A testing climb, The San Francisco Mountains, Arizona's pride and highest, a 3,333 feet elevation gain
over a rugged track covered in black ice in places.
The San Francisco range is prominent, being viewable from distance around the state. Besides admiring the
profile on the way into Flagstaff, (see below) when standing outside our motel, the mountains looked as if
next door. The days after the hike, we have to admit we had a feeling of satisfaction looking up to the peak
and remembering how we felt at the time. It's not easy to describe or explain but one that 'lifts' a person and puts
a spring in the step.
At about 30 miles from Flagstaff, we stopped to get the picture. This is a very special set of
mountains although the editor might say otherwise. The peak on the right is where the marker
in previous photo stands.This image is the same as that on the state's licence plates.
And finally, 'boy-hero' is about to peak.
Agassiz Peak, afternoon sun hits the giant ($500 fine if caught on the mountain. Might be worth it.)
It is a popular hike, perhaps one of the premier climbs in the state. There were less than fifteen of us on
the trail for the day. When we read some comments afterwards, (we sometimes keep information from our editor),
a club leader said "It is the longest five miles in the country." He was referring to the route to the top.
Ten miles roundtrip, 3,333 feet elevation gain with an altitude reached of 12,633 feet. Surprisingly, the air
pressure got to us a little, something we tend to only feel nearer 14,000 feet.
Moon landscape from peak, multi volcanoes below.
Lovely to look at, treacherous to negotiate.
Looking down at Mount Agassiz from the peak of Mount Humphreys.
We met Al, who was on his way down, the mountain, that is. He looked about seventy. We spoke awhile and
mentioned that his attitude and effort was commendable. He said he generally went down at a slow pace. We were
understanding and replied there's no rush. He countered by saying that at his age, nothing is about speed. In one
of our best 'holding of the tongues', we remained quiet. He then proceeded to tell us he was 60 years old. We were
very pleased we had not ventured a comment about the example he was setting to us, the younger generation, who are
in fact, a few years older than him. Good save!
Caldera viewed from peak.
We were too early for a mountain sunset but caught this an hour later.
Finally, we had to stop a young fellow who was topless. Would we have stopped a woman in the same state?
Had we not, would that have been sexism? The early morning temperature was below freezing but warmed to the forties
by the time we began. It was a wonderful day but nevertheless, brisk. We were not surprised when he answered our
question that he was from Anchorage. We felt better, it made sense. Now we're looking for a female hiker from Alaska.
One more of this surreal scene.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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