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| | | 8th Annual New Year's Day Peak Bag, AZ | | | |
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8th Annual New Year's Day Peak Bag, AZ
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| Hiking | 3.64 Miles |
1,085 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.64 Miles | | | |
| 1,085 ft AEG | | | | |
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| | | And another Successful Event in the Books... The Weather Gods smiled on us once again. I recall a few Storms just before this Event in the Past, but the Weather always broke, if at least for a little while. A little leftover Snow at the top of the Peak and a Wonderful Dusting of Snow on the Bradshaws and Mazzies provided some Wonderful Views. It was Bone Chilly at the Vehicles at 9:00, but the Sun rose higher and stronger and it turned into a Perfect Day for a Hike.
We had a great Turnout of 14 for the Celebration. 13 at the TH and Bob decided to take a more direct Route and meet us at the Top. It was nice to see him and have him Bartend for Old Times Sake.  It's always Sweet to see Old Faces and meet some New Ones... After finally meeting Todd for the first time, we actually chatted Canyoneering for a bit on the way up, which was nice, due to his vast amount of Experience in the Sport. I know he loves it like I do... 
I picked a Perfect Hike considering that I'm Overweight and completely Out of Shape, not having done anything remotely related to Exercise in quite awhile. There was some Anxiety, wondering if I would have Heart Failure on the way up, but I actually felt pretty good. My Knees did remind me however, how bad off I am and how cold it was, by the time I got back to the Vehicle.  The Trail up was really good and I'm Amazed that it was Hand Built by an Individual who is on this Site. Hats off to him, that could not have been easy due to the Rocky Terrain! A few Tips for those who may follow us in the Future. The Trail starts right at the Southern Tip of the Guardrail and if you follow it correctly, you will go under the Fence, and you end up on a Primitive Road. Do not take the Road, but look for the Trail straight across from where you went under the Fence.
The Celebration commenced at the Big Cairn up top. There was also a Memorial Plaque there as well for Francis Rogers. I don't think anyone found a Benchmark up there, so not sure if it exists. There was a Summit Register in the Rock Cairn, but the Lid had rotted off the Can, and the Papers were in Bad Shape. I happened to have a small Notebook and donated one of my Cookie Containers for a new Register, with one of Todd's Friends donating a Pen. So the Register and Box is now Brand New, with 14 Names to get it started. 
After some Imbibing and Munching and Visiting, it was Time to head down. A few decided on the Loop, but I decided not to push my Luck and went down with others the way we came. I am very pleased and grateful for everyone that came this Year and I'm glad it all went down without a Hitch. This Event almost didn't happen this Year, but I'm glad I was able to work things out and pull it off. Thank You Everyone, it was a real Pleasure!
If you haven't done this Hike before, the Effort to Reward Ratio is Fantastic and I highly recommend it. The Views really are Spectacular. Happy New Year Everyone and I hope 2019 brings you all Peace, Happiness and Amazing Adventures...
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Amazingly, some Brittlebush Blooms and a random Poppy... |
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| Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
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