The junction of Sabino Canyon was our exit from the Arizona Trail and would take us down towards the town of Tucson where we had beds, showers and a home-cooked meal waiting for us at Mama K and Papa Miguel's house. Sabino Canyon itself is a beautiful canyon accessible only by a guided tour bus and we found ourselves running to catch the last bus of the day from the trailhead to the base of the canyon, hopeful to avoid a 3 mile road walk. Luckily we made it with just a few minutes to spare and as we unloaded our packs from the bus at the bottom Papa Miguel pulled up. It was wonderful to see him and kind of him to pick us up without even a mention of the stench I'm sure we carried with us. After all, it had been nearly 10 days since our last shower in Patagonia.
Prior to our pre-hike arrival in Tucson, I'd never met the Mulcahey's. You would not have guessed that though from the warm hospitality they showed me. After we'd showered and started laundry, we were treated to homemade burgers, salads and cookies while we recounted our travels. Having raised their family in my hometown before moving to the Southwest, it turned out that we actually had a lot of overlapping connections through community and church. It was a comfort to be in a home with people who I felt like I had known for years.
The next morning we continued to be spoiled with breakfast sandwiches and keys to a vehicle to run our errands. The thing about rest days while thru-hiking is that there is a lot of non-resting to do. We had resupplying shopping, packages to send and, most importantly, eating to do.
My craving for fresh veggies has become overwhelming! (Not pictured: the enormous mud pie we devoured after our salads)
We enjoyed another night with the Mulcahey's (and another home cooked meal!) before preparing to hit the trail again. It was bittersweet to leave them; I hadn't realized how much I'd been missing the comfort of a family.
Hanging with Millie, the littlest Mulcahey.
Mama K, Millie, and the girls before the start of our journey
Papa Miguel and Andy joined us for the initial trek down to the border
Despite our hesitancy to leave the luxuries of Tucson, it was time to hit the trail. It was late afternoon as we headed back into Sabino Canyon and the sun setting created unbelievable lighting. This trail... This canyon... This state - is absolutely stunning.
Heading back towards the Arizona Trail from Sabino Canyon
We decided to not go too far beyond the junction with the AZT, camping at Hutch's Pool, a beautiful oasis along an overflowing pool - a rarity on the trail.
Had it not been so cold, I would have been in this natural pool in a heartbeat!
We made camp next to the flowing water and slept peacefully - well fed and rested from our Tucson Town day. Tomorrow would bring with it a new ascent as we were about to head into the Santa Catalinas.