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| Hiking | 5.50 Miles |
2,780 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.50 Miles | 7 Hrs 15 Mns | | 1.16 mph |
| 2,780 ft AEG | 2 Hrs 30 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | I did it, I did it, I did it  Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but for the last three seasons, I have looked at the Flatiron from the front of my house in Apache Junction and telling myself that I have to get up there. Arthritic problems with my knees have been getting progressively worse, so I made the commitment that it's this year or probably never.
Randy (RWStorm) accepted my request to guide me in my attempt to reach the Flatiron and we set up the date for Thursday because it was in the middle of the week and it was going to be a 70's kind of day. We parked at the Mining Camp Restaurant, got into our gear and headed out around 9:15am before the sun got too bright and the day too warm.
It was a surprise to both of us at the number of people who were out on the trail and everyone was cordial and fresh. This was soon to change as the trail got progressively steeper and requiring more effort. Now, most everyone wanted to stop and talk while they caught their breathe again. This was fine with Randy and I because we had intended to make this a slow, steady hike to the top.
Once past the slick-rock bowl, the trail quickly deteriorated into loose rock, pebbles and sand. Randy was familiar with the trail from previous hikes and admitted that this is the worst condition he has seen. We slipped on the scree in several places, but ultimately made it to the next phase where we turned into rock climbing mountain goats. Each barrier presented itself with choices (do I go this way, or that way?)as each had to be solved to get to the next level (beginning to sound like a video game).
We got passed by some groups and, in turn, we passed groups as we continued working our way towards that looming Flatiron always above us. When we finally emerged from the shadows of the draw, we were there. That was such a relief, that I called my wife on the cell phone and told her I was waving at her from the mountain.
The time now was past noon, so we removed our backpacks and took a much needed lunch break. Following that, we wandered around the area marveling at the sights that unveiled in front of us in all directions. I can now understand why this hike is so addicting to so many hikers, it's almost a magical land in the sky.
We were going to continue on to 5024, but my knees were bothering me and my leg muscles were protesting the abuse I had just subjected them to. Knowing that we still had 2-1/2 miles of retracing our path, I opted to pass on the formal tour of the top and begin our arduous descent. At this time I was hoping that a helicopter would land and sell tickets back to the parking lot.
For whatever reason, the trip down, is always more demanding than the trip up, and Siphon Draw is no exception. There were fewer breaks on the descent, but we're now working on different muscles and they protest the impact of hard landings. The "bowl" never looked so good because now the worst is past and the trail will begin to level out and before long we were back at the parking lot. And wouldn't you know it, there was a couple of cold beers stashed in the back of my truck to enjoy while unwinding and looking back up at that mountain.
Oh Yeah, I'm glad I did it. Next year, I'll be a year older (72) and I have to wonder if I'll be able to repeat this hike, but for now, I'll just savor the fact that I did it. |
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| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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