tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-322301342024-03-04T23:35:23.930-08:00Travel TalesI don't get lost, I just redefine my destination.Comethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07385024350852933294noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-6465629870239079182011-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:002011-10-23T17:27:11.725-07:00Yanama to Colpapampa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0LdW9ibKdzvdRb57CVO8k5WZlc9qHWoYGs8I-II-lhFomF_zOODQvMYKNH5UaDrwutIFdYteCeWVNa4QluodiRASMd6GNXU0Hcjkk2DncHjj9cekO7Ug8dNT8ioRfD7OswbtMA/s1600/DSC00697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0LdW9ibKdzvdRb57CVO8k5WZlc9qHWoYGs8I-II-lhFomF_zOODQvMYKNH5UaDrwutIFdYteCeWVNa4QluodiRASMd6GNXU0Hcjkk2DncHjj9cekO7Ug8dNT8ioRfD7OswbtMA/s400/DSC00697.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hand warmers, a few layers of fleece, and my sleeping bag kept me nice and toasty warm all night, but it was COLD and windy in the morning when we first started hiking. I'm wearing a couple layers of fleece, my down jacket, and my windbreaker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nq-twpmegOgWE7-1yLlZrU4XX5xvXkNodMTHMoc_jrvTdR_9RRkNdZQu-Ao_I1qhOUtZdll_WMngVj_8WWRSVNNutlVZ3uuBnPjm7xSuYcI5qYuOHq0e8lObyxuh7yF_LDLJyA/s1600/DSC00694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nq-twpmegOgWE7-1yLlZrU4XX5xvXkNodMTHMoc_jrvTdR_9RRkNdZQu-Ao_I1qhOUtZdll_WMngVj_8WWRSVNNutlVZ3uuBnPjm7xSuYcI5qYuOHq0e8lObyxuh7yF_LDLJyA/s400/DSC00694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The hike from the campground started off as a gentle incline, through villages and farms. We saw several students walking to school, carrying 2-3 pieces of wood for the fire used to cook their breakfast and lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WwYKOZR-DyY0Ru0EYPfcychsUhfcNBqiFu8AuJwB9sYSS1iaYOsEc5zJUh5hvjg0VkZLP2orjUUDdVX7HNzD6AJxk0R2uxlEMDchK9C4WwZtmZUoN_1iJ2Zm3zGyfI3s-ndVtg/s1600/DSC00703a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WwYKOZR-DyY0Ru0EYPfcychsUhfcNBqiFu8AuJwB9sYSS1iaYOsEc5zJUh5hvjg0VkZLP2orjUUDdVX7HNzD6AJxk0R2uxlEMDchK9C4WwZtmZUoN_1iJ2Zm3zGyfI3s-ndVtg/s400/DSC00703a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
After about 45 minutes, we were leaving the pastures and getting into higher and dryer grounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnPPTqmCLgSG8pJcixF2T43XwlRCsHsEYRzirH4PRmy8PUSTZM2Mu5zjfgcAr62z1n-FZs8edCHQyVlI4XEzKN_4MyuenqsKc_Vo1rrXbU-3DkJYIYN2h_bDCXOXrsrcr0UFfWA/s1600/DSC00700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnPPTqmCLgSG8pJcixF2T43XwlRCsHsEYRzirH4PRmy8PUSTZM2Mu5zjfgcAr62z1n-FZs8edCHQyVlI4XEzKN_4MyuenqsKc_Vo1rrXbU-3DkJYIYN2h_bDCXOXrsrcr0UFfWA/s400/DSC00700.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
There were still lots of springs and waterfalls along the way. We had approx. 25 water crossings along the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVyA3YERGxdYfTHftbcqQxLhW0rePuqJ_nUjebDPoEKppPHRarDbEg5CKQsWHnv5hiEGofX5-jFwSHcUHpg6CvN2aUI7K8i-3HzHInzmhpwzGRhZvlDsa3UB1G-m8zvEbW8XxMQ/s1600/DSC00708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVyA3YERGxdYfTHftbcqQxLhW0rePuqJ_nUjebDPoEKppPHRarDbEg5CKQsWHnv5hiEGofX5-jFwSHcUHpg6CvN2aUI7K8i-3HzHInzmhpwzGRhZvlDsa3UB1G-m8zvEbW8XxMQ/s400/DSC00708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After steadily climbing for about 3.5 hours, we finally reached a grassy meadow where we stopped for a rest (nap) and a snack. The snow capped peaks of Pumasillo were to our north.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1usw2FSWtEh4Wsm3azSYyVuOyC90ILACsZwlLcNtRCvMuUBzOK0bsj1RHRox2OOtOqN8ueqTTW-zqkITSTnlYr-I-G7mUTG5JDWwIXnwre3OFKIFK7UxxD8ofzNKBv8K0QjAbIg/s1600/DSC00709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1usw2FSWtEh4Wsm3azSYyVuOyC90ILACsZwlLcNtRCvMuUBzOK0bsj1RHRox2OOtOqN8ueqTTW-zqkITSTnlYr-I-G7mUTG5JDWwIXnwre3OFKIFK7UxxD8ofzNKBv8K0QjAbIg/s400/DSC00709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the peaks of Padreyoc were to the south. We will be heading over the pass about 2/3 from the left in the picture (under the biggest blue section of sky).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6pcCcHOoBDf6vgKK1uaud9Rf9Tj5btWroLoAuk3aBEQytwn68-2epNOjgFjsaS6KG1JDX42xpghr0QLm92TLXCTMGeIOA4hvMnBnHB6_OgGjKdgF4768AcRb2-LP-IeAtuzkfg/s1600/DSC00707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6pcCcHOoBDf6vgKK1uaud9Rf9Tj5btWroLoAuk3aBEQytwn68-2epNOjgFjsaS6KG1JDX42xpghr0QLm92TLXCTMGeIOA4hvMnBnHB6_OgGjKdgF4768AcRb2-LP-IeAtuzkfg/s400/DSC00707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Because of the altitude and the possibility of somebody getting ill, Vilmar and the emergency horse walked with us instead of the rest of the crew. I think the rest of the crew would be jealous of they saw him resting with us!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZh68BAb7TcotEm2ihNHL-GrYPCZ5QT9gWVVJY8MchmdU2rSOGstNhXbHkiZK1NhoVaORXCuq9c8tFdfEokbInz17aAs78XE4BHX4HssXzOEpyL6u0PQxE7cfLVXNZWgRgK_5tw/s1600/DSC00710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZh68BAb7TcotEm2ihNHL-GrYPCZ5QT9gWVVJY8MchmdU2rSOGstNhXbHkiZK1NhoVaORXCuq9c8tFdfEokbInz17aAs78XE4BHX4HssXzOEpyL6u0PQxE7cfLVXNZWgRgK_5tw/s400/DSC00710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the break, we tackled the final climb to the pass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQH0caej-ZQDCkzVNRfOTOkiU_vMHrbaydfrZ0L1YCQlmJO_FJYoUG_6schUMn1osFTCK8yoIWwUYG0rkpqy4ul53iMd1C-aQ0TlGhRpgCsLTkwUCU8uU53gXvwzFpxQQRUZfXA/s1600/DSC00712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQH0caej-ZQDCkzVNRfOTOkiU_vMHrbaydfrZ0L1YCQlmJO_FJYoUG_6schUMn1osFTCK8yoIWwUYG0rkpqy4ul53iMd1C-aQ0TlGhRpgCsLTkwUCU8uU53gXvwzFpxQQRUZfXA/s400/DSC00712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here we are getting closer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdBcPgHM16sqsAdXHpcycdbeJ69zpdEU2c3i5o3N__emo3cCNhjOWb52ieXcI2NXeikck6D83RGfxXldvIFs2tryQloSeHPW-ulJMU_woxGI__i5yovOcMFVpvsjj76FfH8GyaA/s1600/DSC00717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdBcPgHM16sqsAdXHpcycdbeJ69zpdEU2c3i5o3N__emo3cCNhjOWb52ieXcI2NXeikck6D83RGfxXldvIFs2tryQloSeHPW-ulJMU_woxGI__i5yovOcMFVpvsjj76FfH8GyaA/s400/DSC00717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Arturo instructed us to wait at the rocky section just below the pass until the rest of the group arrived. It was really cold and windy but the rocks provided a bit of a wind break. When Emilie and I got there, we saw this family and their mules taking a break before heading down (they were going the opposite direction as us).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqqNotd5y_01ywugLSKdw6Igs9ZIgixz5U1pk-OO7u3Xi0ZLjSoxlCi3ecb-KlBTzudfmvfYSC16X4Zx7mRHTnZ4tiarHeLoYm99v1SOyR6bRLC0dhASq-_lg5FqK2gfRKT_PGA/s1600/DSC00718a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqqNotd5y_01ywugLSKdw6Igs9ZIgixz5U1pk-OO7u3Xi0ZLjSoxlCi3ecb-KlBTzudfmvfYSC16X4Zx7mRHTnZ4tiarHeLoYm99v1SOyR6bRLC0dhASq-_lg5FqK2gfRKT_PGA/s400/DSC00718a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We are almost all together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJq7ex2rTbmlkYJipqMJ3JAk39vDlHhihemIEx2DDW08i6P_DfzhRTtrUMslWnpdxhgLZiQAk6blzT9iLSdY1RCx8OIdDHzyqOtITSzeUJ_LjSpvRkc6ETqCzs9W7BgB0KkPNMA/s1600/DSC00718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJq7ex2rTbmlkYJipqMJ3JAk39vDlHhihemIEx2DDW08i6P_DfzhRTtrUMslWnpdxhgLZiQAk6blzT9iLSdY1RCx8OIdDHzyqOtITSzeUJ_LjSpvRkc6ETqCzs9W7BgB0KkPNMA/s400/DSC00718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Brad finally caught up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qi36wQ-zYfR8p-maD_hO9BKOX2OPCjavGSLnVtbuF3AEN6innBzg4ZkvDJTQxiDWskfYkRAyd6K6BqgWdVQNYKYzMd9oXXDCnNsKTpAfFE8kENQk4344xx1ibbTIXNIGGqF-vQ/s1600/DSC00719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qi36wQ-zYfR8p-maD_hO9BKOX2OPCjavGSLnVtbuF3AEN6innBzg4ZkvDJTQxiDWskfYkRAyd6K6BqgWdVQNYKYzMd9oXXDCnNsKTpAfFE8kENQk4344xx1ibbTIXNIGGqF-vQ/s400/DSC00719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Yeah, we all made it to the top (4850 m / 15908'), without the emergency horse! Unfortunately, the clouds blocked the view of the Santa Teresa valley below. We snapped a few pictures, then headed down the other side to get out of the wind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ERixvkR4RH8boWXFM8I5v75lkXwRRd8Ts6JMQKNrxgYh5PlME3GLCVrigF9AtpqO2gHbe8I-m1GfHHTpSHpfWQCWKQFnOCN23hyphenhyphen_8auXRAo8DpSgdDhMNL6dwHMV_T3ZI7HNw/s1600/DSC00721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ERixvkR4RH8boWXFM8I5v75lkXwRRd8Ts6JMQKNrxgYh5PlME3GLCVrigF9AtpqO2gHbe8I-m1GfHHTpSHpfWQCWKQFnOCN23hyphenhyphen_8auXRAo8DpSgdDhMNL6dwHMV_T3ZI7HNw/s400/DSC00721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even as we started our descent, we still couldn't see the valley below us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMkuSsZ7qkiSxNZ3mj3RuFTp_1ikZVf1IgZFEl56URVbmsWz6F3QhTsLNfcbtNhw2-hkQd5BUPCfPUtTL6OlAkBcG6FLqD2wf6Q0z3U10mYWU7D3AE_HobhJg6L-I6BsOlWmdEQ/s1600/DSC00724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMkuSsZ7qkiSxNZ3mj3RuFTp_1ikZVf1IgZFEl56URVbmsWz6F3QhTsLNfcbtNhw2-hkQd5BUPCfPUtTL6OlAkBcG6FLqD2wf6Q0z3U10mYWU7D3AE_HobhJg6L-I6BsOlWmdEQ/s400/DSC00724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We also ran into another mule train on the way down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQQUfoVkk0H2-VPhFzQBceHj9CZbXyzyrOLWYrntVI7tUmv574_kbIxF42DgsZGA3nlxBSw2WF-d34XQH0-26b3FAHwTJcTCie_-0kiks14fSqzptmZkK-CIi25n9K73Kepgvjg/s1600/DSC00732b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQQUfoVkk0H2-VPhFzQBceHj9CZbXyzyrOLWYrntVI7tUmv574_kbIxF42DgsZGA3nlxBSw2WF-d34XQH0-26b3FAHwTJcTCie_-0kiks14fSqzptmZkK-CIi25n9K73Kepgvjg/s400/DSC00732b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally we got our first clear view of the valley below. Now we just have to get there to set up camp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKIqwLeNEOasqYa8ziV4BTcV8WfAaS9s4N7wboWpK3oOoPwIVgw0EoHBoNs4iIavZgOZAu3p20n-IzqeQ1_wvlLSddm82IZ9UBFk7fhTBbxv4EPihcGsSCAsjShaBQOFjqsCF7Q/s1600/DSC00732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKIqwLeNEOasqYa8ziV4BTcV8WfAaS9s4N7wboWpK3oOoPwIVgw0EoHBoNs4iIavZgOZAu3p20n-IzqeQ1_wvlLSddm82IZ9UBFk7fhTBbxv4EPihcGsSCAsjShaBQOFjqsCF7Q/s400/DSC00732.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Between the more gradual slope of the path and Ben and Karryn taking tons of pictures, I wasn't hiking downhill alone at the back of the pack for a change. After about 2 hours of hiking from the pass, we stopped for a lunch break.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDZSARaPVqBHGSuJz7Pm97zAuWz3KRC1dyZcR74cmd_aXJG6X_yUyYa3y_8CxGlLO8BrjQ-gqVU6lB7bhNa8OrbShhRrOHK225XOQ5D6QCL1PUZd-ewen_G4kv1Vq2T4b9WruFQ/s1600/DSC00731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDZSARaPVqBHGSuJz7Pm97zAuWz3KRC1dyZcR74cmd_aXJG6X_yUyYa3y_8CxGlLO8BrjQ-gqVU6lB7bhNa8OrbShhRrOHK225XOQ5D6QCL1PUZd-ewen_G4kv1Vq2T4b9WruFQ/s400/DSC00731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we started hiking again. The bottom of the valley is getting closer. The light line on the right side of the picture is the trail we were on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYaKAlcHwF2L7LSVJnsis8HPYCeocBdYTFk99IA0W1zvENyDGMbKBsJ4-8IhAfHFLpysKf7QTMAsvyz7gy69ttEWM_r8YRVScCocfGFdNszLLEMWdYginbE6uUKuW5NXusLxwbA/s1600/DSC00732a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYaKAlcHwF2L7LSVJnsis8HPYCeocBdYTFk99IA0W1zvENyDGMbKBsJ4-8IhAfHFLpysKf7QTMAsvyz7gy69ttEWM_r8YRVScCocfGFdNszLLEMWdYginbE6uUKuW5NXusLxwbA/s400/DSC00732a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
After hiking another 1.5 hours after lunch, we crossed this river, then reached a gravel road that went through several villages and would lead to our campsite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ro-l2UvR19Hu92jYDJD5y7gRxVSPGHThymnn_lA23TS01cZkbmUHjBDPYmJwlTznAInx0uyrNV7y0WY2LdE3jujEk2jWeMMNvPcUslWnrLh8z0Jg_aKIfIcN5EaHvN_C9L1HoQ/s1600/DSC00730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ro-l2UvR19Hu92jYDJD5y7gRxVSPGHThymnn_lA23TS01cZkbmUHjBDPYmJwlTznAInx0uyrNV7y0WY2LdE3jujEk2jWeMMNvPcUslWnrLh8z0Jg_aKIfIcN5EaHvN_C9L1HoQ/s400/DSC00730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were a few shortcuts through the fields that bypassed some of the long switchbacks on this road. About half of them were very narrow and steep, so I evaluated each one. Instead of going really slow on the steep ones, I took the longer route on the road, but at least I could go at a faster pace and not worry about twising an ankle or my knee. On the more gradual ones, I took the short cut.<br />
<br />
I arrived at camp about 10 minutes after the group, and just before dusk.At this point, we shared a campsite with lots of other groups - all the groups doing the Salkantay trek. The campsite was a lot noisier, with other groups, villagers (a baby crying all night), and livestock. Between the tent on a slope and a pig grunting outside my tent all night, I didn't sleep well. I woke up to the sounds of what sounded like a pig and rooster fighting to the death. Not a good sound!<br />
<br />
<strong>Trail Stats:</strong><br />
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles<br />
Duration: 9 hours<br />
Elevation gain: 700 m / 2296'<br />
Elevation loss: 1900 m / 6232 '<br />
<br />
Camping elevation: 2682 m / 8800'Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-26755421573660304192011-10-13T21:17:00.000-07:002011-10-14T09:08:37.566-07:00Maizal/Mina Victoria to YanamaI had a miserable night last night. The tent was on a slope and I kept sliding down until my feet smashed against the side of the tent. To add to the fun, there was a donkey just outside of my tent (I actually bumped into it through the tent) chomping away on grass right by my head. It triggered dreams of the donkey chewing out the tent stakes and the tent sliding/flying/tumbling down the side of the mountain. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_jVfeCXxieJq01v3n-maLmos8u-FpixYHPXbhyphenhyphenYn2zejBM1fMu9D24q15zP7geBDMADnZj7O4lb5MKj53RWzB2eXMGefGPLbJShYpyD-cEIe7EoweI5Q95PK6StZKnTAR7_b8g/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_jVfeCXxieJq01v3n-maLmos8u-FpixYHPXbhyphenhyphenYn2zejBM1fMu9D24q15zP7geBDMADnZj7O4lb5MKj53RWzB2eXMGefGPLbJShYpyD-cEIe7EoweI5Q95PK6StZKnTAR7_b8g/s400/DSC00632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were now back on our regular schedule. We spent the first 1.5 hours climbing uphill through mud, with only a few spots of "dry" ground. Luckily there were enough rocks on the trail to hop between, so we didn't sink ankle deep (or deeper) into the mud. It was physically and mentally draining making that climb (or maybe I was just tired from the flying tent donkey dreams!)<br />
<br />
On the bright side, the water contributed to a beautiful lush landscape filled with gold and purple flowers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4eeEbQHs_laSGSrDSoM8tZhKCAkK_9GzXuuNIH4gYjQILyIpcNigC9QbgLUEPmlds2qLICD7UuJ0jIUhWRVG8Q0hSoJ4D7I0YH3R0eL7vLgFjEvO5aXj_t3f3hW0uR90O1vng/s1600/DSC00631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4eeEbQHs_laSGSrDSoM8tZhKCAkK_9GzXuuNIH4gYjQILyIpcNigC9QbgLUEPmlds2qLICD7UuJ0jIUhWRVG8Q0hSoJ4D7I0YH3R0eL7vLgFjEvO5aXj_t3f3hW0uR90O1vng/s400/DSC00631.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After about 1.5 hours, the mud finally gave way to drier ground. We passed several "caves" that were really mining tunnels. Arturo claimed that several passed all the way through the mountain (then why were we hiking OVER the mountain?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCtkh2xmzhMB7pYVK7XyiNwaHNPg2GimqltkFGAy30NTmWBbQdh03Z420OVNBmHo4YcCzVtT4oXQr80BLlEAS4Y-3AZl8PXjA6k_bggWP4h3WmEi8la_P_ypm4-YuyQ8SjyO1Q/s1600/DSC00636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCtkh2xmzhMB7pYVK7XyiNwaHNPg2GimqltkFGAy30NTmWBbQdh03Z420OVNBmHo4YcCzVtT4oXQr80BLlEAS4Y-3AZl8PXjA6k_bggWP4h3WmEi8la_P_ypm4-YuyQ8SjyO1Q/s400/DSC00636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
At the time, I didn't realize that this pose made me look like I was squatting to take a crap. That dark "stain" on my right leg is MUD! Really.... it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLWpQjXsk6JEH4chXe_-Th1wLV9Xhlh8Bb44DF0WLb_FkRGo6M6ggFB9CEre8zgP1RVOV2ptwJjJJsnZufUchK6kepX6X3dqoQMFawvTNN-PFBHHXsNACiaAL3JSf-37pnM9fcw/s1600/DSC00640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLWpQjXsk6JEH4chXe_-Th1wLV9Xhlh8Bb44DF0WLb_FkRGo6M6ggFB9CEre8zgP1RVOV2ptwJjJJsnZufUchK6kepX6X3dqoQMFawvTNN-PFBHHXsNACiaAL3JSf-37pnM9fcw/s400/DSC00640.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
For the next 2.5 hours, we continued to climb towards the Yanama Pass (also called Abra Victoria). Part of the trail closest to the pass was an old paved Inca road. Walking on this section made me glad that I didn't take the Inca trail, since the pavement was harder underfoot than the trails (although a welcome change to the mud earlier in the day).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6R9inqY3N6Eth0ZCXXTYwaVahHrP-mZ8DyBitziAFp0GoFTLP6ov1KO-AN-hjctj1W6a3LwHSsSkiqAPbgLcSom18SQIkX6UGV1VFVbWOn8AJ2_IKu4YJxZLBY7qiwIx0KnWyQ/s1600/DSC00642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6R9inqY3N6Eth0ZCXXTYwaVahHrP-mZ8DyBitziAFp0GoFTLP6ov1KO-AN-hjctj1W6a3LwHSsSkiqAPbgLcSom18SQIkX6UGV1VFVbWOn8AJ2_IKu4YJxZLBY7qiwIx0KnWyQ/s400/DSC00642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After a total of about 4 hours of hiking, we finally reached the pass at an elevation of 4130 m / 13,546'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OFzfuIKLcQicMmknaO0it_XMcLrvJX7ZytZ6A8vErqsfu7Pso60FU3Cn4ckJgt14CkIQGi6R4ASazuyzUJ4vOU7N4Sfs_HhFLgg8l7DmUEFSRvVJsDVmqkr9JwIoVdTLW6qMig/s1600/DSC00646a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OFzfuIKLcQicMmknaO0it_XMcLrvJX7ZytZ6A8vErqsfu7Pso60FU3Cn4ckJgt14CkIQGi6R4ASazuyzUJ4vOU7N4Sfs_HhFLgg8l7DmUEFSRvVJsDVmqkr9JwIoVdTLW6qMig/s400/DSC00646a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Because of the elevation, Vilmar and the emergency horse (with very little cargo) stayed with us. Luckily, nobody needed to use it. Although, there was a group of hikers behind us with a very sick Australian who really could have used the horse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzlS0P_TWCIpq0Wx2jC7GfpdizOhb5ihilUHcOh0pyyGtK2VmPtVboanRfb2_TdJyJhsoZ-yDeIM_WYFSslbnOEe0QzjJKD_mcUq95Vr6VY2ZWbvHNw8njeqo39EJPD2QyYX_WA/s1600/DSC00648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzlS0P_TWCIpq0Wx2jC7GfpdizOhb5ihilUHcOh0pyyGtK2VmPtVboanRfb2_TdJyJhsoZ-yDeIM_WYFSslbnOEe0QzjJKD_mcUq95Vr6VY2ZWbvHNw8njeqo39EJPD2QyYX_WA/s400/DSC00648.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Then we did what we did best .... napped! It was a bit cold and windy at the pass, but the rocks were nice and warm. So we napped on them while waiting for lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgQ8lLeHHhNZqebD6hcEY95VAEGOS4rGiJs5mr05kU7YqcgqyHpIy6rl5VPFg1xPrH-hW1uCeMuh_w4YN12whh0ZBjm8J5opMZidz8SGZRm5l_Wd7oDboAmsqaH1DHDRtZkgzew/s1600/DSC00655b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgQ8lLeHHhNZqebD6hcEY95VAEGOS4rGiJs5mr05kU7YqcgqyHpIy6rl5VPFg1xPrH-hW1uCeMuh_w4YN12whh0ZBjm8J5opMZidz8SGZRm5l_Wd7oDboAmsqaH1DHDRtZkgzew/s400/DSC00655b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the top of the pass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAti6XufGhYOZPUqz6Q56Sg_8sf57aIknKs4eaN7Y8zZcswKDtXQWbF3fMDVqzTPyenl__jmtorpXIIuuYnXrQergGVd_WT5iIy2AsD9PCFWYQIw_ePlqyRnIe0AAawEoqHvlK2Q/s1600/DSC00656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAti6XufGhYOZPUqz6Q56Sg_8sf57aIknKs4eaN7Y8zZcswKDtXQWbF3fMDVqzTPyenl__jmtorpXIIuuYnXrQergGVd_WT5iIy2AsD9PCFWYQIw_ePlqyRnIe0AAawEoqHvlK2Q/s400/DSC00656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
During lunch, a condor flew over us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZtEdr4oAsrbyrUjP98SracOKVJgNyDK6C0qkChJjHG-sioM7ORbk_McK0mUBmShylo-9vb7VUX8XiOPfNv2r9tULoyybuyfFnXscKT9-idFRDS7KLsN9SHMGXa62Ei8e0rKMqQ/s1600/DSC00660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZtEdr4oAsrbyrUjP98SracOKVJgNyDK6C0qkChJjHG-sioM7ORbk_McK0mUBmShylo-9vb7VUX8XiOPfNv2r9tULoyybuyfFnXscKT9-idFRDS7KLsN9SHMGXa62Ei8e0rKMqQ/s400/DSC00660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After lunch, we took another nap as our mule caravan headed toward the campsite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0QrikxlmKZkaaYLydC0XLymceUx3fWzDGEtPZwtNXiGxAL27LOiSB0iBTA2dI8jH8bfPYPTyPmMGyrxd4hCVZekc0ZExnDkhoh8ceEJ0G_vtm92H6TWVVpMaOU5Yj7H5lr8bYQ/s1600/DSC00663a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0QrikxlmKZkaaYLydC0XLymceUx3fWzDGEtPZwtNXiGxAL27LOiSB0iBTA2dI8jH8bfPYPTyPmMGyrxd4hCVZekc0ZExnDkhoh8ceEJ0G_vtm92H6TWVVpMaOU5Yj7H5lr8bYQ/s400/DSC00663a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail hugged the side of the mountain with steep dropoffs. In some places it was very narrow (and a bit scary) but the views were amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqvizjHS28rYrSIzl6GYkMUXkbxbw6Gjy45Y36nsZqdrmnR6RwlC0ktU22Z6N8IgW0_rd1rHBvb1NHd1ONaL39Yt0e4KmoehnZpaGTulvRZBTMBmk2z8XkkxoF3zaLpiyGSC1-Q/s1600/DSC00667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqvizjHS28rYrSIzl6GYkMUXkbxbw6Gjy45Y36nsZqdrmnR6RwlC0ktU22Z6N8IgW0_rd1rHBvb1NHd1ONaL39Yt0e4KmoehnZpaGTulvRZBTMBmk2z8XkkxoF3zaLpiyGSC1-Q/s400/DSC00667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
On the way down, we explored a few more mines and then finally caught a glimpse of the village of Yanama, where we would be spending the night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWY7Es5PVwF2c44gAwj9YeES1Xvz_92X-fdf46dmJgRqltO6PsJvjBZ0OYTnJtij0VY2b6IKOtWBiDmJNs4LvMIxFvDomDQSk1TdmkaYydYcGpSLoExO6IWwanqr73fAMEC_aHw/s1600/DSC00683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWY7Es5PVwF2c44gAwj9YeES1Xvz_92X-fdf46dmJgRqltO6PsJvjBZ0OYTnJtij0VY2b6IKOtWBiDmJNs4LvMIxFvDomDQSk1TdmkaYydYcGpSLoExO6IWwanqr73fAMEC_aHw/s400/DSC00683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After about 2.5 hours of hiking from the pass, we finally arrived in Yanama. One of our horsemen lived in the village, so Herbert, our cook, used the horseman's house to prepare our dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UC_FacUlH4VbPGrlBklFsQZ4S-k6lOVSDfWF4ITTXNzZ_75N97ydddseHeiIdCwO3kz6aEc4_SLJjANlX_O91ct5lG68uTMgSc-IKsy6XEkDIOx1LEF0mcI3-hqViSz8Sgk03A/s1600/DSC00685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UC_FacUlH4VbPGrlBklFsQZ4S-k6lOVSDfWF4ITTXNzZ_75N97ydddseHeiIdCwO3kz6aEc4_SLJjANlX_O91ct5lG68uTMgSc-IKsy6XEkDIOx1LEF0mcI3-hqViSz8Sgk03A/s400/DSC00685.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
We arrived at the campsite a couple of hours before sunset to find our tents set up for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWHIfKVSjSL9RLTmj1UosjhvjIXse7jK8xdhK-NwaUA15lO2VNgWpLP5VY6nPvXWmUhZqG3E5AQym8pd58QkUkevlkA0_9CRgEk2LdR5re8UeKfs_UAdekrzCXSHiW5Fg13eFHQ/s1600/DSC00678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWHIfKVSjSL9RLTmj1UosjhvjIXse7jK8xdhK-NwaUA15lO2VNgWpLP5VY6nPvXWmUhZqG3E5AQym8pd58QkUkevlkA0_9CRgEk2LdR5re8UeKfs_UAdekrzCXSHiW5Fg13eFHQ/s400/DSC00678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While some of the others took a nap, I washed some clothes, took an icy cold shower, then enjoyed hooping in a big grassy field before other groups of hikers arrived to share the campsite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zi_mebH99J_ra5rNaLbkANcyl94IYs4lkeeLuZ7DrX-3lLdFW0iS10lwjdtXFz1cHyiKnqdZqei8wRETkelbWWZr9h0jxMSoWvzJqG_nBrvrRzA0HdLCF74DUsr43TokFfif6w/s1600/DSC00688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zi_mebH99J_ra5rNaLbkANcyl94IYs4lkeeLuZ7DrX-3lLdFW0iS10lwjdtXFz1cHyiKnqdZqei8wRETkelbWWZr9h0jxMSoWvzJqG_nBrvrRzA0HdLCF74DUsr43TokFfif6w/s400/DSC00688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For dinner, Herbert made us deep fried cuy (Guinea pig), along with deep fried yucca root, pasta, and a plate of beets, carrots and green beans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJFlzf4I1jy8TjK_j8RPpF_ywHSP1c_3CAryzcdu9o8mfBK1Ic_K15lQGMuiTvERA9V8L5G2A2vdz4sfV2sQUnbhc-0G-fxDQ45etecdai_OcNVl_MBVXuaZXohCxti92PwXATQ/s1600/DSC00691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJFlzf4I1jy8TjK_j8RPpF_ywHSP1c_3CAryzcdu9o8mfBK1Ic_K15lQGMuiTvERA9V8L5G2A2vdz4sfV2sQUnbhc-0G-fxDQ45etecdai_OcNVl_MBVXuaZXohCxti92PwXATQ/s400/DSC00691.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took a piece of the Guinea pig, thinking I would just take one polite bite. I chomped every bit of meat off the bones! It was delicious (or I was really hungry!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was really cold at this elevation and I was thankful for my warm sleeping bag, layers of fleece, and the chemical hand warmers my friend Pamela gave me for my birthday. I put one in the little pouch at the foot of my sleeping bag, and the other in my fleece pocket, and stayed warm and toasty all night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Trail Stats:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Duration: 6.5 hrs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elevation Gain: 600 m / 1948'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elevation Loss: 550 m / 1804'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Camping at 4100 m / 13451'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-63936197286852041412011-10-11T21:16:00.000-07:002011-10-14T09:16:55.852-07:00Choquequirao to MaizalToday we got an early start since we were combining 2 days of hiking. We started with a 40 minute hike uphill to the main plaza at Choquequirao.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFP4_GOzLo3opLPmFbcoXeOGcJk-sCCCFt2Hsqx5BbJbzyRP0Rk6gUGmd5Q2Cti_-64_9KLFf4zuFlUXFaeq0JXpBWq_1OYKnpK4dY2byZBH9pDuMO6AjJeuI1CirP-4zfgsBHw/s1600/DSC00536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFP4_GOzLo3opLPmFbcoXeOGcJk-sCCCFt2Hsqx5BbJbzyRP0Rk6gUGmd5Q2Cti_-64_9KLFf4zuFlUXFaeq0JXpBWq_1OYKnpK4dY2byZBH9pDuMO6AjJeuI1CirP-4zfgsBHw/s400/DSC00536.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We spent about 50 minutes exploring the ruins. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ9IQkWW-LHnx6GxDaD6JNzxLlEigWQ0wlWlixb0YRsLy7C0Q_AV2K23ZFebKvi7OO_d_tp-vQko1DJyYlr02ketYmDPncquHyo6T-EEMw2gbqH7VEnPM49ZtsvHhG6D02toO1g/s1600/DSC00550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ9IQkWW-LHnx6GxDaD6JNzxLlEigWQ0wlWlixb0YRsLy7C0Q_AV2K23ZFebKvi7OO_d_tp-vQko1DJyYlr02ketYmDPncquHyo6T-EEMw2gbqH7VEnPM49ZtsvHhG6D02toO1g/s400/DSC00550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Arturo suggested that these buildings may have housed mummies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArGUwUhNJYkrsGDL8kKxB24RqoJPziTxCPKX0_Dqr8wAmdj2FQIKPfAKdMmxI7YHSuSaastFuoqQ4MiuaRn2qsN5kq0fnNUIN2nG60dhXxWpQcCnxvD5E0_GJuwkU7Y_4CxUU7Q/s1600/DSC00549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArGUwUhNJYkrsGDL8kKxB24RqoJPziTxCPKX0_Dqr8wAmdj2FQIKPfAKdMmxI7YHSuSaastFuoqQ4MiuaRn2qsN5kq0fnNUIN2nG60dhXxWpQcCnxvD5E0_GJuwkU7Y_4CxUU7Q/s400/DSC00549.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
So naturally, I did my best mummy impersonation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi8q2PbXLrvaFXwjqLzl6dgJ8OCpUNL8tAhQHA7eKqGS5YrJIKqTc2wpw15vhgkbtrPzR6-LfBfrMuzYiOZfrTGMYlBab8h421VfkEuLmDfgV55AjxEHjcpSI-dQy_2XFXcFzCA/s1600/DSC00561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi8q2PbXLrvaFXwjqLzl6dgJ8OCpUNL8tAhQHA7eKqGS5YrJIKqTc2wpw15vhgkbtrPzR6-LfBfrMuzYiOZfrTGMYlBab8h421VfkEuLmDfgV55AjxEHjcpSI-dQy_2XFXcFzCA/s400/DSC00561.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
After exploring the site, we climbed up the terraces using steep steps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsomC0f17bPX1hysp-9T5Szt98HbR4hqRULZOcDNfAHpgNNnCa1qj_1ijpR68ozitrWrni-h8Sl4uiGIERMwUHq-N1azeoe3tHsdKg65hyaChK3gLD8rLGEEEJusJ63DNWFCdvxw/s1600/DSC00541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsomC0f17bPX1hysp-9T5Szt98HbR4hqRULZOcDNfAHpgNNnCa1qj_1ijpR68ozitrWrni-h8Sl4uiGIERMwUHq-N1azeoe3tHsdKg65hyaChK3gLD8rLGEEEJusJ63DNWFCdvxw/s400/DSC00541.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we followed the trail along the aquaduct and up the hill, away from the site.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pCAeR-8D4tAKm7DlaCj7KkpRyh03PVj93dEvNE2UWEguQ3rpK2C-_j4B6gmeUhVLOeoio1Dj7D9k3yXIsszfU27KpaTOc-C5IVp0e2h7tTWlH0iJ7MhXCkmlQPaUELMAqLdL0w/s1600/DSC00573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pCAeR-8D4tAKm7DlaCj7KkpRyh03PVj93dEvNE2UWEguQ3rpK2C-_j4B6gmeUhVLOeoio1Dj7D9k3yXIsszfU27KpaTOc-C5IVp0e2h7tTWlH0iJ7MhXCkmlQPaUELMAqLdL0w/s400/DSC00573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Before heading over the hill, I got one last glimpse of Choquequirao. After hiking through cloud forest for about an hour, we reached the top of the ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo2d-VisY99uqjWC5nr7kbXd_q51xm-nGZ-qkIyGXmiaxfvg0w_1Buy8mxglpwhG7N4bSY0D9zv4PaDPBXthSAU28TXPKCw3xJfo0leueDJCIOjhf7sRML3KlvXWK-UB-V2YFpw/s1600/DSC00558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo2d-VisY99uqjWC5nr7kbXd_q51xm-nGZ-qkIyGXmiaxfvg0w_1Buy8mxglpwhG7N4bSY0D9zv4PaDPBXthSAU28TXPKCw3xJfo0leueDJCIOjhf7sRML3KlvXWK-UB-V2YFpw/s400/DSC00558.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Then we got a view of the Rio Blanco. This is where we were supposed to have spent the previous night; instead, the river would be our lunch spot today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYD0JhmzkGaf4CYOSyKIrL1udeBqTY28zOCVRRaLub7PItmdOzUiPNcHOJlsY4Opc8sZ_tdbNZkelzp0UrmENxWwqTkf186fXIJ6_uMvM5yKzW1RszWvURhb57qbpIwwwAnz8nQ/s1600/DSC00603a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYD0JhmzkGaf4CYOSyKIrL1udeBqTY28zOCVRRaLub7PItmdOzUiPNcHOJlsY4Opc8sZ_tdbNZkelzp0UrmENxWwqTkf186fXIJ6_uMvM5yKzW1RszWvURhb57qbpIwwwAnz8nQ/s400/DSC00603a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
After reaching the ridge, we began our descent towards the river. This side of the mountain was much drier than the cloud forest side. The trail was dry, dusty, and slippery. The others flew down as though they were skiing. Each time I tried to speed up, I slipped and fell, so it was back to slowly picking my way down.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituqBlITzeHyRVJIZcxyNnlzHJ5-uOgZhK6qZMWPPjotKFxbyf1UPISBmt5q0hz4eF1r4EJ7EuQdt1A-6cI5QgQmOquTv0BQj19M9gPIvowd5s54Z1zCT0AdiARdRvaC8viz-71w/s1600/DSC00586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituqBlITzeHyRVJIZcxyNnlzHJ5-uOgZhK6qZMWPPjotKFxbyf1UPISBmt5q0hz4eF1r4EJ7EuQdt1A-6cI5QgQmOquTv0BQj19M9gPIvowd5s54Z1zCT0AdiARdRvaC8viz-71w/s400/DSC00586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
After about an hour of hiking downhill, I caught up with the group at another sector of Choquequirao (I think this is the Pinchinuyoc sector). They had arrived 10 minutes before me and had nearly finished their snack. I skipped the snack and poked around for a few minutes before we continued down the mountain. From the ruins, the trail got narrower, steeper, and more slippery. Great! </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JmSJdLT95Z2d5ViHdrRJLv7n1HrCv0aAKaGVMg9pvacOD9KaThK9Q2Q2r9uEgZ4RSeLUwnZDeHCS64AHtLetQINApxoV0emgYcdKYYrcfoxPtHdV-l3gSwJ4grjvJNGCtSKhjw/s1600/DSC00601a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JmSJdLT95Z2d5ViHdrRJLv7n1HrCv0aAKaGVMg9pvacOD9KaThK9Q2Q2r9uEgZ4RSeLUwnZDeHCS64AHtLetQINApxoV0emgYcdKYYrcfoxPtHdV-l3gSwJ4grjvJNGCtSKhjw/s400/DSC00601a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
From this view, the river still doesn't look much closer. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWBugN0FtavWrGkmRlGRW96ZwZ2XWkdUDz4kg9lhNvJ6dxd8eCRFskGrt2_qy5HQN3pG6ZzXPSZZCLrG8SiWau3Hdfr1TpT_f7JmMC8TqZBHEw2ntQcAyE6Vd6LFIL5PzOIMWdg/s1600/DSC00585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWBugN0FtavWrGkmRlGRW96ZwZ2XWkdUDz4kg9lhNvJ6dxd8eCRFskGrt2_qy5HQN3pG6ZzXPSZZCLrG8SiWau3Hdfr1TpT_f7JmMC8TqZBHEw2ntQcAyE6Vd6LFIL5PzOIMWdg/s400/DSC00585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I spent the next hour and a half hiking alone, since I was slower than the group. I had no idea how far ahead they were, since the combination of the steep slopes and the switchbacks prevented me from seeing them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3b-keIcmi8AYe4XpXLoIt_JeOuyo-wSWlOX4LeQj4AyG4BbRp64-0DW950NPraI7Zh9oRt-vb7wAiNn3nJVOZn9Uco0B_yh2DHmLFlVRAz9BsqiCCRg0ECpEbKoJIF2bwXcOhQ/s1600/DSC00605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3b-keIcmi8AYe4XpXLoIt_JeOuyo-wSWlOX4LeQj4AyG4BbRp64-0DW950NPraI7Zh9oRt-vb7wAiNn3nJVOZn9Uco0B_yh2DHmLFlVRAz9BsqiCCRg0ECpEbKoJIF2bwXcOhQ/s400/DSC00605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I didn't worry too much about my slowness, since I knew they wanted to play in the river (it was too cold for me!). I figured the slower I was, the more time they had. They had about 20 minutes before I arrived, which was about 10 minutes before lunch was ready.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
The area by the river was full of biting midges and mosquitoes, and would have been a miserable place to spend the night. At this point, the group again thanked me for getting sick and having us camp the second night at the ruins instead of by the vampire river!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfIkCgFcjVDl0Z4mTFxTvqYcVD-btElaPthl2k0yByrznbzERBgkdmGaDqB8Vd5adYfjrJBRTBEjgfImjkpmGqa3mCSyUirfeh0P7GZe4ZtBKupQrwTmjwUJnQ91X_MmgpXdXyw/s1600/DSC00618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfIkCgFcjVDl0Z4mTFxTvqYcVD-btElaPthl2k0yByrznbzERBgkdmGaDqB8Vd5adYfjrJBRTBEjgfImjkpmGqa3mCSyUirfeh0P7GZe4ZtBKupQrwTmjwUJnQ91X_MmgpXdXyw/s400/DSC00618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
View of the trail we came down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv3sRMs-kUT8I1twawx7BkHJNdbpPOydvZCuEPtlBJKtbXAGAJj8VpZurdW4H4mojsErit3NDbGuaMgenKe5U8X3FLduTdrcXy_k1bEtfWmsBEU8QvKCkwOdUZTMZBPA4SQzlxg/s1600/DSC00604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv3sRMs-kUT8I1twawx7BkHJNdbpPOydvZCuEPtlBJKtbXAGAJj8VpZurdW4H4mojsErit3NDbGuaMgenKe5U8X3FLduTdrcXy_k1bEtfWmsBEU8QvKCkwOdUZTMZBPA4SQzlxg/s400/DSC00604.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Despite having a delicious lunch and having my appetite back in full force, I was careful not to overeat at lunch, knowing the next 3 hours would be spent climbing up this trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mBhxF6ycXYqcd72PnT-3YpRWGwwbgcX_Zz50mmpd0jwPjIi0H26pH2psGX5arQZWPMPgZt7FdAf0gwS2HguZdrVl4bOW3ReD_lm_ku6GSgmVUXJwntZvf9trc_tIt-X6vHxw_w/s1600/DSC00620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mBhxF6ycXYqcd72PnT-3YpRWGwwbgcX_Zz50mmpd0jwPjIi0H26pH2psGX5arQZWPMPgZt7FdAf0gwS2HguZdrVl4bOW3ReD_lm_ku6GSgmVUXJwntZvf9trc_tIt-X6vHxw_w/s400/DSC00620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After about the first hour of dry dusty trail, the landscape got more lush. I saw quite a few butterflies, orchids, and even a shiny black snake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIIIfyLExqERkA9bWuzKoyYDAuhof5pZUV32Z9CitBAK-0YslpxUqeIq_vXmuHrvFhcXI-uFQmGfiV32qFo31Uhae81m9dzNlOge9bfBQaTHXI8SuX5zPE4fg2QkGntWy20kOYA/s1600/DSC00625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIIIfyLExqERkA9bWuzKoyYDAuhof5pZUV32Z9CitBAK-0YslpxUqeIq_vXmuHrvFhcXI-uFQmGfiV32qFo31Uhae81m9dzNlOge9bfBQaTHXI8SuX5zPE4fg2QkGntWy20kOYA/s400/DSC00625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Despite the long day, we still reached the camping spot at Maizal about an hour before sunset.<br />
<br />
<strong>Trail Stats: Choquequirao to Rio Blanco</strong><br />
Length: 10 km / 6.2 mi<br />
Duration: 5 hours<br />
Elevation gain: 450 m / 1476 '<br />
Elevation loss: 1450 m / 4756'<br />
<br />
<strong>Trail Stats: Rio Blanco to Maizal</strong><br />
Length: 8 km / 5 mi<br />
Duration: 3 hours<br />
Elevation gain: 3040 m / 6691 '<br />
Elevation loss: 20 m / 66'<br />
<br />
WOW!! That's a lot of ups and downs!!!<br />
<br />
Camping at 3000 m / 9843'Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-69850413062612272552011-10-03T16:22:00.000-07:002011-10-03T16:22:52.476-07:00Exploring ChoquequiraoI started taking an antibiotic at dinner and only had to make a couple of trips to the bathroom during the night. I woke up in the morning feeling a bit better and to this incredible view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE-sMilVGXObX-FypS-OweX9bCdHuFlZ2af7A3tPHSCybk2eJHjepQctUpDoCG9IvLZX5MoE1rkNCz5UyfBwP6mpu0To4BYQo3GCDEMK2REDQEYuVSe9s2U0LPxXjL4W_j0yUzA/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE-sMilVGXObX-FypS-OweX9bCdHuFlZ2af7A3tPHSCybk2eJHjepQctUpDoCG9IvLZX5MoE1rkNCz5UyfBwP6mpu0To4BYQo3GCDEMK2REDQEYuVSe9s2U0LPxXjL4W_j0yUzA/s400/DSC00479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I didn't feel sick to my stomach, I decided to eat an omelette for breakfast along with a piece of bread. It felt like it might actually stick with me. After breakfast, we started the 40 minute walk to one of the agricultural sectors of the Choquequiroa ruins.<br />
<br />
Going down to the ruins was a bit of a struggle for me. I was still quite weak and my balance and depth perception were off. I contemplated going back to the campsite, but when I caught this view, I was glad that I had made the effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA_xXw3pCpObACV5qxArqUt3ud5qNYla8HbY81JlJdaWbJppU4KSuu9bu_mkAmW7vAac51QrM6ysmetoCucrMSQjqI4XL41Bo-bDjxUPgJxAFUbWz69lalBsouCvz3XVcZEus6g/s1600/DSC00492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA_xXw3pCpObACV5qxArqUt3ud5qNYla8HbY81JlJdaWbJppU4KSuu9bu_mkAmW7vAac51QrM6ysmetoCucrMSQjqI4XL41Bo-bDjxUPgJxAFUbWz69lalBsouCvz3XVcZEus6g/s640/DSC00492.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
What was even better was that we were the only people there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ_qz3uhyphenhyphenNTbiUIVU4ntd0FrWHBrajX0-YZ1CT2o2h77fiGAQtGnd02Zwae6sODf_jLAN9Xn_UXzKyxHmPUG-Elec24QkuRcuv8NeLGlprwn76k4cpK7GjDbfhnKz1CVcudd7Rg/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ_qz3uhyphenhyphenNTbiUIVU4ntd0FrWHBrajX0-YZ1CT2o2h77fiGAQtGnd02Zwae6sODf_jLAN9Xn_UXzKyxHmPUG-Elec24QkuRcuv8NeLGlprwn76k4cpK7GjDbfhnKz1CVcudd7Rg/s320/DSC00531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We began descending down the steep narrow steps, feeling like we were going to step off the side of the mountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmA-_Bg5Y3fEN08TsgeVR8xkoQvqZ-PVMwGacX7Q1u6ckQ0UfBuZQkaGMxKKR3a1EgRKiWdG9m01bnVNGwwAhTdnjx1_WCowRL5QVhW2wcOuSl6GE3zPIu6UrQiS1ZZZp3CRlgw/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmA-_Bg5Y3fEN08TsgeVR8xkoQvqZ-PVMwGacX7Q1u6ckQ0UfBuZQkaGMxKKR3a1EgRKiWdG9m01bnVNGwwAhTdnjx1_WCowRL5QVhW2wcOuSl6GE3zPIu6UrQiS1ZZZp3CRlgw/s400/DSC00499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally we could see the ruins beneath us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTesR4uEag9VMGSsMTtU1j7-uXBayyWDesIF_3V-EkCwJvXifPxpgDugPkDvWVCPurp5LWxxStkOF1YHlYjssxjqr3KpIlYO4g1_IefbqvEULYwlvr4UlKlX9yt0ged8vQU6FGw/s1600/DSC00524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTesR4uEag9VMGSsMTtU1j7-uXBayyWDesIF_3V-EkCwJvXifPxpgDugPkDvWVCPurp5LWxxStkOF1YHlYjssxjqr3KpIlYO4g1_IefbqvEULYwlvr4UlKlX9yt0ged8vQU6FGw/s400/DSC00524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There were only a couple of buildings in this sector.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vFtJHY92y82AZ1ySMsp_e1Vq0MrwhfLOJq70mE6GMp_9TMOHKFz2woZOVUn_QUUR4bJmMj3KFTDGEXAeHEFLDF6y5S7NSc8rTvF_T4TKf_dbfV5QyY1Qz4mG1Zb87r7ZjOErGw/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vFtJHY92y82AZ1ySMsp_e1Vq0MrwhfLOJq70mE6GMp_9TMOHKFz2woZOVUn_QUUR4bJmMj3KFTDGEXAeHEFLDF6y5S7NSc8rTvF_T4TKf_dbfV5QyY1Qz4mG1Zb87r7ZjOErGw/s400/DSC00530.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The Incas were clearly shorter than me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gb7-iVj7VukJWitzMOva-_Wys4sd0pJLcoJ-YQviHqJKzWeSqp7oK1ALQg0xke7zVtduWUspds74KJrgFzwstskwTS-6ID4zBOkb0icVODcUZo9VU36p0aQBLbaSvb0wsHfZxQ/s1600/DSC00509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gb7-iVj7VukJWitzMOva-_Wys4sd0pJLcoJ-YQviHqJKzWeSqp7oK1ALQg0xke7zVtduWUspds74KJrgFzwstskwTS-6ID4zBOkb0icVODcUZo9VU36p0aQBLbaSvb0wsHfZxQ/s400/DSC00509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />We then headed away from the ruins and towards the waterfall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKwMPi_obBEVeLS7pE4b1hyS02UpMr52F0C2Hua4OxvG9KgMqBBG6iflzIOPCSVaWphKnGlCfwye5lgKKT_c8vWpNnznAFB2cLIr8reK_ozh00LNwDjfqrUOPnygTVOyRnzz9Ow/s1600/DSC00505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKwMPi_obBEVeLS7pE4b1hyS02UpMr52F0C2Hua4OxvG9KgMqBBG6iflzIOPCSVaWphKnGlCfwye5lgKKT_c8vWpNnznAFB2cLIr8reK_ozh00LNwDjfqrUOPnygTVOyRnzz9Ow/s400/DSC00505.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to break out the hoop I had been hauling around with me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq32wA4Hq1ZNMIrYXeCSx71-wXFK1NCoJ_atP6K_Lpcfzrq6XpbVSmMbi7u4QtWBTr5TpPYuGlGlf1dgS-T8tOXJ3j_u0j4iu80hu-YOkIDQcQqijdP5xln8lEOBL6A-dX4-FSVQ/s1600/DSC00514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq32wA4Hq1ZNMIrYXeCSx71-wXFK1NCoJ_atP6K_Lpcfzrq6XpbVSmMbi7u4QtWBTr5TpPYuGlGlf1dgS-T8tOXJ3j_u0j4iu80hu-YOkIDQcQqijdP5xln8lEOBL6A-dX4-FSVQ/s400/DSC00514.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The waterfall was beautiful and this would have been a great place to swim, but it was way too cold and windy out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMoNmoHBNiKzPVCqkiC49gHQt5hcrOSVHFvMB8D8azWC1myzAgtFH-zWl53dKlFhkgWUBcPOaHAIuMC_VVUVCYMVkiGvYffqScwfYNVboGudBJJfu_wJjyac9QBd4XLKqZAvv1w/s1600/DSC00532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMoNmoHBNiKzPVCqkiC49gHQt5hcrOSVHFvMB8D8azWC1myzAgtFH-zWl53dKlFhkgWUBcPOaHAIuMC_VVUVCYMVkiGvYffqScwfYNVboGudBJJfu_wJjyac9QBd4XLKqZAvv1w/s400/DSC00532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After 2-3 hours, we headed back towards the ruins so we could head back to our campsite for lunch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOcgdo5UO8e1hLLYk1GZ2c11OIeC6SmctI_8vWOwYgSu8f28k11ZZn6nHBVScV2Fq8LnubysZu5CGyduLh0iQ_pKxWJgS3MIuc3l-YkxX_wQ7KkoB62Rt6MSN2-clhXsuFrx9Tg/s1600/DSC00535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOcgdo5UO8e1hLLYk1GZ2c11OIeC6SmctI_8vWOwYgSu8f28k11ZZn6nHBVScV2Fq8LnubysZu5CGyduLh0iQ_pKxWJgS3MIuc3l-YkxX_wQ7KkoB62Rt6MSN2-clhXsuFrx9Tg/s400/DSC00535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We had to climb up another set of very tall, steep stairs to leave the lower agricultural sector.<br />
<br />
Between the steps and the 40 minute hike back to the campsite, I was worn out and starting to feel feverish again. After lunch, I went to the tent to take a nap, while the others returned to other sections of Choquequirao.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt7zkyhMA-jm9gfKl5QvKwu8QcpJOFeQewPIwZoZMJFaSnKTtTAqUP0ErATmTgqbi02CiMrp-fxaNytMLTBmlAhFTQpyeKyabdnBCTKJjZj5ajJQWuqRCQ29ZqGWalImkgDMfCQ/s1600/DSC00539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt7zkyhMA-jm9gfKl5QvKwu8QcpJOFeQewPIwZoZMJFaSnKTtTAqUP0ErATmTgqbi02CiMrp-fxaNytMLTBmlAhFTQpyeKyabdnBCTKJjZj5ajJQWuqRCQ29ZqGWalImkgDMfCQ/s400/DSC00539.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
I had really wanted to see the llama terraces, but knew that I had to spend the afternoon sleeping and recovering. Emilie was kind enough to share the picture she took. (Had I not gotten sick, we would have spent less time at Choquequirao and nobody would have seen the llama terraces, so technically, I didn't "miss" this sector).<br />
<br />
The rest of the group spent the afternoon exploring other areas and watching condors over a beautiful sunset (or so they claim!). I was snuggled up in my sleeping bag snoring away. By dinner, I felt better and actually had my appetite back.Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-69534307905137807792011-09-26T21:48:00.000-07:002011-09-26T22:03:40.452-07:00Chikisca to ChoquequiraoToday we had an early wake-up call (4:30 am) so we could get to the river and back up the other side of the canyon before it got too hot. Despite being sick all night, I was still convinced that I wasn't actually ill, but instead had upset my stomach by taking 600 mg of ibuprofen on an empty stomach and then eating too much.<br />
<br />
I advised the guide that I had been sick, but I didn't have a fever, so I should be ok for the day. He told me to just drink the porridge and eat a piece of bread for breakfast. I tasted the porridge, but couldn't choke down more than an ounce or two. I was able to eat the bread and a few sips of tea, and that seemed to sit in my stomach ok, so I believed the worst was over.<br />
<br />
We started the day with a steep 2 hour hike to the Apurimac River at the bottom of the canyon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBzyUAEshB_P2Tqmss_zufHqsXx032L-JYmWm9uPbJQmi2JZKrdA9YKtrhOIc-soZPkXI-nNbz84ULPJme80up46wbmZf7qmkQUfMyJOhyphenhyphensKoWdVei2694_Jy4UYHdq9fhE57_g/s1600/DSC00462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBzyUAEshB_P2Tqmss_zufHqsXx032L-JYmWm9uPbJQmi2JZKrdA9YKtrhOIc-soZPkXI-nNbz84ULPJme80up46wbmZf7qmkQUfMyJOhyphenhyphensKoWdVei2694_Jy4UYHdq9fhE57_g/s400/DSC00462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I took my time and slowly made my way down the trail, while the others raced ahead. I felt a bit tired and weak, but mostly I was focused on not hurting my knee or slipping and falling. Because I knew I was slower than the others (plus I didn't feel great), I was so focused on hiking and trying not to get too far behind that I "forgot" to take any pictures on the way down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMeEVRIyxfemYuvm2EwNxxrVNZmFn7hGNl_6vAPPZcBR0idkOTDx2ObLYpBq12rGyVQWFkZKYLOQLIzl2T_LHQAewrc88WXNaUMNEHMDWEPkL3xEo85v4QA3jz66MqL5D9-BhQ/s1600/DSC00453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMeEVRIyxfemYuvm2EwNxxrVNZmFn7hGNl_6vAPPZcBR0idkOTDx2ObLYpBq12rGyVQWFkZKYLOQLIzl2T_LHQAewrc88WXNaUMNEHMDWEPkL3xEo85v4QA3jz66MqL5D9-BhQ/s400/DSC00453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally I got to where I could see the bridge. I knew the others were waiting there for me.<br />
<br />
When I finally caught up, the others asked if I needed a break. They were getting bit by midges, so I said I was ok and that we could move on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNe56jRUUaJrBvYe00mTxjskkpwBPqSR663-2kztZR5OfD8psAudn6nXdQdIY6_wcPmxs-xn_-Mv3n_5SBAMAteCfAavecCEql8_C0TRZnHTkxXLlhyq7yUa-YzX7uKbFXTrJ7w/s1600/DSC00458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNe56jRUUaJrBvYe00mTxjskkpwBPqSR663-2kztZR5OfD8psAudn6nXdQdIY6_wcPmxs-xn_-Mv3n_5SBAMAteCfAavecCEql8_C0TRZnHTkxXLlhyq7yUa-YzX7uKbFXTrJ7w/s400/DSC00458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I was feeling ok, until I started crossing the bridge... the suspension bridge..... that swayed and bounced .... Suddenly my stomach was a little more unsettled, but I was still convinced that I would be ok once I started hiking up the other side. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSufbHaIByeirCdgVgXmvf4F5Vmu8N2Zq781eGaz2pQ5nBA6hlAIwX9sWrnAkZvsiJFdFaRRr0w2IYSViQdQj0uLtiyLZezJEkPjQ294QrHPXgigkgD5LsRoNn7p7yTAranN1WfA/s1600/DSC00457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSufbHaIByeirCdgVgXmvf4F5Vmu8N2Zq781eGaz2pQ5nBA6hlAIwX9sWrnAkZvsiJFdFaRRr0w2IYSViQdQj0uLtiyLZezJEkPjQ294QrHPXgigkgD5LsRoNn7p7yTAranN1WfA/s400/DSC00457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Viewing the Apurimac River from the bridge.<br />
<br />
Arturo told us that it would take us about 2 hours of constant hiking uphill until we reached the small village of Santa Rosa, where we should stop for a brief rest and snack. For the first hour, I felt ok climbing. However, after about an hour, I "hit a wall". Suddenly I had no energy and was a little dizzy. I figured that I was probably a little dehydrated from being sick all night, combined with lack of food.<br />
<br />
I told the group to go ahead and I would catch them later. I sat down on the side of the trail and ate a banana. After a few minutes, I started hiking again, only to throw up a few minutes later. I took a short break, then started hiking again. A few minutes later, my intestines rumbled and I needed to "find a bush". Unfortunately, they were few and far between, but the rest of the group was ahead so I didn't worry about being seen.<br />
<br />
I started hiking again, but continued to vomit and have diarrhea, feeling weaker and weaker with every step. I was breaking out in a cold clammy sweat and felt very dizzy. I worried I was getting heat stroke or severely dehydrated. I had gatoraid powder, but didn't want to mix it with my full container of water, so I poured some of the powder in my mouth and then tried to swish it around with water. All that accomplished was to produce purple puke. <br />
<br />
I was about 20 minutes away from Santa Rosa when Arturo checked on me. I really didn't think I could go any further. He told me that I needed to keep going and once I got to the rest stop, they would unpack the cargo from the emergency horse and I could ride to the lunch stop in Maranpata. The next 20 minutes were pure torture, but at least my entire digestive tract was empty and nothing came out with each stop.<br />
<br />
When I finally reached Santa Rosa, I collapsed on the ground with relief. I bought small bottle of water to mix with the rest of the gatoraid powder and took a few sips of that. I also bought a Sprite and took a couple sips of that. I ate part of a cookie and took a bite of the fruit from my snack bag, but I had no appetite.<br />
<br />
Finally the emergency horse was ready for me. The group started hiking the next 2 hours up the mountain to Maranpata, and I ungracefully got on the horse. <br />
<br />
The horse was worse than hiking! The stirrups were too high so my knee was bent into an uncomfortable position and it almost immediately started cramping. The horse lurched forward and back as it climbed over rocks on the way up the mountain. With each bump I worried that I would either vomit on the horse or crap my pants. After about 20 minutes and 2 km, I had to ask Vilmar to stop the horse and let me off of it. I had to hike the rest of the way myself, because I felt worse riding the horse than hiking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKS0OkL9BHq6UeVzzd-HJoOwGXOKudgW-RVP5C-aE16ZJoGz-msD4Eiypnyl7w5iihnlAbLCB-Ffr3uhPvNz_CtVdnThHErM-uLqn4DpBXUGWoervW-RMn_DwDCSOAX4Uv1cPrA/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKS0OkL9BHq6UeVzzd-HJoOwGXOKudgW-RVP5C-aE16ZJoGz-msD4Eiypnyl7w5iihnlAbLCB-Ffr3uhPvNz_CtVdnThHErM-uLqn4DpBXUGWoervW-RMn_DwDCSOAX4Uv1cPrA/s400/DSC00463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I don't think anyone could imagine how happy I was when the village finally came into sight!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW4R51eNd5n9xA7kyM73jEJknNlKHAWdcgKrVVjLsAtto116chh6gxu_4QVz1MzrArcX_L1pxFSVFyZLaW7t-bM7rYfj133hTFcZ2s1tVicFmPTv8qQA-qZrl__yJNlNHgE806w/s1600/DSC00466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW4R51eNd5n9xA7kyM73jEJknNlKHAWdcgKrVVjLsAtto116chh6gxu_4QVz1MzrArcX_L1pxFSVFyZLaW7t-bM7rYfj133hTFcZ2s1tVicFmPTv8qQA-qZrl__yJNlNHgE806w/s400/DSC00466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOKym8-ZZzxibwFJMVhBdUz8gjDpVt7gJrujxnjEHhux6NB-2LhRv4BsJaDyq0lgP7M6m42uUPJuWaauLFRKzMLUrLNspZmA20gI11LmBfoANYzUMITXBc7BIt_X0lpuelOfX2w/s1600/DSC00470b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOKym8-ZZzxibwFJMVhBdUz8gjDpVt7gJrujxnjEHhux6NB-2LhRv4BsJaDyq0lgP7M6m42uUPJuWaauLFRKzMLUrLNspZmA20gI11LmBfoANYzUMITXBc7BIt_X0lpuelOfX2w/s400/DSC00470b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I attempted to eat lunch, having part of a hard boiled egg, a couple sips of soup, and a few bites of rice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIm0Et7ohdks7yu548IuEbVFEq46elNSrSHGeLJO5JEbGYD7ZlFQqftUJxywY8BNuDSOFqAekiaDE1kX8gMNje-6etBV_AIMgFGYywiEkZmxTdgt_CorAhEGT7SwFGL0q8SaV7A/s1600/DSC00471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIm0Et7ohdks7yu548IuEbVFEq46elNSrSHGeLJO5JEbGYD7ZlFQqftUJxywY8BNuDSOFqAekiaDE1kX8gMNje-6etBV_AIMgFGYywiEkZmxTdgt_CorAhEGT7SwFGL0q8SaV7A/s400/DSC00471.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, that triggered an immediate trip to the "bathroom"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOGIS5T1WLyXHrrpXnmTDJPpMjMwI8-eFnLNcUByl4G8tazEXNqIhH3MnToPtGoNipdNbQo7QIqCK74w1bU6JYFN7N3JigwvQTo15uEjiMleOZQeChFUI6kZ_luTDluoYPnUGVQ/s1600/DSC00470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOGIS5T1WLyXHrrpXnmTDJPpMjMwI8-eFnLNcUByl4G8tazEXNqIhH3MnToPtGoNipdNbQo7QIqCK74w1bU6JYFN7N3JigwvQTo15uEjiMleOZQeChFUI6kZ_luTDluoYPnUGVQ/s400/DSC00470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We had arrived in Maranpata about a half hour before the cook was ready with our lunch. The crew spread out tarps and put down our sleeping pads so we could nap before lunch, which all of us did. While the others finished their lunch, I went and took an additional nap. Two of the village dogs came and kept me company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoEcVlWDaJIOgoxFj0g2klPUqtan-diCjg8n7GnEdW_C6Pr-DIUpRyr6dK2M_I6U2iT8yszlTHtld_-Lbc2S4lXGsO2hDm2YDjPnmho4fln6XGJ4qzLzu7vMY8ilmxBm_RrLXlA/s1600/DSC00471b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoEcVlWDaJIOgoxFj0g2klPUqtan-diCjg8n7GnEdW_C6Pr-DIUpRyr6dK2M_I6U2iT8yszlTHtld_-Lbc2S4lXGsO2hDm2YDjPnmho4fln6XGJ4qzLzu7vMY8ilmxBm_RrLXlA/s400/DSC00471b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
About 10 minutes before the group was going to start hiking the next 2.5-3 hours to the campsite, Arturo woke me up and said that I could get a head start if I felt like it. He also offered me the use of the emergency horse again. I passed on the horse, but took him up on the headstart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb0l0QR645czDDK3RLbk6vI6wxAlU-5oFOudgFwAfQh9fo-cbQLKYYQLISP2dTel9ld9hYKeM3mRPL_6j2RudCO4YwQMULOsFRz2fYP2be2CSqGaAVakpDnxCoHCNcGWkOOIKxw/s1600/DSC00474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb0l0QR645czDDK3RLbk6vI6wxAlU-5oFOudgFwAfQh9fo-cbQLKYYQLISP2dTel9ld9hYKeM3mRPL_6j2RudCO4YwQMULOsFRz2fYP2be2CSqGaAVakpDnxCoHCNcGWkOOIKxw/s400/DSC00474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The trail wasn't nearly as steep, and was fairly flat with minor rolling hills. It was exciting to get the first glimpse of Choquequirao ruins. I got to the park entrance and sat and waited for the group. They caught up to me a couple of minutes later.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHiFbZGFHwlPekFAtM0MkIFNCzG0KYkVMEk2jNx266M_WbNwQ2ckiFrb6kEvWkbigGbe0Nb-v6E-v5xS2YHW_8e8PwBmnRLcmaktErNeEhTu-BvpR2sOaQ1bffNQsnHajjOeKCw/s1600/DSC00476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHiFbZGFHwlPekFAtM0MkIFNCzG0KYkVMEk2jNx266M_WbNwQ2ckiFrb6kEvWkbigGbe0Nb-v6E-v5xS2YHW_8e8PwBmnRLcmaktErNeEhTu-BvpR2sOaQ1bffNQsnHajjOeKCw/s400/DSC00476.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
I was able to stay with the group for the rest of the hike to the campsite. About 15 minutes before we reached camp, we saw this waterfall and crossed a small stream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o6RFbNZY2ahKjhkrt_LUCN7eNqs6MqAsEDhRrHuhI0cGoCg-Rouj_9z0QZ0GiJJwRJMAnQ_5GNhhHjhKBXKqu9yWy8agNvSwo9E5U1QyGUdt8uxjMuLycWdz2J-fqbpHZKxM9g/s1600/DSC00477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o6RFbNZY2ahKjhkrt_LUCN7eNqs6MqAsEDhRrHuhI0cGoCg-Rouj_9z0QZ0GiJJwRJMAnQ_5GNhhHjhKBXKqu9yWy8agNvSwo9E5U1QyGUdt8uxjMuLycWdz2J-fqbpHZKxM9g/s400/DSC00477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I don't look too bad, considering I've just hiked nearly 9 hours while violently ill!!<br />
<br />
When I arrived at camp, I used the bathroom (a real flush toilet!!) then crashed in the tent. I napped through tea and had a raging fever by the time dinner started. I sipped a bit of soup, ate a couple of french fries and a few bites of rice, then started taking the Cipro antibiotics that I brought with me.<br />
<br />
Arturo decided that I had food poisoning from something I ate in Cusco and was too sick to hike the next day so he changed the itinerary. Instead of camping one night at Choquequiro and leaving the next day, we would spend the full day here tomorrow, camp here again the next night, and then combine two days of hiking when we left. The rest of the group was ok with it. <br />
<br />
I excused myself from the dinner table and curled up into a ball in my sleeping bag, hoping the Cipro would do the trick.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hiking Stats:</strong><br />
Distance: 15 km/ 9 miles<br />
Time: 8.5 hours<br />
Elevation gain: 1600 m / 5,245'<br />
Elevation loss: 300 m / 984'<br />
<br />
Camping at 3033 m / 9,950'<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-75708839079274703612011-09-13T07:04:00.000-07:002011-09-13T09:36:51.196-07:00Cachora to Chikisca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwrRpDQsCIW1sLOfQUpPILo7_7N4L4uZPt67Eg1uvQ07nljUtw3DBpbP1mHgVzLMNn7yjPATPX6aMnGkUNGCq_pLGahY0cHnKUQGKtuQOVeaNcm_Nnqe5bQtZf0Iliksf9tM50A/s1600/DSC00399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwrRpDQsCIW1sLOfQUpPILo7_7N4L4uZPt67Eg1uvQ07nljUtw3DBpbP1mHgVzLMNn7yjPATPX6aMnGkUNGCq_pLGahY0cHnKUQGKtuQOVeaNcm_Nnqe5bQtZf0Iliksf9tM50A/s320/DSC00399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After a 4 hour drive from Cusco, we were finally at the starting place just outside of Cachora. We ate a quick picnic lunch, and then we were off. There were a total of 5 of us in the group. One married couple (Kerryn and Ben) and three solo travelers (Emilie, Brad, and me).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">NOTE: Click on each picture to see a larger image.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWallNTzwURA3ryccQCRbgC94JC1bwsJCqXyLR3vqdURNubLwddz3_jFycKZ_e3um1QER8S0KQYjQZzRSvYqKR8HnetKdbIv1cS3Q-SZgr6x0iemuZNCIZQ864n_PI3eVbYx36A/s1600/DSC00408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWallNTzwURA3ryccQCRbgC94JC1bwsJCqXyLR3vqdURNubLwddz3_jFycKZ_e3um1QER8S0KQYjQZzRSvYqKR8HnetKdbIv1cS3Q-SZgr6x0iemuZNCIZQ864n_PI3eVbYx36A/s320/DSC00408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We couldn't have been more than 10 minutes into the hike when we heard a bunch of birds making noise. After getting a bit closer, we discovered a flock of green parakeets. We joked with our guide Arturo that we expected to see amazing wildlife every five minutes. He looked a bit worried until he realized we were joking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGYsifskxyRu7lh5NjCoox4Pare0WwEYw4BJhBEuD-TIP3KasTVA9DFUHeGZ2xCsx_KQCUKtWYpKF6Q5nCSr_TKUMd0flbO7u4qPbiXoLAe01m31ek-q1AEIDzfnBDkcCGzRCOg/s1600/DSC00412a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGYsifskxyRu7lh5NjCoox4Pare0WwEYw4BJhBEuD-TIP3KasTVA9DFUHeGZ2xCsx_KQCUKtWYpKF6Q5nCSr_TKUMd0flbO7u4qPbiXoLAe01m31ek-q1AEIDzfnBDkcCGzRCOg/s320/DSC00412a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first couple of kilometers were fairly easy along a gravel road. There were a few gradual inclines, but essentially it was pretty flat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc1wv9opyJxunAq6EoiJ_ocAHJnjFqb7e99QhbUU6KMk7CrLYRXxM-CpNR9_Uhgs5Qy4lBEelL90By7jPmZZgECSu5JwKfGTl-KmHJZQLZt9x421tSCYHaNYiRKfmKK-sqp6PJw/s1600/DSC00424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc1wv9opyJxunAq6EoiJ_ocAHJnjFqb7e99QhbUU6KMk7CrLYRXxM-CpNR9_Uhgs5Qy4lBEelL90By7jPmZZgECSu5JwKfGTl-KmHJZQLZt9x421tSCYHaNYiRKfmKK-sqp6PJw/s320/DSC00424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We followed the road until we reached the newly constructed building at this curve. It will eventually be a ranger/passport check point for this trek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapYFiMgQbo2bRU6fkQNWDHKDoJACw_j8NacSX738HrSlX0zcvVMtCKgPrFtIG37HJUtwdVAogmLcX8VxvbZkX38hZzUuMWAriuLlb01zslQdfkGmD71HrEapSfswAQbGe2Yrk2Q/s1600/DSC00439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapYFiMgQbo2bRU6fkQNWDHKDoJACw_j8NacSX738HrSlX0zcvVMtCKgPrFtIG37HJUtwdVAogmLcX8VxvbZkX38hZzUuMWAriuLlb01zslQdfkGmD71HrEapSfswAQbGe2Yrk2Q/s320/DSC00439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After passing the house, the road turned more into a dirt and gravel trail that hugged the side of the mountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwXRmWrpg5U-PReVLZIxnVhw-xSH9R9cQ8otkF8YDdNjg1hgSJdf63JHoEpiErVL4RvsJDMcujh-JPRipNKIu_bpupNTjjiJbugx9IfNJ_nKcvXrAuBraLAW_AkEAjsL8hW1GCw/s1600/DSC00434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwXRmWrpg5U-PReVLZIxnVhw-xSH9R9cQ8otkF8YDdNjg1hgSJdf63JHoEpiErVL4RvsJDMcujh-JPRipNKIu_bpupNTjjiJbugx9IfNJ_nKcvXrAuBraLAW_AkEAjsL8hW1GCw/s320/DSC00434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then it began to descend towards the Apurimac River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON32ChBdcpnL8BgsvueW-4itqlBJG_fmZlgVvS346AMNc8pw_Xm-rS7AdihDnGVLzBsv4NUQc3Q8YErR1KOzDm-1dku17m_IlfAjd44Vuham1XmA2kQ0qPebxDMiyZ6TG-DxMUQ/s1600/DSC00438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON32ChBdcpnL8BgsvueW-4itqlBJG_fmZlgVvS346AMNc8pw_Xm-rS7AdihDnGVLzBsv4NUQc3Q8YErR1KOzDm-1dku17m_IlfAjd44Vuham1XmA2kQ0qPebxDMiyZ6TG-DxMUQ/s320/DSC00438.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
While we were hiking, the staff cleaned up our lunch and loaded up the mules. Here they finally caught up to us (and then passed us so they could set up the campsite).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPbtna0Qh_oFfScUhQs78TG4R8JV9dwM8vH0jSVZKDkGE2HvYQ90WuNnt9aKl1KGhutOn8a7mYFDOLNGDhg-d9-9KlDL0QTSA24J1wzC55MoLaPZCSzM_UntmNZjVfVg4WfxC-g/s1600/DSC00441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPbtna0Qh_oFfScUhQs78TG4R8JV9dwM8vH0jSVZKDkGE2HvYQ90WuNnt9aKl1KGhutOn8a7mYFDOLNGDhg-d9-9KlDL0QTSA24J1wzC55MoLaPZCSzM_UntmNZjVfVg4WfxC-g/s320/DSC00441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Along the way, we were treated to gorgeous views of snow capped mountains.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdOR-pHVGfoZzfoO0smrLi__TD-mSpwuoloUmY2xUxWktbK2fatPuhPpEM1XXeW5Wzxy6rj6tsw1NshuBd_12l95rVAWKJfFe42OQOJc0yg4cLD-KCIG4BuNKdbHi6wNJPD8vWQ/s1600/DSC00444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdOR-pHVGfoZzfoO0smrLi__TD-mSpwuoloUmY2xUxWktbK2fatPuhPpEM1XXeW5Wzxy6rj6tsw1NshuBd_12l95rVAWKJfFe42OQOJc0yg4cLD-KCIG4BuNKdbHi6wNJPD8vWQ/s320/DSC00444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The trail continued to hug the side of the mountain and descend. You can see the Apurimac River at the bottom of the canyon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTolF2docucDI4uD7QRmwmeLoUxNnCIvZWx0o0NEGpJbm9sAsANwBE-59ARz_qNNHnDMJJObPcqArrFHNLU1N5jxLiXbTnLv_yeX13AMu3oTD5MAkaQPhV3pAutb5Dm-kW_g6Cgg/s1600/DSC00445a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTolF2docucDI4uD7QRmwmeLoUxNnCIvZWx0o0NEGpJbm9sAsANwBE-59ARz_qNNHnDMJJObPcqArrFHNLU1N5jxLiXbTnLv_yeX13AMu3oTD5MAkaQPhV3pAutb5Dm-kW_g6Cgg/s320/DSC00445a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As we descended into the canyon, it got hotter and drier and the vegetation sparser.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIysdNCu2sAVbrsewrjcNpkJ03W6pRzOH8_TS1OL_Ti9HEyEFR84KMKIDvv0fvtGNaVreUmh0Uq-eRtxPgA3IH_bp8_OIXHgjerVckDwoMooYdiwuiAt3O22BpwdmRU4mc8ELp_g/s1600/DSC00446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIysdNCu2sAVbrsewrjcNpkJ03W6pRzOH8_TS1OL_Ti9HEyEFR84KMKIDvv0fvtGNaVreUmh0Uq-eRtxPgA3IH_bp8_OIXHgjerVckDwoMooYdiwuiAt3O22BpwdmRU4mc8ELp_g/s320/DSC00446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking at the trail ahead of us. Luckily we took the bigger trail in the picture and not the steep set of switchbacks. We would do trails similar to those later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXwV94UFe4vSu6RMprwxTETrC-9Koi8YpitLDe9kmKfrlk7KQnD4bhqURvtEtlMpYUElag2ZEoLYgCk_TBZknCipWTcNMB8edojIbEQuVogRmy0mMnlL_le7KBpBfXo_pZQNb-A/s1600/DSC00449a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXwV94UFe4vSu6RMprwxTETrC-9Koi8YpitLDe9kmKfrlk7KQnD4bhqURvtEtlMpYUElag2ZEoLYgCk_TBZknCipWTcNMB8edojIbEQuVogRmy0mMnlL_le7KBpBfXo_pZQNb-A/s320/DSC00449a.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With the switchbacks, we frequently got views that looked like we would fall off the end of the trail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdpYHYVhxkfY3gXJ4-TlDSUC1Tle0eoX1g4WxX4kPZ1fnbQY6sjC-_1bXBnbfoBiKbXtWHfX_ngJfgqFldT-pjh6DksFyaO0MNKooW_WMbope5nHFPLrkRd2dUvz9KV_UJyVlmw/s1600/DSC00449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdpYHYVhxkfY3gXJ4-TlDSUC1Tle0eoX1g4WxX4kPZ1fnbQY6sjC-_1bXBnbfoBiKbXtWHfX_ngJfgqFldT-pjh6DksFyaO0MNKooW_WMbope5nHFPLrkRd2dUvz9KV_UJyVlmw/s320/DSC00449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But the trail always turned and we never fell off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShKHr268vElSCaerE8CIdRsYd34HFHo8pJ6fwN4KMUEr6glpLfOgRrsrk933ei9msENdx48NjhBty99ZZLBZnX-eQNwZz44KAmjSFkQ97Kx_FP8C-3JDegyxz3-EFPlKEeHo_uA/s1600/DSC00451a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShKHr268vElSCaerE8CIdRsYd34HFHo8pJ6fwN4KMUEr6glpLfOgRrsrk933ei9msENdx48NjhBty99ZZLBZnX-eQNwZz44KAmjSFkQ97Kx_FP8C-3JDegyxz3-EFPlKEeHo_uA/s320/DSC00451a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally we reached camp near Chikisca. The crew was already there and had our tents set up and waiting for us. My knee was throbbing from the descent, so I took about 600 mg of ibuprofen a few minutes before tea time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vg82qHz18lXA0mG1S993WDkBWqdE4rIX_VL4FZkYErbgQlbOPLThW8hwVwaSB77lr7HtS7xhrWWHqESjFbaWm-Lh4jPVVKXYmJf547osPZPOqQFlJIg8_LnOlNlW7yYoPe6X0w/s1600/DSC00451b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vg82qHz18lXA0mG1S993WDkBWqdE4rIX_VL4FZkYErbgQlbOPLThW8hwVwaSB77lr7HtS7xhrWWHqESjFbaWm-Lh4jPVVKXYmJf547osPZPOqQFlJIg8_LnOlNlW7yYoPe6X0w/s320/DSC00451b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We all sat down to enjoy tea. I was famished and ate a bit too much of the wontons, popcorn and cookies. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2BeSm7IF6n6vkO5iLPlS58e4IidwuLHxvc8HSWdgSB9mgvmG-3mf5ZHFBjGX83axlqL5QzbB9vD7gPHyNvx8g1FwFMJbxK2ZrbeksAOwNwc8BJyRmKlwSdApvXP2jgJS9OhDjw/s1600/DSC00451c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2BeSm7IF6n6vkO5iLPlS58e4IidwuLHxvc8HSWdgSB9mgvmG-3mf5ZHFBjGX83axlqL5QzbB9vD7gPHyNvx8g1FwFMJbxK2ZrbeksAOwNwc8BJyRmKlwSdApvXP2jgJS9OhDjw/s320/DSC00451c.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My stomach was feeling a bit upset, so I took a short nap between tea and dinner. Still feeling overly full, I barely ate any dinner and had to add another layer of fleece because I was feeling chilled. Immediately after dinner, I ran to the bathroom and promptly threw up everything I ate. Not fun! For the rest of the night, I wore a path into the ground between my tent and the bathrooms, getting sick from one end or the other all night long.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hiking Stats:</strong><br />
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles<br />
Duration: 5 hours<br />
Elevation gain: 250m / 820'<br />
Elevation loss: 1200m / 3,936'<br />
<br />
Camping at 1950m / 6,398'Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-6388157802228677582011-09-09T22:15:00.000-07:002011-09-13T13:22:32.165-07:00The Ultimate Trek: eating, hiking, and sleeping my way to Choquequirao and Machu PicchuAfter months of training, I was finally starting the <a href="http://apus-peru.com/greatruins_realadv.htm">Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek</a> through Apus-Peru. Due to a canceled flight, one of the group members arrived the morning of the trek, delaying our start time by 2 hours. I enjoyed sleeping those extra two hours and leaving the hotel at 8 am instead of 6 am. Thanks Brad! :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong><u>OUR DAILY ROUTINE </u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>aka </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Eat Hike Sleep... Eat Hike Sleep... Repeat 5X/Day for 8 Days</strong></div>
<br />
We basically followed the same routine each day, although starting and ending times varied a bit. Generally, one of the horsemen woke us in the morning with a hot cup of coca tea. We then had 15-30 minutes to get dressed, pack up our gear and day packs, and meet for breakfast.<br />
<br />
Breakfast consisted of a hot liquid porridge/gruel made of some kind of grain. For the first half of the trip, I tried the porridge each day, but usually could not choke down more than a sip or two (disclaimer: I don't like hot cereals like oatmeal or cream of wheat). By the end of the trip, I didn't even bother to taste it anymore. One day we had hot chocolate instead, which I happily consumed. We also had bread, butter, and strawberry jam each day. We also had fresh fruit, or pancakes with caramel sauce, or an omelet. The food was accompanied by hot water and an assortment of teas, hot chocolate powder, and instant coffee.<br />
<br />
After breakfast we usually had about 15 minutes to use the restroom, brush our teeth, finish packing, and fill our water bottles before heading out for the day. Note about the restroom. At some of the camps we had actual toilets, but at most we did not. Sometimes there was an established squat or pit toilet (no seat!). If there was no toilet at all, the trekking company dug a hole in the ground and put a tent around the hole for privacy. I had interpreted the "toilet tent" that they mentioned on their website as having a portable chemical/camping toilet or at least having a bucket to sit on above the hole in the ground. Was I shocked the first time I needed to use it!<br />
<br />
Following breakfast, we started the hike for the day. On most days, we would hike about 2.5-3 hours before we stopped at a "rest stop" for a snack. Our daily snack consisted of a piece of fresh fruit (apple, orange, banana) and a small package of cookies or cereal bars. About half the time, we stopped for a snack in a small village where additional fruit, cookies, chips, soft drinks, or water could be purchased.<br />
<br />
After our snack and a short rest (15-20 minutes) we would hike for an additional 2-3 hours until we reached the lunch spot. The lunches were amazing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbdBf0Rnlf7iW-hL2jcqiyw2euxYZpEr0TNacEhL0fkwXI7TIrZWm26nzp5V2FyvFq6oHp_v1kHApX3YL8j1Gx9lAGZDR8jAOpmJtwd2kg29bCKgs7SiVpck8Y1C17bj8v4DMyA/s1600/DSC00651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbdBf0Rnlf7iW-hL2jcqiyw2euxYZpEr0TNacEhL0fkwXI7TIrZWm26nzp5V2FyvFq6oHp_v1kHApX3YL8j1Gx9lAGZDR8jAOpmJtwd2kg29bCKgs7SiVpck8Y1C17bj8v4DMyA/s320/DSC00651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We would start with an appetizer like this pizza</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeIEWL_qldsWnBVA6aHr2xXE1HOr0jVx3x-2ejFy-8VjdQopGMv39CqFvqjsJJjCV74ntuX-BNU6y1sqqUiLVAgen1r6sYGhrxkR5GanL3AJ7QcEkQEk5cfS9GFkTKoarQdrUNA/s1600/DSC00764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeIEWL_qldsWnBVA6aHr2xXE1HOr0jVx3x-2ejFy-8VjdQopGMv39CqFvqjsJJjCV74ntuX-BNU6y1sqqUiLVAgen1r6sYGhrxkR5GanL3AJ7QcEkQEk5cfS9GFkTKoarQdrUNA/s320/DSC00764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or this ham and asparagus dish.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcb-cyefWxFeMcRw3w-K5eRvevpZicbT9ul8BFyAurBnVsshoQOmx4PCqhTPP66TqRso3ZYxtrVLG8NN18Tfb4lX1gL7C_ZUpzpFlPivfnqNC70uptK_Eu26B0fY2_Netn4IQlA/s1600/DSC00765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcb-cyefWxFeMcRw3w-K5eRvevpZicbT9ul8BFyAurBnVsshoQOmx4PCqhTPP66TqRso3ZYxtrVLG8NN18Tfb4lX1gL7C_ZUpzpFlPivfnqNC70uptK_Eu26B0fY2_Netn4IQlA/s320/DSC00765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The appetizer was then followed by a bowl of hot soup. Most of the time it was a broth soup with vegetables and a grain (wheat, oats, rice, quinoa) but sometimes it was a vegetable puree (mushroom or asparagus).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L8wjYl14GXIi8r-XRPAaUfIFc0Fss55J6f_bOXI9LGQ0nHl8a4ca57ila-DyGtNEsFOYGq3W3NhWTG-WX72S6eXQnHvH6FlbVrSU-NwEAk-6Qh4Mb7ZXxJ9akuzhHUU9liR1VA/s1600/DSC00766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L8wjYl14GXIi8r-XRPAaUfIFc0Fss55J6f_bOXI9LGQ0nHl8a4ca57ila-DyGtNEsFOYGq3W3NhWTG-WX72S6eXQnHvH6FlbVrSU-NwEAk-6Qh4Mb7ZXxJ9akuzhHUU9liR1VA/s320/DSC00766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Following the soup, we had the main dish and sides. Most of the time they were served family/buffet style.We had a meat dish that was usually beef or chicken. In this case it was orange chicken.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3vpCieTa9VYBwbAKotzqQwfN8cXTNkAYYbwzy7avVSsmDDJujHOFbRyZb2tXcgvY7feeC_xJe65OrD9LyCXVf4k4rkcC6VuW-17Ur3nmQVCIIQX2dnJqEEhaz4CHDJdR2V5W_Q/s1600/DSC00767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3vpCieTa9VYBwbAKotzqQwfN8cXTNkAYYbwzy7avVSsmDDJujHOFbRyZb2tXcgvY7feeC_xJe65OrD9LyCXVf4k4rkcC6VuW-17Ur3nmQVCIIQX2dnJqEEhaz4CHDJdR2V5W_Q/s320/DSC00767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also had vegetables, beans or lentils, and at least one kind of starch (rice, potatoes, and/or pasta). It was impossible to still be hungry after lunch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg005n7WP1Evnsq2_cgPEboOgLJh0d-4t_GdSM-u0S30aJCNfsoE2epAstYN5N5Y8uBfo02Rs7VTCtPrR8f6n49dqJodYxJ56a8hjIULG09PdOfjcRzkHylXk-ZBW8_d3Y6apq_og/s1600/DSC00404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg005n7WP1Evnsq2_cgPEboOgLJh0d-4t_GdSM-u0S30aJCNfsoE2epAstYN5N5Y8uBfo02Rs7VTCtPrR8f6n49dqJodYxJ56a8hjIULG09PdOfjcRzkHylXk-ZBW8_d3Y6apq_og/s320/DSC00404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There were a couple of times when we had a plated lunch - when the cook didn't have access to a kitchen or the "kitchen tent". This fried rice and stuffed chicken was our picnic lunch on the first day just outside of Cachora before we actually started hiking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tb79agFuGc8rPnrssUsqJSPEcsjjOhQqbHn3CAcko25gtyJK6NlGq4JkUAZjvdOmtyIWnY30AL23FXRKzEZG6UM__dsWOC4Bmiik2dyJHWIU-TYd6Fx8akgxG1bhqr4nSj-Mg/s1600/DSC00652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tb79agFuGc8rPnrssUsqJSPEcsjjOhQqbHn3CAcko25gtyJK6NlGq4JkUAZjvdOmtyIWnY30AL23FXRKzEZG6UM__dsWOC4Bmiik2dyJHWIU-TYd6Fx8akgxG1bhqr4nSj-Mg/s320/DSC00652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This stuffed chili pepper and rice was the plated picnic lunch we had (along with the pizza and a bowl of mushroom soup) at the top of the Abra Victoria pass at 4130m/13,546' elevation.<br />
<br />
We typically spent 1-2 hours at each lunch stop. Sometimes we ate almost immediately after arriving, but usually we had time for a 15-20 minute rest (nap) before lunch and another 15-20 minute digestion period following lunch. <br />
<br />
After lunch, we would hike an addition 2-3 hours to our campsite. We usually arrived at the campsite in the late afternoon, but twice we arrived right around dusk.<br />
<br />
Shortly after arriving at the campsite, we would have tea. Depending on how much time we had before tea, we might take a nap, a shower if available, wash some clothes, or just kick back and relax.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1QG6HgdU5_RAAQrzHw2fPSBpOScvz0io7AYcZpcx9AAXqWSm4eOxw0cT99j-9Fq3ug642cfTDieqXdAmNhsRbPWVeXSuiEcdhzKZlbNq4M7jWVLfKx25S0nENh8UAwg2VRjlNg/s1600/DSC00772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1QG6HgdU5_RAAQrzHw2fPSBpOScvz0io7AYcZpcx9AAXqWSm4eOxw0cT99j-9Fq3ug642cfTDieqXdAmNhsRbPWVeXSuiEcdhzKZlbNq4M7jWVLfKx25S0nENh8UAwg2VRjlNg/s320/DSC00772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On most nights, we would have fried "wontons" that were filled with fried bananas, cheese, ham, or covered with caramel sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWFIKXg69LV3cpc9HdZvrbrMzGp9i-4i9XxN4Bw9ttK5YbYDl8RoYznJ3vvKuuPp_1TeTN-vPnVtFgdra6Gyx9tqvQnrwjkLdcqfafIHilGr56ugTwq3WaPX9FJPzrLo7Xg3wDw/s1600/DSC00773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWFIKXg69LV3cpc9HdZvrbrMzGp9i-4i9XxN4Bw9ttK5YbYDl8RoYznJ3vvKuuPp_1TeTN-vPnVtFgdra6Gyx9tqvQnrwjkLdcqfafIHilGr56ugTwq3WaPX9FJPzrLo7Xg3wDw/s320/DSC00773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We would also have cookies and a big plate of popcorn. Of course, we would have an assortment of teas (tea bags and coca leaves), instant coffee, and hot chocolate mix. We got a good laugh one night when somebody actually read the label on the tea bags and discovered the brand was Hornimans. It was even funnier when we tried to explain to our guide why we found the name so funny.<br />
<br />
Following tea, we would have about 1 hour before dinner. By this time it was dark and usually cold. We typically went to our tents to read, chat, or nap until we were called for dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvbdmSaAgsteruOPxuCnqZSD8o8cCl8PAF5waEywQFZHI0Vgxu3ft4vJ2lWbFmiPm8xrRnTfzVeuitcljOiLatweN3C9LeTRj9trdJ_Hil21zzobMUEyVYksxK5q_X_KU-d6fPA/s1600/DSC00686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvbdmSaAgsteruOPxuCnqZSD8o8cCl8PAF5waEywQFZHI0Vgxu3ft4vJ2lWbFmiPm8xrRnTfzVeuitcljOiLatweN3C9LeTRj9trdJ_Hil21zzobMUEyVYksxK5q_X_KU-d6fPA/s320/DSC00686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Dinner would start with a bowl of hot soup, similar to the types served at lunch (but never a repeat of that day's lunch).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A6Idxuz5ekqm0QOlFLJhTeMB5mblgKgmW1RNk-vggfXeu7JyxM7P-J_UkYsg6V-uCWyZQvMz2dGxDPzBJdVYlBBO7c9LlCck369m18aFgOvg7GJgSNsp_qQgXnzExqvJFxWsyQ/s1600/DSC00689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A6Idxuz5ekqm0QOlFLJhTeMB5mblgKgmW1RNk-vggfXeu7JyxM7P-J_UkYsg6V-uCWyZQvMz2dGxDPzBJdVYlBBO7c9LlCck369m18aFgOvg7GJgSNsp_qQgXnzExqvJFxWsyQ/s320/DSC00689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We would also have at least one starch (usually 2 or 3): pasta, rice, potatoes, yucca, etc., often with a warm vegetable sauce (tomato and onions) to scoop over it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs_dIA8yGv-lzf-f602ThcIBVataH70_owSoMlx3tiiRv9GvMOM5cD84y1v-00PPv9q34wIlmO7pnsPWgM6hQdVrI2ma2pgmhGnf5MPqFkTCeA5lYETglPCuIwNKV5ZLFfVU6IQ/s1600/DSC00690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs_dIA8yGv-lzf-f602ThcIBVataH70_owSoMlx3tiiRv9GvMOM5cD84y1v-00PPv9q34wIlmO7pnsPWgM6hQdVrI2ma2pgmhGnf5MPqFkTCeA5lYETglPCuIwNKV5ZLFfVU6IQ/s320/DSC00690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We also had a vegetable dish. In this case it is beets, carrots, and green beans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5xdwQPyQ95brMOpQq6keJOUXPwvk7735qyUZDZx8gyudBKKjqJ2m27VKnZX9L6fgjClOz3Zu0SH93K8bHwnjop5W-EL15boTYukizl0S0WhQXwHIkSZegftCilT0bhsRPiyxUg/s1600/DSC00688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5xdwQPyQ95brMOpQq6keJOUXPwvk7735qyUZDZx8gyudBKKjqJ2m27VKnZX9L6fgjClOz3Zu0SH93K8bHwnjop5W-EL15boTYukizl0S0WhQXwHIkSZegftCilT0bhsRPiyxUg/s320/DSC00688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And we had a meat dish. The dish above is fried cuy (Guinea pig) with battered and fried yucca root. Most of the time the meat was chicken or beef, and we also had fish one night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jRBBUe_UI8W7wLC1fqyQCkm5FOMotTvY86YjMnLHWg_-nSsT0frx4Gk1Bh07PWfELzVAh9Iv1pcVsCqZqKtkIJVJXn2YYqOTV8h8_LbG2lSBmVOYAjbvC3_j78p4BrThqIWKUQ/s1600/DSC00771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jRBBUe_UI8W7wLC1fqyQCkm5FOMotTvY86YjMnLHWg_-nSsT0frx4Gk1Bh07PWfELzVAh9Iv1pcVsCqZqKtkIJVJXn2YYqOTV8h8_LbG2lSBmVOYAjbvC3_j78p4BrThqIWKUQ/s320/DSC00771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Our cook Herbert did a great job of keeping us well fed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Following dinner, we would chat a bit about what we saw during the day, discuss the morning's hike, have another cup of tea, and then head off to our tents for bed.Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-7004685813250502982011-09-05T23:10:00.000-07:002011-09-09T23:10:53.867-07:00Kachina Trail, Flagstaff AZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn01X6mtpxDv1XOdAor116G38hX2g_ekEg0UmFXU_YHrWgL4DEdjwt4suZ6qs8tddNKtF-H28f-mvV8rbqXqkjolJc92rZC2rWPymfyY6r3CikWtHpL1ycXm59yak7219JonAeg/s1600/P1000095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn01X6mtpxDv1XOdAor116G38hX2g_ekEg0UmFXU_YHrWgL4DEdjwt4suZ6qs8tddNKtF-H28f-mvV8rbqXqkjolJc92rZC2rWPymfyY6r3CikWtHpL1ycXm59yak7219JonAeg/s320/P1000095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had Monday off to celebrate Labor Day. It was a nice day in Phoenix when I headed up to Flagstaff to hike the Kachina Trail. I thought this would be a nice trail to get out of the heat, but since there were no significant elevation gains, it would be fairly easy on my knees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb-2sliSeln5b3hHj7hX3D7tIacWMemmjixjVfdfEhT0LxED7I99hMar8YQhjkRzA75_RsmN8B0LfqDDtnbgVncXDQ0py7t8rlGkwn2eAXmb_zduRWXUNRXyyv_pWcp_o81ZKfA/s1600/P1000097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb-2sliSeln5b3hHj7hX3D7tIacWMemmjixjVfdfEhT0LxED7I99hMar8YQhjkRzA75_RsmN8B0LfqDDtnbgVncXDQ0py7t8rlGkwn2eAXmb_zduRWXUNRXyyv_pWcp_o81ZKfA/s320/P1000097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The hike started out nice, walking through the woods and into fields of wildflowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG9g7cdcv5kKRAgz8epnO5gpdarGwk9Vq2aNFEB26OBW9Lx2wIQjBupXUps1xymbzCuJlp8-weQBONnuNsWV6KSnN7PyyFY38t3WuoI-JEgg0_-TYTQSp_sSukNzvqerd9WZofQ/s1600/P1000099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG9g7cdcv5kKRAgz8epnO5gpdarGwk9Vq2aNFEB26OBW9Lx2wIQjBupXUps1xymbzCuJlp8-weQBONnuNsWV6KSnN7PyyFY38t3WuoI-JEgg0_-TYTQSp_sSukNzvqerd9WZofQ/s320/P1000099.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtNPVuhiu9K8-aGVvR_KIA6niKS0OJ5qqm-J_gpqF3N34oUh1Y7teUW4HEbkep1_sff8algJZ3UrDKD08QFZSlRtuXXqg8C7yd_PHmZLSUDHxO8hIo0zJW9CFH4-etE0q78IojA/s1600/P1000098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtNPVuhiu9K8-aGVvR_KIA6niKS0OJ5qqm-J_gpqF3N34oUh1Y7teUW4HEbkep1_sff8algJZ3UrDKD08QFZSlRtuXXqg8C7yd_PHmZLSUDHxO8hIo0zJW9CFH4-etE0q78IojA/s320/P1000098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Along with all the flowers were bunches of caterpillars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVi55-KSanVKXda2kmTbxc2fT98P7RWL9LfcpN_HT9B8C3s_eCOaxT10uDEKbI2I6Pgn5pc7GqB7e6dUF6MEtI7ostwdvK5wefrtpTYTec1gd6Hd7FazX48V_YoZu2CQjDL-JRA/s1600/P1000107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVi55-KSanVKXda2kmTbxc2fT98P7RWL9LfcpN_HT9B8C3s_eCOaxT10uDEKbI2I6Pgn5pc7GqB7e6dUF6MEtI7ostwdvK5wefrtpTYTec1gd6Hd7FazX48V_YoZu2CQjDL-JRA/s320/P1000107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
About 4 miles into the trail, we hit a nice clearing and stopped for a snack. I couldn't resist the urge to hoop down the trail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkF-TAITH31vk-5riFlS6PqzohF5IlZOlA8TjQYLuptbDHU2Ca9uOfQlJrHKcIBpwG9dExdnIRyUxvOPnSEeW30rWWQ8ML1K0Gdw2NG4WXAtS1sASkObK9Y6n9VtPFx6K8oO4zw/s1600/P1000110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkF-TAITH31vk-5riFlS6PqzohF5IlZOlA8TjQYLuptbDHU2Ca9uOfQlJrHKcIBpwG9dExdnIRyUxvOPnSEeW30rWWQ8ML1K0Gdw2NG4WXAtS1sASkObK9Y6n9VtPFx6K8oO4zw/s320/P1000110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't leave home without it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis86buq-NlSiHcx4dIGzVshOx0YhOYYOkS49RzmVJU32jJNwFvqXHHl6Co4MRn6ArZHRP2rSYCimIj7F6s9PjbvZlw-52mVmn13j-k5e5Zne7w1l_WEBAxyLMi-Ehhr6m4Ml3kA/s1600/P1000103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis86buq-NlSiHcx4dIGzVshOx0YhOYYOkS49RzmVJU32jJNwFvqXHHl6Co4MRn6ArZHRP2rSYCimIj7F6s9PjbvZlw-52mVmn13j-k5e5Zne7w1l_WEBAxyLMi-Ehhr6m4Ml3kA/s320/P1000103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then scary-looking rain clouds started moving in over the mountains. We decided to cut the hike short and turn around where we were, rather than hiking the full 5.2 miles before returning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vxaAjjN7AXcvWniKuAByxF0AnVSgS8H2iVOA_VVDVH9XenRjAMX_kHUTOSHB1m2h34x3gAj692WDavmF4PGgu4X8LVGbQnj2x7UDmz4k9pe_-WEJzjjX50-N5GS-zIiOZ00xpg/s1600/P1000117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vxaAjjN7AXcvWniKuAByxF0AnVSgS8H2iVOA_VVDVH9XenRjAMX_kHUTOSHB1m2h34x3gAj692WDavmF4PGgu4X8LVGbQnj2x7UDmz4k9pe_-WEJzjjX50-N5GS-zIiOZ00xpg/s320/P1000117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a good thing we did! We hadn't hiked more than 5 minutes back when we started feeling sprinkles. Then we heard thunder and it really started raining. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUf47_Y9F_TB_YOaiiQ9bWYMYjmMMzIFnw9DKj9IBY041iyEzwiNyn3cW2VUs4uE3A4vIic-dnFGVmt1O3YgNPWdxwUrb10CA9rJnDJH_xzgBhaCBE2uPaaq5KfOLOmyM-a3B8Q/s1600/P1000121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUf47_Y9F_TB_YOaiiQ9bWYMYjmMMzIFnw9DKj9IBY041iyEzwiNyn3cW2VUs4uE3A4vIic-dnFGVmt1O3YgNPWdxwUrb10CA9rJnDJH_xzgBhaCBE2uPaaq5KfOLOmyM-a3B8Q/s320/P1000121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily most of the rain stopped when we were about half way back to the parking lot, and my pants had a chance to dry off before getting to the parking lot. They were a bit damp and muddy below the knees, but quicky dried once I was back in the car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even with the cold rain, it was a nice break from Phoenix and a great way to spend the day.</div>
Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-25077641155661451122011-08-29T22:53:00.000-07:002011-08-29T22:55:20.741-07:00Butterfly Trail - Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmilfuIynov0066zratTPKXhqwjdLwypK0NXaLQwIEYkWtKq2LPAb7LTZgDfpBSsNOsEDSfn3W2eJHIjTkTVXH4kOCd4hs6Wm4Ym4u9zv6gXv1YL2t5pIxehcxNmYHz9mUtD8yPQ/s1600/DSC00991.jpg"><span style="color: black;"></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646506851718981954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmilfuIynov0066zratTPKXhqwjdLwypK0NXaLQwIEYkWtKq2LPAb7LTZgDfpBSsNOsEDSfn3W2eJHIjTkTVXH4kOCd4hs6Wm4Ym4u9zv6gXv1YL2t5pIxehcxNmYHz9mUtD8yPQ/s400/DSC00991.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 245px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This weekend the hiking group headed down to Tucson to hike the <a href="http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=20">Butterfly Trail</a> in the Santa Catalina Mountains (on Mount Lemmon).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505890389358322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WdyaRR65EGOnWmSjwDxFOrVwKCfpTXZRLfR3zC95G8TeclGW1MEljbShzhEmKSbU2l6sguabvHWa2FKdE9IJODTQlXRTlIANFgibRNAz11QK64RP_i853_tzs_QCDFOutmnqBg/s400/DSC01013.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />The trail lived up to its name with lots of butterflies, but it was so much more. In order to have butterflies, there were also lots of wildflowers, including these asters.<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIjgk5V_F4S_n7MFplKZ4cYiPM-Qo9hf4gYO3LeRm5IE5eZ3IaeOVQp0WiovQ3kTB29IUQcgaPLLXGfSSkfqdDKpdJnZJlI8Bj3aLywHvzhSCQjvw9njR4Ik5c4qSaHxXWcFrHQ/s1600/DSC01003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646506755174977842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIjgk5V_F4S_n7MFplKZ4cYiPM-Qo9hf4gYO3LeRm5IE5eZ3IaeOVQp0WiovQ3kTB29IUQcgaPLLXGfSSkfqdDKpdJnZJlI8Bj3aLywHvzhSCQjvw9njR4Ik5c4qSaHxXWcFrHQ/s400/DSC01003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646506738417721570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLi-YkGjGJmQSGDjnkmAdh_6g_-qZRJ_DlWMWUR1LRKzuOCVx4zaG1LWukXQED35uYsC7JjFLr7TU0qVw2q0ujBVCU4RC-yQ25hXG8a05gvPNAAZmDRqCzUAnW0HGPVktYkj9BA/s400/DSC00992.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 380px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Yellow columbine<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505903280542466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRw_acnTP-MRoinok4OcPOWO4tUWiDS8wdJllY-0GOPAfnNTRF7-dxcuC-ELtTmWVRdtEk40kA9GXD2FfP2K72_YSKjMDMbg1MaXWuWS5paUgxfabGSD5WNYK93U2UH7jsBbIaw/s400/DSC01006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" />Indian paintbrush (with a grasshopper)<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505883239179778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2-8224zDDSmi6Lr1ii-waW6VL8Hc50FpTXGFldvTxRR6RI_QoLymNpewqNT8MydBe13M0yf5TgYrwwUyReZl5DJ3UewELrz-d_hrAtWA0E9Bm0qUevx-8-s10IbFk46KHfgqwQ/s400/crimsonmonkeyflower.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div><div>Crimson monkeyflower</div><div></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646506744747250658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz459Apt1VBHQqF2Fn8vsjavc8mFAjvJV0KtQm1lZpSxZ3yan12lWkOq5haVugpPrZ5z2foUoWqI8ZPvwgAC3vYxonzYSomNaK0bnkvUVTH6YEHPXxFiJeutFJzRo10OO-t6wTXA/s400/DSC00994.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />The trail was a bit different than I anticipated. I had originally thought that most of it would be ascending up the mountain. Since my knee was still a bit fatigued from my Peru trip, that was a good thing.<br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505898325825138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxOFMyJ2pMrIj35S8qs0THLrP9qeqyBBX93-xtOXFxNoYG7fbMwyOwEDuedfyd92gxaLnsObT2mhl6eDPDpVVIg8ghqsoYse3cN7qPBTJtY544uBW8uK6ON9LDVo8cDV9PeRjVg/s400/DSC01010.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Unfortunately, over half of the trail was spent descending into a ravine to the spring before we could ascend back out.<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuXWK-Hlbu-I7i3tBOVf-H_SF_rxysPrCFWHKej3PJ5GUbxPWIp9mGBj-RuYGT_6mANyFIP3OpZhVKHUnQtiEHT5RqOp1neVJ9uJXTcOvj56FiF-R2z6vMbINOGIyUmsqjiyqxQ/s1600/DSC01008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646506730787816242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuXWK-Hlbu-I7i3tBOVf-H_SF_rxysPrCFWHKej3PJ5GUbxPWIp9mGBj-RuYGT_6mANyFIP3OpZhVKHUnQtiEHT5RqOp1neVJ9uJXTcOvj56FiF-R2z6vMbINOGIyUmsqjiyqxQ/s400/DSC01008.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 231px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Despite the longer descent - and my throbbing knees - the trail was pretty and there were delights like these wild raspberries growing along the way.<br />
<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl1VJfFycf9-9HZQRvSmentB7pAGcrr-jbL4yanfizqlWKMkLj91Q9qXV-VTLSwIJHLATAzKo-aVREwRfcz9nDy0Ouc6EHLwtoW7ODHT7X80Ua-farFb1_3fbNAZr_31m-nfMmA/s1600/DSC01009.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505895540747634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl1VJfFycf9-9HZQRvSmentB7pAGcrr-jbL4yanfizqlWKMkLj91Q9qXV-VTLSwIJHLATAzKo-aVREwRfcz9nDy0Ouc6EHLwtoW7ODHT7X80Ua-farFb1_3fbNAZr_31m-nfMmA/s400/DSC01009.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>There were also interesting beetles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0LWGtht26PYwMJTT63W5IEt9SE-8gTUzHhAZo6g77zRiROaWkgBgQuy6sJMMy1xGXxmaSU8X1Dgv8UZf2u3djHwUoZ4hgXoczc-EeN2KfXazYX9gwILdpiKaT6X11YX_PEgUXA/s1600/DSC00996.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646511388096989746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0LWGtht26PYwMJTT63W5IEt9SE-8gTUzHhAZo6g77zRiROaWkgBgQuy6sJMMy1xGXxmaSU8X1Dgv8UZf2u3djHwUoZ4hgXoczc-EeN2KfXazYX9gwILdpiKaT6X11YX_PEgUXA/s400/DSC00996.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>including these Pleasing Fungus Beetles<br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505088708349442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U5W1PLxFi8bs3nae2b4cmzNq6Xssv0uDfGpk36Wk1Vc0AZWp-bxkfPWWkPFCbLCvs3JwkNotOi08gTL67D4Ktve6Fd_uW1PdtdC-PjcKw12utN46uHuWQW77fVC3dtuYPYMQrQ/s400/DSC01036.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />and their creepy looking larvae/pupae that were hanging off a log.<br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505096670901202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0-9m1KeC1HS5SjTpvbv4SsjLykk386WxzXcnEvxey7qUNPi5CYHeRdcAMYtjzi8tLp7krwC5ZRf5BUWQ-gFkEtdnub36XYeZ3bTKVNVfzmlcTsWj0YC0-8-hT6thOylF6jTyRg/s400/DSC01034.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />I was thrilled when we finally reached the climb. My knee was happier and I could go full throttle and race up the hills.<br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505112581989714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsguao8-a2R1MEAOwKXmBNbcp36BGUOKRvmEV1E4xE4nxWRzHl5UnzxRmzi9gPLyqMSwUPTG23cJ9qv0ULgoLGSNdGs84FfwaBjDLvG9_cjZi4V5dPb_MTNN37We4vupTVkl4jA/s400/DSC01027.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" />This gave me the chance to break out my hoop and play for a while as I waited for some of the others to catch up.<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkWHvHNOcKH8eGpRXpAtWy1zKvIS1nF16OzxwFZliXgdqD_2WG6sm7V1E1nroDVpWEm7i5OUoFGpEJUVQsoXLe9thukxmzbr1n0Nxpk3FvAqNui9aOU-UMmM-wbqR9RgS47Qz-g/s1600/DSC01041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646505086456146738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkWHvHNOcKH8eGpRXpAtWy1zKvIS1nF16OzxwFZliXgdqD_2WG6sm7V1E1nroDVpWEm7i5OUoFGpEJUVQsoXLe9thukxmzbr1n0Nxpk3FvAqNui9aOU-UMmM-wbqR9RgS47Qz-g/s400/DSC01041.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Just as we finished the hike, we saw this mushroom, that looked like it was straight out of Alice in Wonderland.</div><div></div><div>After a bit of confusion about where the cars were parked (we did a shuttle), we climbed into the shuttle car and then into the minivan that we carpooled to Tucson in. As we headed down the mountain, we hoped that there was enough gas to make it to the first station (luckily, there was - but just under a half gallon left when we filled up!)</div><div><b></b> </div><div><b>Trail Stats:</b></div><div>Distance Hiking = 5.7 miles<br />
Trailhead Elevation = 7725 feet<br />
Elevation Gain = 1800 feet<br />
Avg Time Hiking = 3 hours (we took 4 hours, including breaks and lots of pictures)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-28185454470258613252011-07-31T23:33:00.000-07:002011-12-29T15:15:49.270-08:00Humphrey's Peak, Flagstaff AZA few friends and I decided to skip the hiking group and organize our own hike up <a href="http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=64">Humphrey's Peak</a> on Sunday. Brian and I had both hiked this mountain before, but it was a first for Bree and Ellen.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636869494964015458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO34dadfXfaKX7jMeTit6pP9-_p_lCagUS_w2M6nC9Fe8dBQt4qQqPUt0GbvsWRlgSrGO33jGaocxfg7P6QXdizp_FNlT7QsXktcwtxWSJfEH3f_cTrhJjlLvPsdRtJmOxLtPQQ/s400/010.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />We started at the trail head with beautiful warm sunny weather.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90lO8cvl7v5e9dFVahePDAAxnkI3sPpN0ycm__L9owKy14oBxK-fDJe0naqWL7E3qk62Wj4WHrJnqs2qm4-pXgZgPotFa80jAuvQK-UFz-zFj7e71Idh1KD350UUPr_iHvHBI4Q/s1600/012.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636869484037371090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90lO8cvl7v5e9dFVahePDAAxnkI3sPpN0ycm__L9owKy14oBxK-fDJe0naqWL7E3qk62Wj4WHrJnqs2qm4-pXgZgPotFa80jAuvQK-UFz-zFj7e71Idh1KD350UUPr_iHvHBI4Q/s400/012.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>After hiking the connector trail through a nice field of flowers under the Snowbowl ski lifts, we reached the actual trail for Humphreys Peak.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qPtqFgMhm-Ujmx5-fapUSNAvjfsQ4dk50dT6NuWa7-grjhstR6h15zmt5qRWeH6gaZJpv-WGOo1ckkg2PBFdTbbcYOzYFTA4GjUDxZbIFzHyHL9Pv7Xw2LFmxQ2Hmnba0NrtGA/s1600/013.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636869481728791394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qPtqFgMhm-Ujmx5-fapUSNAvjfsQ4dk50dT6NuWa7-grjhstR6h15zmt5qRWeH6gaZJpv-WGOo1ckkg2PBFdTbbcYOzYFTA4GjUDxZbIFzHyHL9Pv7Xw2LFmxQ2Hmnba0NrtGA/s400/013.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Bree signed the log book for the group.<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj9I3swsNEyDhQztOpiYd73pUz0hOVY7llKEajfR3Xm-vVXgeid6Sv-qFmJOiE8QNvN_z4-5YB9WuG3GfNsrSI_R8qjjL00SyIkxqtwNn5KIwyuIAM8gT7yej3MX8kmM7L4e-JA/s1600/DSC00066.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636868919531212002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj9I3swsNEyDhQztOpiYd73pUz0hOVY7llKEajfR3Xm-vVXgeid6Sv-qFmJOiE8QNvN_z4-5YB9WuG3GfNsrSI_R8qjjL00SyIkxqtwNn5KIwyuIAM8gT7yej3MX8kmM7L4e-JA/s400/DSC00066.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIIjlz0smKH0RbR8gryEl4lB46fww2sWYYPU5bIyQwY_2Oz1fO-u0ZKR7WM3H6HcMtPxFuu2J4Z7yiXthpvWy1bfKjduOVUojydedR0Kg1cEvFgDhKDSVkLLRB_Z0qBz-_Yy2zg/s1600/DSC00072.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636868915827020210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIIjlz0smKH0RbR8gryEl4lB46fww2sWYYPU5bIyQwY_2Oz1fO-u0ZKR7WM3H6HcMtPxFuu2J4Z7yiXthpvWy1bfKjduOVUojydedR0Kg1cEvFgDhKDSVkLLRB_Z0qBz-_Yy2zg/s400/DSC00072.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>One of my favorite landmarks up the trail is the big field of boulders from a rock slide. It's about 1/3 of the way up and a nice place to stop for a snack. Plus it has some spectacular views. I enjoyed this spot more today than I did in <a href="http://laceytravels.blogspot.com/2011/06/hooping-on-humphreys.html">June</a> when it was cold and had spots of snow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AXyN_tJV3WrFa6NFELUINBM2wGDA-M9OyTfyOZfvsd44DVZ95qAcXFwG0VJG2NNVKD8llJoZZVXPPcN_tz95aPo4eYsQ7Vy7_GU2z77-7Hw2POlvZzP73A-6cONR1PFyRtr3wQ/s1600/DSC00078.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636868908215288594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AXyN_tJV3WrFa6NFELUINBM2wGDA-M9OyTfyOZfvsd44DVZ95qAcXFwG0VJG2NNVKD8llJoZZVXPPcN_tz95aPo4eYsQ7Vy7_GU2z77-7Hw2POlvZzP73A-6cONR1PFyRtr3wQ/s400/DSC00078.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBKBTnsvs3L65nmRW6vAaefpLp1UsBik_9PAGhSiuiAz0bwIGpnRShyH2SSQeRH_rW15kB5YqSAgTLPKnjPTAOjS8b5mbyy2_mIty42WRkq8kxG5zwlhlMWeRNAf0Yqct-6XlNw/s1600/DSC00083.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636866336372823714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBKBTnsvs3L65nmRW6vAaefpLp1UsBik_9PAGhSiuiAz0bwIGpnRShyH2SSQeRH_rW15kB5YqSAgTLPKnjPTAOjS8b5mbyy2_mIty42WRkq8kxG5zwlhlMWeRNAf0Yqct-6XlNw/s400/DSC00083.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Finally we reached the saddle. On the way up, a few people said the wind was really strong as you tried to approach the summit. We decided we would wait for Ellen to reach the saddle before heading to the summit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish_9wY2nMWlk0EgLLgude73DEBc6YUNQVDGgpYl_ZtGxCxZX7ItkYKz3S8g_1q7Y27ApHbwqowqt1RxwG2A-D7S0Va9wpohv9OGlbBgHKXLtgi_8eW4Sf1j4OAydMDU1BP8oqbg/s1600/DSC00081.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636866333494127362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish_9wY2nMWlk0EgLLgude73DEBc6YUNQVDGgpYl_ZtGxCxZX7ItkYKz3S8g_1q7Y27ApHbwqowqt1RxwG2A-D7S0Va9wpohv9OGlbBgHKXLtgi_8eW4Sf1j4OAydMDU1BP8oqbg/s400/DSC00081.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I used the waiting time to enjoy the great view.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyqxc6mKOGgxT8xugY5glj69yxgbfktu5BzJm6qpEMawcQYjn_tMPkuqhdulQOdVwhOMrh-HG3w3hsv26ktDj68XcebZw3j2WKKQUgCi5pgnT3Np8TaQSi0sgmX6jClUTO_4nXg/s1600/DSC00093.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636866327992780898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyqxc6mKOGgxT8xugY5glj69yxgbfktu5BzJm6qpEMawcQYjn_tMPkuqhdulQOdVwhOMrh-HG3w3hsv26ktDj68XcebZw3j2WKKQUgCi5pgnT3Np8TaQSi0sgmX6jClUTO_4nXg/s400/DSC00093.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>And then I just had to break out my hula hoop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7WY-8qsyyFrAcF81oJbq2K5uVviKIv7HekQtiS8HZ3u-QcP413HRJ2mTCVi2GIj_nzvly5wsL56N6xoU9oLz8_w76zRdZLtuC9MDldeSs0u9HTXeZxfqL11lAHVZlU07EyLeew/s1600/DSC00101.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636866325391406386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7WY-8qsyyFrAcF81oJbq2K5uVviKIv7HekQtiS8HZ3u-QcP413HRJ2mTCVi2GIj_nzvly5wsL56N6xoU9oLz8_w76zRdZLtuC9MDldeSs0u9HTXeZxfqL11lAHVZlU07EyLeew/s400/DSC00101.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Dark clouds started rolling across the mountains as I hooped it up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXmzKNUixqF6R3vArN4UazuZvf-d9ttl9WG1D7qENHmUgojMGq0ZKtiFEeB8Ee4pasXejZm8GunFpWSA1_mnLOzE1VumEHRAhlEQiMDVwiRJtE_eHDidekS-5tdGZTK7vXtfVRQ/s1600/DSCF0638.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636866319395745666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXmzKNUixqF6R3vArN4UazuZvf-d9ttl9WG1D7qENHmUgojMGq0ZKtiFEeB8Ee4pasXejZm8GunFpWSA1_mnLOzE1VumEHRAhlEQiMDVwiRJtE_eHDidekS-5tdGZTK7vXtfVRQ/s400/DSCF0638.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The wind picked up and it started raining.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzU0isamkfErQCbj7Ya6__ZMk4gB3HPXIzXz6gpA8ls703rCgIr91hzxt4ZxHpA05r_i-qdhNCZlqN1u9I-aMLwbelxAZpwhvQRNNwGmkLW-87eo2oRPLGtut5uskqx38cAtJSw/s1600/DSCF0634.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636864177676712946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzU0isamkfErQCbj7Ya6__ZMk4gB3HPXIzXz6gpA8ls703rCgIr91hzxt4ZxHpA05r_i-qdhNCZlqN1u9I-aMLwbelxAZpwhvQRNNwGmkLW-87eo2oRPLGtut5uskqx38cAtJSw/s400/DSCF0634.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Brian and I hid out in the "cave" a bit of a rocky outcropping that provided a nice wind break and shelter from the rain. The "cave" only had room for two, which left Bree out in the cold rain. She didn't seem to mind, as she was trying to entice a chipmunk to visit with her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj92ilKkpYSO3r0Ben-eymZxR8KBiatKz1egqkPsq3q8xOOdlyjpky1_DnTuOAsJRvb0JeR474mlwWwYBqZ4waJTimyYDoA5O5hiQ0dkP5AQsNZa_D6yLmIqsV7hiqCIXNqFRYnQ/s1600/023.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636864167146180562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj92ilKkpYSO3r0Ben-eymZxR8KBiatKz1egqkPsq3q8xOOdlyjpky1_DnTuOAsJRvb0JeR474mlwWwYBqZ4waJTimyYDoA5O5hiQ0dkP5AQsNZa_D6yLmIqsV7hiqCIXNqFRYnQ/s400/023.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>She was successful at getting one out of hiding (the peanuts in her trail mix helped a lot with this!!)<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRMErU4Lq_I3aw10YCa-I4jJVYyRI6Yw0yXCVHDS9sX4T6yYrNXz7grd6sJCqcmWaHVGSe3O5nHS5HfbatGSpAN4cOqPGTkMBh-OLLqbgfjah6SC-otFz57W5oQHSoGmrkmXZKQ/s1600/030.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636864162218750786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRMErU4Lq_I3aw10YCa-I4jJVYyRI6Yw0yXCVHDS9sX4T6yYrNXz7grd6sJCqcmWaHVGSe3O5nHS5HfbatGSpAN4cOqPGTkMBh-OLLqbgfjah6SC-otFz57W5oQHSoGmrkmXZKQ/s400/030.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Finally the weather cleared up, but we decided not to risk the weather by heading to the summit. Plus, Ellen wasn't at the saddle yet when we decided to start down. We ran into her shortly after we started our descent. Brian went back up to the saddle with her and Bree and I headed back down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMf4tM26dCx_oXvwfVzxp3gtgle0PdT59YWK6rSEDP4u_2eDHm3PlT3RGr1XMXp5kMbpWM-AFFX-xjD2GLTq5j-IN9ONl8X7P9RpWDH2nJXRCa8BX5VvhgMBJtv5cFAYNzuZyTQ/s1600/032.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636864159959756530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMf4tM26dCx_oXvwfVzxp3gtgle0PdT59YWK6rSEDP4u_2eDHm3PlT3RGr1XMXp5kMbpWM-AFFX-xjD2GLTq5j-IN9ONl8X7P9RpWDH2nJXRCa8BX5VvhgMBJtv5cFAYNzuZyTQ/s400/032.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The 11,4oo' elevation sign is another favorite landmark of mine on this trail.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYBwZBH_-tp8cZyFIioHomaHpDZTpS5ri9jDFNlLBuwu1iKnoit3WZmApXXIj3qpXAx9O4Peft0JVe5IzzNKWuDtE-4XcLmR667j1vL63Xgu6ucyA1GdWVnP0qPXtVSyHIu0lMA/s1600/040.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636862592447863778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYBwZBH_-tp8cZyFIioHomaHpDZTpS5ri9jDFNlLBuwu1iKnoit3WZmApXXIj3qpXAx9O4Peft0JVe5IzzNKWuDtE-4XcLmR667j1vL63Xgu6ucyA1GdWVnP0qPXtVSyHIu0lMA/s400/040.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Since we were waiting for Brian and Ellen, Bree and I took our time going back down the trail. We had fun climbing on trees, hiding in holes, and just goofing around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXDFUlqAUjZtS2MTPHA8zHl9WFDF8pSyqiM1jFib-KTPDDzn6I9g4EjzUI_LlZtBW5irhR-D7tGPn7mhDF9mT04j1kyu6mhTiy8NNPqxCH7TUCjiaz1sVB7Wp6N6pT3vX8cM08Q/s1600/043.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636862584091503346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXDFUlqAUjZtS2MTPHA8zHl9WFDF8pSyqiM1jFib-KTPDDzn6I9g4EjzUI_LlZtBW5irhR-D7tGPn7mhDF9mT04j1kyu6mhTiy8NNPqxCH7TUCjiaz1sVB7Wp6N6pT3vX8cM08Q/s400/043.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>On the way up, we noticed this tree in the field of flowers and thought it would make a great place to take pictures. There were several people with the same idea, so we decided we would catch it on the way down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu19DOo_MWMd94GLACxyb8BIDlwV08vi8qWNErwBoybEmXQmqCnA5_wxO2PVtqBQfWot9DiDgo1wlSYavIH5jdOfgPkTQL3u4lnyZ-H9Tgw2F0hJNufvuOfTQ_sM16SJ2qW0Ofig/s1600/068.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636862576847252850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu19DOo_MWMd94GLACxyb8BIDlwV08vi8qWNErwBoybEmXQmqCnA5_wxO2PVtqBQfWot9DiDgo1wlSYavIH5jdOfgPkTQL3u4lnyZ-H9Tgw2F0hJNufvuOfTQ_sM16SJ2qW0Ofig/s400/068.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Bree and I decided to wait for the others so we could take a group picture here. While we waited, I decided to hoop for a while. It was fun hooping up and down the trail, and trying to convince other hikers that I was hooping the entire trail (rather than a 40' section near this field).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPHhHD1VJ0bBkZpP0luBQWlAhk9jpqBPRLLAgmvOnpzva6Luc5wb3CH8H56AKO91DxoNQ7q8f5JfuLRSl_NEUJkpS_g-clFXrRPkLSXuA7fe9XsW3_rH_zId-GFvzrvk2ImCT7A/s1600/059.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636861932429191522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPHhHD1VJ0bBkZpP0luBQWlAhk9jpqBPRLLAgmvOnpzva6Luc5wb3CH8H56AKO91DxoNQ7q8f5JfuLRSl_NEUJkpS_g-clFXrRPkLSXuA7fe9XsW3_rH_zId-GFvzrvk2ImCT7A/s400/059.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>While waiting, I was able to really enjoy all the wildflowers...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBYO4wB-cVQlW_BYkhz6_dkR5-lo4yWs8YGHqSAk8NBTx10a17XxlkOuWehPswUOehLDA0tG-bV7erQj2F7QsCbv6tO2DPgPLUg9q7HfC8ncWLujHF-fYSM-61joUK5zqjFTuhw/s1600/057.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636624671744832338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBYO4wB-cVQlW_BYkhz6_dkR5-lo4yWs8YGHqSAk8NBTx10a17XxlkOuWehPswUOehLDA0tG-bV7erQj2F7QsCbv6tO2DPgPLUg9q7HfC8ncWLujHF-fYSM-61joUK5zqjFTuhw/s400/057.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>....and all the bugs on them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe8L_ReZjTaBEspW1ZNQqPTeBTmlic_rQ2G9XH9B_Sd26BAwy8edC7Rm9lG4CG86rx1ZaH45WYirRdVLSl55IUPe_ytuLTNiYLBUH7brmqFWGv3bo_O9P_Lttee0JN32dYZaBGg/s1600/DSCF0641.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636624663578682514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe8L_ReZjTaBEspW1ZNQqPTeBTmlic_rQ2G9XH9B_Sd26BAwy8edC7Rm9lG4CG86rx1ZaH45WYirRdVLSl55IUPe_ytuLTNiYLBUH7brmqFWGv3bo_O9P_Lttee0JN32dYZaBGg/s400/DSCF0641.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Bree and I waited so long that we fell asleep!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm5EYhI9T2wsD1J-OJI94m4VbfFxZisS_j1ftxuC2dU8uq5drEmmkS47-ME47oV3EyqXIsnS-_nVPBTJ5Ke1GQkUyczx26cdi1AKwln3seYoPcYnsNF9kwhTKFYS6rcYvEmMOuQ/s1600/DSC00105.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636624658366955746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm5EYhI9T2wsD1J-OJI94m4VbfFxZisS_j1ftxuC2dU8uq5drEmmkS47-ME47oV3EyqXIsnS-_nVPBTJ5Ke1GQkUyczx26cdi1AKwln3seYoPcYnsNF9kwhTKFYS6rcYvEmMOuQ/s400/DSC00105.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Finally they showed up and we could take a group picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9cx2E50ySVnc9SE1m5cnnnF_KidMaDbNwkofPp6zc-UjXDABS3Zq6m1TLrlS9wXZT7UdbzDKZLFm9s7zM96dRGwZtB6erKP0zKwfpflzFNbnZI8fReXeuHjOKLwjnXNY5PM1GA/s1600/079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636624654103214066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9cx2E50ySVnc9SE1m5cnnnF_KidMaDbNwkofPp6zc-UjXDABS3Zq6m1TLrlS9wXZT7UdbzDKZLFm9s7zM96dRGwZtB6erKP0zKwfpflzFNbnZI8fReXeuHjOKLwjnXNY5PM1GA/s400/079.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>As we walked across the final field, there was a spectacular shot of rain in the background, with beams of light shining between the clouds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpCFvEAAYL-glM_kMXbzPNKpLDTnn8NzMjt2uLYidNVAj6ckDZzcYXql7A5a4XkkNJOl0hdknwRe7dZRiqVOCoM8HEjFN42JLXX3Gbm3jwI5ty4t_lhIjZs6Z8FKqu2szy5OTvg/s1600/DSC00107.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636624646947540418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpCFvEAAYL-glM_kMXbzPNKpLDTnn8NzMjt2uLYidNVAj6ckDZzcYXql7A5a4XkkNJOl0hdknwRe7dZRiqVOCoM8HEjFN42JLXX3Gbm3jwI5ty4t_lhIjZs6Z8FKqu2szy5OTvg/s400/DSC00107.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>We didn't see much wildlife on the hike, but Ellen spotted this deer near the road as we headed back into Flagstaff for dinner. While I didn't really get the chance to push my physical limits and use this as a training hike, all in all, it was still a fun hike with a great group of friends! </div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
Additional photos can be found <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/116892159849344995169/HumphreyS?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP3RydOk0_LJbA&feat=directlink">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Trail Stats:</strong>Distance Round Trip 10.25 miles<br />
Trailhead Elevation 9320 feet<br />
Elevation Gain 3313 feet<br />
Avg Time Round Trip 5 - 6 hours </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-1933859217631794962011-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:05:28.410-07:00Mount Elden Loop Hike - Flagstaff AZI decided that I wanted to do a longer Flagstaff hike this weekend, and thought a loop around Mount Elden - the <a href="http://arizonahiking.org/elden.htm#alternate">Elden to Sunset to Heart Loop</a> - seemed to fit the bill at 9.5 miles and 2400 foot elevation change. None of my hiking friends were available, but Steve from one of my hiking groups was interested in trying this hike. Neither of us had hiked this mountain before so we met early this morning and headed to Flagstaff.<br /><br />The hike started on the southwestern slope of Mount Elden, following the Elden Lookout Trail. It started with a gradual climb, but quickly became steep switchbacks, which then gave way to tall "steps" up the mountain. I was keeping a fairly decent pace until about 2/3 of the way up, and then my energy was drained (I should have eaten breakfast!!).<br /><br />We finally reached the first trail junction. Do we add 0.4 miles round trip to go to the summit, or do we skip it and start the loop at the Sunset junction?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9N4EgFsHE9toI42NROfgsI1qGCySBPRGpRQPWEZ3qDql4hj5gowVWXWc8_ORWvELjHjIX-aAhuZu6pXfqPDvKcF_M4_mJaBZvcSRwPd2dvHAk6LeEKRwvTeUZzKjV8_4sY6j_Q/s1600/DSCF1141.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9N4EgFsHE9toI42NROfgsI1qGCySBPRGpRQPWEZ3qDql4hj5gowVWXWc8_ORWvELjHjIX-aAhuZu6pXfqPDvKcF_M4_mJaBZvcSRwPd2dvHAk6LeEKRwvTeUZzKjV8_4sY6j_Q/s400/DSCF1141.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630511162469409410" border="0" /></a>We went to the summit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC9byf3fDmzKXEa5VqrFpFfQvGnY9Ormag1I8ghwE9sqtu7HLZKuu_bcN_1_WfKG6a0d7plahyphenhyphenxm0F3w5CjZyN1r46PjK4tA3AVw7bakaLBl7OeJEZRdczxc-MG4b0RADl9kqaA/s1600/DSCF1142.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC9byf3fDmzKXEa5VqrFpFfQvGnY9Ormag1I8ghwE9sqtu7HLZKuu_bcN_1_WfKG6a0d7plahyphenhyphenxm0F3w5CjZyN1r46PjK4tA3AVw7bakaLBl7OeJEZRdczxc-MG4b0RADl9kqaA/s400/DSCF1142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510742504753026" border="0" /></a>The lookout tower was closed to the public, but there was a sign on the base indicating that we were now at an elevation of 9300 feet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccL0M6rCTNXqhLmN56c2GINsyDkZ4umEOtDQQs3qJkmJ_5QsnfgUceZt1hN6qOxFNm5BfyywuVN1yb4KRpS6x3g8q41P0kdimEUt_LsKnZ39-spzVXu8XaRDUUZ5Xii2dk0Kx8w/s1600/DSCF1145.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccL0M6rCTNXqhLmN56c2GINsyDkZ4umEOtDQQs3qJkmJ_5QsnfgUceZt1hN6qOxFNm5BfyywuVN1yb4KRpS6x3g8q41P0kdimEUt_LsKnZ39-spzVXu8XaRDUUZ5Xii2dk0Kx8w/s400/DSCF1145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510740833372850" border="0" /></a>After enjoying the view, taking a few pictures, and having a hearty snack, we were ready to head back down and join the Sunset Trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwCShXJiBRrqpIDT_bsYSoLRf0jPfUstFCwNYUMGqHL_utjwC4cB-Q4qJipdq6B8lVhjseUXCTYgh0Mw5jX6o5_QEL01llsQeVSyYexnXF-qvB4Z3RKZb8STlEaQqOqGEwKTm6g/s1600/DSCF1148.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwCShXJiBRrqpIDT_bsYSoLRf0jPfUstFCwNYUMGqHL_utjwC4cB-Q4qJipdq6B8lVhjseUXCTYgh0Mw5jX6o5_QEL01llsQeVSyYexnXF-qvB4Z3RKZb8STlEaQqOqGEwKTm6g/s400/DSCF1148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510737290537730" border="0" /></a>The Sunset Trail hugged the side of Mount Elden and passed through an area that was burned by wildfires in 1977. After the strenuous climb up the the summit, it was nice to get on an easy trail, with gradual ups and downs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcuojNGjw_MMTnKjeYU9lW7ETO1LjNhzCnWIZWS-ymlaSuMOKM5hp6gXVb5uuAerzHeJyP2dSDly_C6beUQC4nXq1VYD9s-BbUBQqD8RETmDsv09OKwt7zmE_2Az1xfY5KbCyaA/s1600/DSCF1151.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcuojNGjw_MMTnKjeYU9lW7ETO1LjNhzCnWIZWS-ymlaSuMOKM5hp6gXVb5uuAerzHeJyP2dSDly_C6beUQC4nXq1VYD9s-BbUBQqD8RETmDsv09OKwt7zmE_2Az1xfY5KbCyaA/s400/DSCF1151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510732686132082" border="0" /></a>The area was filled with new aspen growth along with lots of wild flowers, although the trail was a bit overgrown in areas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a0jVFswMrvKMraY5vsqaftJgHzCHpSOyMLJXR6zJ5xv7rf29DfJHYj6I-x1Wl-k-t_hEJULoOCCvy0Uw8PKCWOicoQLm6elSdPtJQi-qk9dzRJ8qu6GofBvdOHg2g7hs6yohwQ/s1600/DSCF1152.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a0jVFswMrvKMraY5vsqaftJgHzCHpSOyMLJXR6zJ5xv7rf29DfJHYj6I-x1Wl-k-t_hEJULoOCCvy0Uw8PKCWOicoQLm6elSdPtJQi-qk9dzRJ8qu6GofBvdOHg2g7hs6yohwQ/s400/DSCF1152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510316018193250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLldoh_U8NtXF6pf1YJ5t8vnfQRiXV4AYvazkQnJOJIQ8fd26r2DlQFeV5P1GWC4SIMpxVIMAULoFeZVXxVKgjPz_UvLchj_LkHvPETRoM7IKFjOv0QthEaKkDAF1eJBYSrxNAg/s1600/DSCF1154.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLldoh_U8NtXF6pf1YJ5t8vnfQRiXV4AYvazkQnJOJIQ8fd26r2DlQFeV5P1GWC4SIMpxVIMAULoFeZVXxVKgjPz_UvLchj_LkHvPETRoM7IKFjOv0QthEaKkDAF1eJBYSrxNAg/s400/DSCF1154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510310198491698" border="0" /></a>It eventually opened into a field to the Mount Elden side.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIPTrA-bDmrm3fe4r4GWdrlcy2DWER-gs0lJVWvUl1B75k1uf1ANE6jVAHZNc4x-NPcyEvr_KDt22Lgq8Z3bchaNWgKUcF4DhOHfdylQKoEeNvxMITwxd0lrLEisb_CzESMu-rA/s1600/DSCF1155.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIPTrA-bDmrm3fe4r4GWdrlcy2DWER-gs0lJVWvUl1B75k1uf1ANE6jVAHZNc4x-NPcyEvr_KDt22Lgq8Z3bchaNWgKUcF4DhOHfdylQKoEeNvxMITwxd0lrLEisb_CzESMu-rA/s400/DSCF1155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510307487744994" border="0" /></a>It provided great views of the mountains and lava fields to the east of Flagstaff, including Sunset Crater.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF22tOonVpBXOxqbgDe83qGvy-s0ihwqYiameopHHeHK_j7tOzQVk4u-BiRp91hY6QPjX_uj95RSw86aKaqVwRf4liFUneKIU2A3bZjNfFCaUbJyRn7TPFjkCntgIOnqaHkw8USw/s1600/DSCF1156.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF22tOonVpBXOxqbgDe83qGvy-s0ihwqYiameopHHeHK_j7tOzQVk4u-BiRp91hY6QPjX_uj95RSw86aKaqVwRf4liFUneKIU2A3bZjNfFCaUbJyRn7TPFjkCntgIOnqaHkw8USw/s400/DSCF1156.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510303625122866" border="0" /></a>Looking back on the trail towards the towers on Mount Elden's summit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ljlGQ7aWJHNgERImG_eHr3WLf2D-26z2c-uxdmixDotbjZ5VOSaVEz73Hs0zRgwPNiBRythIOEGL9F9a8WX23OK5RQoJipXPmSWmWhWZPfhawPaz0LXsfNPNLNkZgj_1OA7IWw/s1600/DSCF1160.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ljlGQ7aWJHNgERImG_eHr3WLf2D-26z2c-uxdmixDotbjZ5VOSaVEz73Hs0zRgwPNiBRythIOEGL9F9a8WX23OK5RQoJipXPmSWmWhWZPfhawPaz0LXsfNPNLNkZgj_1OA7IWw/s400/DSCF1160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510299326878930" border="0" /></a>Overlooking Flagstaff from the Sunset Trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyRWIQH98pZTKMyDSsh8APPHM6zuu5vmoNiV51HjpwZvc8imhJf0OFV4giIYL06X2R7dtklJ0d-TyBcyaqVXrpQ0_F3McrEQQYUYxSNa2BhaKOoidBb8WE5Mj5MgpKJZs6K4Y9Q/s1600/DSCF1164.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyRWIQH98pZTKMyDSsh8APPHM6zuu5vmoNiV51HjpwZvc8imhJf0OFV4giIYL06X2R7dtklJ0d-TyBcyaqVXrpQ0_F3McrEQQYUYxSNa2BhaKOoidBb8WE5Mj5MgpKJZs6K4Y9Q/s400/DSCF1164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510000360029058" border="0" /></a>We then entered a nice wooded area. After about 1.5 miles on this trail, we came to a trail head area. We weren't sure if we missed the turn to Heart Trail. An older couple was approaching, so we asked directions. We were sternly advised to reconsider our plans to make the loop, since the Heart Trail was "treacherous and should be closed to the public". The couple offered to let us hike with them and then drive us back to our car. We decided to take our chances and assured them that we would "take it slow".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjFLQJqZRe6n3zlgGi_bHJ6bNe7_Sa9UbJXqcE1brgCPNp22rQggmAwzTYGOSHU0tky2Q9fn5h9GcR9SSB97q9Iv7DmuE7LlmLrkUXEfhMvxq8_DI1vmWCUrErCIkYEkQay9AA/s1600/DSCF1165.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjFLQJqZRe6n3zlgGi_bHJ6bNe7_Sa9UbJXqcE1brgCPNp22rQggmAwzTYGOSHU0tky2Q9fn5h9GcR9SSB97q9Iv7DmuE7LlmLrkUXEfhMvxq8_DI1vmWCUrErCIkYEkQay9AA/s400/DSCF1165.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509997889101410" border="0" /></a>About 0.2 miles later, we found the turn for the Heart Trail, which would take us 1300 feet down the east slope of Mount Elden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlj0Vq9oqUgE2nt6MGLMv1YWWD3Gtg2skItPSEzvi86T-c7Wcq9JtN4Uqq998_xKXH17r0HoreGMCFYEIrdOaALTnLgj0H8RyOZKFwjirUrYt3MutSlenKKKLKsP-MIpuhBWqbw/s1600/DSCF1167.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlj0Vq9oqUgE2nt6MGLMv1YWWD3Gtg2skItPSEzvi86T-c7Wcq9JtN4Uqq998_xKXH17r0HoreGMCFYEIrdOaALTnLgj0H8RyOZKFwjirUrYt3MutSlenKKKLKsP-MIpuhBWqbw/s400/DSCF1167.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509991295646386" border="0" /></a>Looking back at the summit of Mount Elden - you can barely see the lookout tower on the summit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW5x7KJevJaCbD9H-V7qRSSUici8i5XJfabqUYfhQDtbPRoK5G2jUMNl501NUTzGZN3lPJs31sw2DrOafrLroUCM3_X1EDgk1EBFmLzVJqriBX_UzD3YvtBB_QY-QFwtAZt_BTA/s1600/DSCF1170.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW5x7KJevJaCbD9H-V7qRSSUici8i5XJfabqUYfhQDtbPRoK5G2jUMNl501NUTzGZN3lPJs31sw2DrOafrLroUCM3_X1EDgk1EBFmLzVJqriBX_UzD3YvtBB_QY-QFwtAZt_BTA/s400/DSCF1170.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509986064587682" border="0" /></a>Just as we reached the Heart Trail, another hiker (coming from the opposite direction) started down the trail. We decided if he could take his life into his own hands, we could too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T26kFqHw9vTLSCNBWluukFKX8p5ZGU7522VNRZQgCJKhUQqaAfPc5VbprXwSINpgKW955EK6wouhWdcGTw36pjmZQRZ1vuof9R68ypJxOtyW1tMOQBTgfiiGXw2yodRq_ixPZQ/s1600/DSCF1171.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T26kFqHw9vTLSCNBWluukFKX8p5ZGU7522VNRZQgCJKhUQqaAfPc5VbprXwSINpgKW955EK6wouhWdcGTw36pjmZQRZ1vuof9R68ypJxOtyW1tMOQBTgfiiGXw2yodRq_ixPZQ/s400/DSCF1171.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509985247689842" border="0" /></a>The top of the trail consisted of dozens of switchbacks along the edge of the mountain. There were steep slippery areas at each turn, followed by fairly flat areas along the length of the mountain edge. (If you click on the above picture to enlarge it, you can see Steve WAY ahead of me. He very politely stopped every so often to allow me to catch up.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV38EqgWntZfe-Bu2qoPWDamUZ_3O-0RNSRnSSMSO2_nuYliz8dL_t8hPxRM3QOXDUbf1_kqsbN9UlQikIoc9c1mrzxb_BK3JFwEJ7sNXITdXwrKpNU1VEKV66-5AiWy-OrG763w/s1600/DSCF1171.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZf-lArxNj0sy3rBbrcuQ21LMn_lWbFvIfDK2XqtpyPOTTS0DMc5lxG_2EzoIRDZkPFHI0h7nm5020S0SmK-CZangCv8k7pyzbtfhgEx4jQ9aKC8ZpO9dn5szcvUheYL-TdgD2w/s1600/DSCF1173.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZf-lArxNj0sy3rBbrcuQ21LMn_lWbFvIfDK2XqtpyPOTTS0DMc5lxG_2EzoIRDZkPFHI0h7nm5020S0SmK-CZangCv8k7pyzbtfhgEx4jQ9aKC8ZpO9dn5szcvUheYL-TdgD2w/s400/DSCF1173.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509687500682130" border="0" /></a>The trail was covered in loose stones, making it quite easy to slip, slide and turn and ankle or knee. I went down at a painfully slow pace to prevent injury or sliding down the mountain. It wasn't as treacherous as the dire warning we received, but it did require some balance and careful foot work.<br /><br />(I thought it was painfully slow, but the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/heart-tr.shtml">Forest Service</a> indicates an average hiking time of 2.5 hours for this trail - it took us about half that time)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxutJObfIrub5huDC_ZcxdNbUCcxAM6KJ6rGaq7Uy4F4QhsUnyYmFw4lxUZ_t-2Z0hw4p6eB3kpMz6bckXHOHRvWxFIgxELzcI8BBAM1uvpwOWEQnb1aBSXNagQw0yBJdJSjZdEA/s1600/DSCF1174.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxutJObfIrub5huDC_ZcxdNbUCcxAM6KJ6rGaq7Uy4F4QhsUnyYmFw4lxUZ_t-2Z0hw4p6eB3kpMz6bckXHOHRvWxFIgxELzcI8BBAM1uvpwOWEQnb1aBSXNagQw0yBJdJSjZdEA/s400/DSCF1174.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509684715105138" border="0" /></a>When we were about half way down the Heart Trail, storm clouds moved in. We could see lightning in the distance and hear thunder, and we got hit with a few rain drops.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMRt0qDoEWp13jKqEfMZS_UmkzCkFzGhsQN-AH_u4AFaWQYM0zLdwNXj7o3VthBnGpnEk9Glsl0FvzMqt8lhHgGrYNkORf3oThDtMyoBDYBrjVJmvgb5XSf7B3bJ65vH47fDmiA/s1600/DSCF1176.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMRt0qDoEWp13jKqEfMZS_UmkzCkFzGhsQN-AH_u4AFaWQYM0zLdwNXj7o3VthBnGpnEk9Glsl0FvzMqt8lhHgGrYNkORf3oThDtMyoBDYBrjVJmvgb5XSf7B3bJ65vH47fDmiA/s400/DSCF1176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509676479629442" border="0" /></a>When the red soil turned to gray (about half way down) the trail got less rocky and steep, and we could pick up the pace. That was a good thing, since it was starting to sprinkle.<br /><br />We finally hit the Christmas Tree Trail, which was a nice easy trail though the woods. We picked up the pace to avoid the rain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS3tdD-UblNsH6jbEvZSiPZ2osy3Qflo-0KusXl5og6O2PNRVXC3QD-4QZrXcLAJ87ndAS-ccwWe76fyUo_AkH9lRFUg0v6Kngewfb_T7bjI8eMW6wXGOB6VGbMM99my6yOdz-A/s1600/DSCF1177.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS3tdD-UblNsH6jbEvZSiPZ2osy3Qflo-0KusXl5og6O2PNRVXC3QD-4QZrXcLAJ87ndAS-ccwWe76fyUo_AkH9lRFUg0v6Kngewfb_T7bjI8eMW6wXGOB6VGbMM99my6yOdz-A/s400/DSCF1177.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509675131309682" border="0" /></a>Towards the end of the Christmas Tree trail, this horned toad scurried across our path. We then joined Fat Man's Pass for about a half mile back to the trail head.<br /><br />Our total hiking time was just under 5 hours, which included about 30 minutes for a break at the summit and a couple of stops to talk to people along the way.<br /><br />After a long hike, it was time to grab a pizza and beer to celebrate our successful hike!<br /><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS,Arial,Helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Elevation change: about <b>2400 ft</b> gain.<br />Distance: 9.5 miles for the loop hike<br /></span></p><ul style="font-family: times new roman;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Elden <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Trailhead</span> to Elden summit : 3.0 miles.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Elden summit to Heart trail along the sunset trail: 1.7 miles</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Heart Trail to Christmas Tree trail: 2.5 miles</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Christmas Tree trail to Fat Man's Pass: 1.7 miles</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">From Fat Man's Pass to Elden <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Trailhead</span>: 0.6 miles</span></li></ul>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-75646980587524426182011-07-10T21:31:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:17:33.805-07:00Abineau/Bear Jaw Loop - Flagstaff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAcxGcVJssvrtV7KikH0-2IuNv6u9Ex5bS42P9yG_ZDl00aVphrSheIq2Pd-m6cLtD-s9sAu7OR1WHJFIGprDGBCpQBt0V3odGhWN7hE7_t81kw6Tq_qqWli9hziTlAmf_hfiGA/s1600/bearjaw1.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAcxGcVJssvrtV7KikH0-2IuNv6u9Ex5bS42P9yG_ZDl00aVphrSheIq2Pd-m6cLtD-s9sAu7OR1WHJFIGprDGBCpQBt0V3odGhWN7hE7_t81kw6Tq_qqWli9hziTlAmf_hfiGA/s400/bearjaw1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628320137386927970" border="0" /></a>On Sunday, the hiking group headed up to the San Francisco Peaks outside of Flagstaff to hike the Abineau / Bear Jaw Loop trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-9Z8kRn1K-nO8N0EF0kHUNsoP6i-5IrwUud990sMUa8p5RxqHFTR_Sb5uP7RalQpBtEvYrUxwx5c6qhUDVevEYOJ4vdVb8YVLvS1GwF6rS-TNQFM8576RDK5T5NFFsNlylYcwA/s1600/bearjaw2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-9Z8kRn1K-nO8N0EF0kHUNsoP6i-5IrwUud990sMUa8p5RxqHFTR_Sb5uP7RalQpBtEvYrUxwx5c6qhUDVevEYOJ4vdVb8YVLvS1GwF6rS-TNQFM8576RDK5T5NFFsNlylYcwA/s400/bearjaw2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628320131232852802" border="0" /></a>The trail starts out flat and well graded, through a field full of aspen. Shortly into the hike, you can turn left to hike on the Bear Jaw trail, or right to hike on the Abineau trail. The Abineau trail is shorter, but steeper; the Bear Jaw trail is more gradual, with a few scattered ups and down. I was thrilled when the group decided to take the Abineau trail, since I would rather go up the steep trail and come down the gradual trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLYh50JxouxmNa_F1zHelk_lp0kfr69o8hrkNlLtExv-gxSXfEtFE3U9i5_gFqomf05A-4MyGGU7qPYC9iQ9TbDKIxpcrbYyEH2lYkuJg3Uwt8SdoSyRe6o9oX92cx6Sk8jPSJA/s1600/bearjaw3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLYh50JxouxmNa_F1zHelk_lp0kfr69o8hrkNlLtExv-gxSXfEtFE3U9i5_gFqomf05A-4MyGGU7qPYC9iQ9TbDKIxpcrbYyEH2lYkuJg3Uwt8SdoSyRe6o9oX92cx6Sk8jPSJA/s400/bearjaw3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319794792468082" border="0" /></a>Gaining in elevation and leaving the aspens and getting into the Douglas firs. There were lots of wildflowers along the way, including paintbrush, penstemon, columbine, and lupines.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCj0by2YGrMZxIhZ1QGUPusRKMPp-LmeQll-k_kByYhVCQ469CGxIIkd7w2K9OJvS7o0PO5TLzm1UAuGReehA082wTSYbRzlDLKvS4q24qxdwHzpFQsbXPN5vp43oE9N9j0O6Cw/s1600/bearjaw4.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCj0by2YGrMZxIhZ1QGUPusRKMPp-LmeQll-k_kByYhVCQ469CGxIIkd7w2K9OJvS7o0PO5TLzm1UAuGReehA082wTSYbRzlDLKvS4q24qxdwHzpFQsbXPN5vp43oE9N9j0O6Cw/s400/bearjaw4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319792220157346" border="0" /></a>Butterflies and bees enjoyed all of the wildflowers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_niTDu-0JcM9lWoh_6OYarcVGLTTeoYOk0pH3sMjf3cjh6VnYTGkH7n14bqVRQguC1PTyG-8S8aeWLmQ5zRsBFlslTVrWh9lKUY5u9MCNLsosk0Gk1P1zuaupeuTwYP-VNptgQQ/s1600/bearjaw5.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_niTDu-0JcM9lWoh_6OYarcVGLTTeoYOk0pH3sMjf3cjh6VnYTGkH7n14bqVRQguC1PTyG-8S8aeWLmQ5zRsBFlslTVrWh9lKUY5u9MCNLsosk0Gk1P1zuaupeuTwYP-VNptgQQ/s400/bearjaw5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319782466840114" border="0" /></a>After a steep climb, we reached the end of the Abineau trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeeRReCn3k5R3suD8YjaCnti6fN819GYIOeKlPqjugnmOa3DiEqaYgLCqS5yTQunntKxczJtVH3X6z9kFCppbjIiR0inhSAYby2yd_Gn7j2cdlHMEfjpX09rDEx0HZqXbCVNeUg/s1600/bearjaw6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeeRReCn3k5R3suD8YjaCnti6fN819GYIOeKlPqjugnmOa3DiEqaYgLCqS5yTQunntKxczJtVH3X6z9kFCppbjIiR0inhSAYby2yd_Gn7j2cdlHMEfjpX09rDEx0HZqXbCVNeUg/s400/bearjaw6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319775732937394" border="0" /></a>If you look to the north (behind me), there was a spectacular view, including the Grand Canyon. It was a little cloudy (rain in the area) so the camera didn't capture how spectacular the view really was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVzdxidY4l0K-CaCtCQtGZOlTfnJ8HUQyd1BUoZKu3gmT8bpqRHXdz1xfAf-_HuJcGGB9UCrSVu_nnjOR7U4J-ZhOmG3XzE23NlsydDbBcHan0mW-b7LnDw2d2PWuiYNpBxcQ5g/s1600/bearjaw7.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVzdxidY4l0K-CaCtCQtGZOlTfnJ8HUQyd1BUoZKu3gmT8bpqRHXdz1xfAf-_HuJcGGB9UCrSVu_nnjOR7U4J-ZhOmG3XzE23NlsydDbBcHan0mW-b7LnDw2d2PWuiYNpBxcQ5g/s400/bearjaw7.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319769145017346" border="0" /></a>At the top of Abineau trail, the "fast group" stopped to take pictures, eat a little snack, and wait for the other half of the group to catch up. I was actually in the "fast group" this time! While the others snacked, I had my own little construction project.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pz7ctC9hro9wGdVW-y2NKXWlV03uFSC_Bwi8ySncyh69gKhdexXKal03uWWdBpXXrpBX93p2xK3DblEpap567uQV_hHqn_G4sIsO_wd3BlHbAKe-u9GcwKg6O8O0XkxmmY1H4w/s1600/bearjaw8.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pz7ctC9hro9wGdVW-y2NKXWlV03uFSC_Bwi8ySncyh69gKhdexXKal03uWWdBpXXrpBX93p2xK3DblEpap567uQV_hHqn_G4sIsO_wd3BlHbAKe-u9GcwKg6O8O0XkxmmY1H4w/s400/bearjaw8.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319365762174818" border="0" /></a>My hula hoop! The others were so busy taking their pictures and eating, that they missed me assembling my hoop, and then asked how I carried the hoop all the way up with me. Too funny! Behind me is the meadow that sits at the base of Humphrey's peak, which still has a little snow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI94xkThUQ4rWTT41oJTfz4FWj1D9Acb1xHO2VQp5QzwC746phmJPWL0ruJglr3RSOkKSGuYBrXo-USrc0bn1ev-Df6x3RLmmEv1dzi36uIHnRhrRanvnLDVRpK9n9dzLjDPLY5Q/s1600/bearjaw9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI94xkThUQ4rWTT41oJTfz4FWj1D9Acb1xHO2VQp5QzwC746phmJPWL0ruJglr3RSOkKSGuYBrXo-USrc0bn1ev-Df6x3RLmmEv1dzi36uIHnRhrRanvnLDVRpK9n9dzLjDPLY5Q/s400/bearjaw9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319361515246226" border="0" /></a>I played with my hoop for a while until the first few members of the back half of the group showed up. Then it started to mist, so we decided to don our rain gear and move forward.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuNYZMZluc8Amg7ThMeUdd4xShdAv3aeCsJxBM0Aivzyecn8Oobe1Q9722gTeDM-BNgnAOiXClECJ-2lo_i7nccCRg9LeE6jJYtcWeUezisVBW5c5YJHU_IjuGlBvkDGJ8oXp0g/s1600/bearjaw10.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuNYZMZluc8Amg7ThMeUdd4xShdAv3aeCsJxBM0Aivzyecn8Oobe1Q9722gTeDM-BNgnAOiXClECJ-2lo_i7nccCRg9LeE6jJYtcWeUezisVBW5c5YJHU_IjuGlBvkDGJ8oXp0g/s400/bearjaw10.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319353405007762" border="0" /></a>We had to go about 2 miles down an old forest road to connect to the Bear Jaw Trail. During that time, the weather turned from mist, to sprinkles, to all out rain. We also heard some scary lightning cracks and loud booms of thunder. All of us joked about the wisdom of carrying our metal hiking poles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVRgWN3CI3F2ZlLAIRafGgbCqR-y7s9cbtxnSehIe6AbO5DkBuEU0A28YHRMRU1GUOhrk4srjiJ_CUPw3pkJVvy_r1xOb9CvcsxKnvV5RkYkd6s0h8fX30WA7Fmi3JNcbuG6WQA/s1600/bearjaw11.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVRgWN3CI3F2ZlLAIRafGgbCqR-y7s9cbtxnSehIe6AbO5DkBuEU0A28YHRMRU1GUOhrk4srjiJ_CUPw3pkJVvy_r1xOb9CvcsxKnvV5RkYkd6s0h8fX30WA7Fmi3JNcbuG6WQA/s400/bearjaw11.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319348491274690" border="0" /></a>The rain slowed down as we entered the Bear Jaw Trail, and then stopped shortly after that.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22pXPCJB76TX7GnEEO61ozpiJ1FGAn9rtfjs2C4SVHCZEsgRwuolsRp0nb27BmlqynRflnBWSy9sdeXfQL6EYjXnvY9JVL8IEJf_QfphL2zsDqH6mjEyAyMbUtH2v7ftN2uvWSQ/s1600/bearjaw12.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22pXPCJB76TX7GnEEO61ozpiJ1FGAn9rtfjs2C4SVHCZEsgRwuolsRp0nb27BmlqynRflnBWSy9sdeXfQL6EYjXnvY9JVL8IEJf_QfphL2zsDqH6mjEyAyMbUtH2v7ftN2uvWSQ/s400/bearjaw12.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628319334872824018" border="0" /></a>The rest of the trail was a nice gradual descent. We finished the hike in about 3.5 hours and then enjoyed a post hike tailgate party while we waited for the rest of the group to finish. All in all, it was a beautiful hike and a fun day, even if it was cold and wet.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Distance </span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:darkred;" >Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7 miles</span></td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Trailhead Elevation</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">8510 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Elevation Gain</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1960 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Accumulated Gain</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2115 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Avg Time </span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:darkred;" >Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4-5 hours (it only took us 3.5 hours, including breaks)<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-90948987331870152832011-06-26T22:19:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:13:20.614-07:00Groom Creek Loop Trail - PrescottAfter a site visit for work in Prescott, I learned about the hike to the fire tower at the top of Spruce Mountain. I was going to try to get a couple of friends to join me, when the hiking group posted the exact hike I wanted to try. Perfect!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM97KCZ1AMlRQ8ZskGaAqPvkBdDCL7htNr_ks6qe0w62fPL4IUimUVL03OtOE4_9Cr70jJc_KNfkKWRiUZFfAXiUUqFASbUsonVX77g9DABRW_aqhWaA3RLuJB1Im1rY4ZMbZwg/s1600/sprucemt01.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM97KCZ1AMlRQ8ZskGaAqPvkBdDCL7htNr_ks6qe0w62fPL4IUimUVL03OtOE4_9Cr70jJc_KNfkKWRiUZFfAXiUUqFASbUsonVX77g9DABRW_aqhWaA3RLuJB1Im1rY4ZMbZwg/s400/sprucemt01.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628327020376956578" border="0" /></a>I carpooled to the hike with Brian, Sheri, and Bree - friends who I also know from the volunteer meetups.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNczLg_Njm1LH1VeHB6AAv8kO95X8hXf1FNG6nwSHJb__iDEzmpLoRk2GO2pR-oIHnonE3pvOPRrKU0SE3Hihsll6vnM7DdRg_w6vcrGJ4Ta4MlG2jQb5pFV_giRdfRudP-gKUTw/s1600/sprucemt02.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNczLg_Njm1LH1VeHB6AAv8kO95X8hXf1FNG6nwSHJb__iDEzmpLoRk2GO2pR-oIHnonE3pvOPRrKU0SE3Hihsll6vnM7DdRg_w6vcrGJ4Ta4MlG2jQb5pFV_giRdfRudP-gKUTw/s400/sprucemt02.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628327006699553362" border="0" /></a>The group decided to hike the loop clockwise, so we had a shorter steeper climb up, and a longer more gradual descent. (Yeah!!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL8SALApuQ-Y26rgJU4cE7j1Dd2xfPYfX2WXIwzdxz3soCOw9xdYkgvO7hnsrGEWsyZ_3V4EqG0MISH2Bklmm2YVY-TDQ_71_gbXn0GPXFaXx8bvsEFy-0trgYiSuGFhxhyB_XQ/s1600/sprucemt03.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL8SALApuQ-Y26rgJU4cE7j1Dd2xfPYfX2WXIwzdxz3soCOw9xdYkgvO7hnsrGEWsyZ_3V4EqG0MISH2Bklmm2YVY-TDQ_71_gbXn0GPXFaXx8bvsEFy-0trgYiSuGFhxhyB_XQ/s400/sprucemt03.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628327000142389362" border="0" /></a>I saw lots of lizards and a few horned toads on the way up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVFpHiFHzeC5Irzrh-IgBXGLI-fF15hrGoCjPSwlh51i-V5HUKdjsDtTQdRnMoyNwI3V0w1GtthxpD_myzzkLp0CGVPZIkOFf49lE0Ze7xr7Tns_BJkECKRbSpfgU7aQc5xLF-Q/s1600/sprucemt3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVFpHiFHzeC5Irzrh-IgBXGLI-fF15hrGoCjPSwlh51i-V5HUKdjsDtTQdRnMoyNwI3V0w1GtthxpD_myzzkLp0CGVPZIkOFf49lE0Ze7xr7Tns_BJkECKRbSpfgU7aQc5xLF-Q/s400/sprucemt3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625553675140555986" border="0" /></a>At the top of the mountain were picnic tables and an outhouse. Several people also discovered that the road led right here, begging the question..... why did we hike this?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0B2aK2t8k1yKR4t9Iwrf4qGyKyQ-9EfJ-OrpYkH78sqjzeJSly6RRX4qvNyyGB4URibrsiYjFo27vjIS5qR8flNo2G-nReq8oE8mNeFIStYn1jlkW-kaX2llW3rRF2z9Qu87cQ/s1600/sprucemt.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0B2aK2t8k1yKR4t9Iwrf4qGyKyQ-9EfJ-OrpYkH78sqjzeJSly6RRX4qvNyyGB4URibrsiYjFo27vjIS5qR8flNo2G-nReq8oE8mNeFIStYn1jlkW-kaX2llW3rRF2z9Qu87cQ/s400/sprucemt.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625553670895309042" border="0" /></a>There were several boulders to scramble over and climb near the base of the fire tower. Bree, Brian and I enjoyed the view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvQ1DFqhyphenhypheniBvfeej2X3BsD5WizjGbV0x951rtxWsVr7439_7luxmlCMhOausnfsBL3tJnDbr-m0fVj-tiwbNPKcVWg6xujeOOnUG2qTUTBJZq1rNx4smva5ZZWQzZzMFQFOoKSA/s1600/DSCF1088.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvQ1DFqhyphenhypheniBvfeej2X3BsD5WizjGbV0x951rtxWsVr7439_7luxmlCMhOausnfsBL3tJnDbr-m0fVj-tiwbNPKcVWg6xujeOOnUG2qTUTBJZq1rNx4smva5ZZWQzZzMFQFOoKSA/s400/DSCF1088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625553661983280962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSoeLfuAnbUlBSS1K3_y6cPQj7zVvgwWXAGIjeiu7l-lIWmXBid-J-EB36Tw7V2U8M6tYaINNtZFFPa2dNx_r_KtKT09II5zIkTBW6iOXsAhqng4YfpkqQyGvcBO7Zq8D4HHr3w/s1600/sprucemt2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSoeLfuAnbUlBSS1K3_y6cPQj7zVvgwWXAGIjeiu7l-lIWmXBid-J-EB36Tw7V2U8M6tYaINNtZFFPa2dNx_r_KtKT09II5zIkTBW6iOXsAhqng4YfpkqQyGvcBO7Zq8D4HHr3w/s400/sprucemt2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625553660057168466" border="0" /></a>The fire tower was manned, so we took turns entering and talking to the ranger.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpS6K6Oj5HpezDATLEpCHqhoY-pBEXJOAaqdZ2zVBQ7wbImnSCVaICSnKqfNJ1d8Jr1_JzYPyUAOVf1hlgjQuEjPwBKjlrSybDI7tuYuVjMS-ta0_lZISWbJ62EZnFK1f24KEZQ/s1600/DSCF1089.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpS6K6Oj5HpezDATLEpCHqhoY-pBEXJOAaqdZ2zVBQ7wbImnSCVaICSnKqfNJ1d8Jr1_JzYPyUAOVf1hlgjQuEjPwBKjlrSybDI7tuYuVjMS-ta0_lZISWbJ62EZnFK1f24KEZQ/s400/DSCF1089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625553650647448082" border="0" /></a>After enjoying the views, we ate lunch then started the hike back down and towards the cars.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Distance </span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:darkred;" >Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7.9 miles</span></td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Trailhead Elevation</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">6346 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Elevation Gain</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1375 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:85%;"> Avg Time </span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:darkred;" >Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4.5 hours</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-67954209656838652292011-06-18T21:32:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:27:42.182-07:00Sycamore Canyon Rim Loop - Williams AZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-tFVTPBfLZJf2rth9dhyphenhyphenXDmBKH5UrfOAS8jKipzLMcWxPK16ru1M_F9kDy9_1GU4pzPAR8eiVDZdGbZkcp61hpoy18aQ9TcXMTf2wgBMXT7lHymj0N1FVksNww94sKJwnivrSg/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-tFVTPBfLZJf2rth9dhyphenhyphenXDmBKH5UrfOAS8jKipzLMcWxPK16ru1M_F9kDy9_1GU4pzPAR8eiVDZdGbZkcp61hpoy18aQ9TcXMTf2wgBMXT7lHymj0N1FVksNww94sKJwnivrSg/s400/SycamoreCanyon+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508641133530898" border="0" /></a>The hiking group decided to do the Sycamore Rim Trail up near Williams, AZ this weekend. It's mostly a flat trail, with the exception of KA hill. The question is whether to do the hill first or last.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1OfwZRDJjXpdfkkH7TL1vhTkOYePiphKpFPEXA1lShBG5gyzIUMYdz08Ts64vX_VNwOYgYUmUuSluafgyf-W8z2lN6cczxoqkNzqyM3IxTnsAGbE3V-7mSi78CJWBLSRqrptgQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+001a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1OfwZRDJjXpdfkkH7TL1vhTkOYePiphKpFPEXA1lShBG5gyzIUMYdz08Ts64vX_VNwOYgYUmUuSluafgyf-W8z2lN6cczxoqkNzqyM3IxTnsAGbE3V-7mSi78CJWBLSRqrptgQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+001a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508637293540610" border="0" /></a>I've got my pack loaded for training for my Peru trip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm6wOpoPsvbz5cRyoFL3h5SWBCmtPZo0ihw7UIkEkuHu0qTyMGmdvxbMlmtZEHGMFGXBjKeYF_dHNCeARV2ypo57jN3dUvlgTeVehsksM6jaykChqNh_RXyINtWKLGCcW6Lc5JQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm6wOpoPsvbz5cRyoFL3h5SWBCmtPZo0ihw7UIkEkuHu0qTyMGmdvxbMlmtZEHGMFGXBjKeYF_dHNCeARV2ypo57jN3dUvlgTeVehsksM6jaykChqNh_RXyINtWKLGCcW6Lc5JQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508300343987986" border="0" /></a>There were several pretty areas along the start of the hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j6_YA14NcsbF2QvTsChazbKv_4kX0WFsRyuK2rKQnM9tRxoYK7BoLvuCu3BiU33IviFX1x6ruzVLY2z_ibugYPAl7eWYVgJYsaS7Ol5BFUQux8yzg7F6Mk4bD63OkxFE_oTUXQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+024.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j6_YA14NcsbF2QvTsChazbKv_4kX0WFsRyuK2rKQnM9tRxoYK7BoLvuCu3BiU33IviFX1x6ruzVLY2z_ibugYPAl7eWYVgJYsaS7Ol5BFUQux8yzg7F6Mk4bD63OkxFE_oTUXQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508291403899218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7OKFI8oNB5xiXWkBFqQTcp42_5DxzW267PfrilY8kx_Rea7QNntBKEZq1Kt7Lqyqs0cyTuAjJcR80InzykXNCXw-xQFnaTVq47Gy9tvZphUX1vCYfnFb3N3U7EFsHk89ybekvA/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7OKFI8oNB5xiXWkBFqQTcp42_5DxzW267PfrilY8kx_Rea7QNntBKEZq1Kt7Lqyqs0cyTuAjJcR80InzykXNCXw-xQFnaTVq47Gy9tvZphUX1vCYfnFb3N3U7EFsHk89ybekvA/s400/SycamoreCanyon+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508287657957218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmvo7smL_nFrHVA9-kb9jONuihm4ZOLNFGtyEQGHOgc7Zrtz_HF1EqSZWgHX1JK_Rza-qj5Z8b5AB6EqTFxaeUIXDAPtFBasSbJWzTosyCecgyuyxGjMpE_52CLjRyHvq_5lggg/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmvo7smL_nFrHVA9-kb9jONuihm4ZOLNFGtyEQGHOgc7Zrtz_HF1EqSZWgHX1JK_Rza-qj5Z8b5AB6EqTFxaeUIXDAPtFBasSbJWzTosyCecgyuyxGjMpE_52CLjRyHvq_5lggg/s400/SycamoreCanyon+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508283577539858" border="0" /></a>I spotted this horned toad along the path.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jW9IeLLQxRd9fASjDz_rW8SotvrXO5ucrEmR2yQILPZxcbKPqwoVhp2aA9sNRcmvxmo2FkXJaDUXIbiEIdpJDt7RSLdkwtADfTMQv9UJ6SihyM8zJFnxL5Nl6GjvW0kB_0QGzQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jW9IeLLQxRd9fASjDz_rW8SotvrXO5ucrEmR2yQILPZxcbKPqwoVhp2aA9sNRcmvxmo2FkXJaDUXIbiEIdpJDt7RSLdkwtADfTMQv9UJ6SihyM8zJFnxL5Nl6GjvW0kB_0QGzQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625508277913894738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrwHhiVrZDnczFtXAwfSX78BTFBTGxqnYmSPbSGu1vGxGNTlKvYZPhUPxxB5lWwYT7i2fKjD03uyD87n0_o6lrX9PTcwGR8Jmdj4mNZDE0VUnRUkmhdrxSaEIPb9IeTNnjcuVow/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrwHhiVrZDnczFtXAwfSX78BTFBTGxqnYmSPbSGu1vGxGNTlKvYZPhUPxxB5lWwYT7i2fKjD03uyD87n0_o6lrX9PTcwGR8Jmdj4mNZDE0VUnRUkmhdrxSaEIPb9IeTNnjcuVow/s400/SycamoreCanyon+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507714785973762" border="0" /></a>We caught the last of the cactus flowers still in bloom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp5jtKnWzEZYDJuv_fRF2bjikwkzxCbwsX3P_60IpV017pLBBvUNxk1fCk8uzs8TVRbVBFvBQSGJCV1_8IFZi_T1HZ2B4BiywZju7WzQTiQblVt08KP2TG5NA7usJw3tO8jTafA/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+027.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp5jtKnWzEZYDJuv_fRF2bjikwkzxCbwsX3P_60IpV017pLBBvUNxk1fCk8uzs8TVRbVBFvBQSGJCV1_8IFZi_T1HZ2B4BiywZju7WzQTiQblVt08KP2TG5NA7usJw3tO8jTafA/s400/SycamoreCanyon+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507706502583314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOKTjNRGdlqFmRcZMj7TjJJ7YovHhCA2J-o-evS46tn43wAWywOE4ouo5SSTsonYbp3Rnd8Bt558w6SR3zsS6JNsf_OPryi0pt5aoWJSFhN8Rsiy4n8ESRFvhv4_VcQORgavQbQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+028.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOKTjNRGdlqFmRcZMj7TjJJ7YovHhCA2J-o-evS46tn43wAWywOE4ouo5SSTsonYbp3Rnd8Bt558w6SR3zsS6JNsf_OPryi0pt5aoWJSFhN8Rsiy4n8ESRFvhv4_VcQORgavQbQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507705196706290" border="0" /></a>We stopped for lunch at the waterfall. No water was over the edge, but there were a few rock climbers to watch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdF7QbAiBJUPCndA302En4F6SuIfJIxtHT0l0KcnXxhFWs5HMb8dJyLSsIrFB3YCo3ZENrtZZob2lJorRUPzEMpzwyTxPHQmd2y21LHNaBh45XaTXQ591GnJn8YOwMnh4_hiJJA/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+029.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdF7QbAiBJUPCndA302En4F6SuIfJIxtHT0l0KcnXxhFWs5HMb8dJyLSsIrFB3YCo3ZENrtZZob2lJorRUPzEMpzwyTxPHQmd2y21LHNaBh45XaTXQ591GnJn8YOwMnh4_hiJJA/s400/SycamoreCanyon+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507699570009570" border="0" /></a>Standing at the top of the waterfall, looking down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcMTTWybtHMKo0P4AEfSmAbVLvE0-dro4a8Ofk_d3y8zl57RUvW1iY_KEP-c0Zdb11FfZAnLnM91lu9Mqxbk-na75Eu9xderfv7hmu7gHz2lmedml_TFSvcWbus_BHbW3LYurTg/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcMTTWybtHMKo0P4AEfSmAbVLvE0-dro4a8Ofk_d3y8zl57RUvW1iY_KEP-c0Zdb11FfZAnLnM91lu9Mqxbk-na75Eu9xderfv7hmu7gHz2lmedml_TFSvcWbus_BHbW3LYurTg/s400/SycamoreCanyon+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507696921908338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGQQtVbKch3NoYdtPzND-m3rObnWAwCeeusYL7i9_10wx4VBqTKfc-DHehlkJx53QpTgI8pEF9aCVz-fzKs4FL66fZUGTfeWniDQRgtanruMZTwvg3PQu6co_pWcYIg16A0Jqqw/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGQQtVbKch3NoYdtPzND-m3rObnWAwCeeusYL7i9_10wx4VBqTKfc-DHehlkJx53QpTgI8pEF9aCVz-fzKs4FL66fZUGTfeWniDQRgtanruMZTwvg3PQu6co_pWcYIg16A0Jqqw/s400/SycamoreCanyon+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507363347066130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf6nAiSHytZ7Hkuvbpel4BMSnqae4j_68sY7YFLORtT9-w9OU4xGj4QjW-A-GiyaCO47EDr18GD1I3JHWitdHm_hsSq3JnHwrKI2OBVKo6Esu0i9goyFdj6au-qM1crwyghJLTg/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+019.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf6nAiSHytZ7Hkuvbpel4BMSnqae4j_68sY7YFLORtT9-w9OU4xGj4QjW-A-GiyaCO47EDr18GD1I3JHWitdHm_hsSq3JnHwrKI2OBVKo6Esu0i9goyFdj6au-qM1crwyghJLTg/s400/SycamoreCanyon+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507355259227378" border="0" /></a>The direction we took around the loop, left KA hill for the very end. I thought it was a great way to end the hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGqoNSBJEQWWPl102bzx7UNyelWPn725omcMms03d3SrOQZG1ZxgT6t8H5Yr7uu8lzy7FU9Hh_FWCNmdqKoMXaPGbQiM5X8e5Tlg-5eKJci5GeBOajG026fEkvc9pmUA_krvqQA/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGqoNSBJEQWWPl102bzx7UNyelWPn725omcMms03d3SrOQZG1ZxgT6t8H5Yr7uu8lzy7FU9Hh_FWCNmdqKoMXaPGbQiM5X8e5Tlg-5eKJci5GeBOajG026fEkvc9pmUA_krvqQA/s400/SycamoreCanyon+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507346274358930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm8EzD-QolU57hXrgs6AsaSsJx9_rugbzFuHOheyfIZvG-E074jUf6OL4sJ3H5GZqKrRjHt92DeNs4_0QddjEyZVeogOW2Fkw1iO4IOnJ3sV1CU-1-AN2OGWMqEIDcSnLyYD3Mg/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+017.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm8EzD-QolU57hXrgs6AsaSsJx9_rugbzFuHOheyfIZvG-E074jUf6OL4sJ3H5GZqKrRjHt92DeNs4_0QddjEyZVeogOW2Fkw1iO4IOnJ3sV1CU-1-AN2OGWMqEIDcSnLyYD3Mg/s400/SycamoreCanyon+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507343886756978" border="0" /></a>Others weren't so lucky!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ewsqjoAdg3FTvP4WICq6JnTDBIgRmm1WUhqrMLHxwgGSXJqXZMHwrwiBPHQS_Us7QzrUGx0kedFKO9WKyWMtXUeCsOKwV3tuMNKA0IWFafpJG-im19Gp5fFXxwAh4Zfe1uvaoQ/s1600/SycamoreCanyon+031.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ewsqjoAdg3FTvP4WICq6JnTDBIgRmm1WUhqrMLHxwgGSXJqXZMHwrwiBPHQS_Us7QzrUGx0kedFKO9WKyWMtXUeCsOKwV3tuMNKA0IWFafpJG-im19Gp5fFXxwAh4Zfe1uvaoQ/s400/SycamoreCanyon+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625507334037742514" border="0" /></a>Coming down off the hill, we could see the flat ground ahead, and knew the car would soon be in sight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Length: 11 miles</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Elevation gain: 600 ft</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rating: Easy to Moderate</span>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-16261707058178723842011-06-06T22:52:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:31:19.554-07:00Hooping on Humphrey's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeU6dq7xlTWTkeRhQRZi3roFy3-9MjX5T2QufrTaNmLfVOeSBOsXJ1fMoa7d6tc4emO6kYJmJPqNliDeC_WlTwHdSVnKHjrnnfjYRWwqXtDZkBgAWXwbEotowKH5fDvwEgH60JQ/s1600/DSCF1014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeU6dq7xlTWTkeRhQRZi3roFy3-9MjX5T2QufrTaNmLfVOeSBOsXJ1fMoa7d6tc4emO6kYJmJPqNliDeC_WlTwHdSVnKHjrnnfjYRWwqXtDZkBgAWXwbEotowKH5fDvwEgH60JQ/s400/DSCF1014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625371718983618082" border="0" /></a>I decided that I wanted to do a trek across the Andes in Peru this fall. In preparation, I decided to hike Humphrey's Peak again. I figured that this would help prepare me for the altitude, but also give me a chance to test out the new pack and decide how many layers I would need, since there was still snow up there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGyTK5LvxzEiH8PsmVpNs6q6Zk0Smftt_D-keZLtJcXyb2wISzoaK6sZHxbYzypNiGl-seyalTglAbiozF_7gZ4nExyA22MKUZecd_UZqUWn7UmFJze34_EMKaiaz7x1Fr6m5nQ/s1600/DSCF1022.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGyTK5LvxzEiH8PsmVpNs6q6Zk0Smftt_D-keZLtJcXyb2wISzoaK6sZHxbYzypNiGl-seyalTglAbiozF_7gZ4nExyA22MKUZecd_UZqUWn7UmFJze34_EMKaiaz7x1Fr6m5nQ/s400/DSCF1022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625371707399846050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAFnT2d6rDtVSu4Xh2z7lQpBisRI1JEV8bK4iRyrt1wiHCsN0rVAMWU8QdHYrGda0hjRI9U5NsWq1HKhSSNkYA5Ms0i01NQ66lrE9BMuxgMbxhZ9-9n_ZtoOyHjfylU0MXqyc-w/s1600/DSCF1023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAFnT2d6rDtVSu4Xh2z7lQpBisRI1JEV8bK4iRyrt1wiHCsN0rVAMWU8QdHYrGda0hjRI9U5NsWq1HKhSSNkYA5Ms0i01NQ66lrE9BMuxgMbxhZ9-9n_ZtoOyHjfylU0MXqyc-w/s400/DSCF1023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625371695516008642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC8Hf5mY-zbPzkYvI8kZ1qQkA41UXiX5fxPjnFPsG-0KhuwR8YDW_2hZP9ff_LFTrJyMeRxqveTfetGe5jGsD3EWs7_oKO1yID_seTcvS0-5Z27ypmPtmvf08g8Z5ze78mqgppA/s1600/DSCF1026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC8Hf5mY-zbPzkYvI8kZ1qQkA41UXiX5fxPjnFPsG-0KhuwR8YDW_2hZP9ff_LFTrJyMeRxqveTfetGe5jGsD3EWs7_oKO1yID_seTcvS0-5Z27ypmPtmvf08g8Z5ze78mqgppA/s400/DSCF1026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625371688557729266" border="0" /></a>When I got to the saddle, I decided not to approach the summit, since there were 50+ mph winds and I really wanted to save my strength to climb over the snowdrifts on the way back down. While I was waiting for the rest of my group to return, I hooped it up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26sp3vvhfZJIY3uPTxM5_gbJ9-rsyPCKv24kYMDBD0gkIFQm6lV9ePQv1N3mhgx-plI1QyGYRed8MU5Wbw-vLrjQwrnxE3RHUf4kb9497-banlYFEOnqoMkrkJ6uf8EgloLavFA/s1600/DSCF1027.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26sp3vvhfZJIY3uPTxM5_gbJ9-rsyPCKv24kYMDBD0gkIFQm6lV9ePQv1N3mhgx-plI1QyGYRed8MU5Wbw-vLrjQwrnxE3RHUf4kb9497-banlYFEOnqoMkrkJ6uf8EgloLavFA/s400/DSCF1027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625371685148620738" border="0" /></a>Maybe I should have saved that energy for the trip down. Instead, I slipped on ice and tumbled down the side of the mountain. Luckily, my 4 layers of fleece cushioned my fall and my backpack slowed me down, so I didn't get hurt. (other than a few bruises)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Distance <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">10.25 miles</td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Trailhead Elevation</td> <td style="text-align: left;">9320 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Elevation Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">3313 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Avg Time <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">5 - 6 hours</td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-13440074874566873792011-04-24T22:06:00.000-07:002011-07-09T10:00:46.707-07:00Watson Lake, Prescott AZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTWL8gi5QcOAxV2zWon8QUWa6C5MQssVwIxeeRWl9j_uqDqU63U1f0YzEvFjy-6DYb8lYeKfL2Zu92kVpokv9qx53Hobxe_QFgvh2Y8s7CH0MK6qNuH-FIbOux8unzXkLYAgKtw/s1600/DSCF0856.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTWL8gi5QcOAxV2zWon8QUWa6C5MQssVwIxeeRWl9j_uqDqU63U1f0YzEvFjy-6DYb8lYeKfL2Zu92kVpokv9qx53Hobxe_QFgvh2Y8s7CH0MK6qNuH-FIbOux8unzXkLYAgKtw/s400/DSCF0856.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546688353820034" border="0" /></a><br />The hiking group headed up to Watson Lake near Prescott to hike the Peavine Trail. However, we made a slightly wrong turn and ended up on the Lakeshore Trail instead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35pAEDba0ln7t3kJEaxRIXQyTLbossXDF_75pw__UnOHbhf7sAtZwNuVAz3Hl9ZhJQ_BzNCOopUqNatWVesWZ0MblGFk7PlFRQiqKfcpzVOXrSCTMoZLMN9COG-_1Fy2i1fODxg/s1600/DSCF0848.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35pAEDba0ln7t3kJEaxRIXQyTLbossXDF_75pw__UnOHbhf7sAtZwNuVAz3Hl9ZhJQ_BzNCOopUqNatWVesWZ0MblGFk7PlFRQiqKfcpzVOXrSCTMoZLMN9COG-_1Fy2i1fODxg/s400/DSCF0848.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546675145131794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7UHDA-slOhL_1CtPfmIdAAcVsDy2KD87o7wJl5vp6qW-kDkwVAxcocZZhWxWTFLUKiKZtN0ywi6w6eqwzPcGiQIrBJYzdL9FHJdLInYFQnYNcP9RweE-Ms5esg4cYh-WW1oRkQ/s1600/DSCF0851.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7UHDA-slOhL_1CtPfmIdAAcVsDy2KD87o7wJl5vp6qW-kDkwVAxcocZZhWxWTFLUKiKZtN0ywi6w6eqwzPcGiQIrBJYzdL9FHJdLInYFQnYNcP9RweE-Ms5esg4cYh-WW1oRkQ/s400/DSCF0851.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546673898656114" border="0" /></a>The tail took us around a few wetlands areas before turning towards the granite dells.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo5OKVXFw_3xvOG2JnEpRbxiMF1mE7r9wZ20iOtXe7qtcR5ya2r0TKCkRQOgfCYxLGojRpCCraotWFDMTeLWlcG0_XM1xjy3qlYyEL_YoOhkCez2eaDc_kpguVXv85CGr81w4rg/s1600/DSCF0853.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo5OKVXFw_3xvOG2JnEpRbxiMF1mE7r9wZ20iOtXe7qtcR5ya2r0TKCkRQOgfCYxLGojRpCCraotWFDMTeLWlcG0_XM1xjy3qlYyEL_YoOhkCez2eaDc_kpguVXv85CGr81w4rg/s400/DSCF0853.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546341863519122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv93hCsxoi1mcv5kXnwNefeKTsZDQ5BrGxx3sjUzovxM6eS3XPx8ea1hEh0qXwx4zUvx5yIx1GOn1Ntxe7uRZJy9qitLRe1CNgHG7jvYvtANIeTtQKfQlZEGM5hHUqmxIz_VflWg/s1600/DSCF0861.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv93hCsxoi1mcv5kXnwNefeKTsZDQ5BrGxx3sjUzovxM6eS3XPx8ea1hEh0qXwx4zUvx5yIx1GOn1Ntxe7uRZJy9qitLRe1CNgHG7jvYvtANIeTtQKfQlZEGM5hHUqmxIz_VflWg/s400/DSCF0861.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546338120499138" border="0" /></a>We had fun climbing up the various granite rock formations and looking at the blue lake below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1k8x1ePePIF2qJZFaDrTAlt_Aqx04x3OiLMLT_Nb2XRz0gb31JX6T5ae9BXHoBg_Tr7hs1u121AxkkJ3Q2i8Xd8rf0E72ERGyMRqO-45_WXX86_3kVyXPU3K8u_jBX0RDZ0JTg/s1600/22986247.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1k8x1ePePIF2qJZFaDrTAlt_Aqx04x3OiLMLT_Nb2XRz0gb31JX6T5ae9BXHoBg_Tr7hs1u121AxkkJ3Q2i8Xd8rf0E72ERGyMRqO-45_WXX86_3kVyXPU3K8u_jBX0RDZ0JTg/s400/22986247.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627398175450860002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0iXxS9g7kQ6RXltvDUMmlvfGKajJyzSasP4iAmAel-L5Er23mNE6XRJ9NaQaqB4unAuFAYQWlXTo470MGRCAWt8AamOGM0OsYO8upx1x0-Pn-dt5TJ_uiPh2kH1o2csis8cLAQ/s1600/22986246.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0iXxS9g7kQ6RXltvDUMmlvfGKajJyzSasP4iAmAel-L5Er23mNE6XRJ9NaQaqB4unAuFAYQWlXTo470MGRCAWt8AamOGM0OsYO8upx1x0-Pn-dt5TJ_uiPh2kH1o2csis8cLAQ/s400/22986246.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627398171501161922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliaRDdjgb5JOlYyBxpigomB0VgwUHnLEBOKHCxSL7TtfgAvz5Jos7g755pTHqclyeoB8pJC_eeOLDp7aYQAKMBs-dWIAJQ0mTFtrmbzdgGaim8XWGQY-N1ZMzycYH8AfDAwYJyw/s1600/DSCF0865.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliaRDdjgb5JOlYyBxpigomB0VgwUHnLEBOKHCxSL7TtfgAvz5Jos7g755pTHqclyeoB8pJC_eeOLDp7aYQAKMBs-dWIAJQ0mTFtrmbzdgGaim8XWGQY-N1ZMzycYH8AfDAwYJyw/s400/DSCF0865.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546332309881986" border="0" /></a>Shhhh.....no waking me for the entire lake......<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9phbtZscTWpxNiMnEz2q7G9xuXjLptPNHFClHtm7-tJdtbfY64ZyQvOR5hTFLNy2CPgUK-yW43AozH6YTRto19t1hCq5ieFuTNLAasN-nV0ZlA_NMW7kP4eQESxkFfqyxFEgsQ/s1600/DSCF0873.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9phbtZscTWpxNiMnEz2q7G9xuXjLptPNHFClHtm7-tJdtbfY64ZyQvOR5hTFLNy2CPgUK-yW43AozH6YTRto19t1hCq5ieFuTNLAasN-nV0ZlA_NMW7kP4eQESxkFfqyxFEgsQ/s400/DSCF0873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546319997187106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvgibx-j08X-tNCBC49OgigQpSmAtU8kI7oUGpO-pCDdRfMm8WjhTGFSRT6SF9noTJPYigPBt0-9CrV-VdaLqe-dKJNyAweYfd_KMmUBkbhKYFf3CWnubsrWOxOyx-2zBzO4Qrg/s1600/snake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvgibx-j08X-tNCBC49OgigQpSmAtU8kI7oUGpO-pCDdRfMm8WjhTGFSRT6SF9noTJPYigPBt0-9CrV-VdaLqe-dKJNyAweYfd_KMmUBkbhKYFf3CWnubsrWOxOyx-2zBzO4Qrg/s400/snake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625546314426913746" border="0" /></a>On the way back, we found this snake alongside the trail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:100%;"> Distance </span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:darkred;" >One Way</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 miles</span></td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:100%;"> Trailhead Elevation</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">5198 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:100%;"> Elevation Gain</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">100 feet</span></td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg Time </span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:darkred;" >One Way</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1+ hours</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-33157583302144801472011-04-10T19:13:00.000-07:002011-07-04T07:30:46.702-07:00Black Mesa-Hackberry Springs Loops (Superstitions)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc7TeUA6MAU4g4y2iuCvnBJ2hihgEy48tPur_R98LrlBV86I1e9xFO0jDo5Oxigm_X-JcXO_lqHaP3FaHBd-diezRxxTacwpff3OJsmIXFz5JkY7KoCUjQcJdQh64cW4Vv66dMQ/s1600/10AprHikea.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc7TeUA6MAU4g4y2iuCvnBJ2hihgEy48tPur_R98LrlBV86I1e9xFO0jDo5Oxigm_X-JcXO_lqHaP3FaHBd-diezRxxTacwpff3OJsmIXFz5JkY7KoCUjQcJdQh64cW4Vv66dMQ/s400/10AprHikea.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625502091410315410" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">All bundled up at the start of the hike. Hopefully 4 layers plus hat and gloves will be warm enough.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mMe1FPI08iqtJKKjk4Y5HmAom9VqgUHvvHsojC3I-vdTbw15KfiaAUG14xuNr0_uozkFKQpAL3SXtrJpnw5lc8X-vEPtVeIC0UHHLDQNLw6_IOOtEfvEAxmQIdk8FQDwMSmBig/s1600/10AprHike1.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mMe1FPI08iqtJKKjk4Y5HmAom9VqgUHvvHsojC3I-vdTbw15KfiaAUG14xuNr0_uozkFKQpAL3SXtrJpnw5lc8X-vEPtVeIC0UHHLDQNLw6_IOOtEfvEAxmQIdk8FQDwMSmBig/s400/10AprHike1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625502086620272962" border="0" /></a>Can you believe that it snowed in the Phoenix area in April?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGcNXMIQ7A-ev8BU319Sdu_RLogUoyVJu2RLxFjgByzfT54aNxRKokD3eHFYDcGmaiVN7xNF0jv_zyN3kdDGHf0fqn1uojZnj1oED-YtuRH5-i-n1Cb2SsQEBnhuw5k311cfd5A/s1600/10AprHike2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGcNXMIQ7A-ev8BU319Sdu_RLogUoyVJu2RLxFjgByzfT54aNxRKokD3eHFYDcGmaiVN7xNF0jv_zyN3kdDGHf0fqn1uojZnj1oED-YtuRH5-i-n1Cb2SsQEBnhuw5k311cfd5A/s400/10AprHike2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625502072269817458" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">An hour into the hike, I'm brave enough to remove my hat ... but not my gloves. My hiking buddies have already stripped down to short sleeves.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO6F55c2u230PoZju1Z0FCPtPB1P9OicIBPoSHKbrybWFuN2Sss2WcgpdbHlkRdOlsvAv_gkW4i9X_XTLt4ImDtqzLqV95Upv85exjxWfZ8zpdNmPZIrVU-kb_pVKOjDU9VP1rA/s1600/10AprHike3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO6F55c2u230PoZju1Z0FCPtPB1P9OicIBPoSHKbrybWFuN2Sss2WcgpdbHlkRdOlsvAv_gkW4i9X_XTLt4ImDtqzLqV95Upv85exjxWfZ8zpdNmPZIrVU-kb_pVKOjDU9VP1rA/s400/10AprHike3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625502073943744946" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Two hours into the hike and a snack break. My gloves come off :-)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwKcPfozU55fiq8s8iR8f0-eMYVkrg2gU3e0A3AXgzMS0jPTgSmgCC7RerQsTanOZLL-bvh26toPNsu7hbjPYKojdKoHS9E_X7yBdYOmapM5vnBb9hUwD5ApF0h4zOgSsf25ixA/s1600/10AprHike4.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwKcPfozU55fiq8s8iR8f0-eMYVkrg2gU3e0A3AXgzMS0jPTgSmgCC7RerQsTanOZLL-bvh26toPNsu7hbjPYKojdKoHS9E_X7yBdYOmapM5vnBb9hUwD5ApF0h4zOgSsf25ixA/s400/10AprHike4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625502068443054098" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">OK, I only took the gloves off to make it easier to eat. My hands were still cold!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rU3NoXwhGtPKb88opjNtIdhaTER-Pkwogtdobc45E3KMg9BAQuhP3O0xRpyNxupfQUrfc3VOH6jDW_mLFZF2u2wGIXk6dv9uzE1SZY6cpvTcthS65Na-th8_cRrAenO5zQ7Zog/s1600/10AprHike5.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rU3NoXwhGtPKb88opjNtIdhaTER-Pkwogtdobc45E3KMg9BAQuhP3O0xRpyNxupfQUrfc3VOH6jDW_mLFZF2u2wGIXk6dv9uzE1SZY6cpvTcthS65Na-th8_cRrAenO5zQ7Zog/s400/10AprHike5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501915993883138" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">7 miles into a 10.6 mile hike and the windbreaker finally came off. Will 3 layers be warm enough?</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2HFMx8b0Xu9-q2S96MiD2BuQWogeXjX-k5gP5Qw5-w07HVAt9YeuTkXSbP8jU4aGGwTehWvjCGUXdUG0m5i5mANxeVhEryrGOiLvPsRtfnD9Y1p3t1-CwidoSaY_3c5LTxHNQw/s1600/10AprHike6.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2HFMx8b0Xu9-q2S96MiD2BuQWogeXjX-k5gP5Qw5-w07HVAt9YeuTkXSbP8jU4aGGwTehWvjCGUXdUG0m5i5mANxeVhEryrGOiLvPsRtfnD9Y1p3t1-CwidoSaY_3c5LTxHNQw/s400/10AprHike6.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501902987100610" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">A few of the hills.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dvc6gtKYUvtz7SoOluff835E4APiftmfO5u8HExYyG65BeCWtwdRWxVNuH_HKJvU4uRd0a50Aou2Ttp87cev-ptg80oyBfhiaPCwJDxO3PhY4C4lvM4XkkhenFA92zhiIF6I1g/s1600/10AprHike7.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dvc6gtKYUvtz7SoOluff835E4APiftmfO5u8HExYyG65BeCWtwdRWxVNuH_HKJvU4uRd0a50Aou2Ttp87cev-ptg80oyBfhiaPCwJDxO3PhY4C4lvM4XkkhenFA92zhiIF6I1g/s400/10AprHike7.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501892992245554" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Such grace! I hate going downhill!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TcgNY1EY0Skox8bMGORlXNamjMCAkl8ZhkARIYJkY-YLMQ55mjSpLdUb8iE4tGVDTAh8dvaTqb9IFSRPSgbPgC8SjuUd0mBlfwBc5kZvkxVndE3vZH6HIQvywGvG1ed7lmA8aQ/s1600/10AprHike8.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TcgNY1EY0Skox8bMGORlXNamjMCAkl8ZhkARIYJkY-YLMQ55mjSpLdUb8iE4tGVDTAh8dvaTqb9IFSRPSgbPgC8SjuUd0mBlfwBc5kZvkxVndE3vZH6HIQvywGvG1ed7lmA8aQ/s400/10AprHike8.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501893423953170" border="0" /></a><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">I'm not a fan of stream crossings... especially when there's water and you have to cross the SAME stream 20X!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCYCT5K5kcMtNJSRZ63t0uNjWJHgRfcjYM9GppxZRL6zV2hbiAt014M8hGa6wczX4rvTsg_y_SPBIHkpaEbXGgYuRkTYkGNt4ws11tmGaKcp8lemBbCpYfeOU38f576zQ5Prwvw/s1600/10AprHike9.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCYCT5K5kcMtNJSRZ63t0uNjWJHgRfcjYM9GppxZRL6zV2hbiAt014M8hGa6wczX4rvTsg_y_SPBIHkpaEbXGgYuRkTYkGNt4ws11tmGaKcp8lemBbCpYfeOU38f576zQ5Prwvw/s400/10AprHike9.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501887669612098" border="0" /></a>Only 1 mile left to go!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Distance <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">10.5 miles</td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Trailhead Elevation</td> <td style="text-align: left;">2300 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Elevation Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">480 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Accumulated Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">1125 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Avg Time <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"> 6 hours</td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-74197194654313992872011-02-28T22:47:00.000-08:002011-07-05T23:50:57.388-07:00Arizona Snow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips5x7iSzifeHfDvlHSHEK-k_TJ1F2KbH7xeYj5fIhP6EHvpDtHhtPd96n-ImYt4mBkr7v-TsTCZtio69HLy4KXxsVu2F6fozEl6VgoE82kFdPzl3QRqMGjWVGNInAW-rIYCdINA/s1600/DSCF0523.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips5x7iSzifeHfDvlHSHEK-k_TJ1F2KbH7xeYj5fIhP6EHvpDtHhtPd96n-ImYt4mBkr7v-TsTCZtio69HLy4KXxsVu2F6fozEl6VgoE82kFdPzl3QRqMGjWVGNInAW-rIYCdINA/s400/DSCF0523.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625370420395868562" border="0" /></a>Coming back from a weekend trip to Vegas, we were treated with this beautiful view of snow covered mountains surrounding Lake Mead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-RUjb5RP7DjlOnWSIlAdlEOaPxhUnxzt19MFahuqrlIpckbYP6XjDngnew-GzwZyCGjVV21zdvLZP1FpNBQL1UnyWan8p7JyfM3zBgRvyNpgBaIr6kwWNcNgGPfTjWUt6IPnjg/s1600/DSCF0529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-RUjb5RP7DjlOnWSIlAdlEOaPxhUnxzt19MFahuqrlIpckbYP6XjDngnew-GzwZyCGjVV21zdvLZP1FpNBQL1UnyWan8p7JyfM3zBgRvyNpgBaIr6kwWNcNgGPfTjWUt6IPnjg/s400/DSCF0529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625370406785347730" border="0" /></a>We stopped near Chloride, AZ to get out and play in the snow for a little bit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6i5F5inI3C42ZzeRSGxMNIrDpVbCb8kpcteVCKddiTV84oRMPuEJkEd0DoHLzc63ysJRXFj1Y-xgX1xFo7woiin4zDQVP_NhHrefnzHMimzm-4oQHEo4ak92nPUFi7j_mlliSA/s1600/DSCF0530.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6i5F5inI3C42ZzeRSGxMNIrDpVbCb8kpcteVCKddiTV84oRMPuEJkEd0DoHLzc63ysJRXFj1Y-xgX1xFo7woiin4zDQVP_NhHrefnzHMimzm-4oQHEo4ak92nPUFi7j_mlliSA/s400/DSCF0530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625370388456481394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxCtGQZhBfp00oH-nbu1BxB16GKVWsYvoz7ePqcbpttutidwbUxlaX8OH0F0Q2Xw1FaSLnVZR_jEkOZAxFEvm146OQJLNxnIjwHgU3Lk4FC88cZeigkuGExfGborzy14TFXQ4Dw/s1600/DSCF0532.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxCtGQZhBfp00oH-nbu1BxB16GKVWsYvoz7ePqcbpttutidwbUxlaX8OH0F0Q2Xw1FaSLnVZR_jEkOZAxFEvm146OQJLNxnIjwHgU3Lk4FC88cZeigkuGExfGborzy14TFXQ4Dw/s400/DSCF0532.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625370382801677778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBkbTeQ15yQfWSXVeRX6vMj-o-H4nHCOpIY5KdK_ZvPHAVKw1UsG0Q-l8fH7Ovmg8vGZeH7K5gsKXrmNmmvRRyY2QQwSfEYdbQsiep-VZj2Cw9o7ysQpOtjEI4SiiqQhTa1KK-g/s1600/DSCF0540.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBkbTeQ15yQfWSXVeRX6vMj-o-H4nHCOpIY5KdK_ZvPHAVKw1UsG0Q-l8fH7Ovmg8vGZeH7K5gsKXrmNmmvRRyY2QQwSfEYdbQsiep-VZj2Cw9o7ysQpOtjEI4SiiqQhTa1KK-g/s400/DSCF0540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625370379382139954" border="0" /></a>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-65312661054322560692011-01-18T22:21:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:16:47.914-08:00Ford Canyon - White Tanks near Phoenix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXtVTReHIy184ee7kpmm6m8a5pRcmidBYTqa01YrhD7KLEr_6vq3sDqm-AKGHuFaNgPlrkItBnBo6mYA9-6f6bQ7qXkU39Jp73wXUdq09AjG9TIhGDqWVMddeRWFx6FLURuxSug/s1600/DSCF0398.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363823854874306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXtVTReHIy184ee7kpmm6m8a5pRcmidBYTqa01YrhD7KLEr_6vq3sDqm-AKGHuFaNgPlrkItBnBo6mYA9-6f6bQ7qXkU39Jp73wXUdq09AjG9TIhGDqWVMddeRWFx6FLURuxSug/s400/DSCF0398.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>It was a beautiful January weekend, so I decided to hike Ford Canyon in the White Tank mountains with Dennis. He was familiar with the trail, but I hadn't been before.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBxjOrUFFqgDraxSMvaRUlTdN6ATPdDsV9rNQc_qaWynWAFTl0Q6CVO1Lbn2eQETVsOx0IQBVBu1Hk4PRRUiYf3B3q52lzuD_2U0JeaP7RvTsSlEoOGM0Z2DY1jrU0fldZ9Apg/s1600/DSCF0404.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363817627943122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBxjOrUFFqgDraxSMvaRUlTdN6ATPdDsV9rNQc_qaWynWAFTl0Q6CVO1Lbn2eQETVsOx0IQBVBu1Hk4PRRUiYf3B3q52lzuD_2U0JeaP7RvTsSlEoOGM0Z2DY1jrU0fldZ9Apg/s400/DSCF0404.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I laugh in the face of danger!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBcvmlBvzF17VdWBoQMc_faYTMMQEhNdB8naUld1x27pjjg6zLVtYHz8gZd4fTkRgsoJuRUsYEHGJfzS0Wcrch6yt9hTt6MQ3ilUKdnLHbVTpocntp85qxBoHcrZfEk42kb9UDw/s1600/DSCF0409.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363642473688066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBcvmlBvzF17VdWBoQMc_faYTMMQEhNdB8naUld1x27pjjg6zLVtYHz8gZd4fTkRgsoJuRUsYEHGJfzS0Wcrch6yt9hTt6MQ3ilUKdnLHbVTpocntp85qxBoHcrZfEk42kb9UDw/s400/DSCF0409.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>The canyon was very pretty, although the pools were rather green and murky.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj-HRPJVWx7CJ3H8aYc8SAo20nMGzs9TjxJlPv3I-cEHsc0D2aJIaQ6HEpKoeJeePQhAF0z4wGl3jgyYeYOhK8Cs88YLoRez5ERwp-FosVE1ip10e_aCzzw-n6o4ydOW87fTOGg/s1600/DSCF0405.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363636797208578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj-HRPJVWx7CJ3H8aYc8SAo20nMGzs9TjxJlPv3I-cEHsc0D2aJIaQ6HEpKoeJeePQhAF0z4wGl3jgyYeYOhK8Cs88YLoRez5ERwp-FosVE1ip10e_aCzzw-n6o4ydOW87fTOGg/s400/DSCF0405.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7qsstJxDBW6Sf-5KWJnfiulKLqyfe3SnQUgkGa97IYg8E6qND_K-uRxTKH8uLSBIEkKTzAMVsrVifv2PFJUqJj3sGiuKigMNsSnaFtW4_0n038MQNDeF8ZKNr5cadolpAu9Zxg/s1600/DSCF0410.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363635266106994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7qsstJxDBW6Sf-5KWJnfiulKLqyfe3SnQUgkGa97IYg8E6qND_K-uRxTKH8uLSBIEkKTzAMVsrVifv2PFJUqJj3sGiuKigMNsSnaFtW4_0n038MQNDeF8ZKNr5cadolpAu9Zxg/s400/DSCF0410.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMXMTYeN1TiNrn-UvJObbBX8d_0WXEATtVw4Sr9_2ShvsDhDlKUthGrRTMAz75QsXOcdWKDf9fJsv2RlLmp6_TZNOG8c-h-UNt2jswx5ZFKoMLKZre977oUwxsWwLSCYqaCDwaQ/s1600/DSCF0418.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625363620404216930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMXMTYeN1TiNrn-UvJObbBX8d_0WXEATtVw4Sr9_2ShvsDhDlKUthGrRTMAz75QsXOcdWKDf9fJsv2RlLmp6_TZNOG8c-h-UNt2jswx5ZFKoMLKZre977oUwxsWwLSCYqaCDwaQ/s400/DSCF0418.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>It was a little longer than I was ready for, so I was quite tired at the end. Next time I'll work my way up to the longer hikes!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br />
Distance (one way) = 7.4 miles - we hiked it as a loop w/ about 11 miles<br />
Trailhead Elevation = 1615 feet<br />
Elevation Gain = 1410 feet<br />
Avg Time (as loop) = 5 hoursLaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-59032162768044457112010-11-12T06:21:00.000-08:002011-07-04T06:37:36.250-07:00West Fork of Oak Creek - SedonaThe hiking group was doing a Veteran's Day hike on West Fork Trail of Oak Creek in Sedona. I don't normally like stream crossing hikes, but I really wanted to see the fall colors, so decided to join in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHWAdCe5Nod9yA12NGOANAkTTTy0sZNiUFOoXQBu5erNJ3wsgAfFw85M3Y1vZvbymlUNYkLwAKI1ATsw5iMwENfqOVKz6tvLsN8QCKroWAkiDF4LtXnMXCHoyFP1mMj36nBRPNA/s1600/Westfork1.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHWAdCe5Nod9yA12NGOANAkTTTy0sZNiUFOoXQBu5erNJ3wsgAfFw85M3Y1vZvbymlUNYkLwAKI1ATsw5iMwENfqOVKz6tvLsN8QCKroWAkiDF4LtXnMXCHoyFP1mMj36nBRPNA/s400/Westfork1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488713012687538" border="0" /></a>Of course, we had hardly hiked at all before we hit the first (of at least 26) stream crossings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gSwRxmJTelXJDMqRYjpESVuGQsXKP-rkiKTPv_w2upTwvVw5lMO09XMSqekgGm7aXb5s5teexJeX8bdYe6hnETh8ogIfZVQ5znYYlvn0R90YUBoauXVCWhTx9GhcJH91gngcRg/s1600/Westfork2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gSwRxmJTelXJDMqRYjpESVuGQsXKP-rkiKTPv_w2upTwvVw5lMO09XMSqekgGm7aXb5s5teexJeX8bdYe6hnETh8ogIfZVQ5znYYlvn0R90YUBoauXVCWhTx9GhcJH91gngcRg/s400/Westfork2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488704476467154" border="0" /></a>The canyon was beautiful though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ6pWwP8oUY_jCfsqDi2E0zXf38q6DdfWyO3Pxgjlx4Nwg77NSMX21MKdrw55FPV03wRo55PZ9AXxe1Y6xovVPtQmBknrtYmafFtdxAIjugoI5HffqaQjs01W3NGNK08z63-Cxg/s1600/Westfork3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ6pWwP8oUY_jCfsqDi2E0zXf38q6DdfWyO3Pxgjlx4Nwg77NSMX21MKdrw55FPV03wRo55PZ9AXxe1Y6xovVPtQmBknrtYmafFtdxAIjugoI5HffqaQjs01W3NGNK08z63-Cxg/s400/Westfork3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488693442070818" border="0" /></a>The morning started out very cold - with just a dusting of snow from the night before.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e2tifpSCi7nuFbUdOKg1kXhgZgc7iniZ2QMEXdBaQyxmDjhoCRE_lbHK0pfDUhoPxot3KUfYG_rOCXALgnxSsTK6Bfb4WZbEchUo4GaSFdFBoqcDYf3dhVVTghg3N5D1dBlHfQ/s1600/Westfork4.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e2tifpSCi7nuFbUdOKg1kXhgZgc7iniZ2QMEXdBaQyxmDjhoCRE_lbHK0pfDUhoPxot3KUfYG_rOCXALgnxSsTK6Bfb4WZbEchUo4GaSFdFBoqcDYf3dhVVTghg3N5D1dBlHfQ/s400/Westfork4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488051387399618" border="0" /></a>Since it was Veteran's Day, we each had a little flag to carry (and some of us wore red, white, and blue, too).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwdnEI0NXKYed3YRiaJrXYhvv-CiGo-LOppq-lwpthheEWefKFlKWl50iHkoOQCPR1pvZy2Itlfm7aHrJ1hLC-WhKcBej_BygaHOzXYNtWq8g8Ahv8tKEQSaSqt2GEbZZGNj_5w/s1600/Westfork5.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwdnEI0NXKYed3YRiaJrXYhvv-CiGo-LOppq-lwpthheEWefKFlKWl50iHkoOQCPR1pvZy2Itlfm7aHrJ1hLC-WhKcBej_BygaHOzXYNtWq8g8Ahv8tKEQSaSqt2GEbZZGNj_5w/s400/Westfork5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488043537109026" border="0" /></a>As usual, I was the slow one on all the streams.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19Kl-PdAGwDG39nPjfjKP5rtz79wvP2f2o9eM60Js75SBGqxPEqm6GeLPiWddQxQJMOEG-KjlzoPhkEoKAJzcy2LDkZhqRku80jVhRLpUlaVvMzlJsGYXt-GjnI5uXNQCEB1OKA/s1600/Westfork6.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19Kl-PdAGwDG39nPjfjKP5rtz79wvP2f2o9eM60Js75SBGqxPEqm6GeLPiWddQxQJMOEG-KjlzoPhkEoKAJzcy2LDkZhqRku80jVhRLpUlaVvMzlJsGYXt-GjnI5uXNQCEB1OKA/s400/Westfork6.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488024853820946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTWe6ih2wgbFjyAu0bN5SWntqstFzdBC4CNgyxGh2CRfiO1cK8NsaQrxruwkWu4y9EIlCWZRHPoJ3vGLNC_4f8eDSeK9muh5csBt5UARejwDplxqQHdk-a6VfAiB6TqH7bXyXQw/s1600/Westfork7.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTWe6ih2wgbFjyAu0bN5SWntqstFzdBC4CNgyxGh2CRfiO1cK8NsaQrxruwkWu4y9EIlCWZRHPoJ3vGLNC_4f8eDSeK9muh5csBt5UARejwDplxqQHdk-a6VfAiB6TqH7bXyXQw/s400/Westfork7.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488016134148946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhmeKfYkPeQ3MAAolsjssO_7-RVxqEWqhz1-a2wKkXC9nXRD2Pij1p8hydtN3Var6ccF7L13hfDqQcvpVNhr6i7c_ku5-UyKimlL1RjI-qxRIw2uMicm1lhgzW-mksInR06Fb7Q/s1600/Westfork8.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhmeKfYkPeQ3MAAolsjssO_7-RVxqEWqhz1-a2wKkXC9nXRD2Pij1p8hydtN3Var6ccF7L13hfDqQcvpVNhr6i7c_ku5-UyKimlL1RjI-qxRIw2uMicm1lhgzW-mksInR06Fb7Q/s400/Westfork8.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625488012239845266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacKzhiHjL9dfwe7hL_j3x14KcpYR_9EGa_2KbkZkVvi0988zoNrrdV5tOrFESUDT7Eb_YBOqYNJ3xL9fmOUxp3naRKOV7Prq0q5RqjjS3p54MNo1NZLkKMr_IjG6MeIXT8MBLMA/s1600/Westfork9.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacKzhiHjL9dfwe7hL_j3x14KcpYR_9EGa_2KbkZkVvi0988zoNrrdV5tOrFESUDT7Eb_YBOqYNJ3xL9fmOUxp3naRKOV7Prq0q5RqjjS3p54MNo1NZLkKMr_IjG6MeIXT8MBLMA/s400/Westfork9.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625487155544773730" border="0" /></a>Breaking for lunch at the end of the trail. To go further, you would need to wade through the water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK0qfcqa_KGXlEwTe6RAv1MSAsYU9_41qefr1T0Cu99hGDB3PbFT4_zmjMAuv2XNh7tA7Dq71s7-42_cECRzdPOuMFB9hcf4a1-oTF1b9z4fo06jbt1AjY6ou1sUYu_vL9HR1Fw/s1600/Westfork10.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK0qfcqa_KGXlEwTe6RAv1MSAsYU9_41qefr1T0Cu99hGDB3PbFT4_zmjMAuv2XNh7tA7Dq71s7-42_cECRzdPOuMFB9hcf4a1-oTF1b9z4fo06jbt1AjY6ou1sUYu_vL9HR1Fw/s400/Westfork10.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625487144993691106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKq-9aQbrN6EJgXKfMOC_7LLiWaz1mEBRlSRWQ31UcRvpuX0gJNyc9UC1O5iTgZH22WVfu8ah7aa_z4BvNKG2vs9OTvcLxn-2o_eJKbZl1L642-P1ZfRAIVlDBAuvoM6JueLBiw/s1600/Westfork11.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKq-9aQbrN6EJgXKfMOC_7LLiWaz1mEBRlSRWQ31UcRvpuX0gJNyc9UC1O5iTgZH22WVfu8ah7aa_z4BvNKG2vs9OTvcLxn-2o_eJKbZl1L642-P1ZfRAIVlDBAuvoM6JueLBiw/s400/Westfork11.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625487136607699970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r7X0khTzClyIee2dJ9w24E1izrwx4kYSlE60fk6jVDq0cCoeRNkzykfrGtYVTOTYNwSK-uYKYA5ETnUs1D1AidF5ZoyH7ePW870rzbXWz5-yfEntx6UNISMz5LjWnSPon7_J-Q/s1600/Westfork12.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r7X0khTzClyIee2dJ9w24E1izrwx4kYSlE60fk6jVDq0cCoeRNkzykfrGtYVTOTYNwSK-uYKYA5ETnUs1D1AidF5ZoyH7ePW870rzbXWz5-yfEntx6UNISMz5LjWnSPon7_J-Q/s400/Westfork12.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625487129635582482" border="0" /></a>Help! Don't leave without me! :-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_A1CTfPf4-rnBqLbSIYpIbLM3qJDBkR_h1ijuc2W4SvmeJB-fW2VRWkyZ2i1SWiE3Pe9guY6EwvOIGOvhI6RtUcPFG3rjr-jEOS7eU29d4_rW9KyyRg6sjt-e4D7oNteUTFSnw/s1600/Westfork13.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_A1CTfPf4-rnBqLbSIYpIbLM3qJDBkR_h1ijuc2W4SvmeJB-fW2VRWkyZ2i1SWiE3Pe9guY6EwvOIGOvhI6RtUcPFG3rjr-jEOS7eU29d4_rW9KyyRg6sjt-e4D7oNteUTFSnw/s400/Westfork13.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625487117419530162" border="0" /></a>While I absolutely hated all the stream crossings (and got a wet foot towards the end), this was a beautiful hike. Anyone with balance or who doesn't mind getting wet feet would love it.<br /><br />Trail stats:<br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Distance <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">8 miles</td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Trailhead Elevation</td> <td style="text-align: left;">5280 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Elevation Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">200 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Avg Time <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"> 4 hours</td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-27511119836182558792010-11-10T22:15:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:17:22.469-08:00Vulture Peak near Wickenburg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0z_H1Dpl-o_lBBsfrAzbWA1sqVhOFQ3N6_0zUmksxASC_oioa9j7RwYwi75izeRIuxxhJDbUNN8zIRW6N0wC0uJ6C9ByR42JRwMPpGy2yszUv0eQqSDGO8gpYXpMsTe41O4Bmg/s1600/Vulture+Peak+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625362265375508130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0z_H1Dpl-o_lBBsfrAzbWA1sqVhOFQ3N6_0zUmksxASC_oioa9j7RwYwi75izeRIuxxhJDbUNN8zIRW6N0wC0uJ6C9ByR42JRwMPpGy2yszUv0eQqSDGO8gpYXpMsTe41O4Bmg/s400/Vulture+Peak+001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I hadn't hiked Vulture Peak near Wickenburg before, so Dennis and I headed out to give it a try.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTo_owEed0tV5-MpLrgvbCRiu_c7b_KJpLMgQmbWXscezbzNmBOfhFEzIqEATTr7MTH0xkBkklzUR2sdwP1L0kStvq8Vwv8sTZRxgYnPfDG9LT6bE9k97EZ1utNs3udzTwZAULQ/s1600/Vulture+Peak+004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625362254947461442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTo_owEed0tV5-MpLrgvbCRiu_c7b_KJpLMgQmbWXscezbzNmBOfhFEzIqEATTr7MTH0xkBkklzUR2sdwP1L0kStvq8Vwv8sTZRxgYnPfDG9LT6bE9k97EZ1utNs3udzTwZAULQ/s400/Vulture+Peak+004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The trail started of with a gradual climb and then it got steeper.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yYfQgg45PiH6ROflVqT8m03gWv27_XbbeF347VLct4skTwpXAqFIVgAQ5ekV_VXIRagoOQfZIR5_VCq8iYLtYBZsYfyQReZqPDjLrCwWeUu2DWfEm28591elmNB9aHLB1QzUSQ/s1600/Vulture+Peak+006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625362245451815138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yYfQgg45PiH6ROflVqT8m03gWv27_XbbeF347VLct4skTwpXAqFIVgAQ5ekV_VXIRagoOQfZIR5_VCq8iYLtYBZsYfyQReZqPDjLrCwWeUu2DWfEm28591elmNB9aHLB1QzUSQ/s400/Vulture+Peak+006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I was still fighting my camera that was on its last leg, and didn't get any more pictures than this.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats:</span><br />
<table class="tF"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center; width: 20px;"><a href=""><br /></a></td><td>Distance <span style="color: darkred; font-size: 12px;">Round Trip</span></td><td style="text-align: left;">4 miles</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center; width: 20px;"><a href=""><br /></a></td><td>Trailhead Elevation</td><td style="text-align: left;">2480 feet</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center; width: 20px;"><a href=""><br /></a></td><td>Elevation Gain</td><td style="text-align: left;">1180 feet</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center; width: 20px;"><a href=""><br /></a></td><td>Avg Time <span style="color: darkred; font-size: 12px;">Round Trip</span></td><td style="text-align: left;">2 hours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-20694022532223680632010-10-08T22:04:00.000-07:002011-07-03T22:35:12.047-07:00Picacho Peak State Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHggVMiQFJ7I49sGFtaLaMlbxsInxDSSZBcLvBNIl1qfrLvQngNSMwZfAa8DpRrHWjJ7ZZheJzO5iiIJFzVGv8FXrUxHbzIJISH7_Lw3a9RGQOXP-8-CeXbedbYcGThm4U0VNmA/s1600/PA083877.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHggVMiQFJ7I49sGFtaLaMlbxsInxDSSZBcLvBNIl1qfrLvQngNSMwZfAa8DpRrHWjJ7ZZheJzO5iiIJFzVGv8FXrUxHbzIJISH7_Lw3a9RGQOXP-8-CeXbedbYcGThm4U0VNmA/s400/PA083877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625360443396938802" border="0" /></a>My backpacking trip to Havasupai Falls got canceled due to rain and flooding, so I made the best of the weekend by heading to Picacho Peak State Park.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIGLfOkxeGyXjdTgT09IBBibvJUfq7jJ1dJOoAiMO7N3gka287v14770HYOlStknJV4zRVRvEls0yJLj8Caxc8H4VFxCKkr-fJ7C2O3S0ChX00ms5C4CWEjMy7_5K-WFIleusgw/s1600/PA083880.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIGLfOkxeGyXjdTgT09IBBibvJUfq7jJ1dJOoAiMO7N3gka287v14770HYOlStknJV4zRVRvEls0yJLj8Caxc8H4VFxCKkr-fJ7C2O3S0ChX00ms5C4CWEjMy7_5K-WFIleusgw/s400/PA083880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625360436000011682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg4gnIozZ71N4F5UoWtvGKy3kInmYPhl8A3qk2zywufzl6VFk2UdpZsbtxFIiNTt9LifIaExcfqX1OvZqflqgU_rgOon-dL07zZwf67qVdJzpMGuBwZaxG_VWPcvZpFOENuiUSA/s1600/PA083879.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg4gnIozZ71N4F5UoWtvGKy3kInmYPhl8A3qk2zywufzl6VFk2UdpZsbtxFIiNTt9LifIaExcfqX1OvZqflqgU_rgOon-dL07zZwf67qVdJzpMGuBwZaxG_VWPcvZpFOENuiUSA/s400/PA083879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625360426106665826" border="0" /></a>I was doing fine until I hit the steep part, then decided I was done and turned around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTV1WgnsUeweWTRYfRZFKZv4KNM0cfhOAM_bH-sEo0p7aM4pj21UXlzF-gm7bKJFju4pFYHWIlBi6F2AE8yDY-9yIoj1B4ROMQoGe-fxHgclUtu2zO1dlWUKd9rjIwLT0dFXccA/s1600/PA083889.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTV1WgnsUeweWTRYfRZFKZv4KNM0cfhOAM_bH-sEo0p7aM4pj21UXlzF-gm7bKJFju4pFYHWIlBi6F2AE8yDY-9yIoj1B4ROMQoGe-fxHgclUtu2zO1dlWUKd9rjIwLT0dFXccA/s400/PA083889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625360418073818018" border="0" /></a>Instead, I played with the squirrels.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6W61lvG90zqbdj-U03qXmIRq2dAnViBQUGnuWDS40AgKbOUjsB1x4RQ_jEeTasczmG7loA2ZxZjazmGBKwik00Is4salO5H_KrXavT1ZkMpOQb0dxGQmeQG2AhuQZEKzeZUzQ/s1600/PA083892.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6W61lvG90zqbdj-U03qXmIRq2dAnViBQUGnuWDS40AgKbOUjsB1x4RQ_jEeTasczmG7loA2ZxZjazmGBKwik00Is4salO5H_KrXavT1ZkMpOQb0dxGQmeQG2AhuQZEKzeZUzQ/s400/PA083892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625360409017360338" border="0" /></a>And found a praying mantis. After that, I headed to Catalina State Park to hike Romero Pools, but my camera broke, so there aren't any more pictures.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail Stats (Hunter Trail):</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Distance <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">4 miles</td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Trailhead Elevation</td> <td style="text-align: left;">1784 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Elevation Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">1374 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Avg Time <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">2 - 3 hours</td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-64845709960654000202010-09-19T20:58:00.000-07:002011-07-04T07:12:53.555-07:00Derrick-Highline-Horton Creek Loop Trail near Payson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEQSsL-_0I35ZtT7SHK3o8u40DxPYIbQJbkHw7ttU1_hkmxmUZYJGuHqjpNsQ_snSLnQD3DE608ez-d3QwM9pJPC0DO5AY27oQr-Xfnpr-GB-HYVzkPE_qBSOwtrGLIHSGd_IYw/s1600/hortoncreek0.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEQSsL-_0I35ZtT7SHK3o8u40DxPYIbQJbkHw7ttU1_hkmxmUZYJGuHqjpNsQ_snSLnQD3DE608ez-d3QwM9pJPC0DO5AY27oQr-Xfnpr-GB-HYVzkPE_qBSOwtrGLIHSGd_IYw/s400/hortoncreek0.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625498547382056162" border="0" /></a>I decided to escape the Phoenix heat and head up to Payson with the hiking group for a day hike near Horton Creek. Instead of coming back the same way we went in, we decided to do this as a loop trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XKoFqcesE1yEK4HZKFxrXhSw243fHswQrz1Mxc21D7fPSDp6irPWXTPmEVA8GfqXepS7ksdZ9_yDzbcrWRbTS19-0hrb4-YWOaZKfHTR7a41dyrwlfoV-E9lWwLw0Y7DaV0YNQ/s1600/hortoncreek1.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XKoFqcesE1yEK4HZKFxrXhSw243fHswQrz1Mxc21D7fPSDp6irPWXTPmEVA8GfqXepS7ksdZ9_yDzbcrWRbTS19-0hrb4-YWOaZKfHTR7a41dyrwlfoV-E9lWwLw0Y7DaV0YNQ/s400/hortoncreek1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625498543811974898" border="0" /></a>Here's the group all together and happy before we started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhlQOQEwIGngM1wrnkZ9gtIRb5qlUJYhfZVOw0AesMuP0rDkohOTo9131KMB9PcjTbPFgOeII2NhRqyPXTXa0VAS-e8laYQmbrm35OENSaYDzlOlrJ6J8mdQh-YmCwKtuEzQyDw/s1600/hortoncreek2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhlQOQEwIGngM1wrnkZ9gtIRb5qlUJYhfZVOw0AesMuP0rDkohOTo9131KMB9PcjTbPFgOeII2NhRqyPXTXa0VAS-e8laYQmbrm35OENSaYDzlOlrJ6J8mdQh-YmCwKtuEzQyDw/s400/hortoncreek2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625498535331305410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxWzmO5OqkBVbALWrZ8YPTLdQS1o-6fwnnP1RdKR7KKVgbzx1pTFv2vTaBdPVavwmId-vcG1TLwrIs-ONpGRIbwWa4ln365kNIZ9qZkmjMCDAyXhjt6GHemMs97t95YQTQZp_1Q/s1600/hortoncreek2b.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxWzmO5OqkBVbALWrZ8YPTLdQS1o-6fwnnP1RdKR7KKVgbzx1pTFv2vTaBdPVavwmId-vcG1TLwrIs-ONpGRIbwWa4ln365kNIZ9qZkmjMCDAyXhjt6GHemMs97t95YQTQZp_1Q/s400/hortoncreek2b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625498529775075458" border="0" /></a>The trail started with a steep incline - a few people were less happy and it started to spread out the group.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxFY42qC9SyRgClCIK0Hv34y6m6TxnjgeeT1lqI7Cx3Vv-GijxnjldpYP0qkO-MaKrjG6T0PVm4YxTcczfYrWPHbhUG63OHvE8ZYvNQxdKPGcD2gM0ZulLLVC1KFZQ47o0i8uzw/s1600/hortoncreek3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxFY42qC9SyRgClCIK0Hv34y6m6TxnjgeeT1lqI7Cx3Vv-GijxnjldpYP0qkO-MaKrjG6T0PVm4YxTcczfYrWPHbhUG63OHvE8ZYvNQxdKPGcD2gM0ZulLLVC1KFZQ47o0i8uzw/s400/hortoncreek3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625498522776009426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5H5nz47BhorbWATMb7eb2KlBg1tA6UpiDcUA14eviyAHjc3ELle-uCFhWEUe-3AfXOpf8kHI03u6TNFiYhAmFZmpUK3h-BudTjWx9oqmdnpZHMOzPqUP7Rf1GajLB-qp3KtkQmQ/s1600/hortoncreek3a.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5H5nz47BhorbWATMb7eb2KlBg1tA6UpiDcUA14eviyAHjc3ELle-uCFhWEUe-3AfXOpf8kHI03u6TNFiYhAmFZmpUK3h-BudTjWx9oqmdnpZHMOzPqUP7Rf1GajLB-qp3KtkQmQ/s400/hortoncreek3a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625497996075068178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkIXTLwo6BAREm1mfgwJ3uBlwJxG5O3HhSpA-dXwnyQ83JkyrC91KAMaaI42vmXWDhf_Rw0LUWT3Q8FHUv9KkVOud6638eXG5UtxjXaMZum3dyq5tardVROBZVdCxeKEwtEStAA/s1600/hortoncreek3b.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkIXTLwo6BAREm1mfgwJ3uBlwJxG5O3HhSpA-dXwnyQ83JkyrC91KAMaaI42vmXWDhf_Rw0LUWT3Q8FHUv9KkVOud6638eXG5UtxjXaMZum3dyq5tardVROBZVdCxeKEwtEStAA/s400/hortoncreek3b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625497986995192770" border="0" /></a>Enjoying the beautiful views.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xODi2Boov_RVzQRPZUXCGempLmX2V7w42DGDn2UspjxPgXWB0Rp_Fxjaouf_N8LXZzCb78hVHxt29_61Gn2clFOrF3vv8qr4dBMeJk2LgcG9ZLKGsu1zcHTkzS1cFeIoSb6g8g/s1600/hortoncreek4.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xODi2Boov_RVzQRPZUXCGempLmX2V7w42DGDn2UspjxPgXWB0Rp_Fxjaouf_N8LXZzCb78hVHxt29_61Gn2clFOrF3vv8qr4dBMeJk2LgcG9ZLKGsu1zcHTkzS1cFeIoSb6g8g/s400/hortoncreek4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625497982050315634" border="0" /></a>Crossing Horton Creek was the one part of this trail that I didn't like. It took me forever to walk across these logs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU6MCNg2caXKNCguuRab-2y_JTFGpxZvW1zljtBTVQI5rWUkGRuj3ePa8UriSrdP7dFlXT-EMIqJpEctl34TP-Xy70N97O8CM03NCWU5HMQnrak8HyLm6gpe4Vwi68tNiYCwISw/s1600/hortoncreek4a.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU6MCNg2caXKNCguuRab-2y_JTFGpxZvW1zljtBTVQI5rWUkGRuj3ePa8UriSrdP7dFlXT-EMIqJpEctl34TP-Xy70N97O8CM03NCWU5HMQnrak8HyLm6gpe4Vwi68tNiYCwISw/s400/hortoncreek4a.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625497975114630434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzMzz-FiEhJ-b4UEoAiPc4Ow8F3pT7n4dPFcAdZ2AoU1p_PSBPq_RAPRY9Orl5TEpvKh4cKHTDzKrCwRgfVVgcGEox2LhYGqwlmg22p5huII1mLf5ppk5r4I9Bh-y_NLUGZdXJA/s1600/hortoncreek5.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzMzz-FiEhJ-b4UEoAiPc4Ow8F3pT7n4dPFcAdZ2AoU1p_PSBPq_RAPRY9Orl5TEpvKh4cKHTDzKrCwRgfVVgcGEox2LhYGqwlmg22p5huII1mLf5ppk5r4I9Bh-y_NLUGZdXJA/s400/hortoncreek5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625497972035570754" border="0" /></a>The rest of the trail followed the water on the way back. It was a great hike.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trail stats:</span><br /><table class="tF"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Distance <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">8 miles</td></tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Trailhead Elevation</td> <td style="text-align: left;">5460 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Elevation Gain</td> <td style="text-align: left;">1600 feet</td> </tr><tr> <td style="width: 20px; text-align: center;"><a><br /></a></td> <td> Avg Time <span style="font-size: 12px; color: darkred;">Round Trip</span></td> <td style="text-align: left;">4-5 hours</td></tr></tbody></table>Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-24994563938837449062010-09-07T23:22:00.000-07:002011-07-05T23:52:51.559-07:00Kota Kinabalu<span style="font-weight: bold;">Borneo Adventure</span> (August 24-September 7, 2010)<br /><br />After about a day of long flights, I arrived in Kota Kinabalu, just in time to explore the night markets and have dinner. There were so many choices and the food was so cheap, that I had to try several dishes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGCB3S45XgbX09Ifw8z7pU-TheSJb6y9b895XHq4F94P_xEsqiUMo2oddJ3G4l9XtoFCgYrWV6jqxGuv6C195o11t4BX2aI7XHw4EukdsviY9QKPIZiirQDuNoi8PjtmL3XU9kQ/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGCB3S45XgbX09Ifw8z7pU-TheSJb6y9b895XHq4F94P_xEsqiUMo2oddJ3G4l9XtoFCgYrWV6jqxGuv6C195o11t4BX2aI7XHw4EukdsviY9QKPIZiirQDuNoi8PjtmL3XU9kQ/s400/Kota+Kinabalu+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625287590267108786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGCB3S45XgbX09Ifw8z7pU-TheSJb6y9b895XHq4F94P_xEsqiUMo2oddJ3G4l9XtoFCgYrWV6jqxGuv6C195o11t4BX2aI7XHw4EukdsviY9QKPIZiirQDuNoi8PjtmL3XU9kQ/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+007.jpg"> </a>Yummy pickled vegetables<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yOGYfe4fU4X3CsSBy3F2b3RCkI5Nqxz64j1UGmkyQ-LlRtiSXWY5LrLN7IK-aGToeuINkIPfvp9PqWP0HkLqfvmdKkzPv7JqRhfN_7i_1EuyGA3x_-XCgMLyk9xzZeuXgC8LKg/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yOGYfe4fU4X3CsSBy3F2b3RCkI5Nqxz64j1UGmkyQ-LlRtiSXWY5LrLN7IK-aGToeuINkIPfvp9PqWP0HkLqfvmdKkzPv7JqRhfN_7i_1EuyGA3x_-XCgMLyk9xzZeuXgC8LKg/s400/Kota+Kinabalu+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625287582863830274" border="0" /></a>Puteri mandi cakes (steamed rice desserts filled with brown sugar and covered with coconut)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqCjrXO0wyB7e1LA3pR0LwiJRPU8jiYWSwh_80igFJbvUkJYsv3AdF1un_gdf6Pj-rBzscmYZsrwjL8JKm50e2mtaxXuyyvrJBXNLdn2p_RhkxBuGFaxi9V3aJqBFORiyLTwz5Q/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqCjrXO0wyB7e1LA3pR0LwiJRPU8jiYWSwh_80igFJbvUkJYsv3AdF1un_gdf6Pj-rBzscmYZsrwjL8JKm50e2mtaxXuyyvrJBXNLdn2p_RhkxBuGFaxi9V3aJqBFORiyLTwz5Q/s400/Kota+Kinabalu+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625287577768605042" border="0" /></a>Spicy noodles and other assorted goodies. Total dinner bill was 5 RM ($1 USD = 3 RM)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqzE2GQqK5pSA-IeXSBzytT66O-_ZMA4MY4ib3Yuetk-7i_TleYiYO-LI-gP_Vwme0nfyLhf80-dmHpgTjGsywkBaLyvd74atyjwLgCgh35otaSQznpPxFH7EsTOWiL7KQs-S_g/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqzE2GQqK5pSA-IeXSBzytT66O-_ZMA4MY4ib3Yuetk-7i_TleYiYO-LI-gP_Vwme0nfyLhf80-dmHpgTjGsywkBaLyvd74atyjwLgCgh35otaSQznpPxFH7EsTOWiL7KQs-S_g/s400/Kota+Kinabalu+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625287564156503906" border="0" /></a>After eating dinner, I took a walk to the ocean front, and arrived just as the sun was going down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IYTkQfAiYh-f4rm0epkgoGLhzGhLGQStHcNW0iJfAg50EwikmgB471PfLRJ9QqY0sLp1_TCDq-CL-vr-NhkXOZrHZDNirSu8OwXg3lpT3clYWWuFBnzHyPs6e1n_Z9Fnb_vLJA/s1600/Kota+Kinabalu+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IYTkQfAiYh-f4rm0epkgoGLhzGhLGQStHcNW0iJfAg50EwikmgB471PfLRJ9QqY0sLp1_TCDq-CL-vr-NhkXOZrHZDNirSu8OwXg3lpT3clYWWuFBnzHyPs6e1n_Z9Fnb_vLJA/s400/Kota+Kinabalu+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625287559439810786" border="0" /></a>I was still tired from my flight, so headed back to my hotel for an early bed time and to double check my rafting plans for the next day.Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32230134.post-33667870680446428472010-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:002011-07-15T11:09:45.157-07:00Rafting (sort of) the Kiulu RiverI had initially booked a rafting trip on the Padas River (class IV and V rapids). Unfortunately, the train that takes you to the set in spot broke down and the company needed to cancel the trip. They offered me a choice to get all my money back and to cancel completely, or to get half my money back and raft the Kiulu River instead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapt-BnyHBaY-Hn2fD_bIv58lLyA2iaQ1AVxNC8MVgtUpN2H-zZg2TZhK96_ISyLj6_WxrswM0RIiTPZuPTNA-RmwCVaLjyx3_a8vsC1NNL3pnhvGc66fvLQMXLrEcpDn7rbCYZw/s1600/Kiula+River+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625291543704239970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapt-BnyHBaY-Hn2fD_bIv58lLyA2iaQ1AVxNC8MVgtUpN2H-zZg2TZhK96_ISyLj6_WxrswM0RIiTPZuPTNA-RmwCVaLjyx3_a8vsC1NNL3pnhvGc66fvLQMXLrEcpDn7rbCYZw/s400/Kiula+River+003.jpg" /></a>I opted to go to the Kiulu River - even though it was family friendly with only class I and II rapids.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE5VZykrDnV6G3Tw5Vhe7XchIpRVHHECBfEISw4Ptlwf1g53hUk9EJ0E0SiAok6yxLWaHDWGGFl_Ro1hL_cfib_QyppP2CC5ymxez-P_wHaRaCyCs7H6zrkJHoQrnmxdildSu8w/s1600/Kiula+River+011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625291524316392130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE5VZykrDnV6G3Tw5Vhe7XchIpRVHHECBfEISw4Ptlwf1g53hUk9EJ0E0SiAok6yxLWaHDWGGFl_Ro1hL_cfib_QyppP2CC5ymxez-P_wHaRaCyCs7H6zrkJHoQrnmxdildSu8w/s400/Kiula+River+011.jpg" /></a>I decided a scenic float down the river would be more fun than hanging out in Kota Kinabalu all day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMhf2KY7pEriAAhWiIXUgyXhyphenhyphenh_oy1ahwgs-JmXwyZeOexRJrW45hpjAMXswsrrAXVexnjpyUgI5cNXHrMWeOyGEbCfsse_gcYGfyDGwqtPVT4UteerDrX4Qt3GPyv7iGRlHpdw/s1600/Kiula+River+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625291517194826450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMhf2KY7pEriAAhWiIXUgyXhyphenhyphenh_oy1ahwgs-JmXwyZeOexRJrW45hpjAMXswsrrAXVexnjpyUgI5cNXHrMWeOyGEbCfsse_gcYGfyDGwqtPVT4UteerDrX4Qt3GPyv7iGRlHpdw/s400/Kiula+River+010.jpg" /></a>After inflating the raft and getting a safety briefing, we were off. Because I was the tallest one on the raft, I got to sit up front.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz_Qm1_9gwK8PMNGFexxnqqgpQXsHlxCFwQDoT-Uuge9ZOi48owbGXmD0QCDXIwQQClQnUE4ZB-0gjvt2sl7m-WWbx3rhRIQuM2wyBuat_jOWuM_XjQekAwcL4jvIdUIlbHwsgw/s1600/Kiula+River+020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625291512033553890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz_Qm1_9gwK8PMNGFexxnqqgpQXsHlxCFwQDoT-Uuge9ZOi48owbGXmD0QCDXIwQQClQnUE4ZB-0gjvt2sl7m-WWbx3rhRIQuM2wyBuat_jOWuM_XjQekAwcL4jvIdUIlbHwsgw/s400/Kiula+River+020.jpg" /></a>For the most part, the water was fairly calm, with just a few little rapids. There was one exception where the raft headed straight towards a big rock on the bank. We weren't able to paddle away quick enough, the raft slid up the rock, and I flipped out of the raft and into the water. Part of me suspects that the guide did it on purpose to give me a little taste of adventure.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYettdra5xZu5QX-5lwy5zxUZTIA50ixUWcWcQd_31YasJVi4Rbu2RZFU-aG-Yt2gBru3cZ3U2gPNCIQpdc3APuTfjmvQ5H5fZbNJpmUYAF2H-Iab-Q4ehieI6LwKdOCvoQZ0gWw/s1600/Kiula+River+026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290763459419394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYettdra5xZu5QX-5lwy5zxUZTIA50ixUWcWcQd_31YasJVi4Rbu2RZFU-aG-Yt2gBru3cZ3U2gPNCIQpdc3APuTfjmvQ5H5fZbNJpmUYAF2H-Iab-Q4ehieI6LwKdOCvoQZ0gWw/s400/Kiula+River+026.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdanxP73a8J2LR3lNEFPtG_3g9A6cpJrUOxlIm29rwj_yJBjjhQG14nFxtjX0RHo2vB1BRaoUXJegjktMD7ThOMDgaiZYVJl7vUa1ivoQ3KMtE4cMsreLP-MSISEQRB7Y22YG1Qw/s1600/Kiula+River+033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290755905659634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdanxP73a8J2LR3lNEFPtG_3g9A6cpJrUOxlIm29rwj_yJBjjhQG14nFxtjX0RHo2vB1BRaoUXJegjktMD7ThOMDgaiZYVJl7vUa1ivoQ3KMtE4cMsreLP-MSISEQRB7Y22YG1Qw/s400/Kiula+River+033.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUldtQthgnApVZTc78BfeVp11X8Ky5QjoLPOnn7LU-QR3i_J84GjV2_YIBlfD-QtvtH2bVtu_Fi6wow-tsuz3JMtgPvlIHCKqjjWlWbRV52raosXJLT0qoYzSQYG-w7fbjt3_cKA/s1600/Kiula+River+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290751414570978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUldtQthgnApVZTc78BfeVp11X8Ky5QjoLPOnn7LU-QR3i_J84GjV2_YIBlfD-QtvtH2bVtu_Fi6wow-tsuz3JMtgPvlIHCKqjjWlWbRV52raosXJLT0qoYzSQYG-w7fbjt3_cKA/s400/Kiula+River+034.jpg" /></a>I had a great group for the trip. In my raft was a father and son from Taiwan and a couple from ShangHi. The other raft held 3 Chinese girls. We spent most of the time having water fights with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3med6YAOum4wivlnOnb7uMBvebJri6XyE1JFYcj9nONtQbhRserWnAauQ6x4D33LsexMPje3VRZatuh3EQmYV9ZAz3GOXsZV5zBxfz8TGXQ_if_nB-UMzgLgHp8pePGFWt2H8A/s1600/Kiula+River+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290743472698146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3med6YAOum4wivlnOnb7uMBvebJri6XyE1JFYcj9nONtQbhRserWnAauQ6x4D33LsexMPje3VRZatuh3EQmYV9ZAz3GOXsZV5zBxfz8TGXQ_if_nB-UMzgLgHp8pePGFWt2H8A/s400/Kiula+River+035.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBKkWxlKHxynPhlXgu9pzCt0h2u_XOQ2BrphzoBdCk43PKwoPa5N9VSvhMl0bLycd1t3gZSTdbqRrx-gQKLBHRJIok0y9XGmmM3ueEgaBZThlX8cruDlCPlTxK45xyBxnuAf9Fg/s1600/Kiula+River+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290740872839490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBKkWxlKHxynPhlXgu9pzCt0h2u_XOQ2BrphzoBdCk43PKwoPa5N9VSvhMl0bLycd1t3gZSTdbqRrx-gQKLBHRJIok0y9XGmmM3ueEgaBZThlX8cruDlCPlTxK45xyBxnuAf9Fg/s400/Kiula+River+036.jpg" /></a>It wasn't what I originally hoped for, but nonetheless, it was a fun way to spend the day.Laceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09610259291953237755noreply@blogger.com0