SKIT Day 18: Into the Catalinas

Daily Miles: 5.3, Total Miles: 233.9

I woke up way too early, probably because I was cold and wanted to put on my jacket. Using my sleeping bag as a quilt only works well for warmer nights. I finished my book, Hail Mary by Andy Weir (recommended) and even had two cups of coffee. I was still starting up the pass above Molino Basin in the dark – well, I was using a headlamp. It wasn’t very long before I saw another headlamp bobbing along coming down from the pass. I thought it must be a crazy mountain biker getting an early start. No, just a crazy trail runner – he said he thought I was crazy too. I made it to the pass just in time for sunrise – love it when a plan comes together.

Got down from the pass and crossed the Catalina Highway at Molino Basin. I hiked uphill for a few more miles to the Gordon Hirabayashi CG and was picked up by my favorite trail angel, Mrs. Haze. She wasn’t very happy because my early morning call from the pass woke her up.

I now have some family commitments for the next few weeks. We’ll see what the weather is like later in December. I also have to check the trail closures caused by the 2020 Bighorn Fire that may prevent me from accessing Brush Corral Trail. This trail will take me from the Santa Catalinas east towards the next Sky Island, the Galiuro Mountains. More than likely, I will be finishing the second half of this trail early in the spring next year.