Wednesday, February 12 to Thursday, February 13, 2013
From our Walmart overnight stay to the Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ, where we were very fortunate to get a site for two nights with electricity as this is a very popular park and is book months in advance. Had a terrific view of Superstition Mountain about which there are many mysteries. We also were there in time for the moonlight walk which is only held twice a month. Ninety-six people took part in the two and a half hour, three mile walk. What an experience under the full moon. The next day I took a very challenging 6 mile round trip hike that took almost 6 hours. The last mile on the Syphon Draw Trail to the top of Flatiron had a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Very steep vertical climb over boulders and loose rocks with some firm grips required. It took three hours to reach the top, an hour looking around and almost two to descend. Magnificent view all around. Grace was wondering what had happened to me since the hike wasn't planned to be that long. A search party was almost formed!
Had a great BBQ supper under moonlight to end the day.
Wednesday, February 12
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| Our Walmart stay in Queen Creek, AZ |
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| A two night stay |
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| What a beautiful back drop |
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| Superstition Mountan |
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| Time to chow down. |
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| Mountain draped in warm evening light |
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| Washing dishes was a delight in this setting |
Thursday, February 13
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| Map of hike that ended with aching muscles |
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| Better be well prepared for hiking here. |
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| Started hike at 9 a.m. and light was just reaching part of the canyon. |
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| Trail started out relatively easy..... |
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| ......and soon became a bit more of a challenge |
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| This section was resembled a half-pipe, made for a skateboarder |
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| Hard to show how steep it really is..... |
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| .......this shows a better perspective when looking down to the small pool |
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| Most of the canyon was in the shadow on the climb up |
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| Backlit weeds and cho |
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| Another hiker on the trail |
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| The top is getting closer |
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| Sun is just about to light up the canyon |
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| Boulder alley. Yup, this is the trail. |
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| Getting some serious height now. Campground is in valley below, on right. |
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| Shooting straight down on this hiker below |
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| Almost there |
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| Made it to the top of Flatiron..... |
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| .....and feeling great about it |
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| Ok, it's a great view, but I still have to make my way back down again. Should have taken more water. |
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| Gives you an idea of the challenge |
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| Looking down the other side of the mountain |
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A very tragic plane crash took the lives of six people, including three young children in 2011 when the plane hit just
below the top of this peak. A memorial is at it's base. |
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| Memorial to the children |
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| Walked to the edge of the outcropping on the right and the trail makes it's descent just on the left |
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| Slightly unnerving when looking down. The arms got a good workout. |
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| A tight fit |
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| Another view of the way up |
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| This part was fun! |
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| Unique rock formation |
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| The end is in sight. |
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| Full moon rising |
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| Candlelight supper |
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| The stars came out and we're going down |
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