We hiked Mt Wrightson which is the highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains, measuring in at 9453 feet. It is a class A hike. This was the steepest and most strenuous exercise I have done! This was a steady climb with over 10 miles round trip! It took 6.5 hours to complete. Neddless to say the kids stayed home with Nana! We took hydration packs for plenty of water and became very aware of wildlife. There is a saddle two miles into the hike which offered dramatic views of this peak.
The last mile or two to the summit was dangerous!! Very narrow paths of steep rocks, and ripping wind! Even if the mountain looks clear from the lower part, this view from the southwest is deceptive; the final approach is along the north slope of the mountain, which receives very little sunlight during the winter and is thus far more prone to ice. Yes, on the ground the temperature was 76 but the upper trail had ice! OKAY- enough background information. I SAW A BEAR!!!!! Yep, I saw the brown bear looking right at me only 10 feet away!! After I screamed and flung myself into my father-in-law, my cautious husband scrambled for the camera and did capture the bear's behind running away!!! I think the adrenaline from the bear episode kept me going through the hike! Enjoy our pictures!
Words of the day: #!*$*!** bear, chapstick, PB&J sandwich, advil
Leaving the parking lot, at the trailhead! One way. ha ha!
Beginning the day, with the summit in the background
The last few miles were steep and rocky!
A happy couple at the top!
Father and son, task accomplished!
Great husband, carried my pack down the mountain AND gave me his sandwich too!
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing ! Love following your adventure and seeing your pictures. Good to see Tim and Nadene looking great !
Chandra Vaughn
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