Things I learned while hiking the AZT ( in the order of occurrence):

1. Cold wet things (hands, clothing) steam when put into the sun.
2. Picking a good campsite makes all the difference – clear ground, wind shelter.
3. Snow makes awesome toilet paper – cold yet so convenient.
4. A good snow shelter comes all the way to the ground on three sides, with the open side away from the direction of the prevailing winds (when using a tarp).
5. Snow camping is better with a tent.
6. Knowing how to keep your head under stress is good.
7. Knowing how to relax and let each day flow makes going easier.
8. Prepare to change your plans.
9. Stop and enjoy a bright sunny day, you never know when the next one is coming.
 

Our most memorable AZT moments:

1.      Mountain Lion Hunt
2.      Having to repair lots of broken equipment and torn clothing the first 4 days out.
3.      Bob got a blister (this is really rare).
4.      Seeing animal tracks in the snow, including rodents being hunted by large birds.
5.      The Forest Service cabin on the North Rim.
6.      Snowshoeing through the meadows of the North Rim while sparkling snow swirled around us.
7.      Phantom Ranch’s warm hospitality and shelter from the storm.
8.      Hiking the Grand Canyon with Bob’s brother Jesse.
9.      Camping during a full moon at the base of the San Francisco Peaks.
10.   Waiting out a three day storm on the side of a mountain, on the edge of a cliff, in our tent – the first time either of us had been stuck in a tent.
11.   Finding our way using map and compass around the SF Peaks and the Matatzals. Every time we came around a corner to see a trail marker it was like receiving a “Job Well Done” sticker on our homework.
12.   Riding a classic motorcycle across the country.


The AZT soundtrack (the songs that kept playing in our heads as we walked in order of occurance):

1.      “In the Pines” by Louvin Brothers or Nirvana (This verse stuck with me: “In the pines, In the pines, Where the sun never shines, I’ll shiver the whole night through.)

2.      “March of the Toy Soldiers” from the Nutcracker Suite (Even though I hated it, this song is the one that plays most of the time when I’m hiking. I guess the tempo and rhythm are right.)

3.      “White Line Fever” by Flying Burrito Brothers (This one popped in as we walked the bare highway that first day out of Jacob’s Lake to the North Rim.

4.      “Afternoon Delight” by some one hit wonder (This was Jesse’s pick)

5.      “I Guess You’re Wondering Why I’m Here (and so am I)” by Frank Zappa and the MOI (This one came on while I was wondering what we were doing on the AZT in the middle of winter)

6.      “Lonesome Whipperwill” by Hank Williams (I sang this one as we walked through Babbit Ranches)

7.      “Big Rock Candy Mountain” folk song, Woodie Guthrie I guess is the one to receive the credit (We sang this one together and it boosted moral.)

8.      “Mexico” by  Calexico (I sang this one to remind me that I was hiking to Mexico.)

9.      “My Name is Mud” By Primus (This was sung as we trudged through the mud--See photo below of 10lb mud and sticks "nest" on Bob's boot.)

10.   “Aria” from the Opera Carmen (This makes a nice hiking song when Mother Nature is being spectacular.)

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