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| Hiking | 3.10 Miles |
603 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.10 Miles | 3 Hrs | | 1.03 mph |
| 603 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I had a unique opportunity so I took it. The Temple Chai Mens' Club was having a camping trip to Windy Hill campground for Lag B'Omer with our Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin. I called and got a spot on the hike to the Upper Campgrounds. Ranger Janet Lemon really grilled me to see if I could hike 3 1/2 miles and 750' AEG - glad I could still pass the interrogation.
Arrived at 0930 and checked in. Went to the Ramada and waited. Seven people in our group - a Dad, Mom and two teenage girls from Highland HS and a mid-70's couple from Liverpool. You could sort of tell they were European by their polished leather hiking boots. We waited for some no shows and departed at 1010. Led by Volunteer "Ranger" Wil Moore from Mesa. I asked and he is not related to Les Moore from Tombstone. Tomorrow is the last hike of the season. They close it down for summer. Wil stopped often to explain history and botany. We had a nice give and take and I learned a few things. I love a hike when I learn something. I can now tell a male jojoba plant from a female jojoba plant.
The cliff dwellings are well preserved. Great to have details pointed out and explained.
Wil told me that around St. Patrick's day the Monument has an "Open hike" day. For that weekend you can hike in anytime from park opening to closing without the guided tour. And he told me that there are special "photography" tours run by a professional photographer at various times during the season for a nominal $3 per person fee.
After the Upper hike I went to the lower Cliff Dwellings. The Lower Hike is actually more cardio - or maybe I pushed it harder.
After the Lower Ruins I went to Windy Hill campground to scout and secure a spot for our Mens' Group camping trip. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Anybody can make a hike harder. The real skill comes in making the hike easier.
life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. Andy Rooney |
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average hiking speed 1.03 mph
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
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