after finalizing the reservations and babysitting arrangements for our Havasupai hike in early May, I was ecstatic. scratch that, I was like high on life. and for two good reasons: first of all, we have a super duper fun group going-- I'm sure there will be many stories and laughs shared. and second, how could you not be on top of the world after looking at pictures like this:
and this:
is this amazing, or is this AMAZING? in just a few short weeks, well be basking in these falls. I'm so excited I could pee my pants! wheeeee! (don't feel bad, my kids already tell me I'm crazy.)
anyway, remembering back to our Grand Canyon hike and how we basically winged it-- as in no training whatsoever resulting in sore, tired muscles-- this time I vow to at least get into some sort of shape before I go, mainly to avoid doing the canyon shuffle. and what better way to condition the muscles for hiking, than to um, hike?
so, hike we did. believe me, gaining 2100 feet in elevation, in just a little over two miles, is killer. we're talking straight up. yep, this would be the Elden Lookout trail, and it's considered the toughest hike in Flagstaff, over Humphrey's Peak even.
we hiked it last Saturday, with 25 mph winds, snow-covered ground and all. brutal. in fact it was so windy at the top that when the wind blew through the metal structures, it sounded like a freight train passing by. insane.
notice the picture of the sign below? (top row, middle.) this is the point to where I typically hike-- fatmans loop. the name sounds deceiving, but it's definitely a workout. to hike up and then run/walk down takes a good 40-45 minutes. perfect to do 3-4 days a week. to hike all the way up to Elden Lookout and back down takes close to three hours, depending on how long you hang out at the top. definitely not ideal on an everyday basis, but a great challenge every now and then for sure.
I figure if I keep up the hiking, add in some strength training a couple days a week and do Elden Lookout a couple more times, I'll be good to go. at least I hope so.
I seriously cannot wait!
-jessica
10 comments:
jealous
yeah, I'm jealous too...don't think I could ever get 'fit' enough to make the Havasupai hike, so I'll just be looking forward to your photos and be dreaming.
awesome. totally awesome.
I am with Crystal right now, looking forward to your pictures! Rita
Wow!
I miss hiking! Little did we know when we canceled out of Havasupai last fall (sick kids) that the rescheduling would be a bit more difficult :) So I'll be enjoying your pictures, with a fresh baby in my arms, from MN. Some day...I'll do that hike!
Looks like an awesome hike! I really would like to do one of the hikes one day. Maybe someday in the future, we will be one of your hiking partners on one of these fun trips. Can't wait to see your pictures though!
Ah! i cant wait too!:) i started 'training' the day we bought out tickets....! no climbing 2100 feet mountains here so i guess ill just stick with Lake Maria and Jillian Michaels! :) lol better than nothing!
Those pictures are really making me drool!! I would love to do this hike someday... :) Have a great time and I will be waiting to see your pictures!!
LOVE the pic of the McDonald's at the base of Elden - that's where you'll be able to find me. : )
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