From left to right, front: Nancy Love, Jim Gillespie, Ann Rohlman, Atsuko Arner and Lynn Warren (photographer); rear: Pete Williams, Noah Bangs, Wayne McKinney, Dave Schuldt, Art Arner, Clare Bangs and Jason Bangs beside an icy creek in Black Canyon.
PC hikers reach milestone on a chilly day
Lynn Warren
Jim Gillespie has enjoyed hiking for most of his life and began 2019 by passing a significant milestone when he reached 3,000 career miles by leading a “C” hike in Black Canyon near Black Canyon City. Usually the “C” rates a hike according to distance and elevation gain but on January 2, the coldest morning in four years, it really stood for “chilly” since gusty winds in the canyon reminded people of why they prefer the usually warmer weather of the Phoenix area. Regardless, ten PC Hikers and two guests enjoyed a brisk eight-mile hike to celebrate and toast Jim’s achievement after 12 years with the club. The club conducts interesting hikes six days a week for almost every fitness level; meetings are held in the Tuscany Ballroom on the third Thursday of the month. Visit the club’s website at pchikers.org for more information and pictures.
Left to right: Lynn Warren (photographer), Susan Bernt, Clare Bangs, Mark Gruca and Dave Ausman (“Ausy”) pausing high in the Superstitions for a selfie with the top of Flatiron in the background
Phoenix icon challenges PC hikers
Lynn Warren
Flatiron is an unusual tilted mesa which juts out from the north end of the Superstitions, and it literally looks like an upside-down clothes iron. The hike to this icon is considered one of the toughest hikes around Phoenix and requires a lot of route finding, boulder hopping and scrambling, but on January 10, five “B” hikers started at Lost Dutchman State Park and completed an almost eight-mile RT hike/scramble to the 4,800-foot top, with almost 3,000 feet of vertical gain. It was a tough, strenuous adventure with impressive views, and the hikers had a great sense of satisfaction when they returned to the parking lot.
The club hikes in many interesting areas around the Valley, providing the opportunity to enjoy scenery and terrain a person might not experience as a solo hiker. Visit the club’s website at PCHIKERS.org for more information and pictures.