10.33 The San Francisco Mountain Range—Mount Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest

8 hours on the mountain for five minutes at the peak—go figure! (Nothing to figure, the feeling lasts forever))

In order to understand the pictures and this missive, we would like to provide some background. Last year, while visiting Flagstaff, we noticed this prominent mountain range, the San Francisco. We were overwhelmed and made plans to come back to attempt a climb of the highest peak, Mount Humphreys, at 12,633 feet. This happens to be the premier mountain in the Grand Canyon State—and people think it only has holes in the ground. In fact, should you look at the licence plate of a Zonie, it features this range. Coincidentally, we mentioned the Utah plate two weeks ago when we were at Delicate Arch.

From Humphreys, looking down on Weatherford

Quite breathtaking being there or looking at picture

Sorry Love, that's not as high as where you're heading

As we approached Flagstaff on our way to Prescott a few days ago,(we still have three blogs of hikes from that city), we looked out for these ‘beauties’. Covered in snow, they looked even better. However, it would hinder our climb. We closed our eyes a little to that point, thinking that we would only be dealing with snow; instead we found the trail covered in ice, black ice, too. Suffice to say, we may not be proud of our behavior, but the climb was superb. Unfortunately, the going was slow because it was the most treacherous path we have ever walked. Down was almost impossible; at times we thought we might be staying overnight. We are most fortunate that we are only showing bruises, sore muscles and a strain or two. We don’t have the technique for ice and were without the correct equipment, too. Yes, we know, once we discovered the ice we should have turned back. The problem is when we turn it is usually 360 degrees.

Various peaks gather around caldera

Our peak, Humphreys, nothing to look at although the highest. Hiker, also nothing to look at, heads towards peak

A treacherous trail, walking on side in snow wherever possible

A little about the hike as it was very special:

Temperature on ground : 32 degrees
At peak: Much colder; our faces froze, with wind thrown in for good measure.
Our butts: Well covered but cold and wet

Distance : 9.6 miles. (Did we say on ice?)
Elevation gain: 3,333 feet reaching 12,633 feet above sea level

Time on Mountain: An embarrassing 8 hours, 3 hours more than a summer hike. We have never been so slow. At our age, it takes a lot of effort to get off our behinds after each fall. Seriously though, it was day of more mental application as each step had to be thought through carefully.

A 'happy boy' about to summit in biting cold

At saddle (below peaks), the snow was thick, no ice thankfully. (Note makeshift hiking poles (branches))

It is and was a splendid hike that we wish to repeat but before snow season. Our editor was not a happy ‘girl’ today. It’s going to take an awful lot of bribery for her to acquiesce.

A special blessing is in order for our safe return to the condo in Sedona. We don’t intend to be dramatic but we try to tell it as it is, in our missives. B’H.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

We left so late but picked up a treat as the sun waited for us to get down the mountain

As we rise, we observe the ski slopes of 'Snow Bowl'

A few more from the peak and saddle:

A closing to an incredible day