Bushcamp to Molino Basin Campground
14.5 miles
Mile 184.0
I got an early start, pumped to make the climb up Mount Lemmon to meet my buddies who drove up from Tucson.
Shortly after getting started, I passed a dude taking a squat just off the trail. We made eye contact and I couldn’t help but start laughing. I guess he thought no one would be hiking so early…
I made good progress up the switchbacks until reaching Lemmon Trail, where the trail begins to climb straight up the mountain. I’d hiked this trail a few times last year, and remembered it being a lot harder than it was today. I guess after a year of hiking my perspective has changed.
When I reached the top of the climb I continued through the Wilderness of Rocks, where I ran into a party of four hikers. They asked if they were on the Arizona Trail, and when I confirmed that they were they mentioned that they were heading to Oracle to meet some friends. I told them if that’s the case, they were hiking in the wrong direction. Whoops…
By 1:00 PM I’d reached the small mountain top community of Summerhaven. I swung by the General Store, where the staff was super friendly. They grabbed the resupply box I’d mailed there and set me up to get organized in the back next to their hiker box.
Once I’d finished getting organized, I bought a half pound of their delicious homemade fudge to snack on as I waited out front for my friends to arrive.
When they pulled up I hopped in and we headed back down the mountain to Molino Basin Campground. Mark hooked me up with this Chipotle…I’d been craving it like none other, it was fantastic!
We spent the rest of the evening hanging out in camp, catching up over beers and s’mores. It was a good day.
Cheers!
I’ve totally been spooked while doing my business squatting! I was off of any designated trail in a pretty seldom trafficked area. The dude and I just had a normal conversation when I got all buttoned-up. 😂
Lol that’s hilarious.