AZT Day 15: North from Oracle State Park

Daily Miles: 20.3, Total Miles: 226.80

My wife dropped me off bright and early at the American Flag TH. I headed off through part of Oracle State Park and then on to Tiger Mine Road. I soon heard bullets zinging from somewhere close by. Someone was having target practice near the road – was I the target?

Met a biker coming off the AZT to Tiger Mine Road – he said there was another thru-hiker a few hours ahead. A definite lack of shade on a warmer day. I saw a big mesquite tree near a fallen windmill and took a nice siesta.

Arizona Trail — Desert poppies are blooming too!

I collected good water from Mountain View Tank but had to hang off a 10′ ladder while pumping my filter and hanging on to my water bottle. Fortunately a full tank – they use this one to gravity feed other tanks.

Found a nice spot to camp just beyond the tank with nice desert views.

Saw four bikers and no hikers today. While I was getting into my tent, I could have sworn I heard someone clearing their throat. Must have been a cow.