3/13/14 – 253 miles.
Today was a crazy day. I had planned on hiking 20 miles today so that I would reach the next water tank by evening. I made it to the Freeman Road water cashe about 8:30 this morning and the next water was 18 miles up the trail. I figured 20 miles over relatively level ground was doable so I filled my bottles and started out. I would have been fine if I hadn’t gotten lost.
Getting lost is unsettling enough but getting lost when you are low on water is frightening. The trail followed a powerline for a few miles and I made good time to a side road that was only marked with a stick. I finally figured out that I was supposed to go that way and I followed cairns for a mile or so. Then I came to an area where ATVs had cut through and made a mess of the trail. Somehow I got on one of the ATVs tracks and followed it out to the powerline again. Even though it didn’t seem right my GPS said I was on the trail. I must have gone three miles down the powerline before I was sure something was wrong and turned around. Once I got back to the end of the ATV tracks I found where I should have turned off.
I hiked until almost 6 trying to find the water tank but I had to stop and make camp before dark. I have no idea how far I am. I hope the tank is near and I will find it early.
When you get off the trail you need to send your comments to the trail stewards so they can do a better job of trail marking. Getting lost in dry areas is not fun.
I hope you find water soon!
Seems like it’s a common problem with the AZT. Pockets complained about it non-stop. The caretakers really do need to mark it better. Hope you find your way soon. As long as you find a cell signal, you can always call for help. Just dial 9-1-1.