D&T Grind: Lust for Gold

It was the farmers that gave it the name: Superstition Mountains.

They heard talk from the indigenous Pima who told them about strange sounds, people who disappeared, and unexplained deaths. Among some Apache is the belief that within these mountains can be found the very portal to hell, the exhalations of which send wind and sand raging across the Arizona desert.

The farmers figured it was all just superstition.

But then there was the Dutchman.

His name was Jacob Waltz and he is said to have found the lost gold mines of the Peralta family, most of whom where butchered by an Apache party at a place they now call the Massacre Grounds. Waltz is said to have mined the Peralta gold and laid it up in hidden mountain caches.

He was on his deathbed before he told another soul where that gold lay hidden. Her name was Julia Thomas, but she never found the gold. No one has.

But the multitudes who have tried and failed have left more stories, and bodies, on these mountains than any place I know.

Most say the gold is near Weaver’s Needle.

And that’s where we’re headed.

This trip is open to five men and five women ages 16 and up. All creeds are welcome.

D&T Grind is our winter event where we intentionally put ourselves into challenging situations to force teamwork across genders.

Out here, we’re brother and sister.

This is a 20-mile loop hike that will have us circumnavigating Weaver’s Needle. Water is sparse in this desert environment and our route, much of it off-trail, will be dictated by our hunt for hidden springs.

And maybe the Lost Dutchman’s Gold.

This will be a proper adventure. Are you up for it?

Here are a few things to ask yourself:

• Do I feel confident about my ability to hike for 10 miles across varied terrain with a loaded pack in excess of 30 pounds?
• If not, will I commit myself to a training regimen that will give me that confidence?
• Am I willing to sacrifice creature comforts, including warmth, in order to find hidden reserves of impossible beauty within me and all around me?
• Am I ready to pee outside?
• Am I ready to sacrifice for the welfare of my companions, sharing food, water, and off-loading packs for the ill or otherwise compromised?

D&T Grind is a crucible and the most delicate and wonderful things are forged here.

Whether or not we find that Dutchman’s gold, each of us is likely to find something much more precious.

COVID-19: We are committed to keeping all participants healthy through smaller groups and the implementation of rigorous medical pre-screening. Once gathered, social distancing and the wearing of masks will neither be enforced nor discouraged.

Your non-refundable deposit of $100 secures your spot.

Adventure Score: 2

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