Camelback Date with Hunter

Well, on Christmas Day, the family attempted a hike up Camelback. We were sort of doomed for failure because by the time we found a place to park it was way into their normal nap times, but at least we didn't just sit at home, right? Anyhow, Hunter said that he wasn't tired and that he new he could make it to the top. I promised him I would bring him back and we would go take a picture by the "surprise" at the top (a Christmas tree). Besides, I hadn't had a chance to venture to the top myself since we got back to AZ, so I was due for a good hike. Anyhow, last Friday, Hunter and I headed out toward Camelback. He has done this before (granted it was over 3 years ago and did an awesome job) and we were determined to succeed. Because of the mountain's popularity/holiday, we had to park quite far and so we got adventurous and also a little tired by the time we got to the main trail. We had fun laughing and exploring the desert! He is such an awesome kid. Once we made it to "the Iron Rod", he was tired and pretty nervous at what he was looking up at. The iron bar is sort of a steep area of rock that is best climbed by holding on tight to the rod and not looking down. I tried to encourage him (this is definitely the hardest part of the hike), but he made it half way up and froze. We promised each other to come back another time! I remember when I used to run up and down this silly mountain. Oh, those were the days! Smiles!!!

We celebrated our adventure with a yummy lunch at 5 Guys! So fun!!