34: Ponder Spot
Ramsey Canyon, Arizona S I E R R A V I S T A, A Z At the 6,000 foot contour line along the Hamburg Trail, I call it quits. The altitude and switchbacks have defeated me. I’m not going to make it to the overlook and back before sunset. After shaking off my disappointment, it quickly becomes apparent that my stopping spot is a blessing in disguise. The ravine I’m in is of world-renown beauty. I take a seat to catch my breath. When I quiet down, the serenity of my stopping spot turns disappointment into amazement. Though I don’t have the clear view the overlook would have provided, I can see Sierra Vista in the distance through the trees. I suddenly feel the loneliness I was hoping for. An hour ago, I entered Ramsey Canyon Preserve and charged straight back as deep as I could in hopes it would afford a slow, sunset-chasing walk back out – and hopefully a walk out devoid of all other canyon visitors. From my rest...