Daily Miles: 18.5, Total Miles: 94.5 I had to put my earplugs in last night, the wind was a bit too much. I woke up during the night to a mysterious light and first thought it to be a bobbing headlamp. But it wasn’t in the direction of the trail. In fact, the light seemed to be in the air off the mountain crest. No noise so not a helicopter, maybe a Border Patrol drone? The morning was cool at…
Daily Miles: 14.3, Total Miles: 76.0 We had a delicious poached egg creation and fruit for breakfast, worth a later than normal start. Mrs. Haze and Ellie joined me for a few miles down the road heading due west to the Huachuca Mountains. They then turned around for a later departure from the B&B. I walked another half-mile or so and the road abruptly turned into a gated, private road with lots of signage. I called Mrs. Haze for help…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 61.7 First up was a great pancake breakfast and a morning dog walk along the San Pedro. Then a short drive to Bisbee, an old mining town near the border with lots of history, old buildings, restored homes on steep hillsides, and now, an active arts scene with a free-spirited vibe. After brats and brew at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company, we returned to the B&B for a much needed nap. Otherwise, popped a big…
Daily Miles: 14.5, Total Miles: 61.7 An owl hooted for hours last night, sometimes getting an answer. I headed out on a bright, sunny morning on a sometimes weed-choked trail. My first destination was the San Pedro House, an historic ranch house restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River. After chatting with the caretaker for a few minutes, I filled up my water bottles and returned to the banks of the river on a well-groomed trail. The SKIT…
Daily Miles: 14.8, Total Miles: 47.2 Just a short stroll this morning on a side trail to the Fairbanks Cemetary on a lonely, rocky knoll. Then on to Fairbanks, a ghost town on the banks of the San Pedro River. Fairbanks was the closest rail stop to Tombstone and it’s silver mining ventures in the 1880’s. Many of the buildings have been restored and I made good use of a picnic table and water spigot. The only person I saw…
Daily Miles: 19.0, Total Miles: 32.4 I went to bed pretty tired and sore last night but awoke feeling re-charged this morning. Amazing the body does so much work while you’re sleeping. Close to freezing in the early morning hours – even woke up and put on my jacket. I followed Smith Wash for about ten miles passing by two nearly full stock ponds. I finally got water at Curtis Windmill, converted to solar, at a protected trough that fed…
Daily Miles: 13.4, Total Miles: 13.4 I headed out on a cool, windy morning and the clouds were moving fast. I knew a quick cold front was moving in and here it was. The well-travelled Cochise Trail took me over the Dragoon Mountains known for their crazy, balancing rocks. Even a bit of fall color on the oaks and cottonwoods. On the west side of the Dragoons, I hiked about three miles along the base of the picturesque mountains. Some…
Mrs. Haze and Ellie took me on the short journey to the East Cochise Stronghold CG in the Dragoon Mountains, my starting point for the SKIT. After a look around, we said our goodbyes and they took off. This left me to decide whether to hit the trail on a warm afternoon or take a campsite and picnic table. Such a rare luxury on a long hike, I opted for the latter. Much prefer an early morning start, especially with…
The kick-off day has almost arrived and I’m excited to get going. Meals are prepared, all my old gear looks good to go and my ride to the starting point in the Dragoons is arranged. Thanks Mrs. Haze, especially on our anniversary! The weather in the foreseeable future looks great. Warm days and cool nights, hint of fall in the air, definitely at elevation. Mentally I’m good to go. Physically, probably could use some more work but will try to…
Brett Tucker’s routes seem to have a good mix of trail, rough roads and always some element of cross-country travel. Usually wild. usually remote, always a challenge and never without some frustration along the way. I don’t think the SKIT will be an exception. In fact, I have been given some warnings of late. The SKIT has been a route for close to ten years but lightly travelled with the exception of the AZT portion. Southeastern Arizona, like a lot…
