The Arizona Trail: How Do You Prepare For This?

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     My best, only, hiking partner, with the exception of Jack, that is Amanda, has left to care for her brother in Alabama. Though I have enjoyed our hikes together, the distances I need to train for the big hike are not being met. She and Honey have been and will be my best partners, I will need to schedule my longer hikes, and the shorter hikes when I am not training.

    In addition to those challenges, I have been overwhelmed with the news of the US falling into fascism. I never thought I'd see this country fall into the depths of authorism, we are now pretty much there. 

    I would have liked to push my fears aside with exercise, but it is so ridiculously hot. I am ready to begin real training in earnest, but not at 90+ degree days which will cook anyone outside. The sun's maximum heat occurs from mid Spring through Summer and mid fall. It's the 2nd day of Fall and it is 92 degrees. I had lived in Arizona from 1969 to 1978, 2001 to 2003 and now it is so much hotter. 

Today, Jack and I walked 2.88 miles this morning in extreme heat, resting at every bit of shade that would protect us from the sun.

Here are some photographs I took in the last few days, each of which was more than uncomfortable.





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