AZT DAY 7 – The walk

Good morning from the Arizona Trail. It is currently 8:32 in the morning and I actually started my hike at 3:30 this morning. I had trouble sleeping last night because of the moon, as I mentioned in my previous post. And I decided to stay up after waking up at 2:30 and prepare for the cold outside my sleeping bag.

I packed up quietly, tried not to wake anyone around me, and continued on my way. I had breakfast. I was able to talk to my best friend on the phone, and then I was able to talk to my fiancé on the phone and have my second breakfast. I was very hungry this morning. I even had two protein drinks and essential carnations for breakfast.

After 3 hours of talking to my fiancé on the phone, which was very nice because I haven’t had a good signal to talk to him. I had my third breakfast, which consisted of a packet of quinoa and tuna. That was really good. And now I continue walking along the path. This morning isn’t so bad. It’s been pretty flat. Many loose stones, although now there are no loose stones. It’s mostly sand and dirt, so it’s a nice change.

At 8:50, I reached the 100 mile marker and was very happy. I didn’t even think about the mile markers on the AZT, so that was a pleasant surprise. I had prepared for a 16 mile water carry, which turned out to be only an 8 mile water carry, but I didn’t stop when I got to the lake because of all the water I was carrying.

I was so excited after the lake because I saw a Gila Monster!! I lost it! I was so excited to see a little Gila Monster!!

I took my first 10 minute break at 10:30 when I finally found a nice shady spot to sit. I had traveled at least 10 miles without stopping.

I had to go through a long, creepy tunnel before I could continue to the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead. I had been on the phone with my fiancé, but I lost the signal in the tunnel.

I arrived at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead around 3:45 and waited for Joann. While I waited, I called ahead, ordered my burger for dinner, and talked to Preston some more. Joann came and picked me up. He took me to the lounge to get my burger and dropped me off at Safeway to pick up some food for the night before heading to his house.

I had a nice chat with Joann. She is amazing.

I had to stay on a cot in the meditation room and soak my feet. After 22 miles, my feet were tired and sore, so the soak felt nice. I went to bed early after taking a shower and didn’t even wake up when Joann returned from dinner with her friend.

I would stay the next day with Joann, I decided after picking up my supplies at the supermarket.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.