GET Day 52: Sandia Mountain & Finish!

Daily miles: 22.0, Total Miles: 760.0

I always get a bit antsy at the end of the hike and today was no exception. I was on the trail by 4am guided by my headlamp. Even had to wait for the Subway at Tijeras to open up because I was too early.

Then it was up, up and up into the Sandia Mountains.

At least 5,000 ft of total elevation gain, finishing at 10,00 ft Sandia Peak at about 2pm.

Great views of Albuquerque far below. Right after I bought a one-way ticket, a wild thunderstorm blew in and shut down the tram for over an hour due to high winds, lightning, rain and hail. My first real rain on the whole journey.

A cool ride down the mountain, got a cab to my hotel and washed these hiking clothes one last time. Some are just rags that need to be thrown away but I have to get home first.

This has been a different kind of hike through some rugged, and, in parts, beautiful country. No regrets about hiking the GET but am happy to be done.

Thanks, Brett Tucker, for putting the GET together and providing the resources to plan the journey!

I’ll post some further thoughts and closing comments after I get home.