The Camino Portuguese, My Way

 Hiked Kendrick Peak this morning. Didn't get to the top, or even to the cabin. Made it to the 3.56 mile mark, almost to the saddle. Great day for hiking, in the 60s with a breeze. Never saw anyone until I got back to the Trailhead. Two people in a Jeep. No exciting wildlife, outside of birds and ground squirrels.  Great views of San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding area! The wind whispering it's melody through the trees, the scent of pine trees in the air. Invigorating. I think the altitude was starting to get me when I turned around. I figure I was at about 9800' or so. Discretion is the better part of valor. I c could've gone on to the cabin at 4+ miles but it wasn't worth it. A little dusty coming in Mullein

 For September's hike I'm part of the group's WhatsApp chat group.  Many in the group already know each other from a previous hike in 2024.  I'm a newbie, an outsider.  I see lots of messages exchanging info about where individuals are staying, sharing accommodations, etc.  I've responded once or twice but basically haven't had a response. I wonder how I'll be accepted, both as a newcomer and as an American.  I think a lot of the group are Aussies, being that Dan's from Sydney.  There's also other Americans in the group.  It's never been easy for me to integrate into a group, so there's some trepidation on my part.  Let's say I'll be doing a lot of feeling out the first couple days.  And I'm sure politics enter the picture as well.  How are Americans viewed overseas?  Can they look at me for what I am as an individual, or will they look at me as a damn Yankee?  Especially being rather...conservative.  I walk to get aw...

 I hiked the Butcher Jones Trail at Saguaro Lake with the American Pilgrims on the Camino group this morning.  We started about 7:15am, had 12-15 people in the group.  Varying ages, though most were middle age or older.  Some had already hiked the Camino; others will be going in the near future.  Do I find any potential hiking partners?  Not so far.  I get to chat with some of the group and exchange information.  But nothing as far as hiking partners. The local APOC chapter won't have any real events over the summer, at least as far as hikes.  There's Zoom sessions every so often to chat and exchange info...one on Monday I'll try. I've had some problems the last two weeks or so with pain in both big toe joints.  Some days it's nasty, but I still walk.  Today?  No problem.  5 mile round trip and I was pretty much out front.  Knowing the location and the pain, I suspected either gout or arthritis.  Coincidentally I...