Life Notes in the Margin

We discovered some things that will make the trip better and found out the stove solution had the wrong gas supply. I'm glad we found out during this test rather than at the bottom of the canyon. It's an easy fix. The weather was warm with a low in the 60's which made for great sleeping and an awesome time by the campfire. The fire is a luxury we won't have in the canyon since no fires are permitted below the rim. Here's a tip. Always check under things (i.e. picnic tables, fire rings, big rocks, etc.) before moving or using them. E was getting annoyed at our dog's scratching around by her legs under the picnic table. We soon found out the reason why. A large black tarantula had made its home under that table and we disturbed its space. It was trying to hide under the shovel to get away from the dog. It slowly moved into the desert. E and M were troopers though, they volunteered to stay the rest of the night. Such is life in the desert. That was the...

We'll be camping at Cave Creek Recreation Area on Friday, Oct 26. This will be a chance to make sure all of our backpacking gear is complete and serviceable. It will be better to find out if your missing a tent stake here than get to the Grand Canyon and have an equipment issue. For the link to the park map and info click HERE . I'll be out there in the early afternoon to get a spot. If you think you are coming, call ahead and I'll direct you to the camp site. We'll do dinner over the fire and breakfast in the morning before heading home. There will not be a hike on this day. The fee for camping is $20 per night per campsite.

This has become my favorite hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It is the most remote feeling trail as you trek up trail 8B from the crest of Granite Ridge. We packed from the parking lot (sorry for anyone that showed up at the SW corner! Although you could park there, the city lot is actually at the NE corner of that intersection. File all complaints with the city parks and rec mapping service.) to the saddle of Granite Ridge and then over to 8B and down to the Phoenix Mountains parking lot (busy busy with all the day hikers going to the top of Piestewa Peak. It was a little windy but worth the effort. This was a challenging hike because of the elevation gain. About 1.2 miles to the saddle and probably about 1,000 feet elevation gain. when you go over to 8B you descend to the other parking lot and then have to climb to the saddle on the way back. I'll definitely do this one again. I think the rest of the group has dropped out. It's been the two of us on the last ...

Sunday October 21, 2007 630 a.m. Meet at the trailhead parking at the SW corner of Lincoln and 32nd St. The trail is not listed on the map description (it's on the map) but we looked down at the trail last week and it's a serious 1 to 2 mile climb. Depending on how we feel we might hike over 8B to 302. Suggested pack weight is 20lbs. This is the second to last training hike.

A short hike on a beautiful day to the junction of 8A and 8B in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. 5.5 total miles and a handful of Captain Crunch. Only three weeks til the Grand Canyon backpacking trip! The process of gearing up has been the most challenging. We are finding some great new gear that is very tempting because of its light weight. So we're trading in some of our more ancient hiking gear for less weight and more comfort. Expensive but well worth it and this hobby is one of the few splurges we have. We'll take every advantage to extend our hiking careers.

Sunday, October 14th, 630 a.m.; we'll meet at the trail head at 40th Street and Shea for a hike along trail 8 to trail 302 to 300 which takes us to the top of Squaw Peak. Total distance should be around 7-8 miles. Recommended pack weight is 20 lbs. Bring 3 liters of water and plan for a 3 hour hike. Here's the link to the park map See you there! Mike

For a great packing list go to Backpacking.net For another great packing list go to Utahwild.com For backpacking gear rental in Scottsdale go to lowergear.com Don't wait too long to get your stuff together. I'm finding it is a big job to buy gear and figure out what should go in the pack.

What a great day for hike! The starting temp was in the 60's and plenty of parking at the trailhead. We did 4 miles out and back and another 1.3 around the base of the peak and parking area. The backside of the trail appears to be similar to the elevation gain we'll be seeing on the last three miles of the canyon hike on Bright Angel trail. It was a small group of 2 but well worth the time and effort to get it done. Pack weight was about 30lbs for me.

We'll meet at the trail head for Pinacle Peak at 630 am on Sunday, Oct 7. The recommended pack weight for this hike is 10 lbs and bring at least 3 liters of water. The total distance out and back on the trail is 3.5 miles. We'll add 2.5 miles by adding 1.25 miles on the west end through the neighborhoods before we turn back and hike through the park again. Link to the Pinnacle Peak park website Link to directions and the trail map The description from the City of Scottsdale Parks: About... The Sierra Club rates the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak as a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The trail has a very smooth tread with a number of ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile trail (one way). It is not a loop trail so you come back over the same trail. High point on the trail is 2,889', the lowest point is 2,366', and the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570'. Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing will take you to spectacular ...