I lie here in the dark of the hotel room listening to the rhythmic patterns of the 2 cpap machines working vigorously as my family sleeps in the other bed. I've been awake for 85 minutes, waiting for the dawn of a new adventure. In 72 minutes I'll get up, get ready, and head to Montezuma Pass to start the AZT.

Upon reaching the pass, my introduction to the AZT will come with a bang as I begin the 6 mile hike up Miller Peak gaining +3k ft of elevation. Interestingly but unplanned, I begin the journey with a few companions. Bryce Wilkinson who I met at Cinco several years ago in Portland, Adam Irwin who I unexpectedly met online a month ago in the AZT FB group, and Adam's dog midnight.

It's always strange starting a big trip whether it's international or a long distance hike. I no longer seem to get butterflies or the pitter patter of the unknown. However I find myself wide awake 95 minutes after I first awoke, waiting the last 3 minutes until my alarm signals the challenge ahead.

I've attached a couple pictures from our last stop at Rachael's knoll in Sedona.