Hike #07 – Bushy Mesa – 12 Miles

  This hike was completed on 10-11-2016 with my hiking nephew Eric in preparation for his 2017 AT Thru hike. With such we loaded up with full thru hiking packs of 32 pounds and set out for a short but challenging section of the AZT. Driving up to Strawberry AZ just north of Payson, we drove down a short dirt road off of Fossil Creek Road and started hiking down some of the worst trail we have hiked. Not really a trail but a volcanic rock field with carens to show us the way. The first 1/2 of the short 12 mile hike was rough but downhill with a couple amazing views of the Maztazal Wildness south of us. At the turn we had enough time to set up tents for practice and take a quick nap with lunch. The hike back up was tough for me having to take breaks about every .30 mile or so, about 7 % grade for about a mile. Eric took off like a mountain goat and waited for me a the top.  Not a bad hike but tough with full packs. One thing I learn over and over again is on the tough uphills just take it slow and take breaks when your heart rate gets too crazy. Wait until your heart rate settles down and then go forward. Eventually you get there and to my constant surprise I get up the hill in not a bad pace after all….