Saturday, April 19, 2014

Great Holiday Weekend Hike

Weather:  78°, sunny, breeze

Time to summit:  29 minutes

About this hike:  No new record but it was a sub-30 hike!  It was crowded with tourists and I was constantly passing/dodging them, but made good time.  One man called me a "Rock Marathoner".  Whatever...I'll take it.  My special parking spot had the gates open today, so no drama with parking, despite the main lot being full (of course).  Rain's been in the forecast for today, yet it was clear skies and bright sunshine.  I wanted to get out to Superstition Flatiron today, but rain was in the forecast for Apache Junction, and from the looks of Superstition at the Camelback summit, I'd say it probably was raining out there.  Hiking Superstition in the rain--been there done that too many times.

Saw an ex's car in the parking lot today, but not the ex...

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Introducing a Newb to Camelback

Weather:  78°, sunny, breeze

Time to summit:  Not Taken

About this hike:  Took a friend on a first-time tour of Camelback so today wasn't a time trial to the summit.  That said, it was a nice warm day out and we had a great time.  I always like to introduce (worthy) others to my favorite little zen spot in the Valley.

Parking was awful today.  As usual, the cops and park rangers stood around chatting and not moving the "Lot Full" sign, even as cars were driving out.  My secret spot had its gate closed today, which didn't stop me from "piggybacking" in when another car opened the gate.  It's getting tougher to park again...

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Not the Best Saturday at Camelback...

Weather:  70°, sunny

Time to summit:  Not Taken

About this hike:  Woke up this morning feeling nausea and just not all that well.  Ironically it's the first time all week that I had a good night's sleep.  I guess I'll always need to feel lousy in one way or another.  I decided to take this hike slow since I definitely wasn't feeling my best.  It was a little tough, but I made it to the top and back without any trouble.  Ran into an ex on the way down, but we barely made eye contact and just kept on walking.  For the best.