Effort Required

The Rincon Peak Trail near Tucson, at 16 miles round trip with 4300' of elevation gain, is reminiscent of the 14ers of Colorado, albeit at a lower elevation. Less exposure with a summit below the tree line, but still spectacular and demanding. I first climbed it in 2009 and was smitten.  

Hiking solo has its rewards, however having company to share those epic climbs adds to the experience. After getting back to my vehicle at the trailhead, I made it a promise to someday introduce this trail to my sons Alex and Clark, my longest suffering hiking partners. 

We decided last summer to celebrate a family Christmas in Tucson. The entire group would be together for four days. While everyone had different ideas on how to use that time, it was not difficult to persuade A and C to do Rincon Peak. It would require getting up early and at least eight hours of continuous work, but the effort would be rewarded with lifelong memories.

We left Tucson before sunrise and arrived at the trailhead at 7:45. Each of us had three liters of water in our Camelbacks. I advised my companions to plan on emptying their reservoirs on the hike. I've learned through experience the importance of anticipating the need for fluids instead of waiting for symptoms.

The temperature was 38 degrees, and the sky was cloudy, but we warmed up quickly. The first mile and a half-followed Miller Creek before entering Saguaro National Forest. The next three miles are a combination of boulder fields and shrub brush before the real climbing begins the last 3 miles. 

One of the fascinating aspects of climbing hikes in AZ is the change in biomes, naturally occurring communities of plants and animals, as elevation changes. The Rincon Trail begins in a grassland biome, transitions through Chaparral and deciduous riparian biomes before reaching a coniferous forest biome near the summit. On this particular trail, the smell of pine needles is an aromatic indication that the summit is near.   

The last mile and a half is the steepest section but Alex, who was leading our expedition, maintained a steady pace. Just before noon we emerged on the exposed peak to a brisk north wind and a 360-degree panorama. We had a quick snack and started down. We were expected for Happy Hour in Tucson and there was no time to spare. 

The four-hour descent to the car went quickly. We've learned from past hikes how the mixture of satisfaction, relief, and endorphins sprinkled with the stunning beauty of nature often leads to thought provoking conversation, candid admissions, and flickers of insight. The hike down Rincon was no exception.  

Our shared appreciation for arduous outdoor activities may be an acquired taste or an inherited trait coming from a long, undiluted chain of central northern Europeans. Regardless of the origin, it seems the satisfaction we gain from our endeavors is proportionate to the difficulty. Is it OK to blame my ancestors for our love of hard work in all its permutations?

And on the topic of work, sourcing inputs in '22 at Pinicon Farm has been exceptionally difficult. 

Bert is typically ahead of the crowd when it comes to sourcing and we are confident we will eventually acquire the products we need to grow our crops, maintain our farms fertility, and control weeds. 

The frustrating development is how Covid has become the legitimate reason or the convenient excuse for claiming force majeure, legal justification for not fulfilling a binding contract. Products that were paid for last summer are not available or not for the negotiated price. Delivery dates are TBD. 

There are valid causes, increases in raw material prices or limited supplies that need to be rationed. Yet I suspect there are cases where the Pandemic is being used as cover for excess margins. 

Being ones to look for the silver lining, we believe adversity creates opportunity. This is an environment that will disproportionately reward the skilled, the prepared, the creative, and those who are not intimidated by obstacles. 

Success in life can be like climbing a mountain. It requires commitment and stamina, dealing with setbacks and confronting risks. 

With a confident attitude, informed preparation, and an experienced Team, you will not only succeed, but you will also love the journey. 

Jim 

Right to Left; Clark, Alex, Jim on Rincon Peak summit.