On my way up to Prescott Friday, I drove through the old neighborhood in Phoenix and stopped to get some groceries at 16th Street and Glendale. Looked up at nearby Squaw Peak, and thought it would be nice to hike there again, like in days gone by. Little did I know it was going to happen sooner than expected!

After calling off the second hike in the Bradshaws due to the rain, it was back to Phoenix for plan b. We would be doing a loop hike in Piestewa Peak Park that Liz likes. We were wondering what the weather would be like in Phoenix. Turns out it was partly cloudy and a good 15 degrees cooler than you would expect for late afternoon (so we caught a huge break there).

This was almost all new for me, as over the years I have only done the Summit Trail, as the peak was the only goal. It was really enjoyable going around to the west and north sides of the mountain. I especially liked the view of Paradise Valley and off toward the McDowell Mountains. The late afternoon light was perfect. I'm glad Liz knows her way around in there, because the trail system is confusing in places, to say the least!

Back at the cars, it was time for a cold one and to reflect on what an interesting day it had been. It was a pleasure hiking with Steve for the first time and exchanging opinions on many topics. Perhaps we will have to go back and do Groom Creek again under better conditions, so you can check out the views from the tower.

Good times!