Met up with burntlizard about 0715. I thought it would be dawn at 0700, but it was still dark out by Lake Pleasant. We headed out on the northern leg of Walkin’ Jim Trail, familiar territory for both of us. Made the Big Jim sign in about 1h 25m. Somehow missed the turn anyway. 
Only lost a few minutes. Started up Coanbru’s well-cairned ascent. Now, I have not hiked more than 7.5 miles in six months, and I was already facing 8+ without going up Peak 3465, which would add 3+ miles and 1300 feet to the day. We made it up to the final saddle, about 300 of the steepest feet from the top, and took a break. It was already after 11, so after the break, we decided discretion was the better part of valor, and headed back down. (Though not until after I managed to take my break on some cactus spines. 
) Once we got back down, we decided to take the southern leg back to the TH, but in hindsight we would have been better off going back the way we came (the northern leg is better defined and less strenuous). I was sucking wind by the time we got back, about 8 hours after we left. A little too long, but fun nonetheless. 
p.s. I got these really weird cramps early evening, usually I get them in my calves, but instead I got them in my groin muscles. Ouch.
GPS File: Walkin_Jim_Trail
Distance: 12.39 mi.
AEG: 1,923 ft.
Time: 5h 30m
