AT: Fine Tuning

On this day last year, I headed off into the Smokies from Newfound Gap on what was probably my favorite day on the trail for the first half of the AT. After a couple of cool, rainy days, the clouds slowly lifted and were swept away. This left a crystal clear, absolutely gorgeous day with beautiful views from the Smoky Mountains ridgelines.

I’m still on track for my second-half start from Harper Ferry on April 18. Walking around the neighborhood and nearby trails with close to a full pack. My base weight is 12 lbs and total weight should be around 20 lbs. Also doing some foot toughening on trails in the Catalinas and Rincons in Saguaro NP. The Sonoran desert has come alive with above average rainfall this year. A bright green backdrop with several varieties of yellow, purple and orange flowers. Water is still flowing in the larger drainages and will be extended by recent snowfalls in the mountains.

After a few years of laying low on April Fool’s pranks, I got Mrs. Haze this morning on the old “set the clock back an hour” trick. Worked like a charm – enough so that she is encouraging me to leave early. My late father pulled that prank on my brother, sister and I when we were in grade school. We all got to school an hour early and twiddled our thumbs waiting for the day to start.