Flagstaff to Mormon Lake
October 18th
Brian:
We left Flagstaff this morning with blustery winds, overcast skies, and cooler temperatures. Flagstaff does have a very nice Urban Trail System, so it was easy to link up with the AZT. We made our way to Fisher Point, an exposed cliff of white and orange striped sandstone.Further along, good trail led us up to Anderson Mesa where we saw some elk and a few more Tarantula's. The walking was easy and generally non-descript...another mesa top with scattered Ponderosa, Juniper, open meadows, dry lakes, and a few cattle. After a few miles of braided jeep trails and single track, we descended from Anderson Mesa at Horse Lake and crossed the Highway. The AZT was very well signed across the mesa, and good signage continued along as the trail became consistent single track. Oak trees began to mingle with the Ponderosa, and the soft duff trail tread made for pleasant walking.
The day passed incredibly quickly today. No real concept of time or distance traveled for me all day. This is the first time I've hiked without a watch, and I have to say it is much more enjoyable. My stomach usually is a good indicator of the time anyway, so it is easy to guess approximates when my belly begins to rumble.
We are camped a few miles short of Mormon Lake where we have planned to re-supply tomorrow morning. A few sprinkles of rain this evening, as well as some Elk bugling. Total hiking time:~7.5 hrs.
Amity:
Sunday dinner in Flagstaff was a real treat. Across from the Monte Vista is the Corea House, where we dined on very finely prepared Korean specialties like bimbimbab, bulgogi and kimchi. The owner/server was more than happy to direct us in what to order and how to eat it while his wife could be heard working away in the kitchen. The meal was delicious and beautifully served. They also had bubble tea for those bubble tea aficionados out there. Yum! Yesterday was grey and blustery, today seems to be more of the same. The walking is pleasant and it's nice to be on trail.
October 19th
Brian:
Arrived this morning at Mormon Lake. Just finishing up our quick re-supply before getting back on the AZT. The trail around the north and west side of Mormon Lake was well signed and looked to have been recently worked. Very nice single track to Double Springs Campground where we then hooked up with the paved road into Mormon Lake proper. We'll grab a quick snack and be on our way headed to Pine, AZ ~ 75 miles distant.
