Early Mother's Day Accomplishment for me. It was a day I won't forget that quick.
Highest Peak in Arizona – DONE:)
Highest Peak in Arizona – DONE:)
Ice & hard packed snow on first part of hike, that is when you are in the 
forest, below tree line.
forest, below tree line.Poles were very helpful, for balance, lots of focus needed for finding right steps, not to slip. I had YakTrax but didn't need to put on.
Once on saddle, wind picked up lots….we put on more layers and decided to head to peak. Extreme winds, increasing, we had to literally crawl, get down on ground, lay flat, wait…take a few more steps, must have been up to 70mph.
On way back, the ice turned into slush, so lots of sinking in, slipping, muddy ……all made for a long day !!
Also, keep in mind, altitude of start of hike and the gain of another 3,400 feet, your lungs will feel it. Train for it, we arrived night before. That part would not have been that bothersome, except higher up, with the crazy wind rushing into your mouth and lungs, made it very hard to breathe. Little stops, catch breath, slow down…..
Huge shout out to our hiking friend Patrick (experienced on Humphreys) for taking me up there and not giving up either!Although extremely challenging in these conditions, I loved every minute of it.
If you plan on going, check forecast, especially with start of monsoon season (lightning). I assume the leftover ice/snow will be gone soon.
PS: Also, it is almost 12 miles, not “just” the 10ish most apps say;)
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