Today I showed my buddy Peter the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle Hike. Weavers Needle was in all her glory this morning. We started off around 6:15 AM at the trailhead. We made it back to Tempe by 10:30AM. A great morning!
This seemed like a very treacherous hike up to the top with all of the scree and exposure. Fortunately, it was much easier to go down than we would have thought. Mike and I finally bagged one of the four peaks!
Woke up at 5AM. Ate breakfast at Phantom Ranch at 5:30AM. Started hiking at 6:20AM. It was likely 35 degrees outside. When I got to Indian Gardens it was 40 degrees. Saw two deer by the pump house. Hiked past the 3 mile rest house. Stopped at the 1.5 mile rest house but it was too cold for lunch. Hiked another .5 of a mile and then stopped for lunch. Finished the hike at 12:24PM. Hiked another 15 minutes back to the Backcountry parking lot. Made it home by 4:30PM. Happy Birthday self!
Drove to Grand Canyon starting at 4:30AM. Arrived at 8:05AM and went to church. Took 9AM Hikers Express from Backcountry Parking lot to South Kaibab TH. Started hiking around 9:40AM. 21 degrees outside. Some issues with the trail being covered in ice and snow. Arrived at Phantom Ranch around 1:40PM. Got my bunk. Took a nap. Ate vegetarian chili at 6:30PM. Went to bed around 8:15PM. 10 person "dorm" was almost full. Lots of people snoring.
A very nice Sedona hike with the Mrs. We didn't see anyone until the last two miles of the return trip. The volcano crater isn't too exciting, but I am glad we went to see it. My GPS log shows that we went over the ridge and hiked a ways down so that we could see the crater better. We could have kept going, the trail looked in good shape, but we headed back.
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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