a bitter sweet feeling.
Family Mule….Sherpa for hire.
Day 32
Last night was rough with trying to sleep on slanted ground. Family Mule and I woke up to Dreamer and Tiny Turtle’s tent on our tent after it rolled! We had a 4:30 am start to make today’s push. It was dark so we used our head lamps to see the trail. It was a chilly morning and everyone was pretty tired. We were moving very slow along the trail. We had to cross several muddy areas. We just couldn’t get around a few of them without just sucking it up and heading in it. Read More
Adventures as a family 