SKIT Day 36: The Finish Line at Portal

Daily Miles: 19.0, Total Miles: 487.5

The decision of the day was to get back on the SKIT at Onion Saddle or continue down FR42 all the way to Portal. I chose to head down to Portal, missing about seven miles of trail and the climb to Silver Peak. Headed straight to the Portal Lodge and Cafe for an add-day breakfast. Might have to come back later for the peach cobbler.

This decision meant that Mrs. Haze could pick me up late today. Otherwise a wait until Saturday because she has obligations. Judging by my cuts, bruises and cramps in various body parts, I don’t feel too bad about that. I know I’ll be back to the Chiricahuas, one of my favorite Sky Islands.

My feet and ankle held up surprisingly well – very pleased with my second post-surgery hike. As far as clothes go, my new hiking short and pants are ripped and shredded by the terrain and “wading” through the unforgiving vegetation. My Brooks Cascadia shoes took a beating, wearing down even faster on this route than the Hayduke Trail.

I’m just glad I finished the SKIT before it finished me! I’ll have a wrap-up post later on this adventurous SE AZ hike in a few days after rest and fully hydrating.