SKIT Day 6: Into the Huachuca Mountains

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 and we found a detour to get me back on track.

A steady and sometimes a steep climb up Hunter Canyon, then crossing over to Miller Canyon, gaining nearly 4,000 ft elevation. A cool breeze and beautiful fall colors helped the effort.

I saw a couple of big piles of bear scat. I got water once again at Bathtub Spring, joined the AZT, and camped right on the Huachucas ridge crest.

Great views down both sides and a gorgeous sunset, but likely to be windy tonight.

I saw my first day hikers (2), bikers (3), and border crossers (7). The migrants were all young men, all dressed in light camo tops and bottoms, traveling light and fast down from Bathtub Spring. The oldest and largest, obviously the leader/guide, motioned he wanted to fist bump. After greetings, he said, “Please, please don’t call the police”. After shaking my head, he asked if anyone was coming up the Miller Canyon Trail. Apparently the big, new wall isn’t working so well.