gorgeous. It goes in and out of desert landscapes and pine forests that are truly breathtaking. The Grand Canyon, of course is a sight, but there are numerous stops that are equally as stunning.” Stunning? Indeed. How about dangerous? Looking
down at the cliffs and valleys that were undoubtedly full of wildlife of all sorts, I got the feeling that safety might be an issue that constantly lingers in the minds of those who walk through the same terrain that I was currently standing on. I questioned the Gentleman Hiker on the subject. “I really didn’t have any fears while I was out here,”
John Officer enjoys an eagle-eye view of Tucson during his walk across Arizona
time and presence to the trail, its hikers and the communi- ties that surround it. Vice President of the ATA, Fred Gau- det, who has also completed the trail, has made it his goal to ensure the quality of the trail for the betterment of hikers and residents alike. “I think it’s the desire to give back to the beautiful environment that we live in and it’s a drive to pass this along to generations to come that makes this organization so successful,” explains Gaudet. “I want my grandchildren to hike this trail and have the same apprecia- tion for it that I do.” The Arizona Trail is racing to its overall completion. It is 96% finished, lacking only 37 miles in the Rincon Mountains, and is scheduled to be completed in 2011, the trail’s centennial birthday. This would be a monumental accomplishment, as it would become the first National Scenic Trail to be completed in its entirety, and is sure to bring the trail much attention on a national level. “It’s the great diversity of landscape in Arizona that brings people to the trail,” explains Gaudet. “The sky islands, the Catalinas, the Rincons, all of the ranges are
replied Officer. “I never encountered bears or mountain lions, but I came upon 13 rattlesnakes in two days. They gave me fair warning though, and this is their land, so I left them alone, of course. The real dangers of hiking this trail or any trail are running out of water or falling and hurting yourself. I walked slower than I usually do and took almost silly precautions when getting down rocks and boulders. And as far as water, preparation is everything.” We continued up the trail as Officer reminisced and indulged me in stories of his travels and the obstacles he faced. In his own modest tone, he made even the largest feats seem merely casual. He pointed out trail markers, ani- mal tracks and large peaks in the distance that he had been through on the arduous journey. As we returned to the trailhead to part ways I asked him if he would do anything different if he did it all over. “I would, Jon,” he calmly re- plied. “I’d take twice the amount of time to do it so I could take in every little detail and sight of this beautiful land and truly enjoy it.” With that, the Gentleman Hiker departed back down the endless trail.
For more information, The Arizona Trail Association can be viewed at
aztrail.org.
Jonathan D’Auria is a writer and journalist whose work is featured in many of the largest music publications in America and the UK.
November 2010
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