03/17/02:
Since there was nothing for me at the Rincon Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park I traveled the 100+ miles to the Chiricahua National Monument. The first priority is always to find a camping spot. I had to continue down AZ-181 another 10 miles before I could even gain access to the Coronado National Forest. Fenced in ranch land all around the forest.
The first access I had was Turkey Creek Road. Following through another 8 miles of fences I finally came to a free campground just inside the forest boundaries. Rather than go to the Chiricahua National Monument tomorrow I'll stay here. Delorme Atlas shows some trails so I'll see what I shall see. One good thing. No desert. I'm at 6000 feet and there are real trees, pines and some kind of hardwood.
03/18/02:
What a disaster today turned out to be. In the 30's when I got up with a 5mph wind blowing. Started up the Morse Canyon Trail at the end of Turkey Creek Road but didn't get far. Pretty steep incline and 7000 feet had me huffing and puffing within 1/2 mile. Monte Vista Peak, 4 miles away is at 8000 feet. I just gave it up.
Decided to go to Chiricahua National Monument instead. Bad move. They let me in but wouldn't let me out. Road construction was going on all over the place. I went to the visitor center where all the hiking trails begin but there were no parking places. Tried to do the scenic drive but that road was closed. Decided to leave but ran into construction crews. 45 minute wait to get by them... and I had to pee. Got past that crew and had to wait 15 minutes more for another crew... and I really had to pee. Finally got out of the park... guess what I did then?
Then to top it all off when I got back to the campsite I had a flat tire. With all the back country roads I drive, getting it fixed is the number one priority... and its time to regroup.
03/21/02:
Went back to Tucson and Wal-Mart for tire warranty. Needed a new one because threads were sprung (or something).
Drove back to visit Tombstone and pick up forwarded mail. Mail was there but Tombstone was a disappointment. Boot Hill has been worked on so much there's nothing natural left. I thought the OK Corral was in Dodge City but no, it's in Tombstone. Or so they say. They have a big wall around it and offer gunfight re-enactments for a fee. Lots of cutesy store fronts selling typical tourist junk and stagecoaches driving around the streets. Most authentic thing was some tumbleweed tumbling down the main street.
Looked around the area for a camping spot but found nothing so back to Tucson again because I still have to pick up photographs from Wal-Mart. Went back to Saguaro National Park today and did the Hugh Norris Trail again mainly because its kinda steep (2000 feet elevation gain) and a little long (10 miles). Wanted to get some exercise for the legs because my next stop will be back to the Chiricahua National Monument for a trail I really want to do, but at 6000 feet or so.
Forecast in the 90's for today but wind in the 30's offset that for most of the hike. Some of the gusts pushed me around a bit. Tall Saguaros swaying a bit too. Hate to have one of them come crashing down on me. That would smart.