998 Days Later
The highest point in Arizona is Humphrey's Peak, slightly over 12,600 feet in elevation. On October 2, 2005 we hiked to within one-half mile of the peak before Julie developed a pain in one hip that caused us to turn back. We live close so we decided to put it on the recreational list for the future. This summer on June 26 we climbed to the top. The hike was about 10 miles round trip.
Climbing the trail. (Larger version)
Taking a break at the saddle. (Larger version)
The trail near tree line. (Larger version)
Looking into the Inner Basin. Home is about 20 miles away on the hazy horizon. (Larger version)
Climbing to the peak after exploring the far side. (Larger version)
Reading the summit journals. (Larger version)
Climbing the trail. (Larger version)
Taking a break at the saddle. (Larger version)
The trail near tree line. (Larger version)
Looking into the Inner Basin. Home is about 20 miles away on the hazy horizon. (Larger version)
Climbing to the peak after exploring the far side. (Larger version)
Reading the summit journals. (Larger version)
posted by Paul at 12:20 PM
5 Comments:
You have to be in some kind of shape to hike at that altitude. I'm glad your are - and partially for entirely selfish reasons. The pictures are great.
Tell us what "summit journals" are.
Melody, At the peak there is a metal ammo box with a notebook. People date and sign the notebook, put comments like "Wonderful hike" and perhaps where they are from. The notebook was full and the box was stuffed with business cards and loose pieces of paper.
What a great idea! Is this is true for every summit?
Melody, many peaks but not all have longs. There are two cinder cones near my house that have logs. Two or three years ago a couple representing a group in California were traveling through and put logs on each peak. I noticed unnatural piles of rock and became suspicious. I found glass jars wrapped with duct table to keep them from shattering. In the jars were small booklets and pencils. These logs are found and signed about once or twice a year.
I've found logs on peaks in California and other states. They generally make good reading because everyone who signs them is in a good mood and is elated about making the peak.
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