Chapter 2: the correct decision
Today was the day.
I made the choice to forgo my attempt at a no resupply of the Arizona Trail. It pains me to make this decision, as I'm a very goal oriented person, and when I decide to do something, I do everything in my power to make it come to fruition.
After long talks with Andy (let's be real, what else do we have to do besides talk?) he came to the decision that if I were unable to push the miles needed, he would have to split off to ensure he finishes the trail before his wife goes into labor.
So my options were; do as much of the AZT without resupplying, alone - or - complete the AZT with Andy and make four stops.
The stubbornness I was born with fought and resisted for the last five days, as my body revolted and better judgement was pushed by the wayside. Do I think I could have accomplished the goal I set out to do? Possibly. But it would have taken longer than the time I allotted, which means more food, and more weight. I made my way from 6 to 12 miles in those 5 days, so possibly could have begun to push 20's by next week. But possibilities aren't going to get me to Utah in 30 days, and my bruised and bloodied hips aren't complaining either.
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This morning we woke in our hosts house and made our way over to the coffee shop in town. There we ate a large and delicious breakfast as we waited for the post office to open.
We met many of the kind locals as we sipped our bottomless coffees and I mentally prepared to finally let go of my food -- and my goal.
Andy had a brief worry when he received news from home, and we zig zagged around town, going to grocery stores for him to resupply.
We had some time before we were comfortable leaving town with service -- and updates from home -- and talked with fellow travelers on journeys of their own while lazily preparing my food to be shipped up the trail.
Once we got the all clear that everything back home was a-okay, we said our farewells to the lovely town of Patagonia, and trekked on.
Let's just say, I was almost a kin to a jumping bean. I kept going through the list of gear in my head to make sure I had everything, as I was certain the newly lightened pack was simply too light to have everything I needed. I can now lift my pack without making awful faces and noises.
Well, it has everything I need, and even seven days of food for our next stretch.
That paired with rolling hills and the trail running along a forest road, even leaving after 2pm we were able to kick out 10 miles -- a couple miles shy of our longest day yet.
Yes, I am bummed. I feel slightly defeated that I was unable to achieve the goal I set out to accomplish, but spirits are high as the mileage ramps up. However, I know that disappointment will dissipate as soon as I finish the AZT, with Andy, before his wife gives birth (cross your fingers!).
