Every year that we climb a highpoint is unique; never do we have the same group. This year is no exception, and is quite special. In addition to climbing the non-technical highpoint of Arizona, we also would travel to the Colorado River to remember a friend (below).

Scott Dwyer drove in from Colorado Springs, Peter Junger flew in from Seattle, and the rest of us traveled from Virginia. We planned for a 4-day weekend. The trailhead (9300') is only 14 miles from the town of Flagstaff, AZ, where we stayed. The trail takes us 3300' vertical feet, over 4 1/2 miles, to the bald summit. It's interesting to note that the tree line for Humphreys Peak is among the highest in the country at approximately 10,800'. We managed to make the roundtrip in 6 hrs, not bad for a bunch of flatlanders. The temperature on the summit was in the high 40's, with a light breeze.
 

Grand Canyon - Colorado River Remembrance Trip

Our good friend and fellow highpoint climber Karen Abse left us on January 21, 2006. We were honored to take part in her final wishes, having her ashes placed into a wilderness river.  Our plan took us to Lees Ferry, AZ, approximately a 2 1/2 hr. drive from Flagstaff, AZ. Lees Ferry is in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, adjacent to the Grand Canyon. (Technically it's all part of the Grand Canyon.)  It's an access point to the river; you can literally drive right up to the river. It would be here that we decided to remember our friend.....

To view the web page and read the story click here

Matt Powell, Peter Junger, Tom Haines, John Wingfield, Jim Juritsch, Scott Dwyer, and Tony Rini