Cactus to Clouds to Cactus: An Epic Adventure

How Climbing a Challenging Mountain Can Change Your Life!

Cactus to Clouds to Cactus

It was April of 2015 and I had just finished one of the toughest races up to that point in my Ultra Journey. It was called the Crown King Scramble. Or as the shirt says, “Spines to Pines!”

Aravaipa Running

A local 50K race put on by the great people at Aravaipa Running! For me the day started badly, record heat, cramping and generally not doing well. But, it ended with great joy! As I sprinted into the little town of Crown King. 

What was unique about this race, was that it started at a local lake and climbed 6500 feet to Crown King. Just one long steady climb! Hang with me, this will all be relevant in a couple minutes! 

My Cactus to Clouds Vision is Born

I was waiting for the shuttle back to my car and I overheard some of the runners talking about a race, event, or adventure in Palm Springs, called Cactus to Clouds. 

I overhead them saying it was tougher than the Grand Canyon, which I had just completed a rim to rim to rim with my daughter and her husband five months earlier.

What is Cactus to Clouds?

So, the conversation peaked my curiosity. What was Cactus to Clouds? Why was it so tough? Palm Springs? I had to know! Is this something I needed to do? Or were others just sharing their opinion? 

A couple days later I started my research. I discovered it involved climbing to the top of Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs. It was one of the top 5 hikes in the United States.

Cactus to Clouds is One Tough Adventure

It was the longest single climb in the US. And it was one of the steepest climbs in the worlds. I’m in!! But I also found a niche that I hadn’t heard before. Coming down! 

Yes. Most Cactus to Clouds Hikers climbed to the Peak of San Jacinto and then did the five miles back to the Tram, for the beautiful and peaceful ride back to Palm Springs.

I had to be different. I found some rare blogs and stories of those that did what was called “The Full C2C2C.” My Cactus to Clouds to Cactus Dream was born. “C2C2C” became my obsession!

Cactus to Clouds; Top Five Toughest Hiking Trails

Well it took me almost three full years, two more Grand Canyon Adventures, two Javelina Jundred’s, and countless 50K’s to finally slay the infamous Cactus to Clouds to Cactus! The following is my crazy story from beginning to end on how a 58 year-old strength runner did it!

My Background

As an Exercise Physiologist and Coach, I love dissecting physical challenges into manageable teaching skills. Cactus to Clouds to Cactus would become another perfect target for my brain to dissect and conquer!

KEY QUESTIONS

As stated above as an Exercise Physiologist I love to break physical challenges down into not only small manageable pieces but also into things that I need to work on. Cactus to Clouds offered lots of these!

Little Pieces

Everything from the Cactus to Clouds course, weather, nutrition, equipment or anything else that could potentially affect the challenge. So, back in 2015 I began to breakdown this potential monster by asking key questions. I started to ask myself and others the following.

Planning

How long was the Cactus to Clouds trail? How many feet of climbing, descending? Trail conditions? How would the weather affect this? What would my nutrition needs be? 

What was my contingency plan? Would I have a partner? Did I need one? What would be the qualifications of a partner? What would my training look like? What skills would I need? What skills would have to be better? What time of the year would be best to do Cactus Clouds? 

These and many more came up over the past three years. And honestly some of the answers changed as I changed! From these questions I started to slowly put my plan together for my Cactus to Clouds to Cactus Adventure!

TRAINING

My training has really evolved over the last couple years, because of my dedication to heart rate training and using the principles of MAF as taught by Dr. Phil Maffetone.

MAF

MAF is defined as using 180-age as the heart rate max. Which I followed for 90 percent of my training. I have also spent almost two and a half years becoming fat adapted and learning to be a better fat burner by using the proper training pace with MAF.

Strength

My strength training program would become a huge part of my training, especially as an older athlete. Lastly, my mobility work was the icing on the cake, as I was able to greatly affect some important joint alignment issues!

Techniques and Strategies

The first and most important thing was having a Clear Focus! I knew what I wanted to do. I just needed to create a very clear plan and find the right people and information to help me accomplish my Cactus to Clouds to Cactus dream!

Stay with MAF Training

I was disciplined to keep my heart rate at MAF or below 90 percent of the time. This meant that at 58 years of age. I was doing a lot of walking this past year. A lot! This also meant not a lot of training runs with others. It just wouldn’t work, besides walking with my wife. But I was determined to stay with it to best prepare for Cactus to Clouds!

Fat Adaptation

I continued with my nutrition schedule of Fat adaptation in training. It got to the point that I rarely ate anything on any run. Except when experimenting with foods for my Javelina Jundred or the Grand Canyon trips. This paid off big, not only in my health but with zero gut issues and having great energy doing Cactus to Clouds to Cactus!

Nutrition

Over a period of 14 hours I consumed less than 50 grams of carbohydrates. I started my Nutrition adventure upon arriving in Palm Springs at 10:30PM Friday April 27. The first thing I did was to mix up my carefully planned shake concoction of Bulletproof Coffee Cold Brew, Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein, Beetelite powder and Green Superfood by Amazing Grass. This was 90 minutes before starting.

Cactus to Clouds to Cactus Nutrition Schedule

Before I go on with my magical adventure. I must take a few minutes to explain my unique nutrition schedule for this day. Even as I write this I’m amazed how it worked out!

During my 14.5-hour adventure I had four Vespa’s. One every 2-3 hours. They are magical when you’re fat adapted! Next, I had two small packets of almond butter, and a small handful of banana chips.

I must be honest; the small number of total calories was even surprising to me. Mainly because of my struggles early in the morning!

My last intake of food was at nine hours, while at the summit. I had the exact same shake that I started with, made with Bulletproof Coffee! That was it for the day!

Fasting

Fat Adaptation then led to Fasting a year ago April. Which at first, I thought was crazy, until careful study of notable experts like Jason Fung, MD. But now, I believe could have been one of the most important factors in my Cactus to Clouds preparation.

Starting in late January of this year, 2018, I was able to lose almost 10 pounds of fat and I mean fat! My waist size dropped several inches, again! Since my initial loss a year earlier. I was lighter and leaner than I was for my 100-miler last October. Carrying 10 less pounds was huge over the incredibly steep Cactus to Clouds trail! 

Sauna

Because of last year’s heat at my hundred miler and my training for a summer night crossing of the Grand Canyon. I incorporated a “Badwater- type” heat training all summer and up to my 100-miler week.

Because of all the heat warnings and potential problems with heat on the Cactus to Clouds to Cactus trail, I once again kicked up my “Sauna” training.

I did two 20 minute and one 40 minute-180-degree saunas per week. The 90-degree temps to me felt cool! Plus, the dry saunas are great for recovery and detoxing our system. 

Strength Training

As a former strength athlete turned ultra-athlete. My love for the weights will always be with me. For my first 100 miler in 2016 I backed off six weeks before. As prescribed by Dr. Phil Maffetone.

This is one my disagreements with many in the running community. I believe you must know the athlete. Like nutrition, I believe appropriate strength work is personal. I personally weight trained up to a week out. Although not heavy.

I also continued lots of mobility work and other manual strength exercises up to leaving On Friday. 

During my 2-3 sessions per week I employed lots of heavy squats, deadlifts, many heavy backwards tire pulls, kettlebell swings, sledgehammer swings and plyo-jumps. Tons of single leg strength exercises like squats and hops. These were all done up to a week out.

The Edge

I believe it gave me an edge, physically and mentally. I had zero joint or core issues again, just like with my 100 miler and Rim to Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon. Amazing!

Under Training

That’s right! Under Training! I don’t believe I ran that much. Usually two, 3–4 mile run/walks during the week. Sometimes doing these barefoot, for some foot strengthening! One long climbing walk/run on the weekend. And sometimes a bonus walk, with my wife on Sundays.

Walking

My mileage was low because even on my long weekend sessions. Which lasted 5–10 hours. I was walking so much, because of MAF, that I rarely did more than 25 miles!

Unlike for my 100-miler last year, I wasn’t worried that I wasn’t putting in enough miles. I had already tested my training strategy. I knew it would work! 

What was different was that I incorporated 5,000-7500 feet of focused steep climbing every weekend, up to 3 weeks out. But still doing a relatively easy 3500-feet at that time! A couple things to note.

Barefoot Training

During the last two years I’ve included barefoot training as part of my strategies. Ever since having some foot problems. Training at least one day per week has proven to not only strengthen my feet, but prevent terrible foot problems

Trust

First, I trusted my MAF training! Second, I trusted my climbing and downhill training. My goal was to do at least one half the climbing distance of Cactus to Clouds on every long day! Third, I trusted my strength training. Keeping my hips strong was a huge part of maintaining proper running/climbing posture for 14 hours! Especially on the extreme downhill of the Cactus to Clouds trail!

Lastly, focused mobility work. Correcting noticeable imbalances was a big part of the puzzle! Doing all of these, paid off Big Time!

Running Strategy

After my success last fall in my 100-miler. The running strategy I learned from local running legend Nick Coury, was once again followed to a Tee! 

I had also recently tested it on a Rim to Rim to Rim Grand Canyon crossing the first week of January. It worked once again. The strategy involves walking all the flats, which there weren’t many at Cactus to Clouds to Cactus. Power Hiking the climbs and jogging/running the downhills.

This strategy once again allowed me to walk when I wanted to and run when I wanted to. I only took what the trail gave me. I didn’t try to fight it. In doing so, the trail provided the energy! At least that would be goal. Yes, it did work once again, beautifully! 

Total Taper

For the second time. I really did no running the last 2 weeks, only some barefoot walking. A mile here and there. I did continue my normal strength work, with some minor changes, such as not increasing weights and backing off on some of the plyometrics, until one week out, and my mobility work continued up until the event. I was more than rested!

Pearls of Wisdom

I once again employed the wisdom of Ramey “Coach” Stroud, one of my Coaches. Ramey runs Cascade Endurance in Bend, Oregon. 

He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology and is an expert in endurance training and competing. He had last fall reminded me of a tool he uses called, “Ramey’s Pearls of Wisdom.”

I once again broke the entire Cactus to Clouds to Cactus adventure down by key trail landmarks, by time and climbing distance, on a small note card. I carried this the entire way, checking it as I went along. This card helped keep me in the moment, when things became very chaotic!

My Crew

Yes! I once again actually had a Crew for my Cactus to Clouds adventure! My sister, Monica, was once again my Guardian Angel! Truly a Godsend!

She had never been a part of anything like this and she was, once again as good as anyone I’ve ever seen. She was there for me if needed all day and all night! 

Although, I knew she couldn’t be there at key spots, she was there in spirit, as well incase of emergency, which thank God, didn’t happen!  Having her there was a big part of my success! She once again made a difference and is my Hero!  

Benedict Dugger

Benedict, like with my 100-miler was a big reason I was even attempting Cactus to Clouds to Cactus.

Although only have run the first part of the trail, he was like the person gently applying the brakes on my out of control planning.

Grand Canyon Coaching

As an expert in Canyon running, having done over 30 Grand Canyon crossings, he remained an integral part of my planning and training. 

We actually spent more time strength training than running, although we did an early January Rim to Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon together and enjoyed weekly strategy sessions, which as stated earlier helped to slow down my craziness! His Coaching and friendship once again made a difference. 

Patience

Staying disciplined with my plan. Made a big difference on the Cactus to Clouds trail. Being able to stay in the moment saved me from quitting when the wheels started coming off the wagon!

Finding Flow

Getting lost four times and being able to stay calm and eventually ask for help, was a big part of my day turning out to be memorable. As with my previous 100-miler, because of staying in the moment, slowing things down, made it easier for me to save the day and transition into being in a flow state when coming down the mountain, things seemed almost too easy! 

I believe the reason for this was that I never totally lost control, although I wanted to! I tried to stay within myself and trust my training and just have faith! Being Patient and in the moment with my plan was life changing.

Be Ready For Crazy!

I prepared for crazy things to happen. I did a lot of visualization of the adventure and prepared myself to not over react to anything. I knew if I could slow things down mentally then I had a chance to respond and make good decisions.

Mindset work would be important during this event, mainly because I would be on my own, at night, and I didn’t know the trail. I believe that having the proper Mindset and making this a priority in my training accounted for 75 percent of my success! Putting focused time into Mindset Training had a Big payoff! 

The Total Cactus to Clouds to Cactus Challenge: The Epic Adventure Begins!

My sister and I drove from Phoenix on Friday, April 27th. We left at 6:30pm and arrived in Palm Springs at 10:30pm. My plan was for a Midnight Start at the Museum Trailhead at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The starting point for my Cactus to Clouds adventure.

This would allow me, if all goes well to summit San Jacinto around 8am and hopefully be back in Palm Springs between 2-3pm. After checking my sister into her hotel, drinking my Bulletproof coffee, bone broth protein powder, beetelite powder, with amazing grass shake, I was ready to go. 

We arrived at the Cactus to Clouds Trailhead and after a quick video I was off on the Museum Trail. Which is the first part of the trail!

I’m Totally Lost!

Within the first ten minutes I was Lost! How could this happen?! I had studied videos, blogs, especially by the Hiking Guy and talked to those who have done it. Regardless, I was lost! My first landmarks were large white Dots painted on the rocks along the first part of the trail.

I was following them with my trusty flashlight and headlamp. But within less than a half mile I couldn’t find the Dots! After a few times of retracing my steps, I did what I had read about and started to climb up!

Cactus to Clouds Trail Adversity

I’m not so sure this was that smart! Although it worked as I ended up at the second landmark, the Picnic Tables, but it came with a cost. I was tired, and I had lost over a quarter mile and time, in just the first .8 miles! What a terrible start!

I’m In The Game

Next was the large Cairn ( a pile of rocks) just around the corner, .2 miles. Hey! There it was! Ok. I’m back in the game! I was now on the famous Skyline Trail. Which I would hopefully remain on until I reached the Ranger Station!

Full Moon Total Trail Adventure

As I power hiked along Skyline I was going to run into a series of landmarks and other signs that would let me know that I was on the right path. 

Why was all of this so important? A couple of reasons. First, I had never been on this trail, let alone during the middle of the night!

Second and possibly most important. The state of California does not maintain this trail. It is in a very exposed, desert/wilderness area. 

The trails are very narrow, overgrown with brush, cactus and other vegetation. So, getting off the trail could be a dangerous endeavor.

Cactus to Clouds Landmarks

Once on Skyline, I began looking for the various signs. Immediately I ran into two large rocks with white painted messages. First;

Once on Skyline, I began looking for the various signs. Immediately I ran into two large rocks with white painted messages. First; Next sign was: “Long Valley 8 Miles.” Second was “Not Water on Trail until Round Valley Ranger STA. 8 Miles 10 Hours.”

“Rescue Box 1.”

Was the next key landmark. Which is located 2.2 miles from the trailhead. It also means you have climbed over 2060 feet! Pretty good start and by now my legs were feeling better. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to get here. So, I really hadn’t made up any lost time. The positive, I hadn’t got lost again!

Rocks In Formation

The next stop on my Epic adventure was the 4300-marker made of rocks! At 4.4 miles. It was smaller than I expected. But sometimes it’s not even there. I saw it and took a couple pictures. It meant I had gone 4.4 miles and gained 3830 feet of elevation. It was now 2:45am. Time to get going!

“Rescue Box 2”

Was my next landmark. Nothing special, unless when coming down you need water. If you need it going up, you’re in trouble. I was at 6.6 miles. Having now gained 5120 feet. Almost a mile! It was now 3:30 am.

The Cactus to Clouds Trail Changes

The next mile would be through some different vegetation. I was going from the desert to the beginning of the tree lines.

The temps were also starting to drop. My problem was that I had kept on my long shirt too long and had sweat a lot when I was lost at the beginning. It was still a bit damp.

So, I stopped at the next landmark, “Flat Rock” which is a dry stream bed. I was now at 7.4 miles and had climbed 5770 feet.

It seemed much smaller than some of the videos, but it was 4am and dark, as the moon had now drifted behind the mountain.

So, because it was getting much colder I stopped to put on my light Houdini jacket. It was here that I discovered I had left my gloves at home. I also had to change my batteries in my flashlight. It was 4am and I was feeling good!

The next mile is what’s known as the start of the Traverse. I was now at 7330 feet. And was at 8.5 miles. This was a very steep part of the climb. Even steeper than the start. I would ascend 1560 feet in 1.1 miles. It was about 5am and I was getting my Mojo! Mostly because I knew that the toughest part was almost done!

Where’s That Big Rock!

I came to the next landmark. Coffman’s Craig. A very large rock located at 8.8 miles and after 7780 feet of gain. I was close. I was staring at the light of the Tram station!

Where is Grubb’s Notch? My Kingdom for A Cactus to Clouds Map! I’m Lost, Again!

What the heck is with me and getting lost within a half mile of my goal! I had less than a half mile to go to get to the entrance of what’s called “Long Valley.” To get there I would have to go up through a very steep section known as Grubb’s Notch.

Because it was still dark, I must have gone left instead of staying to the right. I was confused, and I even retraced my steps and still couldn’t figure it out. I panicked a bit because I was doing well and wanted to keep to my schedule. So, reverting to what worked earlier. I started to Go up!

This time it was not such a good idea. This area was incredibly steep. Rocky. Very soft dirt and lots of fallen trees. Before I knew it I was crawling up a very unsafe section of the mountain. I was stuck. It was to steep and unsafe to go back!

I began to panic. I was getting tired. My body was cramping. I was tired. My brain was playing games with me. I was envisioning weird things happening. I wanted to quit!

I Quit!

It was at this moment that for the first time since my first ultra- race five years earlier that I wanted to quit! I had had enough. I’ll just hopefully get out of this mess and wait at the Tram and go home! My Cactus to Clouds dream was going to die on the side of the mountain with a quarter mile to go! This can’t be happening!

EGO

As I have reflected this adventure with some of my coaches. I know that my EGO was getting the best of me. Because of my goals and times I had planned on, it was preventing me from staying in the moment!

Stay In The Moment

After getting angry and blaming everyone but me. I was able to get determined by getting present and staying in the moment. It was now about survival. The only goal I had was get to the next spot!

Total Exhaustion

That worked! I slowly made my way up a very steep area. Less than 10 minutes later I was climbing over the top to long Valley and I was “Exhausted! The sun was coming up. It was 6:15 am I really didn’t care about the time anymore. I was just happy to be safe! I saw a deer run by and took in the fresh air! It was beautiful!

Challenge Overcome. Keep Moving! Your Epic Adventure Awaits!

Although I was totally exhausted I wanted to get to the summit of San Jacinto. After that, well I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I knew I had to keep moving to keep my Cactus to Clouds dream alive.

I filled out the permit at the Ranger Station. Filled up my water bottle in the bathroom. No one was around. It was close to 6:30 am when I got on the trail. The next 2 miles to Long Valley were on much better trails. I wasn’t going to focus on the five miles to the Peak and 2500 feet of gain. Only what was next!

I only had to climb about 900 feet to Long Valley and it was nice and cool. This would hopefully give me a chance to recover. Up to this point I had only had two Vespa’s, I packet of almond butter and 5 SportLeggs capsules with 25 ounces of water.

Wellman’s Divide

The next stop was Wellman’s Divide. I was now at 9710 feet of gain and 12.3 miles. But don’t forget I had gotten lost twice so I had another half mile or so to account for.

San Jacinto Peak. The Cactus to Clouds Jewel

I still had to go 2.2 miles and climb over a thousand feet. About a mile from the Peak I ran into the first people I’ve seen all day. Nice couple who had camped in Long Valley. I was feeling better and passed them. They were going to the top for the first time as I was. But with less than a half mile to go, guess what? You Guessed it!

No! I’m Totally Lost For The Third Time!

That’s right. In broad daylight. When trying to make up time. I was lost again!

I must have zigged when I should have zagged! Seriously I went to the right when I should have went left! I think? All I know is that I was once again scrambling up a rocky mountain. I was so annoyed and just mentally exhausted!

As I reached the top of what I thought was the peak, I could see other areas higher. This was not it! I wanted to just go back and call it a day! But, once again my determination kicked in and I brought myself back to being in the moment. Deep breath, let’s figure it out!

The Summit!

It had to be over there! To my left. I climbed down and moved through some ice. I ran into the safe house. Pretty cool. Bunk Beds and all!

I was close, very close! It had to up from here from all the videos I’ve seen on the Hiking Guys Blog. I started up and with a few yards I saw someone up there. Yes, this was it!

I’m On The Summit of Mount San Jacinto!

As I reached the top there were three others there. Two were hikers that had come from another area of the mountain and were on their own journey, of the Pacific Coast Trail. 

Another guy was from Germany and had camped in Long Valley, the night before. All were surprised that I had come from Palm Springs and was possibly going down! 

Decision Time

I hadn’t yet decided. It was windy and cold. I ducked behind some rocked to make my Bulletproof Coffee and Bone Broth shake. After my not so tasty concoction I returned to the peak and found the couple I had met earlier on the trail had also arrived.

The German fellow was very cool about taking some pictures. I was feeling good. I was excited to continue my adventure, if I could!

Ask For Help

From now on I made a promise to myself. I would ask for help. Every place I could! Starting right now. I asked the guy who had just come up. “How do I get down and find the trail?” He was awesome! And his directions were spot on!

The Descent Begins

As I headed to the right of the peak, I ran into a perfectly marked trail, that I had obviously missed! I was now in business. The reason is because there were lots of people on the Cactus to Clouds trail! I now had a path to follow.

As I made my way to the Ranger Station, which was 5 miles away, I still wasn’t sure if I would go for it. But I was starting to feel a surge of energy. My legs and hips were feeling normal.

I got almost to Wellman’s divide and made my decision. I’m doing this! I continued the couple miles back to the Ranger Station, feeling stronger and stronger!

Ranger Station

I reached the ranger Station about 11am. I was running an hour behind my original schedule. I went in and asked how to get to the Skyline Trail. He was very aware of what I was going to do. In his words. “May I suggest that you don’t attempt to go down!” I responded, “I know, but I’m going!”

Going For It!

He didn’t try to argue but shared some recent rescues with me. He showed me on the map where I was that morning when I was stuck. It was exactly where they had the recent rescues. I jokingly said you almost had another one this morning! 

He showed me exactly where I needed to go! I was off. But first I needed water!

The Tram Station

Still more than an hour behind, I walked the quarter mile to the Tram, which was crazy busy. Filled my bottles with fresh, cold water. Organized my pack and walked back to the trail. I was now asking everyone for directions! Hey is this the way to Grubb’s Notch?

The Grubb’s Notch Show

I continued another quarter mile or so to Grubb’s Notch. I totally missed this key trail in the morning. It was now like a carnival! 

All the Hikers were coming up from Palm Springs. I spotted the starting point and a guy sitting on a rock yelled, “You’re going the wrong way!”

Empowered

I proudly responded, “I’m headed down to Palm Springs!” To which he yelled, “you’re a Badass, make sure you get a beer when you finish!” “I will!” I was on top of the world. I knew I was stepping into something special by going down the Cactus to Clouds trail. Now would officially become the Cactus to Clouds to Cactus trail!

Skyline Here I Come

Grubb’s Notch represented one of the steepest parts of the trail. I had put my poles away. I just dived in. It was very narrow and steep, which made it incredibly fun! Mostly because I could see where I was going. I kept thanking everyone on the trail, because they allowed me to see it! I was just getting stronger and faster! I was in flow!

Encouragement

One of my love languages is words of praise. Everyone today coming up Skyline, knew what I was attempting, as I was the only one coming down! They were so encouraging. There words put lift into my wings! I was flying. Nothing hurt! Wow what an amazing turn-around today as!

Amazing Downhill

Before I knew it I had arrived at Rescue Box 2. Which normally would have been at 22.5 miles, but with all my mishaps, I was at 24.5 miles! And I was making up time fast!

I ran into a guy who I met on a Cactus to Clouds San Jacinto message board. He recognized me, since I was the only one coming down this day.

“Coach Arnie!?” Yes! After some high fives, I was off. I now had this crazy thought of beating my predicated time by at least 30 minutes! Who would have thought!

 Gaining Speed

I quickly blew past the next landmark, 4300. I didn’t even see it! Oh well, next was Rescue Box 1 at 2.2 miles from the Cactus to Clouds to Cactus finish! From Rescue Box 2, which is 6.6 miles from Palm Springs, I saw only one other person on the trail, and I was worried because it was getting hot.

The Desert Heat

It had to be close to 90 degrees, but for most it would be getting unbearable in the exposed desert! But, this is what all my sauna and heat training was for. I really felt comfortable! I was cruising!

I took a couple minutes to call my sister and let her know I was coming in! She was shocked! She had been concerned all day. She had called the Ranger Station, they said I was never there! I was a Ghost! I quickly said, well the Ghost is coming in hot! I’ll be there in about 30 minutes!

Not Again!

Yes! I had to do it with about 1.5 miles to go! I went right when I should have go left! I was lost again! As I was climbing up a hill I thought this is dumb! I was losing momentum! No! 

I went back to where I thought I made the mistake. Went the other way and was going down again! I lost about 20 minutes. At his point the only thing I was feeling was my big left toe! It felt like a bad blister. But there was going to be no more stops on my Cactus to Clouds to Cactus adventure.

The Finish

I blew past the picnic benches at .8 miles to go, and now could see all the dots I had missed this morning! Agh! I was now on the Museum Trail. I called my sister again as I could now see her! I was pushing as hard as possible down one of the steeper and rockier sections of the Cactus to Clouds to Cactus trail! Watch My Finish!

Bringing The Joy! 

I was feeling so much joy as I came crashing down the last section. What an amazing day! I did it! Cactus to Clouds to Cactus was mine today! No one else was coming down today. Wow!

The Aftermath

I couldn’t believe how good I feel. I finished at exactly the time I told my sister and wife I would! That was too amazing, considering all the crazy stuff that happened today!

I had lots of energy. My sister drove me to the covered garage across to street for some shade. I drank some water. I called my wife. She couldn’t believe how good I sounded. It really was surreal!

After a nice calm lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant my sister and I were off to Phoenix. My amazing adventure was over, but the amazing memories and stories about Cactus to Clouds to Cactus would be forever! I’m currently planning my next adventure on this magical trail

Cactus To Clouds to Cactus Summary

Normal Distance: 29 miles

My Miles: 31.8 (50K)

Total Feet Climbed: 10,300

Total Calories: 950 calories

Total Carbs: 50 grams

Total Time: 14.5 hours

Total Times Getting Lost: 4

Value of Experience: Priceless