Last time I hiked Picketpost Mountain, it ended with the sheriff's department showing up. I did not summit.
Three years later, Kristin and I faced down my nemesis. And you know what? I feel much better about what happened last time I was there! The navigation wasn't especially complicated, but it wasn't simple and straightforward, either. I mean, it's easy because you know you have to go up (or down). And a lot of it is just common sense that comes with hiking experience. But there was a lot of scrambling and route-finding that would have been so confusing to me several years ago. I didn't feel so stupid for having trouble.
It was a steep hike (1900 feet in 2 miles), but the summit was worth it. "Suck it, Picketpost!!!!" I yelled when I was finally on top. It was beautiful; I love the Superstitions.
I fell several times on the way down. Once, right into a cactus. The rocks of Picketpost Mountain are stained with my blood. As good as it felt to conquer this, I don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
Three years later, Kristin and I faced down my nemesis. And you know what? I feel much better about what happened last time I was there! The navigation wasn't especially complicated, but it wasn't simple and straightforward, either. I mean, it's easy because you know you have to go up (or down). And a lot of it is just common sense that comes with hiking experience. But there was a lot of scrambling and route-finding that would have been so confusing to me several years ago. I didn't feel so stupid for having trouble.
It was a steep hike (1900 feet in 2 miles), but the summit was worth it. "Suck it, Picketpost!!!!" I yelled when I was finally on top. It was beautiful; I love the Superstitions.
I fell several times on the way down. Once, right into a cactus. The rocks of Picketpost Mountain are stained with my blood. As good as it felt to conquer this, I don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
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