Section Hike of Highline Trail
The Highline trail is a ~50mile long trail that skirts along the Mogollon Rim ("a rugged escarpment that forms the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau"). I decided to do a section of it. Since I was solo, that meant out and back ... about 21mi.
It's always nice to get away from the Phoenix heat. Being at 6000-6800 ft, the weather was comfortable, escpecially under the shade of towering pines.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq.../s640/Pic2.JPG
There were lots of nice views.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq.../s640/Pic1.JPG
And the occassional spring.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq.../s640/Pic4.JPG
I set-up for the night near Christopher creek. The thunder from the impending storm was echoing through the canyon. So I got to hear each burst about 4 times. Even though I setup the tarp expecting a downpour, it never rained. (I figured it was because I took Te-wa's advice and brought along an umbrella. He's right, I stayed very dry.)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq.../s640/Pic5.JPG
I did get to tryout my new flexible/removable ridgeline on the WBBB. It was nice to be able to remove it and sit back without the ridgeline cutting across the side of my head. I also was able to allow MUCH more sag than I could with the standard setup. That pretty much eliminated the uncomfortable gathered material in the transition from the bed to the footbox.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq.../s640/Pic6.JPG
I did have a close encounter with an Arizona Black Rattlesnake on the way out. He (she?) slithered across the trail right in front of me and then took-up this stace on the other side.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_fRzj6BD3G_8/Sq...AZ%20Black.jpg
Finally, this was the first trip using my new Gossamer Gear 'Murmur'. At 8oz, it was very comfortable!