Deem Hills

01/06/2018

Parked in the lot for Deem Hills in north Phoenix and saw a flight of hot air balloons taking of just north of me. Seems to be a common theme in the north valley as almost every time I’ve gone up here I’ve been met with balloons. It’s really kind of peaceful watching them slowly rise up as the sun is just starting to come up over the horizon. I’ve never really had any desire to ride a hot air balloon but still wonder what it would be like sitting in one floating above the ground. And, I wonder if they look down at me and think the same thing as I’m getting ready for my ascent to the summit.

Started my climb just as the sun came up from behind the hills as I walked in the quiet desert taking in the view. This is another reason I enjoy hiking early in the morning as I don’t get bothered by other hikers. There is a risk hiking alone in on a trail I had never walked on before but also a thrill at the same time. I will spend hours looking over maps and satellite views of the trails finding the best route to the top. Most of the times, the trail is easy and marked and it’s only a matter of following the signs up to the peak. This one would not be that simple.

A whole swarm of balloons now started filling the skies as I made my way west seeing them rise up to the right of me. I stopped to take a break and get a drink even though it was still quite cool knowing I would be needed it. Hiking in the desert can be dangerous if you don’t plan ahead and know that dangers that lay hidden. With the humidity as low as it is here, it’s important that I keep hydrated or risk muscle cramps later. There have even been cases where hikers have died in the middle in the city due to dehydration no believing they need to drink.

Made 15 contacts all across the US although most of them were local hams following along with me on my hike. There was no trail to the actual summit so I had to make my way over rocks and brush making me an hour later than planned. My setup is a ft-817nd running 5 watts to an antenna on a telescopic fishing pole up 17 feet. Next to it is a ft-1xdr for local fm contacts and APRS which transmits my GPS coordinate to the internet. People follow me while I hike and call when I make the summit knowing I was late and worried for my safety.

The view of the summit was spectacular as I took time to look around after making my contacts. I try to take some pictures on top as the view up there give me a sense of how far I have come to reach it.

Looking north, I can make out the Central Arizona Project canal as it makes its way across the valley.

A view looking west and the other end of the same canal as it continues on with it journey before disappearing underground.

Looking down to the west parking and ball fields I can hear the sounds of people gathering for some event.

Looking east and the lot that I’m parked hidden behind the hill is a reminder of where I’ve been and where I’ll need to go. I start packing up my gear and putting it all away filling up my water bladder and taking a snack before I descend. There’s no trail for me to follow down the hill as I make my way slowly along the rocky hillside using my walking sticks to keep my balance. Coming around a small tree I was forced to crouch under, I lose my balance and slide partway down the hill. I’m lucky as there or no cactus for me to run into and my gloves protect my hands from damage. A ham radio friend the next day wasn’t so lucky and broke his finger on the same hill visiting the emergency room on his way home instead.

I come to a trail intersection and am greeted with this view of the desert with the mountains behind it. I’m reminded that we have been able to combine nature with urban living wondering how much longer we will be able to keep this balance. We have those in power who are promoting exploiting our natural resources ignoring the consequences. I begin to wonder if the next generation will be able to do what I’m doing today or will it be consumed by private property. I wonder what price they will have to pay tomorrow for the greed that is consuming our world today.

Last shot of the mountains in the distance before I get to the lot and put my stuff away to head back home.

My peripheral neuropathy was acting up a bit today and I’m sore and tired because of it. I found myself slipping and stumbling more than usual which likely led to the stumble I took earlier. Had to scramble over boulders to get to the summit which made it even more interesting. But, made it up and then back down in one piece which is always nice and something I can be proud of.