Saltire has mountain-top experience

[Retro Red]

Lately, the Saltire has been spending too much time too close to the ground. So, wishing to slip the surly bonds of earth & frolic in the clouds again, the day before the Saltire explored downtown Phoenix it joined me on a trip to the top of one of Phoenix's many mountains to enjoy the aerial views it was created for.

While Piestewa Peak (pronounced: py-ess-teh-wah) isn't Phoenix's tallest mountain (that distinction belongs to nearby Camelback Mtn), at an elevation of 2,608 feet (795 meters) & a convenient central location it's a great way to get your head above the crowd. It's a pretty good climb, too (just ask my poor knees). You go up about 1,200 vertical feet (366 meters) in about 1.2 miles (1.9 km).

Anyway, here's a few pics showing the Saltire in "peak" condition.

Woo-Hoo! We made it!



Inspecting the geological survey marker; the official top of the mountain. (Strangely, most people don't actually hike to the very top of the mountain, instead most congregate on the adjoining peak just west of the true top & several yards lower. Sure the lower peak has more room & is easier to get to since climbing to the true top is a much steeper climb requiring both hands & feet & there isn't much room up there. But after climbing that far why would you want to stop short of the top?)



And off into the sunset...



News helicopter records the event. (A cool thing happened while we were on top; a news helicopter flew up & hovered nearly level with those of us on top facing into the sunset. I'm guessing it was sent out to cover the news of the Saltire's ascent of one of our local landmarks! )



Slideshow of the journey. (click on thumbnail pic to open slideshow)



The Saltire wants to see more of the local sights, so stay tuned!

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