2/20/14 19 miles.
It was really late when I started hiking today. I woke up early but couldn’t drag myself out until the sun warmed my tent. Then I had oatmeal and coffee and didn’t get on the trail until almost 9.
The AZT was a lot easier today. For 5 miles it ran along the crest of the Huachuca Mountains and then dropped several thousand feet into Sunshine Creek. Not long after I started hiking this morning, I rounded a bend, and there 50′ ahead of me I saw what I thought was a large dog walking down the trail. When he turned and loped into the trees I realized I was looking at a large Mountain Lion. Well, as you can imagine, that really spiked my adrenaline. Every time I would come to rock outcroppings above the trail I would keep looking up.
Tonight I am camped just a few miles before Parker lake. It should be warmer here. I haven’t had any cell service since I left the ridge and I don’t expect to get any for a couple more days.
You had me worried when I got your text about the mountain lion shortly after it happened, but then nothing more from you until yesterday. I’m glad you didn’t look appetizing.
Yep, you certainly had our hearts pounding as well. I really hope that’s the last one you encounter. Seeing one in an enclosure at Desert Museum yesterday was lots better!
Are you sure it wasn’t a Wildcat? After all, you are in UA territory!
How exciting! Mountain lions have been known to attack solitary hikers. Whatever you do, don’t run away.
I bet you’ll be in better shape by the time you finish this “Walk in the Desert”.