Kearny

After my crazy long day hike, I allowed myself to sleep in until the ungodly hour of 6:00 am. I had originally thought I would drive to the Freeman Trailhead, hike to Kearny, and then get a shuttle back to the trailhead to get my car. However, after the drop-off the day before, I realized that I would never find the trailhead on my own, even with navigation. Plus, to get to the trailhead, you have to drive PAST Oracle, and then another 45 minutes or so on dirt roads in the middle of nowhere. That was bit much to ask of anyone.

I quickly changed my plans to drive to the Gila River (the Kearny trail exit) and do a southbound in-and-out hike. Then, I would hike north and shuttle back from Superior to Kearny. Much more doable!

So I left the Tiger Mine Trailhead in Oracle, stopped at the local breakfast place (where all the locals pegged me as a hiker despite my "town clothes" because of the distinctive hiker hobble in my gait) for some delicious peach crepes. Then I headed up to the Gila River. 

When I got there, I was in for a surprise. There was a major construction project going on- building a new, much bigger bridge over the river. For the time being, the old bridge is still in use, but there is new road construction on either side and detours down to the bridge. Much of the hillside is torn up with the temporary road and detours as well as the new roads. And the trailhead I was going to? Gone. Or relocated. Or in the plans to be re-established at a later date. Whatever. I'd have to change my plans again. 

I was able to find a small spot to park the car by the bridge for the southbound out and in. But I wouldn't be able to leave it there overnight. I did a nice 15 mile out and in hike in overcast, slightly drizzly weather and decided to visit Kearny to see what it was all about. Weirdly, I found every business establishment to be closed . Maybe because it was Sunday? Whatever. I was having no luck today. I'd drive on to Superior.