Piestewa Christmas

Weather:  60°, sun

Time to summit:  25 minutes, 30 seconds

About this hike:  No new records here, but it sure felt good to get back to Piestewa Peak after a few weeks off.  Was busy this morning, and I ran into several people that I know.

Up until January 2013 when the city closed Camelback Echo Canyon, I never paid much attention to Piestewa.  A Christmas tree on top may be tradition, just as it is on Camelback, but I've never seen it before.
After beginning my descent, I heard a loud, booming megaphone voice from the top.  I'd like to know what he was saying but couldn't make out the words.  Perhaps a mountaintop preacher?

Christmas on Camelback

Weather:  70°, sun

About this hike:  Didn't record my time to the summit.  Camelback Cholla trail is a chore to get to.  And then there's fighting to parallel park on Invergordon Rd.  Needless to say, I don't make Cholla a habit.  However, fighting crowds and traffic to see the annual Christmas tree on top was worth it.

I also took this beautiful panorama (below) looking northeast.  It encompasses the McDowells, Four Peaks, and Superstitions.  Best part was I used my work-issued iPhone's panorama feature.  Might be the only good part of iPhone, but the camera onboard is impressive.

Shattering Records Again!!

Weather:  70°, sun/clouds, wind

Time to summit:  23 minutes, 44 seconds

About this hike:  Another exciting new record!  Took advantage of a half-day of work, plus some cooler temps to get another hike in.  Otherwise the mountain was not too crowded and it made for a nice, uneventful afternoon.

Soggy Squaw Peak

Weather:  59°, overcast, record-breaking rain had just ended an hour prior

About this hike:  Did not time this hike.  Nearly 3 inches of rain from Thursday to Sunday.  Surprisingly, the trails weren't muddy at all, and as the clouds began to lift, it was actually crowded on this Sunday afternoon.

The Valley was beautiful with clear, clean air, low clouds over the mountains, and even some snow on Four Peaks.  A police chopper flew over low and people waved.  The pilots waved back.  Was an awesome hike with some different scenery.

Superstition Flatiron

Weather:  67°, overcast, wind, rain threatening

About this hike:  First time in over a year at Superstition.  Dark clouds covered the mountain as we drove east along 202.  Driving thru Mesa, a few rain drops began hitting the windshield.  Brought back chilling memories to the first time I ever attempted (unsuccessfully) to climb Superstition.  Rain changing to graupel/snow ended that hike early.

Yesterday turned out being a little better weather-wise.  The clouds eventually gave way to some sunshine.  I don't think the temperature ever made it over 70 degrees, which is fine for a very vertical hike.  The wind, on the other hand, could've been a little less.

I didn't take the time, but we made the Flatiron rim in less than two hours.  Every time I visit Superstition Mountain I'm reminded what an otherworldly, truly beautiful place this is, only a 40 mile drive from Phoenix.  I really need to visit more than once a year...

Nice Saturday at Squaw Peak

Weather:  72°, bright sun, felt very warm!

Time to summit:  24 minutes

About this hike:  Tied the old record! No small feat considering the amount of tourists and other "fair-weather" hikers up there today gettin in the way of we year-round diehards!  Anyway, for a change I slept good and felt good today, and I had no pressing obligations so it made for an enjoyable hike despite the crowds.  Enjoyable, stress-free, uneventful--just the way I like it.

Good to be Back...

Weather:  70°, bright sun, windy

Time to summit:  26 minutes

About this hike:  Considering the cooler weather and the fact that I never stopped for a rest break, this time was a disappointment.  Mountain was a little crowded, but not so gridlocked you couldn't keep moving.  After missing the past two Saturdays--although I enjoyed some amazing hikes/climbs in Sedona & Grand Canyon--it felt good to get back to my old stomping grounds today.