Sometimes a backpack trip is not about going as far as you can or reaching a summit or any other landmark. Sometimes a backpack trip is simply an opportunity to relax outside all day and all night. Forget about the fast-paced, high tech world we live in and enjoy some simplicities of life.
Our most recent backpack trip epitomizes one of the key reasons that I like to backpack. It is an escape from our complex, yet somehow “easier” life in today’s society. Being removed from most of the gadgets and conveniences of life that “progress” has brought us allows me to simply enjoy being alive. I can appreciate our beautiful and amazing planet that we live on. I can actually relax, not thinking about all of the tasks that need to be done at home or work. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to reflect and spend quality time with Aaron. Sometimes the simplest things in life can be the most rewarding and most enjoyable.
Well, I’ll give a brief description of Aaron and my recent backpack trip to Cochise Stronghold. Our original plan consisted of hiking up to the stronghold on Sunday and spending the night near the stronghold. On Monday we would explore the area of boulders around the stronghold, then hike down a canyon to the parking lot, making an 6–8 mile loop. Things didn’t go as planned. For starters we didn’t get to the parking lot until 2:30pm. We shouldered our packs at about 3:30 and head up the stronghold. A mile and a half to two miles up the trail we found an interesting section of boulders. We left the trail to check it out. It turned out to be a really nice camping area as well. It was already 4:30 so we decided just to stay there for the night and then do the rest of the loop the next day. We could save exploring for another trip.
The next morning it was cold — 20’s. I found it difficult to motivate myself to get moving so we didn’t. Instead, we dragged our sleeping bags outside and read our book (we were in the middle of reading “Angles and Demons” by Dan Brown to each other) until the sunlight reached us. The silly book was rather engaging so we didn’t actually start packing up to leave until 12:30pm. Needless to say we didn’t do the whole loop, we simply hiked back the way we came. Definitely not one of those record breaking hikes for miles or altitude gain/loss!
On the other hand, the two days were absolutely gorgeous. The moon that night was bright, the sky clear and the air was crisp and clean. Spending the day lying out in the sun in our own private, outdoor “home” was simply heavenly. I couldn’t have wished for anything else.
The next time we visit though — I’ll make it to the stronghold…
Jenny, very cool blog entry! I like the pictures too. Sounds like a cool place, Erin and I need to get down there and explore the Stronghold. It is probably better to do it now rather than later when it gets Arizona hot!
Jenny, how happy I am to read your entry! What a great insight, and more!.… a refreshing change of pace from Arizona! This makes all of us in the great “Midwest” miss you both even more, but definately jealous of your lifestyle choices! I’m so glad to see you enjoying this adventure we call life!
I love Cochise!
Jenny,went to Cochise about 3years ago with my wife Lisa. We just loved the place. The atmospher,animal life and every thing about the place made me at peace. Planed to return in May.
We visited there last week and it was the highlight of a two week vacation. I’ve followed news about Cochise for years.
Hi,
I just got back from hiking the Cochise Trail. It was beautiful. I only made it to the second mile marker. I was beginning to worry because it was 3:30p and I wasn’t sure where the trail ended. There is no real information or map about the trail available. At some points the trail is unclear and I had to backtrack a couple of times. Do you remember the point where the trail changes from east to west and you come up out of the forest and you see that you are surrounded by beautiful green mountains and stone? That’s where I saw an eagle riding the winds. On the way back I saw a deer nibbling leaves off a tree. What an experience. Someday I want to finish the trek.
Rick
Miss this place. It was nice of you to share your travels with us.
I used to live in the Stronghold Canyon (1/4 mile before the campground) as a child in the 1980’s. I now live in rainy Portland, OR. Oregon has its beauty as well, but, boy do I miss that boulder-hopping on a sunny day in my backyard as a child!
Hi, I loved your story and photos. I have a cabin in East Cochise Stronghold Canyon and really enjoy it when I am able to be there.
From your post I think some people might get confused as to what the Stronghold is. It is not a particular spot or place, it is the entire mountain range of the Dragoons but primarily the East and West Canyon with everything in-between.
The area became known as Cochise’s Stronghold because he lived there during the winter months. From the peaks it was very easy to see the enemy coming across the desert floor. Cochise, his family and followers were able to evade all comers by disappearing into the rugged terrain.
The Dragoons are a magical place and I am pleased that you too felt at home there. Perhaps we shall meet there someday?