Day 43. Miller Peak

Mile 755 – Stealth To Mile 776 – Stealth

We woke up to ice on the inside of our tents and frozen water bottles. This was probably the coldest night of the trip so far. Between us and the border stands Miller Peak, our final sky island. At over 9000′ it is just slightly lower than the highest point on the trail near the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Our ideal mileage for today would put us near the peak tonight where we expect very cold temperatures. Instead of camping up there, we plan to stop at around 6000′ where we expect the temperature to be a bit more manageable.

This has been a fun and simultaneously difficult journey. I’m grateful to have had an amazing hiking partner. Rocket’s positive outlook, especially during the difficult times, was truly encouraging. I’m so proud of what they accomplished!

We’re also super grateful for Brenda’s support of this endeavor. We’re looking forward to seeing her tomorrow!

This will be our last night on the trail. With the end in sight, we spent much of the day reminiscing about the last few weeks and thinking about what we have learned about ourselves along the way.

This trail was founded by Dale Shewalter who wrote a poem entitled The Arizona Trail, which appears on the northern terminus monument and captures the experience pretty well:

In the land of Arizona
Through desert heat or snow
Winds a trail for folks to follow
From Utah to Old Mexico

It’s the Arizona Trail
A path through the great Southwest
A diverse track through wood and stone
Your spirit it will test.

Some will push and pedal
And some will hike or run
Others will ride their horse or mule
What else could be more fun?

Oh, sure, you’ll sweat and blister
You’ll feel the miles each day
You’ll shiver at the loneliness
Your feet and seat will pay.

But you’ll see moonlight on the borderlands
You’ll see stars on the Mogollon
You’ll feel the warmth of winter sun
And be thrilled straight through to bone.

The aches and pains will fade away
You’ll feel renewed and whole
You’ll never be the same again
With Arizona in your soul.

Along the Arizona Trail
A reverence and peace you’ll know
Through deserts, canyons and mountains
From Utah to Old Mexico.

Dale R. Shewalter
February 1, 2003