After my first three days attempting to thru-hike the Arizona Trail, I decided to get off the trail and re-group. I spent two days exploring the campground at Patagonia Lake State Park with my aunt. During this time, I washed my clothes in a bucket, went through my pack and tossed out any unnecessary items, and continued to communicate with my hiking partner in hopes that we would get back on the trail soon. During one afternoon, my aunt and I went to the marina to see about renting kayaks to tour around the lake. A very nice gentleman running the marina offered to take us on a quick pontoon boat ride to tour the lake since the wind was too fierce for a kayak trip.

The lake and State Park were beautiful with lots of little primitive campsites tucked away which are only accessible by boat. The two days I spent at Patagonia Lake with my aunt after the first three days hiking the AZT were perfect. I believe that things happen for a reason, and even though I was feeling pretty low having to get off the trail so soon, the time spent at the lake was very special.