DWTH Day 14: Woolsey and Signal Peak

Tuesday, Feb 11th 2025, 0710-1800
Gila river tonorth boundary of Signal Prak Wilderness, mm40, section 3.
25 miles.

I heard some sniffing, then a dog was grabbing at the foot of my quilt, trying to drag me out of my tent. I kicked at it and screamed…my worst fears coming true. Then I woke up, thrashing about but there was no dog. It was all just a dream! But immediately I heard a dog barking in the distance and occasionally a second one would chime in. The dog was barking pretty much incessantly, which was so damned annoying. But anytime it would stop, I’d get worried that it was coming over to try to eat me. I preferred hearing it and knowing it was in the distance. But what about the other 3? I finally put my ear plugs in, knowing that I was decreasing my alertness, but I just needed to get some sleep. I had more weird dreams, so it was just a bad night.

I tried to be extra quiet in the morning so as not to wake the dogs. They hadn’t been barking in a long time, so I thought they might be sleeping. As I left camp, I saw paw prints all around the area but thankfully none right where my tent had been. I replaced Doug’s jug where I’d found it and snuck off along the route. Whew, another dog encounter averted! Shortly I was watching a calming sunrise from a desolate volcanic plateau. Peaceful indeed.

I worked my way into the desolate Woolsey Peak wilderness, amazed by the openness and starkness of my surroundings. Woolsey Peak rises 2,500 feet to a summit of 3270 feet. It’s a very distinct volcanic mountain, similar to Table Top. All around were smaller shield volcanos, like so many pointy ant hills. I might as well have been walking on the surface of the Moon.

The day started off very cool in the Gila Valley. .. 33°! And for once, the temperature didn’t rise above 70 all day. A cool wind was blowing, but unfortunately right into my face most of the day. Still, it was a refreshing change. I didn’t even use my umbrella! There were many miles of wash walking and a few small passes to navigate. The terrain was unsurprisingly very rocky, so it was slow and tedious going. But I still managed to make some big miles. I didn’t plan on 25 mile days for this route, more along the lines of 20 mile days. But being on my own, there isn’t much else to do but walk all day. I’m a lot faster hiking solo than when hiking with others. I also don’t or can’t stop to filter water but once or twice a day, if at all.

This day did in fact have one decent water source, a solar well and cow trough. I arrived around 3 pm and grabbed a few liters from the float valve. What a treat! I enjoyed a short easy road walk and then it was back to rocky wash walking. I went all the way through the Signal Mountain Wilderness, flowing over several passes and utilizing some burrow trails. It seems that there may be a mix of wild horses and burrows in the area, but I didn’t see any. I did see lots of stud piles, though.

I went a little farther than planned just because I was being super picky about finding a spot that was protected from the wind. I wanted to ensure a good night of sleep, after the previous 2 poor nights. Finally, I found my perfect spot in a little wash, under an Ironwood tree. Bliss. This spot felt more remote than any previously and the silence was deafening. I watched the moon rise over the craggy ridge and listen to the wind howling above me. More Bliss.