AZT Day 3: Canelo Hills

Daily Miles: 18.2, Total Miles: 49.9

Another bright, sunny day as I entered the Canelo Hills and climbed up and then down to Canelo Pass. At this time, there is a real savannah look to the terrain. Views of the upcoming Santa Ritas and Mt. Wrightson are also emerging. This is certainly real John Wayne country – these vistas have been seen in a lot of western movies.

I met an old friend, Chris, at Canelo Pass and we hiked 14 miles to Harshaw Road near Patagonia. Chris filled me in on the mining history of the area and his memories of growing up in Patagonia. One particularly sad sight today – a dead cow and newborn calf just off the trail – apparently dying at birth.

Chris and I worked in the mining industry for over 30 years. Our lives have crossed many times in many places but we now both live in Tucson. He grew up in Patagonia and had a graduation class of 24. One of his old classmates, Cindy, still lives there. She and her husband, Ron, picked us up at Harshaw Road and drove us into Patagonia.

We all had a very enjoyable dinner at the Home Plate – great chicken enchiladas. Thanks Chris, Ron and Cindy!