MRT: Shakedown #1

The big news is Mrs. Haze and I got our first COVID vaccine shot a few weeks ago after volunteering at a local hospital. I assisted in traffic control and Mrs. Haze was an “observer”. Everyone was in good hands with her nursing background. We have an appointment for our second shot at the end of the month. Hopefully the recent supply issues get worked out and the vaccine works on all the new variants out there. Always something to worry about.

I did a three-day shakedown hike early in the month, mostly on the Arizona Trail from Redington Pass to Sycamore Creek in the Catalinas, then down Bear Canyon to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. I started immediately after our first rainfall in a long while so there was some water along the way. A pretty relaxed pace in cool weather and quite enjoyable. The new gear including the Arc Blast pack and the Zpacks Altaplex tent worked well. The tent is very roomy with lots of headroom. The re-built ankle worked as well – just not pushing it too hard and being careful with foot placement.

I will soon put it to the test again. I will head into the nearby Rincons and Saguaro National Park, joining the AZT from Hope Camp up and over the top via Manning Camp. Then down to Redington Pass into the Catalinas, exiting out on the La Milagrosa Trail, almost 40 miles. Definitely some snow on the top from recent storms but should be OK.