450 Miles into the AZT

On this section of the trail from Roosevelt Marina to Pine we passed through the Four Peak Wilderness and the Mazatzal Wilderness both within the Tonto National Forest. This was a difficult week as we had to bypass a rest day at Roosevelt as there were no showers or laundry and the options for food … Continue reading 450 Miles into the AZT →

Trail Angels

Trail Angels are big hearted people who do random kind things for thru hikers. Marnie who owns the Chalet Motel in Oracle is such a person. She will fetch hikers from the highway if they text her and bring them to her motel regardless if they are paying guests or not. She allows hikers to … Continue reading Trail Angels →

300 Miles into the AZT

The trail goes from the town of Oracle to Roosevelt Marina during this stretch. The land changed from rolling open desert lands to flat ground to flowering hills near the Gila (pronounced Hila) River then through the Alamo Canyon and Superstition Wilderness. Chalet Motel in OracleMap of Roosevelt Marina at 345 milesDesert wildflowersGila Monster

Rest Day in Pine, Arizona

Currently 460 miles in and having a rest day in Pine, AZ. Everything is going well, but unfortunately our camera is out of commission and wifi has not been consistent enough for a full blog post. Expect a catch up within the next week!- Zip & Jobie

200 Miles into the AZT

Map of 200 miles We move through the flat lands sprinkled with Saguaro cactus up to 8,000 ft which is the smoothest 5,000ft elevation gain we have ever done! Then transitioned to the graceful grassy flatlands. We came across a dead coati which is similar to a raccoon. More info can be found HERE. dead … Continue reading 200 Miles into the AZT →

Equipment We Appreciate # 1

We love our beds..... We are using Therm-a-rest ZLite pads for the first time. They have many advantages: lightweight, not expensive (approximately $45 each), durable, waterproof, and can be used as yoga/ stretching mats anywhere along the trail. The other thing that really works about them is that they lay flat and we can now cook … Continue reading Equipment We Appreciate # 1 →

Trail Thoughts

There is a mysterious energy I am feeling as I walk along this trail, one that I never experienced before. This might have to do with how much forethought and anticipation has gone into the planning for this hike but it has a magical, subtle way of pulling me forward. A bonding is being formed … Continue reading Trail Thoughts →

100 Miles into the AZT: LESSONS LEARNED

Snow is a motivating element on a hike, but two-faced, as it creates nervous survival tension underneath the soft beauty. You encourage yourself to keep moving to preserve your body heat. Eating almost frozen power bars while continuously hiking will not aid digestion.It is possible to hike for consecutive days with soaking wet footwear. TIP: put … Continue reading 100 Miles into the AZT: LESSONS LEARNED →

Trail Info

The AZT (Arizona Trail- a national scenic trail) is a well built, multi-use trail that allows for horses and bikes with its wider path, well maintained levelness, and soft ascents/descents. Although, we are finding the gradual elevation changes leads to some meandering, this high quality trail is accurately measured in distance which is a gift!! … Continue reading Trail Info →

The Arizona Trial (AZT)

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the first instalment of the Arizona Trial, our attempt to keep you up to date with our misadventures. Yes, we are wandering again and this time it is a thru hike of the Arizona Trail (AZT). This will be the longest hike we've ever done. It stretches 800 miles ( 45-50 … Continue reading The Arizona Trial (AZT) →