Gratitude washed over me as the sun reclaimed the Santa Catalina Mountains. The persistent chill and dampness had worn on me, prompting daydreams of warmer, heavier gear.
On a cold and breezy morning descent from Mt. Lemmon, my focus wasn’t on miles but on descending to Hutch’s Pool. I yearned to warm up, spread out my belongings to dry, and replenish my water supply.
After that, there was nothing else to do.
The world became mine.
Devoid of cell service, the usual temptation of staring at my phone vanished. Instead, I sat there, immersed in the symphony of nature, losing myself in a moment that extended into several blissful hours.
Upon hiking out, I reached the summit of Sabino Canyon just before sunset and decided to linger, captivated by the evolving hues for a few more hours.
No destination compelled me.
So, I lay there throughout the night, entranced by the moon and stars, warding off the curious horde of Pinyon mice with a penchant for exploring my pack, perhaps enticed by the salty residue of weeks’ worth of sweat.
#grateful #AZT #wandering