Coronado National Memoral to Patagonia, 51 Miles

Day 1: Coronado National Monument to Miller Peak, 6 Miles

On trips like these, I often have to prepare for something unexpected to happen while I’m doing what is expected. For example, I knew that right out the gate that this trail begins with one of the most difficult continuous climbs, gaining elevation from the Coronado National Monument at ~4,500 ft to the junction of Miller Peak, at a lofty 9,000 ft. 

Now, what I did not expect is a torrential rainstorm to sweep in while I was climbing in Arizona, a state obviously known for being quite rainy.

I expected to experience difficulty hiking at altitude given that I woke up this morning around 50 ft above sea level and am now camping at 7800 ft. 

I did not expect to have to pitch on an incline in a wind sheltered hollow on the mountain. 

I am fortunate to be prepared for the unexpected, and to have a brought a rain jacket.

Day 2: Miller Peak to Parker Canyon, 16 Miles

An incredible amount of variety in a single day, a gain of nearly 2,500 ft to kick off the day, followed by a rapid descent of about 4,000 ft that I am quite grateful for. Waking up the day prior at 50 ft above sea level and then an ascent to 9k in a little over 24 hrs is not a gentle change on the human body. This morning found me in a routine of taking 10 steps and then taking just as many seconds to catch my breath. 

Even at a “low” elevation of 5500 ft tonight, I feel winded. 

Acclimatization to altitude is a gradual process and it is often recommended to increase exertion at a gentle pace, and not trudge through 3 miles of loose snow to begin ones morning. 

Though I am so pleased to see such a variety of ecosystems in a single day. Besides transitionary zones, I hiked through a subalpine, a high elevation riparian area and scrublands. 

I find that the flora changed every few miles today and the fauna that I saw through birds today changed completely with a few thousand feet of altitude. 

It was particularly interesting to see small birds foraging in the dense snowpack that I was falling through today.

I love deserts, they are so full of life thoroughly adapted to living through the rigors that characterize this landscape. Through its harshness, there is so much beauty.

Day 3: Parker Canyon to Down Under Tank, 18 Miles

A long, beautiful day from sunrise to sunset. Today is March 17, 2023. Two years to the date since I started the Pacific Crest Trail. Very happy to be back at it again.
On today’s hiking I caught sight of a charismatic member of the desert, a species in opuntia, or prickly pear family of cactus.

I would say that members of this genus are some of the meanest cactus you will encounter, and species are widely distributed throughout the United States and Mexico.

Often presenting with flat, paddle like pads covered in spines, the real ‘takeaway’ from these cacti are called glochids. These are very small spines between the larger needles on the plant that readily detach and embed themselves in whatever brushes against them, be it herbivore, shirt or hands.

And from there they may go wherever the hand travels. In my experience, they can stay embedded in skin for days or weeks, and it is not a pleasant experience.

Just a reminder that some plants are more for seeing than touching.

Down Under Tank to Patagonia, 13 Miles

First town and first rest in Patagonia, AZ Population 900. I wish more towns were like this one, where the entirety of it is walkable, and there is infrastructure to do so.
4 days down and this is presenting itself to be an amazing trip. Could not ask for better weather, all the folk I have hiked with thus far could not be kinder as well.

Next stop is Colossal Cave, somewhere around mile 121. See you then!

One last thing, if you want to be able to contact me through my satellite messenger and I did not give you the number, let me know.