Being a native Phoenician I have always been in awe of Camelback Mountain. I few years back I finally started to climb it. It all started when a client asked me to climb it with him. Being the savvy sales person that I am I said sure. So we climbed Echo Canyon. I love hiking but that was a climb! Sure enough the next day I was so sore that going down steps was pure torture. I swore I would never do it again, but twice a year when he came back into town we would climb it again. Everytime we went we would find some unsuspecting person to come with us so they could experience the greatest high of all….reaching the top.
Now I am crazy mad about the climb or I may be crazy mad that I am approaching 50 and the pockets of fat are not going away so easy any more. Now I climb on Friday mornings with some guys that race to the top trying to beat their time from the last time they hiked. Don’t worry they wait for me at the top and always give me high fives when I get there ten minutes later. Then we climb down. Again they race down as I slowly descend just trying not to add raspberries to my cottage cheese. But I love it, and not just because it is a great work out and a great sense of accomplishment but because of the people.
The people that climb that mountain are the greatest people in the world. Everyone says hello and good morning. They always have words of encouragement. They are caring, giving and share the climb with you. It must be that mystery and awe that Camelback Mountain illuminates that makes the little kids and their parents, to the avid outdoors men and women, to the older folks that I admire, so amazing.
I thought I would just share my thoughts of this great mountain. And would love to hear yours. My only words of wisdom that I would share with you as you make the hike, don’t take the mountain for grant it. Drink plenty of water, take water with you, do it at your own pace not someone else’s, and it is ok if you can’t make it the top, there is always next time.
Stay Safe, stay hydrated and stay happy.
