Christmas in the Desert

This past Christmas my family and I caught a flight to the southwest, spending a week in the great state of Arizona. This was our second trip to AZ, coming two years earlier when we stayed in Phoenix, the state's largest city. This time, we opted to stay farther north in the town of Cave Creek. Cave Creek is truly a modern 'wild west.' From cowboys walking around to unpaved gravel neighborhood roads, I felt as if I was living in the true cowboy age.

Our primary reason for heading west was the hiking aspect. Two years earlier my dad, sister, and I summited the famous Camelback Mountain. How on earth is that hike legal? Having grown up in the second flattest state in the nation (IL) and going to school in the flattest state (FL) the site of mountains alone caught me off guard, but climbing this popular spot, was a different animal. Luckily for us, we checked that one off the list and it was time for a new challenge.

Our first hike of the trip was on Black Mountain in Cave Creek. It began as a steep incline on a paved surface, that was not too bad. Pro tip, don't listen to the GPS and drive up the paved hill, park down below and make the walk up to the trail head. The incline primes the calves for the rest of the climb so to say... The hike then transitions to lots of rocks that require intense focus to ensure you are staying on the right path. The very rocky terrain requires hiking shoes, something I unfortunately did not have. While this hike is not terribly long, a 2.2 mile out and back, it is the king of "wait there's more?" My mom and I said this to each other more than a few times on the way up. When we finally reached the summit, we were greeted by an American flag honoring the military, it was an awesome sight to see and made me think of the iconic photo of the US men raising the flag on Iwo Jima. It was also fitting that I happened to be wearing my USA hat that day. On the topic of military, a big shoutout to my friend George currently serving in the marines.

Our other hike of the trip ended up being my favorite hike that I have done. A few days later we were beginning the Pinnacle Peak Trail at Pinnacle Park in Scottsdale. Throughout the hike we were on a smooth groomed surface, which was refreshing to have, after the rocky Black Mountain. The trail begins with a few switchbacks then transitions to stairs and alternating incline and declines. The most unique part of

this trail is the fact that it is not a 'summit' so to say. The trail actually ends going down to the ground in a pretty uneventful spot, my biggest complaint of the hike. Nonetheless, this hike is incredibly beautiful, as can be seen from a few of the pictures attached. Also... maybe it's the Midwesterner in me, but are cacti not the most interesting looking plants? An Arizona native is surely cringing reading that, but they are so fascinating to me.

I should have mentioned it earlier but

this trail is a 4 mile out and back, and as I said earlier, you will be going up, then down, then back up again. Not only are you surrounded by beautiful scenery throughout this hike, but there is also

gorgeous houses alongside the mountains.

This trip was another successful adventure in the books and made me admire the Grand Canyon state even more. The desert landscape offers some of the best views I have seen, and I am eager to get back to explore more.

First post, eh? This is my first time being assigned an assignment that essentially has no requirements or guidelines... so look out. I am looking at this blog as an outlet to share my experiences and adventures. Hopefully, this turns out to be a hobby of mine, not just an assignment for class. Stay tuned for my next post coming soon!

The Adventure Never ends...