My AZT Thru Hike Day 4 : Feels Like Home

Allie • • Arizona Trail (AZT), Backpacking

Day 4 of my Arizona Trail thru-hike was the perfect day of hiking except for the pain in my feet.

Welcome, I’m Allie. I’ve been living full time on the road since 2020. These are my memories as I travel.

AZT NOBO Miles 35-45

Date :	March 16, 2020
Trail :	AZT (Arizona Trail)
Miles That Day :	11
Total Trail Miles :	45

A Perfect Day on the Arizona Trail

Day 4 on our AZT (Arizona Trail) trip was about as perfect as you can get on trail. The weather was beautiful, the terrain wasn’t too difficult and the sunset that evening was magical!

We woke up in the Manzanita grove to a brisk, cold morning but that’s ok, it makes one feel alive and ready for the day!

*First sign we see that mentions bears (or maybe I just didn’t see the previous ones.)*

The landscape was filled with rolling hills, oak trees, and tall grasses – just like home for me in the Bay Area!

Starting to Feel the Pain in My Feet on the AZT

Walking now almost a total of 45 miles with about 30 pounds on my back my feet were starting to feel the ache. As a runner in my 30’s I developed Plantar Fasciitis and it was rearing its ugly head here on the hard, packed dirt trail. (I’ll later need to head to Nogales for special foot solutions.)

Achy feet or not this day felt great! I was truly becoming accustomed to life outside with all I needed on my back. All the routines and efforts taken each time we stopped were no longer a burden but routine. Getting my backpack on my back, setting up my tent or packing it all up each day was becoming seamless tasks.

We stopped late afternoon near Red Rock Ranch Road to set up camp where what seemed like cows also like to rest. Yet when you’re tired and a flat surface presents itself you take it. Luckily cow dung seems to not spell bad once dried in the Arizona heat.