Harsh Morning on Camelback

Weather:  97°, sunny

Time:  46 minutes

About this hike:   This unrelenting heatwave is definitely taking a toll on my climbing time.  I may have set a new record for the longest time getting up Camelback.  That said, when it's this hot you've gotta hike smart.  That means stopping whenever your  body tells you to do so.

Anyway, it was nice to be back at Camelback.  As I've said countless times before, the hot weather makes getting a parking spot easy.

Memorable from today--I got stung by a bee on my way down.  It got between my backpack and stung me on the lower back.  Thankfully I carry a first aid kit and treated it best I could.  So far it doesn't even really hurt anymore; here's hoping it'll be a non-issue.  And thank God it wasn't like a swarm of killer bees or something.  I guess I'll live.

Cool on Camelback this Morning

Weather:  65°, overcast

Time:  34 minutes

About this hike:   Been a long time since I've been to Camelback.  The unseasonably cool temps would've spurred me on to a sub-30 minute time in another life.  Today my out of shape-ness showed through.  Regardless, it felt good to place my feet on the Camel's back again.

The cool temps were brought on by heavy rain last night and low clouds hung all around the Valley.  Made for some nice scenery.

When I arrived parking was fairly easy to come by, but when I was leaving people were fighting for spots.  Soon as I approached my car I had two people chasing me down for the spot.  They ended up boxing me in and making it a challenge to back out.  Meanwhile a park ranger stood by screaming at standing vehicles.  I was glad to get out of that melee.

All in all a good, safe hike.

A Good Friday to Hike

Weather:  82°, sunny—felt HOT in the sun

Time:  26 minutes

About this hike:   Not as many cars in the parking lot today as on a Saturday, but felt just as crowded.  There was heavy black smoke visible in the west valley as I was descending.  I'm guessing some sort of structure fire.  Otherwise a completely uneventful, enjoyable hike.

Squirrely Piestewa Hike

Weather:  75°, sunny—felt HOT in the sun

Time:  26 minutes

About this hike:   Back to Piestewa for a second week in a row.  Even though Camelback will remain my all-time favorite, I just don't have the energy to fight the parking mess at Echo Canyon this time of year.  Parking in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhoods off Squaw Peak Drive is just so convenient.

The mountain was very crowded today and, while I made good time, I had to take quite a few rests.  Still, 26 minutes isn't bad.

Some friendly squirrels came to visit me at the summit and one guy threw nuts at them.  Hence why they aren't afraid of humans and probably are going to get fat.  It was cute to watch.

Back to Piestewa Again!

Weather:  80°, sunny, nice breeze

Time:  25 minutes

About this hike:   The mountain was crowded as expected on a beautiful Saturday during Spring Break.  Regardless I made good time today.  Otherwise uneventful.

Superstition Flat Iron

Weather:  82°, sunny

About this hike:   Been over a year since I've come out to this beautiful place. Parking was the most crowded I've ever seen and a park ranger advised I'd have to park in overflow. However, once I got thru the labyrinth that is Lost Dutchman State Park I was able to score a good spot.

The waterfall was flowing at a trickle in Siphon Draw...very pretty without making a dangerous situation.

I think I've conquered my fear at the end of the trail where you have to pull yourself up a ~7-8 foot ledge using either tricky hand holds in the rock or an exposed tree limb.  I used to freak out here every time, but I think I've mastered the art of grabbing the tree limb and finagling my way up.  Wonder what we'll do when the tree limb eventually snaps off?

Some interesting things from today:

• Met a group that was going to camp on the Flat Iron. They were hauling up huge backpacks of camping gear
• Saw Mt. Lemmon down near Tucson
• May have seen Picacho Peak, but it was hard to determine for certain
• Enjoyed all the spring poppies and wildflowers

I don't know why I don't visit this beautiful place more often.  We're so fortunate to have this only 40 miles from Phoenix.

Back to Piestewa

Weather:  72°, sunny

Time:  27 minutes

About this hike:  My weekends are different now. The predictable Saturday morning hike has been replaced with trips to Tucson and/or sleeping in. But I wouldn't trade a minute of it :)

This weekend is like a throw back to my past life. Normally I'd fight til I got a parking spot at Camelback; today I just didn't have the energy.  I opted for Piestewa and the certainty of parking.  That said, the queue waiting to get into the main lot was ridiculous. I parked in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhood that I favor, and it too was very full.  I was near the top of said hill.

Jake the Juke safely and legally parked, I hoofed it to the trailhead. My ascent time this morning was 27 minutes. Certainly not bad considering:

1. I haven't done this for a while (read—out of shape)
2. It was insanely crowded
3. These temps are way too warm for February, even by PHX standards

I relaxed in my favorite spot near the back of the summit and enjoyed the zen of it all.  Someone mounted Old Glory at the "other summit" to the east.  The throngs of hikers surrounding her reminded me of the famous Iwo Jima photo. 

Was a nice Saturday hike.