If I could have paid to have a helicopter pick me up and fly me out, I would have given it serious con-sideration.
The only way out (other than walking) would have been rescue by mules, and that would have made the newspaper!
My legs weren't obeying my mental commands, and the pace slowed considerably as a result.
My compadres rallied to my aid, and I found out what real teamwork is all about. Wade carried my pack above his own. Jim and I found that I could step down without falling if he went before me, and allowed me to steady myself with my left hand on his shoulder before taking that next excruciating step down.
It was downhill, and down again. Always down. By this point, we knew darkness would overtake us hours before we completed the hike. Wade called his college-age son Josh and asked him to hike up to an area called Romero Pools to meet us.
Josh brought head lamps for each of us, more Gator Ade, and burritos. When we arrived at the pools, he had a cheerful fire going, and we rested for more than half an hour before hiking out the last two hours to the parking lot. 17 hours, start to finish--we got to the cars at midnight.
The headlamps were a blessing; this rattlesnake was enjoying the darkness in the middle of the trail near Romero Pools until we surprised him with the flash of the camera.
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
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But at the end of the whole thing, Mike--the important thing was that you did it...and that it was worth it all! Good going, senhor!
Good evening Mike, Glad you surprised the rattler and him not rattle you. There are only two kinds of snakes IMHO, a good dead one and a dead good one.
Another good post my friend.
Don R.
Hi Mike,
I went back and read from the beginning of you adventure. Have you recovered and what did you learn? The photos are beautiful.
Mike - I'm relieved to read you made it out without the helicopter or mules. It sounds like you had a real bonding opportunity with your buddies and I love you pics especially the rattlesnake.
I find anytime I try a new experience I am optimistic about my ability to handle the physical part of it but find out later it might have been good to do a preparation for that much exercise. Glad you made it back with out the ride on the rescue mule.
Beautiful photos, Mike! And I always find the trip down a lot harder and slower than the hike up! And did I say, great photos!
Mike: As always GREAT photos--except the one of the rattler (I HATE SNAKES!!) What did you find was wrong? Congratulations on completing the hike and hopefully all is well!
Debe,
All IS well. My legs rebelled at that much work with not nearly enough preparation. The hike was Monday. Tuesday I couldn't stand up from a sitting position without my hiking stick to lean on. Wednesday, I was walking, albeit like a ruptured duck. I went to work. A client asked me if I had just had surgery. Thursday I was okay. Friday I was fine, and Saturday I was thinking about my next hike.
Pat,
Going up is hard on the lungs, but you can stop and rest. Going down is hard on the legs, and in this hike, there was no rest for the weary.
Terry,
I bit off more than I could chew, but it turned out allright.
Judy,
Me, too! The snake was one of two that we saw. We left him alone, and he returned the favor.
Cynthia,
See my first comment in this group; I'm eight pounds lighter, and ready for my next hike. The most satisfying thing about hiking in 2008 is being able to shoot 200 pictures without reloading film. (Showing my age.) What's film?
I learned that my legs are older and wiser than my brain.
Don,
I grew up with snakes as long as 22' as a kid. To this day, I have no desire to kill one; I just give them wide berth.
Kent,
I agree. I've joined the Active Rain Fitness group, and intend to keep on keeping on.
Mike in Tucson
Hey...you finished, and in one piece! Good for you! Now don't do it again!!
Joan,
Are you kidding? Where do you think I'll find more great photos? Gotta get out there again. LOL
Mike in Tucson
Mike, I read all four posts. Sounds like you had quite a journey! I guess that will be a hike you never forget!
Mike, Don't tell Susie that spiders can get inside most any place they want... :)
Glad you made it down and are ready to get back on the horse. You're right, no place like the hard to get to places for beautiful photos.
Nothing like a little adventure....... Glad you've recovered!
Are there more photos? ... maybe a whole flickr gallery you could point us at?
Now that is a snake! Sounds like a great trip!
your friend in Charlottesville!
Julie,
Thanks for commenting! Keep an eye out for those water moccasins! Love to you, Robert and your girls! Uncle Mike
Charles,
Yes it is! thanks for commenting.
Cheryl,
I don't have a Flickr gallery; guess I need to read up and get one, don't I?
Doreen,
Should we tell Susie that tarantulas in AZ get the size of a man's hand and that they migrate en masse? Better not, I guess...
Oh, Hi, Susie!
No, we didn't see any spiders at all! Come on out and visit!
Roberta,
Thank you for taking the time to read the posts. I'm going to go back and do it again.
Mike in Tucson
Great photos, Maybe we should develop a new nickname for you at BNI. I was thinking shutterbug. Thanks again for introducing Ed to me Thursday. Excellent food too, at Bistro Philippe. Bye for now.
Love the fire pic Mike. Seems like a wonderful time was had by all.
Susan
Hi Mike...Super pictures as always.
I often think that I come on the Rain just as much to hunt around for photos as for the text.
Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen