Day 34 - Doe Mountain

Today's hike is to the mesa-top of Doe Mountain, overlooking Sedona valley and the Red Rock - Secret Mountain Wilderness. Of course, in there be dragons. Partway up to the first bench and Camp I, a view of the parking lot, waaay below already.

Hiking along the first bench, crazy views off the cliffs to the other cliffs.

Emma Sherpa Brown Sock carefully leads Wendy up the World-Famous Hillary Crack, the dangerous choke point of this hike. We received dire warnings about the dangers of the Hillary Crack at Base Camp from a couple who had turned back at this point.

Above the Hillary Crack, the view from the summit ridge ascent.

At the summit, I made this picture to remind us of the cairn that marks the only way down off this mesa-top. A young couple got lost for an hour up here because they forgot to make a picture.

The Secret Mountain Wilderness awaits the crazies who might get eaten by dragons.

The Optical Illusion of the Day. Where in space is my shadow? Where in space is the shadow of Doe Mountain?

The time-honoured ritual of The Summit Snack.

Wendy and Emma contemplate the dangers of the descent of the Hillary Crack.

This time, Wendy goes first, with Emma Sherpa Brown Sock operating the only belay.

And then Emma Sherpa Brown Sock free descends The Crack.

Nightfall is coming as we make our way down the runout to the parking lot. That's Bear Mountain across the way, one of Sedona's toughest day-hikes.

Russ and Emma pose for the "we survived Doe Mountain" portrait.

Almost all the way down - Emma knows she could easily over take "the boy" - just let me off this stupid leash.

Tonight's Sedona sunset - the weekenders track out of town.

 

 

 

 

 

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