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| Windy Dome Bushwhack Loop, AZ | |
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| | Windy Dome Bushwhack Loop, AZ | | | |
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Windy Dome Bushwhack Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 12.69 Miles |
3,005 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.69 Miles | 8 Hrs 4 Mns | | 1.82 mph |
| 3,005 ft AEG | 1 Hour 6 Mns Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | I like to try new things, and I have not spent much time in the Goldfields. I know that Joe prefers traveling across the valley to do the Goldfields over he Supes, loves bushwhacking and give him a high wind condition, and he is as happy as a clam. Who am I to deny him all this. Wally joined us and Denny was a now show because he was hitting up the Night Club and beach scene in Miami for the weekend.
I cobbled together a bunch of tracks to take us on a tour of the Goldfields including both Dome Mountains.
We walked through the unlocked and open gate around 7:30 and immediately talked to a hiker who said he was just returning from hiking to Dome Mountain. Joe got all excited when he commented at how windy it was.
FR10 was a nice way to warm up the joints for the climb later. We passed a few people camping but only one Jeep on the move. We hit up a minor cave and a couple of small arches before making our climb up the drainage up the west side to the saddle of the Domes. It's a steady climb, lots-o-bolder hopping and prickly stuff to avoid. It's very slow going. Joe was happy as a clam all the way up. I think he sang every Disney song in the catalog.
Up at the saddle, we took a break out of the wind and contemplated our next move. We ditched the idea of climbing to the lower Dome Mountain. It was into the strong wind. We were afraid that Joe would go all Sally Fields on us, turning into the Flying Nun and whisk his way off the mountain.
We hit up Dome 3381 to the north before retreating down to the Tiki Bar guzzler called Goldfield Two.
After lunch and Joe's conversation with a crow, we started the ridgeline portion of this hike. This was much better (and easier) than expected.
Now we got to the part that got Joe most excited. We got to a point where we decided to take a shortcut. Joe needed to get home for his Saturday afternoon waxing. (I did not ask) We cut down a canyon that was easy peazy to begin with. It got thicker, steeper, pokier and rockier. I've never seen Joe happier.
At the bottom of the canyon he wanted to stretch the hike info some thing longer, but Wally and I talked him out of it.
We finally hit some nice trails the roads for the return to the TH. The Goldfields really have some excellent views and options. I would not be surprised if this was the new daily Piestewa hike for him. |
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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