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Hiking the Camelback Mountains of Tempe, Arizona: one step at a time by Monique Rider |
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I accompanied my husband to Tempe on a business trip,
looking forward to five days of sun and relaxation by the pool.
However, when we were invited to a climb in the Camelbacks, we
eagerly accepted. That truly was
our idea of fun – and I would still have plenty of time for the pool!
Having been on several all day climbs and hikes in the past, I
wasn’t too worried about physical endurance.
Isn’t that just like human beings – we master a few things in
life and we get over confident! That’s
probably why the good Lord throws us curve balls every now and then, just
to keep our ego in check! I soon
discovered that this climb was like no other. Ian, my husband’s business associate, was our
fearless leader. He was quick to
inform us that this was only a 1500-foot climb but that we would feel
every inch of it. Okay, so that was
my first clue as to how strenuous it would be.
My second clue was realizing that the area we were climbing, Echo
Canyon, was at a 70-degree angle! Now,
we don’t do the kind of climbing with ropes and harnesses.
It’s all using hands, feet, knees, and whatever else it takes to
get to the summit. Normally,
that’s not a problem but I had never done a near vertical climb before. In addition, I learned that Ian performs the climb about three
times a week – because he’s training to hike the Grand Canyon.
My confidence quickly disappeared and was replaced by intimidation
and pulsating fear. However, since Ian was gracious enough to meet us at
9 a.m. on a crisp Sunday morning, it was too late to back out.
So we began the mile and a half climb to the summit of Echo Canyon.
We went single file with Ian leading the way, my husband in the
middle, and me bringing up the rear. Due
to his level of experience, Ian’s strides were long and his pace was
fast. Even though it was only 45
degrees outside, I stripped off my pullover within minutes as I began to
sweat. Oh yes, up went the heart
rate and there it stayed for the next two hours – the time it took to
climb from the trailhead, to the summit, and back down again. At an elevation of 2700 feet, Echo Canyon is the
highest peak in the Camelback Mountains. It
is also the most strenuous and, like Ian, many climbers use it to train
for other events. It is a
precarious three mile round trip that includes sharp, jagged, loose rock. The beginning of the climb seemed quite easy.
There were wide steps made of railroad ties and the incline of the
trail increased gradually. However, it was very deceptive because the steps and trail soon
ended and the real work began! With no visible trail it was up to each of us to find
a foothold that would keep us moving upward.
I found that once I gained momentum, it was easier to keep moving
vertically. I tried to step in the
same places as my husband, and I made sure not to look down.
The rocks were rough and jagged with loose gravel everywhere,
making the climb even more hazardous. I
was doing a lot of scrambling in order to grab rocks and keep my balance.
Several places were so steep and dangerous that there were rickety
handrails to assist climbers. We
took few breaks because there was no safe, flat area in which to stop.
I was afraid that stopping would cause me to lose momentum and
tumble over the edge! The lack of breaks also meant that the climb was
extremely taxing. My breathing was
heavy and at times my chest hurt. It
took an incredible amount of focus, concentration, and stamina to
continue. In places where there was
no good foothold, I leaned my entire body into the rock to brace myself
from falling over the side. Using
my body in that way also helped me maintain momentum.
In the middle of everything I couldn’t help but compare the
experience to life itself. Things
get tough, we get placed outside of our comfort zone and we need to
stretch ourselves. It’s painful
but we gain momentum and keep going. We
use our best judgment to make decisions and hope we don’t slip.
Suddenly it all seemed so clear! At times we were able to find a safe place to take
pictures, video, and to catch our breath. It
was then that we were able to admire the spectacular view overlooking the
greater Phoenix area. I also spent
time comparing the various rock formations.
They were a mix of jagged, sharp, irregular structures and smooth,
round boulders. Several of the
formations appeared to have burrows or holes in them.
A few of the burrows were actually the size of small caves. We continued to the top and experienced a
breathtaking, panoramic view that continued for miles!
I could see across to a mountain range on the other side of the
city. I realized that the greater
Phoenix area was actually located in a valley between several mountain
ranges. How our perspective can
change when we see things from a different level!
In some ways I felt larger than life on that summit.
Yet, another awestruck part of me felt weak and insignificant as I
contemplated Mother Nature’s vastness. Our break at the top was short, only long enough for
some water, pictures, and a snack. The
climb down was treacherous. I was
thankful for the good tread on my boots. My legs still felt like rubber
from the climb up! With each step I
felt my legs shake as they tried to support my body.
The steep descent caused my toes to slide forward into my hiking
boots. I knew I would have sore
feet! I used my upper body to lower
myself down between boulders and crevasses, bracing myself with my feet.
One step at a time, I kept telling myself.
I knew I had to be patient and stay focused.
One wrong move and I would be over the edge! Once again I thought of the challenges of life.
How we try to rush our growth process, instead of taking it slow
and enjoying the journey. We allow fears to limit our perspective; prevent us from
accomplishing personal and spiritual growth.
Instead of broadening our horizons by taking risks, having fun, and
trying something new - we stay within our comfort zone.
I wondered how different the world would be if everyone tried
something new once a week! We eventually made it to the base of the mountain,
our starting point two hours earlier. Though
physically tired, I was amazed to feel mentally refreshed and alert!
Was it the mountain air, the pumping adrenaline, or maybe just the
feeling of sheer accomplishment? Whatever
it was, my confidence had returned along with a renewed sense of humility. The rest of the trip was spent at the picturesque
Wyndham Buttes Resort in Tempe. The
resort is built into the side of a mountain.
So, I was again surrounded by jagged, irregular, unique rock
formations. There was also the
added beauty of cacti, waterfalls, and layers of landscaped flowers and
shrubs. The natural, serene beauty
made me feel like I was still in Echo Canyon.
That made it easy for me to peacefully reflect on my new insights
– by the pool, of course! I thought about how even though life’s challenges seem intimidating, exhausting, and uncomfortable – there is something that makes us persevere. If we can take on the challenge and move through our fear, it will result in tremendous personal and spiritual growth. There is something to be gained when we venture out of our comfort zone. Perhaps adversity is placed in our path when we become complacent. It is a wake up call, an opportunity for us to think and act outside of the box, to stretch our imagination, and to refine our relationship skills. If we can take on the challenge we will end up renewed, refreshed, and have a unique edge on life. Monique Rider is the owner of Trinity
Coaching Services, a business that offers fitness training and personal
development services to clients worldwide. Monique's mission is to use her life
experiences to help others grow. To learn more about Monique, visit her website http://www.personaljoy.com |
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