Saturday, December 26, 2020

Climb to the top of Pilot Knob Mountain

This morning I woke up at 6:30 and opened window shades so the sun could come in and decided to lay down till 7.  Next thing I knew it was 8:30 and time to get up and start my day.

The morning was just gorgeous.  Sunny with just a slight breeze to keep it from feeling too hot.  I fixed breakfast and Yuma and I just laid outside and relaxed.

I thought about just doing nothing all day but relax but I just couldn't waste such a beautiful day.  About noon when all my breakfast courses were finished, Yuma and I hopped in the Jeep and headed over to Pilot Knob Mountain.  I had seen on my AllTrails app there were foot paths to the top of the mountain.  

I wasn't sure if I was still young enough to take on such an endeavor, but I was going to find out.  The app said it was around a mile and half to the top depending on which trail you took.  The app didn't tell anything about trails.  I was on my own to figure out how to get to the top.   The top is 827 feet above sea level.  High off the desert floor.

When we arrived, there was an elderly gentleman coming down the hillside with a big German Shepard named Rex.  Rex was a little pushy and Yuma didn't like that but they got along for the most part.

Asked him if he made it to the top and said it got too steep so he turned around.  Didn't let that deter me, so we walked on towards the mountain looking for a trail.
There is my goal ahead.  I hope I make it.

Feeling pretty good and the walking pole is a big help.

Looking ahead.

Still got a long way to go.

Jeep's still there.

Yuma runs up ahead but always checks to make sure I'm still coming.

Slipping and falling is not an option.

Jeep's still there.

Top is looking closer.

Yuma is an angel.  He is still checking.  I think he wonders why I'm so slow.

Getting up there now.  That is the Pilot Knob RV Park in the distance.

Zoomed in on the church in Felicity.

Give you an idea of how the trail looks.  Got to look down all the time while walking to keep from turning an ankle.

I'm starting to feel like I'll make it!

Cargo Muchacho Mountains north of here.

Getting very close now.

I can see forever.

There's the White Lion off in the distance via zoom.

I have arrived.


Mexico

Yuma in the distance.

Goal accomplished!



I have to stop here.  I have got to fix dinner because it is already 8 o'clock.  I'll document the hike down tomorrow.  Walked over 9000 steps today and I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow and will stay close to camp.

I had the best time on this hike for some reason.  It was just so beautiful and the views were forever.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

See you later.

27 comments:

  1. What an amazing hike! Such gorgeous views along the trail and on the peak. Yuma was there to make sure didn't stray from the trail. He's such a good boy. You may be a little stiff tomorrow, but that beautiful hike was worth it.

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    1. It was a beautiful day for a climb. Yuma climbed it at least twice. Always coming back to check on me. No lines like at Mt Everest 😀

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  2. I well know that 'best time' feeling of which you speak.

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    1. It is nice to know you still have it and able to enjoy the experience.

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  3. You made it to top, I was rooting for you, and you made it! When were young, the next day was like any other, but know we have to pay a little(or a lot) the next day...but it is still worth it! Take care, Rawn Stone

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    1. Thanks Rawn. Surprisingly, I feel no worse for wear today.

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  4. Congrats. The views from the top are incredible. And well worth some soreness today.

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    1. I was just glad I still had the energy to make it back down. Really enjoyed the experience ☺

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  5. I knew you could do it!! Nice of Yuma to wait for you to catch up! LOL

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    1. If you had been here, both of you would have been waiting on me 😀 😀

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  6. What a wonderful day. Congrats for staying with it! You sure posted some beautiful pictures!

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    1. Thank you Cheri. Wasn't sure how it would go but not as bad as I feared. Enjoyed the exercise and the views.

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  7. Wow! Good for you, Doug! That's an awesome hike! I sure don't see much of a 'trail' but as long as you kept your eyes down until you stopped, I'm sure you were seeing it. :)
    I love the Angel Yuma picture. All your pictures are beautiful, something I won't see!

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    1. Thanks Patsy. I don't know how the camera did that but it was beautiful. I'm sure you and Bill would have been right with me. Worth the effort 😀

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  8. Beautiful views from the top of that mountain! Looking at the trail don't think that's one for me. I need 6 foot wide ones. Pictures are awesome!

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    1. Thanks Shirley. No luxury of having a wide trail with this hike. Surprised how well Yuma did with heights. And me 😀

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  9. That is a nice hike on a beautiful day. Glad you took advantage of it.

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    1. Thanks Jeff. Sometimes I just have to get up and do it.

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  10. Looks like you've been having a great winter so far. I've enjoyed the photos very much, lots of good memories of those areas. That climb up Pilot Knob is a test for sure. Worth the effort though once you get up to the top. Keep having fun!!

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    1. Thanks Deb. Good to hear you're following along. Saw your name at the top so you know the feeling of accomplishment.

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  11. Last winter Jerry hiked to the top by himself. He found out there are trails. Then he went a second time with Deb. I think Riley went too but I think she stopped before getting to the top. Did you write your name on a little rock? Jerry and Deb did. I wish I had the strength to make that climb. But I'll just enjoy your pictures.

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    1. I saw the names and a few rocks with names. It was strenuous but sure Jerry and Deb would have no troubles. There are several trails. I went up one and down another.

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  12. Wow! Nice accomplishment! Great job staying upright 😃. Glad you had such an amazing day!

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    1. Thanks Steve. Had a great hike and didn't fall once. Few times I was crawling on all fours though. 😀

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  13. Congratulations on your climb. As long as you continue to push yourself gradually you will build your strength. Should carry a Pack with Food, Water along with a First-Aid and Flashlight just in case you have a problem getting back to the Jeep.
    Keep moving at least a little bit tomorrow.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the Challenge.

    It's about time.

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    1. Thanks Rick. I did carry a backpack just in case this time. Needed water for sure. I feel quite good today and that surprised me.

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  14. You ran into an elderly gentleman?....Hmmmmm....I say this with a smile, I want you to know...I've got 2'-4' of snow in my yard...

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