As all of you know, we are in the midst of a national crisis. I’ve been struggling a lot with the issue of getting off trail.
It’s true the trail is one of the safest places to be, and if I can minimize my contact with people in towns and be self-sufficient it would be possible to complete the hike with minimal risk to the small towns
It is also true that I am not sure if it’s wise to get on a plane and travel back to the most infected state in the country, and worry about picking up the virus during travel.
However, more and more things seem to be shutting down, and the Arizona Trail Association is recommending people get off the trail if they can’t be 100% self-sufficient.
I have mailed re-supply packages to three post offices ahead of me on the trail. In theory I should be able to just stop in and get the box then head back out of town to minimize my contact with people.
That being said, with things changing so rapidly and talk of shutting down domestic flights, I have decided to cut the hike short.
As of now I am planning on hiking for another 2 1/2 weeks and bailing in Flagstaff, where it will be easy to access an airport. The trail will always be here, and I can always come back at another time.
I’m still being as flexible as possible, and will need to leave the trail sooner if domestic flights are cancelled.
I hope you are all staying safe, it’s a hard decision, and things may change within the next few days. I’m trying to do what’s best for the trail and communities I pass through, as well as for folks back home.