October 18th
Brian:
We left Flagstaff
this morning with blustery winds, overcast skies, and cooler
temperatures. Flagstaff does have a very nice Urban Trail System,
so it was easy to link up with the AZT. We made our way to Fisher
Point, an exposed cliff of white and orange striped sandstone.
Further along, good trail led us up to Anderson Mesa where we
saw some elk and a few more Tarantula's. The walking was easy
and generally non-descript...another mesa top with scattered
Ponderosa, Juniper, open meadows, dry lakes, and a few cattle.
After a few miles of braided jeep trails and single track, we
descended from Anderson Mesa at Horse Lake and crossed the Highway.
The AZT was very well signed across the mesa, and good signage
continued along as the trail became consistent single track.
Oak trees began to mingle with the Ponderosa, and the soft duff
trail tread made for pleasant walking.
The day passed
incredibly quickly today. No real concept of time or distance
traveled for me all day. This is the first time I've hiked
without a watch, and I have to say it is much more enjoyable.
My stomach usually is a good indicator of the time anyway,
so it is easy to guess approximates when my belly begins to
rumble.
We are camped a few miles short of Mormon Lake where we have
planned to re-supply tomorrow morning. A few sprinkles of rain
this evening, as well as some Elk bugling. Total hiking time:~7.5
hrs.
Amity:
Sunday dinner in Flagstaff was a real treat. Across from
the Monte Vista is the Corea House, where we dined on very finely
prepared Korean specialties like bimbimbab, bulgogi and kimchi.
The owner/server was more than happy to direct us in what to
order and how to eat it while his wife could be heard working
away in the kitchen. The meal was delicious and beautifully served.
They also had bubble tea for those bubble tea aficionados out
there. Yum! Yesterday was grey and blustery, today seems to be
more of the same. The walking is pleasant and it's nice to
be on trail.
October 19th
Brian:
Arrived this morning at Mormon Lake. Just finishing up our quick
re-supply before getting back on the AZT. The trail around the
north and west side of Mormon Lake was well signed and looked
to have been recently worked. Very nice single track to Double
Springs Campground where we then hooked up with the paved road
into Mormon Lake proper. We'll grab a quick snack and be on our
way headed to Pine, AZ ~ 75 miles distant.
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