The trail started off with a little raise off the desert floor and got our hearts pumping a little bit.  After that we had a nice trek through the desert before we even came up to the mountain.  The picture here was taken in one of the rare shaded areas along the trail.  Therefore we had to stop and get a little rest.  The picture also provided for a little longer rest.  I think it was Dad's hat that kept him going!  I can't believe that I forgot mine.

It's February 5, 2000 and Mom, Dad, Amy, and I were ready for another hike.  This time our destination is Picacho Peak located about 40 minutes south of Phoenix.  When we reached the ranger station we asked for our hiking options.  The best suggestion was a trail (Hunter Trail) that started from the back side of the mountain that was a 3.5 mile trail with a more gradual incline to the top.  The more gradual include sounded good to all of us and we were off.

The next two pictures below show the view of the peak from the bottom of the mountain.  It was at this point that we realized we had a long way to go if we were to be going to the top.  I also believe it was at this time after seeing how far the top really was that we started getting TIRED!  We also all knew that we would not be seeing the top on this day.

This beautiful picture was the view looking back from the mountain. It was such a beautiful site that it was a good excuse for another rest spot!