The COVID pandemic prevented me and my long time friend from making our annual desert walkabout in 2021, so we're thrilled to have just now completed our 2022 hike. Writing to share some photos of the experience.
Hike location was Tonto Creek in the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. We planned an approximately 12 mile loop hike, being mindful that there are no trails; just steep canyons, rocks, trees and and a river to cross multiple times.
The hike was 6 days total length. Truck was parked at the 'end of the road' at 6800' elevation and the river was down a steep entrance canyon at about 6000' elevation.
After spending our initial night at truck camp (in the snow), posing for the traditional pre-hike photo. Myself, Rob and Aussie Shepard Chloe.
Taking a break during the approach hike into the canyon, heading for Tonto Creek. Frequent breaks are a requirement when the pack weighs about 65 pounds at this point!
First view of Tonto Creek - lovely. We paused for lunch here, and spent the remainder of the 6-day hike following the creek downslope making camps along the way.
Camp is not a very complicated item in this type of backpack. We need relatively flat ground, a safe place to build a fire and water nearby. Tonto Creek gurgling past us made the water part easy.
It snowed on us a few nights. Morning temps were usually mid-teens with the daily highs mid-50's. Hey - this is a winter hike right? Nothing like a cheery morning fire to get the cold day started.
One of the final views of Tonto Creek before we exited via a ex-fill canyon back to the plateau where we left the truck. That cold 35F water must be crossed 4 to 5 times a day to avoid the steep canyon walls, making drying boots at the evening fire a necessity.
All-in-all it was a grand winter walkabout. No serious injuries and a ton of memories to recharge our desert spirits. I'm looking forward to it again next year.
Now, I have bunch of CCF topics to catch up on.
Posted 03/12/2022 6:55 pm
