MRT 2021 Day 4, April 8, Thursday
• Start S1 mile 48.1 of 49.9
• End S2 mile 7.9
• Miles walked: 6.6 town + 1.8 + 7.9 = 16.3
Going into Sedona for supplies, I find a Basha’s grocery, and another hiker’s journal tips me off to the fact to an eating area hidden off to the side next to the deli and restrooms where a hiker can repackage food while charging at a long power strip along one wall. And yes, Dottor, I did ask a cashier for permission beforehand. The grocery has an impressive backdrop.
Back on the MRT, we head east to go around town, where there are perhaps larger sandstone formations than to the north.
It may be hard to see in the photo, but beyond the colorful sandstone is an escarpment topped with dark gray stone, and I think we are climbing up there soon.
The route goes past Midgely Bridge over Oak Creek Canyon.
After descending down to Oak Creek, I ford the river, coming up to mid-thigh.
I carry maximum water on the climb up to the rim, because water sources may be unreliable, plus a full load of food. From the big hiking day yesterday I am going slow.
Finally gaining the rim, the trail is marked with cairns formed by filling a wire basket, a design new to me.
The temperature is noticeably colder up here, which is what I experienced last year when hiking up to the rim past Pine.
