Climbing Camelback.

This past Sunday the sis and I climbed Camelback Mountain (Phoenix, Arizona).  It was my 3rd time and Mel's first time.  We started right after sunrise and it was a crisp, cool, and windy climb.  We had a lot of fun.  It was a bit intense at times and of course challenging.  But, we made it to the top! 

The railing climb from afar...

We started early to avoid the crowd and thankfully we did.  We encountered a bunch of hungover, crazy frat boys and of course the regulars.  And amazingly enough there were a lot of doggies climbing too.

Ok, the particulars...  Camelback Mountain hike or as I like to call it is a "climb".  Yes, it truly is and I'm definitely feeling it today.  From start to finish the climb is 1-1/2 miles and it took us 2-1/2 hours round trip.  There are two portions that are pretty much completely vertical and you need to use the railing to climb it.  And then the other parts you have to step-up rocks and/or boulders to move up (obviously).  I'm 5' 6" and the sis is 5' 1" so at times it was a bit challenging for her to step-up however she rocked it.  We did stop a few times for water breaks and "just" to break.  It was pretty intense.  Oh, and on the way back down I slipped and caught myself and cut my finger.  Nice, huh?!  I didn't bring any band aids with me so I had to deal with it.  Oh, but at that point I did put on my workout gloves.  Don't ask "why" I didnt' already have them on.  Just don't. 

We learned a few things for our next climb...  We are both going to purchase the "hiking" fanny pack.  It will be so much easier to climb with something that sits low on your back rather than a criss-cross bag that we both had on.  We brought to much water.  I was worried that we wouldn't have enough.  We each had 2 bottles (33.8 ounces) each and a low-calorie Gatorade (just in case).  I packed 2 power bars and trail mix bars too.  And thank goodness I brought tissues we both needed them.  Next time I'll pack a band aid or two just in case.  We brought our ID's, chapstick, our phones, and Mel (of course) brought her camera - I don't think she leaves home without it.  She really doesn't - she is always taking photos, always.

Anywho, we had a fabulous time and we are both looking forward to climbing Camelback monthly and/or mixing it up with some other mountains here in town.  Note: the pictures below are out of order.  But, enjoy "our" climb!

A stop along the way...water break and an obvious photo-op.

Climbing up...it's pretty much vertical.



I wasn't paying attention and walked behind "one" of these...boy did my sis let me know.  I seriously didn't realize.



I told Mel to turn around for a picture...I got quite a look.  However, I must say she rocked it.



The climb "up" the railing.

This is an awesome pic!  It was super duper windy.

Mel and I on top of the world!

Our reward for climbing to the top!

Me taking photos with my new phone.  Love it!

This was not fun and happened right after we headed back down the mountain. 
And it gushed the whole way down, no band aids either.

As of Tuesday I'm still recovering from the climb.  My legs are so tight.  Needless to say I have not worked out since the climb nor have I gone to spin.  I'm hoping for Saturday morning.  The plan is to try out indoor rock climbing.

Have a wonderful day!