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Porta Drive
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GLYPH PORTAGIG50 500GB HARD DRIVE PORTA GIG 50 HDD 500 7200RPM USB Firewire |  |
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US $171.00 | 28d 49m |
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TIONscend Information 16GB Micro USB Drive USB Porta... | |
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US $17.52 | 17d 1h 34m |
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Port-A-Cool PAC2K163S 16 3-SPEED 1/4 HP DIRECT DRIVE | |
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US $962.99 | 26d 10h 59m |
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Port-A-Cool PAC2K482S 48 TWO-SPEED, 1 H.P. BELT DRIVE | |
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US $3,356.95 | 18d 23h 3m |
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36" 3 Speed 1/ HP Belt Drive Evaporative Cooling Unit | |
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US $2,639.94 | 14d 13h 44m |
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48” Unit Belt-Drive - Two Speed PORT A COOL PAC2K482S | |
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US $3,239.99 | 13d 4h 16m |
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Port-A-Cool 48 Two-Speed, 1 H.P. Belt Drive PAC2K482S | |
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US $3,470.99 | 12d 11h 30m |
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Greenlee 444 Porta Puller w/o Power Drive - In Excellent Condition! | |
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US $1,189.99 | 10d 13h 25m |
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Port-A-Cool 36 Three-Speed, 1/2 H.P. Belt Drive PAC2K363S | |
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US $2,635.99 | 7d 13h 55m |
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Port-A-Cool 16 Three-Speed, 1/4 H.P. Direct Drive PAC2K163SHD | |
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US $1,160.99 | 6d 19h 30m |
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36" Fan, Direct-Drive, Hi-Performance Vari-Speed Unit | |
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US $2,502.00 | 5d 14h 7m |
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Port-A-Cool Pneumatic Drive Evaporative Cooling Unit-16in 2200 CFM PAC2K16AD | |
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US $3,699.99 | 5d 10h 25m |
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Port-A-Cool Pneumatic Drive Evaporative Cooling Unit-24in 4898 CFM PAC2K24AD | |
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US $4,799.99 | 5d 10h 3m |
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Port-A-Cool Pneumatic Drive Evaporative Cooling Unit-36in 9100 CFM PAC2K36AD | |
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US $8,199.99 | 5d 9h 48m |
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CD Technology CD-T3301 CD Porta-Drive | |
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US $55.25 | 5d 7h 32m |
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Port-A-Cool 24-Inch Pneumatic Drive Evaporative Cooler | |
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US $5,495.00 | 4d 5h 8m |
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GLYPH PORTAGIG50 7200 RPM 500GB PORTA GIG EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE FIREWIRE eSATA USB | |
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US $229.00 | 3d 1h 29m |
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Port-A-Cool PAC2K163S 16 THREE-SPEED, 1/4 H.P. DIRECT DRIVE | |
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US $1,137.95 | 3d 1h 12m |
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Port-A-Cool PAC2K363S 36 THREE-SPEED, 1/2 H.P. BELT DRIVE | |
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US $2,607.95 | 3d 56m |
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Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer List Price: $174.54 Sale Price: $72.00  |
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The Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-to-2-inch 18-gauge Brad Nailer comes with a maintenance-free motor for added reliability and long tool life. With the ability to drive 5/8-to-2-inch 18-gauge nails, this brad nailer features an internal piston catch for consistent maximum power on every shot and a rear exhaust to keep debris away from the work piece. Also included is a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads, a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal, and a sequential style trigger with a lock off switch. Other features include a contact safety located behind the driver guide for better visibility, an adjustable belt hook, an integrated rubber grip for improved comfort, and a low nail reload indicator. With a 100-nail magazine, this nailer operates at 70-to-120 PSI for added versatility. Its strong and lightweight die-cast aluminum body measures 9-3/4 x 10.4 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds. |
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Porter-Cable PC218IDC-2 18-Volt NiCd Drill/Impact Driver 2-Tool Kit List Price: $129.99 Sale Price: $119.00 |
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Porter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 18-volt NiCd drill/impact driver 2-tool kit features the PC1800D drill/driver and the PC1800ID impact driver, a combination that provides high-performance motors backed by rich features sets designed to cover a wide range of tasks. This versatility makes this kit an ideal set for contractors, electricians, construction workers, and home DIY enthusiasts with larger projects. PC218IDC-2 18-VoltNiCd 2-Tool KitAt a Glance: Drill specifications: 440 inch-pounds torque, 0-350, 0-1,400 rpmImpact driver specifications: 1,600 inch-pounds torque, 0-2,900 rpm, 0-2,800 bpm32-position drill clutch for drilling a wide range of screw sizesDurable all-metal single-sleeve 1/2-inch drill chuckIntegrated LED impact driver work light for working in darker conditions Porter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 18-volt NiCd 2-tool kit has a high performance drill/driver and an impact driver with serious torque (view larger). Performance and Power CombinedPorter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 18-volt NiCd drill/impact driver 2-tool kit revels in power and performance, starting with the drill/driver’s high-performance motor and sturdy gearbox, which deliver up to 440 inch-pounds of torque. Its 32-position clutch assures that reliable torque is in evidence, making it possible to drive a wide array of screw sizes. While the kit’s impact driver is ideal for fastening in smaller or cramped spaces, thanks to its relatively small size, this doesn’t equal a reduction in power, as it delivers 1,600 inch-pounds of torque while still minimizing the kickback delivered. A Host of Helpful FeaturesThe impact driver in Porter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 2-tool kit has a rapid-release 1/4-inch hex chuck that means reduced time to job completion, while the drill/driver’s 1/2-inch all-metal chuck provides a high level of bit retention and stability. Also, the impact driver delivers quick and reliable cutting thanks to its variable speed trigger, and its integrated LED light illuminates lowly lit or dim spaces, helping to expand the work possibilities. Dimensions and WarrantyPorter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 2-tool kit’s drill/driver is 9-inches in length and weighs 5.1 pounds and the impact driver measures 6-1/2 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds. The kit comes with a 3-year limited warranty, a 1-year free service contract, and a 90 day money back guarantee. About Porter-CableAt the forefront of technological advances for over 95 years, Porter-Cable has introduced such noteworthy products as the world's first portable belt sander in 1926 and the first right-hand, helical-gear circular saw in 1929. This passion for progress flows through every product Porter-Cable offers. Their product line is the result of a dedicated team of researchers and engineers listening to what tool users have to say, constantly looking for ways to improve existing tools and dream up new ones. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes electric and cordless power tools, pneumatic tools and compressors, pressure washers, generators and related accessories for the professional woodworking, commercial/residential construction, plumbing, and electrical markets. What's in the BoxOne PC1800D drill/driver, one PC1800ID impact driver, two PC18B NiCd batteries, PCMVC 60-minute NiCd fast charger, storage bag, double-ended bit, #2 PH screwdriver bit. Porter-Cable’s PC218IDC-2 18-volt NiCd 2-tool kit includes a drill/driver and an impact driver that have high performance motors, loads of features, and high max torque (click each to enlarge). |
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Hoover Type Z Power Drive/Dimension Upright Vacuum Cleaner Replacement Bags, Package of 3 List Price: $4.89 Sale Price: $1.95 |
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Genuine Hoover filter bag. Fits Hoover vacuum cleaners. 3M HEPA filtration. |
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Exploding Port-a-Potty Sale Price: $1.99 |
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The Slayers - Anime Test Drive List Price: $7.98 Sale Price: $0.39 |
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Try it... Buy it... Get $10 Back! • Each Anime Test Drive DVD includes a $10 mail-in rebate coupon (for use with the purchase of the corresponding box set at a great low price) • Contains the first 2 episodes and over 45 minutes of cool anime trailers! |
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Bedside Commode Toilet Seat Chair Frame - 9630 List Price: $0.00 Sale Price: $27.99 |
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One Each. Brand New in factory sealed box. Product ID: 9630-1 All adjustable-height commodes include a snap-on seat with pail. They offer armrests for comfort, angled legs for stability, non-marring rubber tips and anti-rattle collars that reduce noise. # Large 16" wide snap-on seat with lid for added comfort and support # Greater seat opening depth for hygienic purposes # Non-marring rubber tips have bottom hole for drainage after cleaning # Can be used bedside, or with backrest removed can act as a toilet safety frame or raised toilet seat Base Width: 25" Width Between Arms: 19" Seat Width: Surface: 16" Inside: 8-1/2" Base Depth: 19" Seat Depth: Surface: 14" Inside: 10" Overall Height: 23" - 29" Seat To Floor Height: 16" - 22" Seat To Arm Height: 7-1/2" Product Weight: 12 lb Product Weight Capacity: 300 lb Quantity: 1 per carton Warranty: Lifetime |
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Case Logic QHDC-101 Portable EVA Hard Drive Case (Black) List Price: $28.18 Sale Price: $7.99 |
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Stores or transports medium-sized external hard drives mini laptops books and ultra portable PCsSize: 5.75" x 3.75" x 1.6"; fits devices: 5.3" x 3.5" x 1.5" Durable hardshell exterior to protect valuable dataSide-entrance zippered partment for easy retrieval of hardwareZippered mesh accessory partment for AC/power adapter and cablesCollapsible handle allows case to be easily packed into a backpack or luggageBlack molded EVA fabric25-year warranty |
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Case Logic EHDC-101 Hard Shell 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive Case (EHDC-101Blue) List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $5.89 |
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Fits external disc drivesDurable EVA with molded ribbed exterior protects hardwareCompact design allows case to fit easily into any bagInterior strap keeps hard drive securely in place during transportStore cords CD/DVDs or other accessories in slim mesh pocket2 bonus CD/DVD ProSleeves to separate stored discs and help prevent scratchesDark Blue4" W x 8 1/4" H x 7/8" D |
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Case Logic Compact Portable Hard Drive Case (Black) List Price: $22.95 Sale Price: $13.75 |
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Case Logic Compact Portable Hard Drive Case PHDC-1BLACK Storage Media Cases.Fits Hard Drives Up to 5.5" x 3.75" x 1.25" . |
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Porter-Cable PTA12 9-Piece Metric 3/8-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set List Price: $17.25 |
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The Porter Cable 3/8-Inch Drive Deep Metric Impact Socket Set includes nine pieces: 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm. The sockets are chrome vanadium steel and come with their own carry case. |
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Porter-Cable PT501 1/2-Inch Pnuematic Impact Wrench List Price: $132.89 |
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Get plenty of control, not to mention power, with the Porter-Cable PT501 1/2-Inch Pneumatic Impact Wrench. This variable-speed impact wrench allows for precise control during use, and its durable pin clutch mechanism ensures years of trouble-free operation. The PT501 displays exceptional power and speed reaching 7,000 RPM, 1,000 BPM, and an incredible 400 ft./lbs. of torque. This compact, 1/2-inch impact wrench manages 4.2 SCFM at 90 PSI, so it's compatible with most air compressors. |
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Port A Cool 16" Three Speed Portable Evaporative Cooler, 1/2hp direct drive with cart & 22 gal reservoir (PAC2K163SFC) List Price: $2,243.93 Sale Price: $1,495.95 |
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Designed for use when air conditioning is cost prohibitive, impractical, or unavailable. Theevaporative swamp cooler effectively cools certain types of equipment such as generators & compressors. Operates by connecting to 115V power supply & water. As ambient air is pulled through the water-soaked Kuul pads, cold air is released through the fan. Water can be supplied by garden-type water hose. The evaporative swamp cooler's fans feature one-piece polyethylene plastic housing & high-tech polymer venturi with quieter-running, non-corrosive fan blades. High efficiency rigid evaporative media. Great for manufacturing plants, mechanics' garages, military bases, & gymnasiums. Provides effective spot cooling in horse stables, dog kennels, & a variety of other locations.Features: Lowers ambient temperatures an average of 18 degreesCOOLS 900 SQ. FT. WITH 3900 CFM OF COOLING POWEREnvironmentally Friendly - Units produce no fluorocarbons like traditional air conditioning or vapor compression systems. Using Port A Cool units instead of vapor-compression systems also helps reduce global CO2, CFC, & other greenhouse gas emissions.Energy Efficient - Evaporative cooling systems used worldwide save some 60 million barrels of oil annually & 27 billion pounds of annual CO2 emissions in lieu of vapor compression air conditioning systems.Good for Indoor Air Quality - With superior fluting & manufacturing in Kuul pads media, impurities are filtered out, producing cooler, cleaner indoor air.Easily Integrated - Port A Cool units can be configured to become an energy efficient addition to an existing system.Inexpensive to Operate - Because energy consumption is so much less than traditional air conditioning, energy management is also more efficient.MADE IN THE USA |
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Porta Brace Hiker Pro Video Camera Backpack, Full Size Mini-DV Camcorder Bag List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: $299.95 |
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The HIKER Pro is designed for videographers who have to travel long distances or just want to keep their hands free. The case has a plastic frame making it strong and light. The camera is securely held in place by a tie-down strap and an adjustable shelf. The back pack has pockets for the tripod plate, extra tape and batteries. The Hiker stores the shoulder straps, and the suede handles so the backpack can be carried over the shoulder with the optional HB-40 shoulder straps. Note: Hiker Pro laptop versions HKP-2L, 3L come with divider kit but no tie down, pillow or viewfinder blister, due to the nature of the cameras it is designed to carry |
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Portal 2 List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $19.99 |
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Portal 2 is a unique first-person Action-Puzzle-Platforming game that tests player's ability to think and act creatively as they use the game's ingenious wormhole creating portal gun to produce their own paths through otherwise sealed surfaces and across the open spaces of the game. Sequel to the original Portal game -- the surprise add-on hit included in Valve Corporation's 2007 release The Orange Box -- Portal 2 continues the storyline from the first game, featuring both new and returning characters, and poses a range of new challenges making for a much deeper game. Additional features include a new two player co-op mode and an original soundtrack. Enjoy an expanded storyline as you return to Aperture Laboratories to match wits with GLaDOS. View larger. New characters and functionality expand the Portal gameplay experience. View larger. Win/Mac software that is playable on both PC and Macs. View larger. Welcome Back to Aperture Laboratories In Portal 2 players awake in the Aperture Science Labs as Chell, the heroine of the original game. A great expanse of time has passed since the conclusion of the first game and the gameworld has fallen into visible disrepair, but placed in suspended animation, Chell has survived intact and is revived. With the help of a robotic entity the concluding events of the past game are revealed and you escape your initial confinement, but in doing so GLaDOS, the the AI computer antagonist from the previous game is also reawakened. Just as fickle as ever, GLaDOS' motives are unknown. Insisting on testing you, it may assist you but may also be planning something more sinister. Gameplay Like the original game, Portal 2 is a first-person Platform-Puzzle game. In the single player campaign players assume the role of Chell, a former test subject trying to gain her freedom from the Aperture Science facility and GLaDOS, the AI controller of the facility. Set in the test chambers of the facility your goal is to make your way through the game levels using your portal gun (the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device). The portal gun creates temporary passages through solid surfaces, allowing for creative platforming and multiple possible means of clearing a level. The game also requires the player to solve puzzles at times to clear sections of levels. In addition to point-to-point movement through portals, players can also utilize other means of movement of themselves and various objects. These include: using the momentum of portal movement to make jumps to open positions like ledges; tractor beams; and special propulsion/repulsion gels that can be carried or stored. New Cooperative Mode Portal 2 contains a multiplayer option in the form of a two-player co-op mode. This is playable both locally and online, with split-screen functionality available in local play and in select places during online play. Players assume the role of one of two robotic characters, Atlas or P-body, both new to the franchise. These two have separated from the control of GLaDOS and so must survive its anger, divvied out in the form puzzles, obstacles and misdirection. Each player has control of their own portal gun, which they use to platform through the game levels, avoiding its dangers and relying on each other. Minimum System Requirements PC OS - Windows 7, Vista, XP Processor - Dual Core 2.0 )or higher) or AMD64X2 (or higher) RAM - 1 GB of RAM on Windows XP, 2 GB on Windows Vista or Windows 7 Hard Drive Space - 7.6 GB hard disk space Video Card - DirectX 9 graphics card with 128 MB RAM Sound card DirectX 9.0c compatible Mac OS - Mac OS X v10.6.6 or later Processor - Intel Core Duo processor (2.0 GHz or better) RAM - 2 GB (or more) Hard Drive Space - 7.6 GB hard disk space (or more) Video Card - GeForce 8600M or ATI Radeon HD 2400 or higher Key Game Features Extensive single player game featuring next generation gameplay and a wildly-engrossing story Complete two-person cooperative multiplayer game featuring its own dedicated story, characters, and gameplay Advanced use of physics allow for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game Original soundtrack A massive sequel to the title named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide. Win/Mac software is PC and Macintosh compatible Additional Screenshots New gameplay challenges. View larger. Creative Puzzle Platforming. View larger. All-new 2-player co-op mode. View larger. Exciting first-person action. View larger. The highly anticipated sequel to 2007's Game of the Year, Portal 2 is a hilariously mind-bending adventure that challenges you to use wits over weaponry in a funhouse of diabolical science. Using a highly experimental portal device, you’ll once again face off against a lethally inventive, power-mad A.I. named GLaDOS. And this time you won’t be alone. Meet an expanded cast of characters as you think your way through dangerous, never-before-seen areas of Aperture Laboratories. Break the laws of spatial physics in ways you never thought possible, with a wider variety of portal puzzles and an expansive story that spans a single player and co-operative game mode.Features include: •Extensive single player: Featuring next generation gameplay and a wildly-engrossing story.•Complete two-person co-op: Multiplayer game featuring its own dedicated story, characters, and gameplay.•Advanced physics: Allows for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game.•Massive sequel: The original Portal was named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide.•The single-player portion of Portal 2 introduces a cast of dynamic new characters, a host of fresh puzzle elements, and a much larger set of devious test chambers. |
![Cities in Motion: Design Classics DLC [Download]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EvPqoB-iL._SL75_.jpg) |
Cities in Motion: Design Classics DLC [Download] List Price: $3.99 Sale Price: $3.99 |
Hiking in Phoenix, Arizona
Squaw Peak, Echo Canyon hiking, Arizona
Many of those who like to visit mother nature’s bounties hike
to and through many places in the US and throughout Arizona.
In our South-West state, we have a variety of natural environments to visit
and two of those that are well known to locals
are hiking trails adjacent to central Phoenix.
Your author has climbed these two popular
hills intermittently for 27 years. The easier
of the two is called Squaw Peak whose name
was changed by the federal government when
a young lady became the first female battle
casualty in the Iraqi war. With the greatest
of respect to her, those who still climb this
hill still called it Squaw Peak. It has 3 trails
of varying lengths with the most popular being
just over 1 mile in length.
The other hill with a more difficult climb is called Camelback mountain but in tourist materials it is called Echo Canyon. Within this article, your author will offer perspectives of both
climbs/hikes.
I have been climbing Squaw Peak for 27 yrs and have been up it to some distance [I don’t always go to the top.] To get to Squaw Peak, from any direction– it is located at Squaw Peak Drive, on the north side of Lincoln Drive, near the border of Phoenix and the ritzy enclave of Paradise Valley. When one turns off Lincoln Road [just east of the freeway] the park is about 3 blocks up the road, no turn-offs needed. You know that you are getting ready to visit a unique hill when the road speed drops quickly from 25 to 15 with the speed reduced sign at the top of a roller coaster mini hill–odd place for the sign reduction–with a speed bump at the top of the mini roller coaster!
One minute further, on the right, is one of 3 parking lots and the one I take most often.
I lock up my car, and one needs only look around oneself and one will see the hill to the left
[across the street]. To make it easy, a mini pathway takes one from the parking lot area directly to the base of the hill where most people begin their assent.
This park has no concession stands [thankfully] but it does have, about 100 yards further up the road, rest room facilities.
At the base of the hill, there is room to sit with benches and a roofed area. In case you get there and there are no other hikers, there is a map and legend at the base of the hill to guide you. Frankly, the legend is user unfriendly–it shows the hill from areas dozens of miles away and unless I am missing in my vision, the “normal” start area’s restroom was not even listed on the legend/map. Regardless, this hill is about 1 mile from its base to its summit. It is considered an easy climb and this author agrees that it is easy! From children aged 4 hand holding to their parents, to adults over age 75 have climbed this hill. In very few cases, if one is not paying attention to the ups and downs of the pathway and its logic, it is possible to get lost–to walk off the main pathway. I will go into that shortly to help you make sure you do not become victim to that possibility [a friend of your author chose to walk ahead of him on one descent 24 yrs ago and the friend failed to watch the pathway twist and turn and, walked down and slipped over 300 feet to the bottom. Also, every year, from ½ mile up, all the way to the top, adventurists who chose to hike away from the trail, 1-2 people get stuck and have to be helicopter lifted off and every 3 years or so, someone dies from falling or sliding hundreds of feet AFTER not watching their pathways.
If one uses Google or other aerial photos of the area, one will see trails that go to the housing area to the west of the hill and the viewer will also see paths that take 25-150 foot tangents just “down a little ways.” Years ago, I wondered, “what if I was new to this mountain and for some reason I am the only one hiking–how to I know for sure that the pathway I want to take is the one that goes to the top? I have studied the paths from walking the main one and taking 2 off 25 feet or so and looked at all of them from these Google air photos. The way, I deduce, to stay on the main pathway, is to look at size of the width of the path. I would say that the path that goes from the bottom to the top is on average, 7 feet in width. The paths
that go down towards the west or that take short jaunts a few hundred feet, and that carry very few people, are strewn with much smaller rocks, less sturdy materials and are 3-5 feet wide. I have both taken some of these a few dozen feet on purpose and accidentally. There is no doubt that “hey, what happened to the path?” Will be your response in just a minute off the main path.
Let me guide again, on how it is possible to miss, for a minute or so, the main path.
Unless one is a fool, one looks down at the ground most of the time while climbing since one needs to make sure of the condition of the ground-almost flat, rock, or a combo of the two, and where to place each foot for the entire climb excluding the few 50-100 ft stretches of almost flat, dirt pathway. Since one is looking down a lot, it is not at all impossible to continue going straight as long as a pathway takes you straight. Or, the pathway can and does, often, to dozens of feet straight and then it will take a 60-85 or almost a 160 degree turn. So, the way I climb is to pause every 25 to 50 feet for 1-3 seconds. When I pause, I make sure I am not
blocking the path for others behind me and I also make sure that my footing is good enough to allow me to stand still for a few seconds without losing balance. As long as I do that, when the small pathways adjoin the main pathway, I will recognize them as smaller and if others are coming down, are they coming from that path? It is, again, 50% possible to take a wrong
path during one ascent. It is almost impossible to take the wrong one when going down because the eyes have a wider scanning view–up one sees maybe 15 degrees above the pathway and to the right and left from there. Coming down, one sees maybe 50 degrees along the pathway and to the right and left further. [One never sees the top while walking along the path till one is less than 100 feet from it but one sees the parking lot from dozens of
spots along the descent.]
Let’s begin “visually” and hike the path way together now:
While one can begin the assent from 3 different places and join the hike “somewhere along the path”, everyone I know starts their assent from the parking area next to the legend sign area. It is hard to miss!
We take our NECESSARY water, and aim to the right, about 3-5 degrees in climb.
An almost equal entry begins 150 feet to the right and meets the pathway about 100 feet up the hill. We quickly see a sign that depicts dogs and bicycles are not permitted [your author has actually seen a kid in his 20's holding in his right hand fully extended above his head, a racing bicycle!]
The road twists to the left where the two –right or left side beginning pathways
meet. We now turn to the left and step over well set rocks [or natural rocks] and climb
and climb and climb up a sort of rock pathway that has obvious edges; a cement-type ridge about 6 inches wide on the one side [left facing up] and the hill on the other side.
After we have twisted 2-3 times, we reach the first break/rest part with a brass marker embedded into some rock.
Then, we turn to the right and continue up. This part of the climb, up to the 1/4 mile
walker, pretty much twists every 100-150 feet to the right or left. While it may not be obvious, those who are descending the hill return using the same pathway, so we hikers will rarely be on a pathway for more than 5 minutes before we meet a descender.
There are no razor sharp rocks that this hiker has ever seen on the hike–nor are there
dangerous animals or bugs–but between the ½ way marker and the top, a complaint
that seems common [maybe just in the summer?] Regards gnats or other small bugs. I have never seen a dead animal which would attract them but once they have “sensed” you, you will get 1-2 to fly close to you all the way down the hill. They are pesky and any ascending hiker who watches, will often seen descenders waving away these pests. I have never had the discomfort of the pests on the ascent–no idea why that is.
At a 1/4 mile up, there is a bench. Then, the next marker is not ½ mile but instead, .6 mile. I do not understand the logic behind that.
In-between the .6 marker and the top, on a left twist as one ascends, there are larger boulders and an “assist bar” embedded into the rock and elevated about 5 feet above the rock so that
most climbers can reach it and use it to pull themselves up at that part of the hill.
Visually Impaired hikers:
If one has plenty of time, and one has a helper, this particular hill is surmountable if one
is visually handicapped–as long as one realizes that--seeking with a climbing cane is almost useless since there are only 2 stretches of 35 feet distance that are rock free and flat.
[On mountains where the rocks are just a few inches in size but there is a lot of snow
to surmount, I can see where vision is not a critical component.] This author was involved
with a visually handicapped person decades ago and cannot imagine, at this time, hiking
either hill without spending tremendous amounts of time trying to figure out where to put one’s feet. This author, under no circumstances is claiming on either hill, one needs good vision–but at the same time, the author cannot imagine the amount of time needed to guide a hiker by having to say ‘now put your right foot another inch to the left, and having to say that for 96% of the distance up and down both hills!
Back to Squaw Peak
As one gets about 25 feet from the summit, it would seem reasonable [maybe anti-climatic?] to
have a small sign “the summit is identified by a small 5 inch diameter brass circular
marker plaque” which is 15 feet directly above this sign; please stay on the albeit tightened trail.
As a hiker squeezes up these last 25 feet, there are spaces/rocks in a 12 foot diameter
area around the marker and if one stretches himself carefully and climbs with a sharp
eye, one can climb over to the ‘other’ top of the hill that stretches about 8 feet in diameter.
Thus, it is fair to say that Squaw Peak is a double summit–with very careful movement
needed to transfer between these two areas.
One smarty pants climber stood on an a summit edge boulder about 20 yrs ago and lost his balance; on the north side of the hill at the summit, it is at least 200 feet straight down to the
beginning slant of the hill. This emphasizes that while there are various [long] ways to get
up and down this hill, few people take the “longer, less traveled route” and most of those
people wind up being forced to seek a helicopter ride down!” [Meaning, if there is no obvious path where you are, backtrack immediately till you return to an obvious part of the path.]
There are perhaps 3-5 mini trees or bushes adjacent to the pathway one can sit under if one wants some privacy.
Time needs;
Give yourself an hour to get to the top and 15% more to get down. I have asked myself why
descending would ever be slower. I have deduced that; we bend our bodies slightly forward when we hike upwards. When we are descending, we have a mini battle with ourselves;
we need to keep our balance which requires a mild leaning backwards and then we also need to bend forwards MORE as we need to be sure of where we are putting our feet so as not to step on lose rock or gravel or when we need to miss pointed rocks and keep your feet as level as you can for GRIP.
When you visit this hill, you will find many younger people with ear plug radios to help motivate them to CLIMB. [To me that is silly- I need to stay focused as to where my feet will land per step!]
Some of these same kids also seem either excite or bored and like to JOG uphill–all the way to the end of the path –if you will–while the last 15 feet requires true rock grabbing and foot placements!
I have never seen anyone eating on the hill but 75% of the climbers take water. My
first 5 climbs were without water and I sure regretted that at the end of the hike.
I think this hill is also open 24/7. At a specific time of the evening I am presuming hikers
use hat lights. I can imagine doing this at night but not without preparation and more
caution!
I have never known anyone to be attacked or robbed or whatever on this hill–perhaps
because there are never fewer than 25 people going up or down at any given time and
a “bad person” would have a very very difficult time hiding.
While I do not think it has ever snowed on Squaw Peak, it does rain on it and I would not
imagine it being safe hiking it during or right after a rain since the GRAB needed by
the shoes on rocks would be reduced or eliminated in rainy situations!
End–Squaw Peak
Echo Canyon–
Let’s now discuss the competitor [?] to Squaw Peak, its neighbor only 4 miles away,
Camelback Mt, aka, Echo Canyon.
If one ever finds Squaw Peak to be difficult-- 200 feet of Echo Canyon will be found to be
nearly impossible to climb. [I emphasize the word nearly.]
The parking seems tighter. There is one obvious parking area immediately adjacent to the trail and parallel parking directly below the entry to this parking area. I have been told there is another area just a few hundred feet away but it was not obvious and this hiking area is adjacent to luxury homes.
Presuming you surmount the parking problem– prior to climbing, Echo has rest rooms [porta-potties] and a covered sitting area for preparing to hike or for cooling down prior to getting into one’s car.
The trail is immediately to the right–one climbs down [5"x5"x5' wood step edges with dirt
STEPS] about 8 steps, then across flat land about 15 feet and then bends to the left and
begins the climb–about 350 dirt steps with these same wooden step edges. At a few
places there are huge boulders adjacent to the
steps.
Echo has one trail instead of the 3 that Squaw Peak has. Again, everyone shares the
same pathway up or down, thus, some alert courtesy is needed when one is
slow and faster people come up behind oneself. never hesitate to either stand still [to let them maneuver around me] or if the pathway has mini 4 ft pathways to the right or left around large rocks, I step to the path that the descenders are obviously not using–if I can get to it quickly for a few second wait.
Just as Squaw Peak has a 15-25 ft long metal bar embedded at a specific point to help less agile climbers surmount one part of the hill, Echo Canyon, being tougher in angle and types of rocks to climb, tries to make things easier at this point to do what Squaw Peak does not do; it offers for maybe 100 yards, a split pathway. The perhaps 8 ft wide pathway has a similar
metal bar embedded into the dirt and, like in a school stairways, the bar rises to a height of about 5 ft and then, stays about 1-3 feet above the middle of the pathway’s rocks– acting in a two-fold role; it is a divider for ascending climbers who want to stay out of the way of the descenders and it acts as a helper to grab onto! When I last [July 09] ascended the hill [on purpose to go only ½ way] I had the choice of 2 negatives; burn my hands on the bar, or –still ascending, act like a spider and grab the fence on the descender’s side of this part of the pathway so as to have climbing leverage! I could not have climbed this hill at my age of 62 without the bar or fence to allow me to pull. My legs do not have that much strength left in them to climb some angles of rock without the added pull available in my arms.
Thus, at the top of the wooded lipped steps, one turns to the right and goes about 50 ft and
on the opposite side of the path–the descending side, the hill drops off, in some places steeply–so the park rangers installed a earthen color fence to be used as both a safety barrier and a grab-hold device as one either ascends or descends.
In most cases, hikers are able to stick to one side of the path going up and the other going down but I never heard one complaint when some of us needed the fence to grab on while going up and meeting others coming down. Younger people are often able to simply “with confidence” step around we “fence attachers” or when we could tolerate it, the bar grabbers [over 150 degrees in the sun].
I was not knowingly negatively affected by the sun’s heat [it was about 106 going up] but
the rocks and the less-easy-to-find places to put one’s feet make Echo Canyon much more formidable then is Squaw Peak.
I needed to rest about every 25 feet ascending Echo’s pathway. Then, in what I knew was a smart move for me, I could see the end of the bar about 25 feet above me-- I made like a sloppy, draggy ape and finally got to the top of the bar part of the pathway. I sat to the left side of the path for a minute and then continued my ascent [without the fence or bar to
assist me] as the pathway became much less challenging. After about 50 more feet, I sat down again to compute where I had just been, where I was, the warmth of my bottled water, and the distance still to hike!
I could easily give myself an excuse because my significant other was also waiting for me to return home to shower and go out to breakfast–but I was pooped!
I then chose, without any guilt feelings whatever, to turn around at this just past the 1/4 mile
marker, and start my descent.
Quickly I met two seated female nurses who were preparing for this difficult part of the decent. We offered to switch off–one stay close to me then I to her to help break a fall if either of us misjudge our strength on the bar or fence grabbing and slip anywhere.
I had gotten about 10 feet and began to feel my first-ever bit of gravity unsureness and
was unbalanced for 3 seconds; an interesting feeling. When asked by ‘my nurse’ how I was, I responded that I was in-between sure and not-sure. She was ready to climb 3 ft to grab me if needed. Since 3 seconds go by quickly, I got my mountain legs back and informed her so as I slowly continued my descent, switching from using the fence as security to using the bar–just as hot as it was ascending 5 minutes previously.
It took a good 25 minutes to get to the bottom of the bar/fence area and I was glad I only new needed to walk down those 350 [?] dirt/wooden edged steps to reach the bottom.
I was a bit woozy at the bottom and sat down to regain my gravity and alertness. From high above, I had not been able to see my car and was thus, a bit concerned; it was hiding In-between two SUVs that had pulled up while I was on the hike.
I left that canyon hike relieved I had not fallen anywhere and glad I would not need that damn hot bar again, anytime soon!
When I hiked Echo the first time, perhaps 25 yrs previously, I made it to the top. Since then, 1-2 girls have fallen off it to their death and that was all I have ever heard about Echo Canyon mishaps.
Squaw Peak provides the news about sloppy or unalert hikers! Annually, someone one faints during their ascent. Every two years, someone must be airlifted off the hill!
About the Author
free-lance writer, business consultant, RE broker
Good music fests this summer?
I want to go to Bonnaroo (tickets are about $210 right now, the price won't go above $250); I've never been and there's at least 20 musicians/bands that I know and love and I'm not counting comedians. My best friend and travel buddy wants to go to Rothbury (tickets are $245, flat rate) because she's been to Bonnaroo twice, but I can only find about 10 musicians there that I love and would like to see (the biggest redeemer is that Dave Matthews will be there, but BB King AND Robert Randolph will be at Bonnaroo). For $250, sleeping on the ground, and poopin in a porta-potty, I want to get a great musical experience.
So I'm looking for east-coast to mid-westish fests (I live in NY, she lives in NC) that are a few days and don't cost more than $250. Anything within a day's drive for either of us would be preferable, she's really strapped for cash. I am too, but I have more outside resources than she does.
This is according to the latest issue of Rolling Stone which tends to keep on top of those things. Here's the ones that are in the Midwestern part of the US - not in any particular order:
I should point out, I don't know a thing about any of these artists where some are listed - they may or may not be what you like.
Summer Camp - Chillicothe, Illinois - May 23-25. Flaming Lips, Moe, Umphree's McGee
Pitchfork - Chicago. Dates and lineup To Be Determined
Lollapalooza - Chicago - August 1-3. Lineup To Be Determined.
Wakarusa - Lawrence, Kansas - June 5 -8. Flaming Lips (they must be popular!), Dr. Dog
Rocklahoma - Pryor, Oklahoma. July 11 -13. Vixen, Krokus.
Virgin - Baltimore - August 9 - 10. Lineup to be Determined.
You mentioned Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, so I'll skip it.
All Points West - Jersey City, New Jersey - August 8 - 10. Lineup to Be Determined.
Everything else currently listed is Out West so this pretty much covers the Mid-West and East. Hope you find something you're interested in......have fun, and be cool.
This was all very neatly spaced when I put it in, unfortunately, for some reason, spaces don't take for me, so everything gets cramped and kind of hard to read. Sorry 'bout that!!
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