Our journey on the Arizona Trail technically started in Tucson, where we were welcomed with open arms by our friend Andy's parents - the Mulcahey's. Jessica, Andy and I met Papa Miguel Mulcahey at the airport and after a brief stop at a sporting goods store for some last minute supplies made it to their house where our friends Erika and Jen were waiting for us. Erika and Jen will start the trail with us and hike until Patagonia - about 53 miles - 3 nights and 4 days of hiking. We had a full day of relaxing poolside, being pampered with food by Mama K and then escorted by winnebego to the trailhead - the Mexican border - nearly 90 minutes south.

Jen, Erika, me and Jessica just before departure.

The Arizona Trail starts at the Mexican border, but in order to get there you have to already be on trail. Papa Miguel and Andy made the 1.7 mile trek down to the border monument with us; a short, hot and steep hike - a teaser of what was to come.

Our first day of hiking was hard. Really hard. I knew it would be as we were facing a climb of over 3000 feet into the Huachuca mountains with full packs - most of us weighing in at 40+ pounds. The payoff, however, was immediate. The vastness of this landscape is overwhelming.

Trailhead interpreter sign looking to Mexico and the International boundary.

My first test came quickly. I had made the proclamation months ago that I wanted to summit Miller Peak - the highest point in the 'sky islands' as the Huachucas are often called. There was no reason why really - just something I'd read about early on in my planning and for whatever reason set my laser beam focus on. The summit was 1/2 mile off trail and an extra 200 feet of elevation gain - extra mileage and work I was ready to add for the views I'd read about at the top.

We got to the junction at Miller Peak and I dropped my pack preparing to make the summit. It had taken us much longer than expected to get to this junction. Sunset was in 30 minutes and camp was still 2 miles (about an hour hike) away. I knew if I summited I'd be hiking in the dark to camp and I was prepared for that. I told the girls to hike on and I would meet them at camp. I was ready, I was willing, I was able.

I was vetoed.

It was too late and we had too far to go. They wanted us to stay together. I was devastated. I argued for a few minutes before giving in to the inevitable and huffed off to camp, leaving my goal and my girls in my dust.

As I pouted (I mean, er, hiked) to camp I thought about the situation in yoga terms. Asteya - non stealing - of materials, energy, accomplishments. Were these badass hiker babes stealing from me by preventing me from making my summit? Maybe. But if I had ignored their request and summited anyway would I have been stealing from them and the group energy we'd created? Absolutely. Whenever I'm confronted with a moral dilemma I have to refer back to the 1st Yama - Ahimsa. Non-harming. These strong, confident, supportive women in my life were not trying to harm me with this veto - quite the opposite. But if I ignored them I would be stealing AND causing harm. It would go against my very core intention for this trip and in life.

Those who know me when I get hungry, tired or don't get my way are likely already sympathizing with my companions. Yes, it was a long walk to camp... but as Miller Peak faded away in the distance, my attachment to it did as well. I was hiking with 3 of my favorite people who loved me and were taking care of me. This peak was just not meant for me on this trip.