Prep for New Zealand Hike

On December 8, Kelly and I are going to hike Avalanche Peak in New Zealand - a 5,900 foot peak that is accessed by a trail that starts at 2,600 feet and gains more than 3,000 feet in about 2 miles.  In preparation for that hike, I did the Turtlehead Peak trail today in the Red Rock Canyon just west of Las Vegas.  Turtlehead Peak trail gains 2,000 feet in 2.1 miles over mostly loose gravel/rock and scree with some Class 3 scrambling required.

I set off at 7am this morning and made it back to my car at 10:30am.  The trail was tough both up and down.   Enjoy the pictures!!!

Turtlehead Peak (on the left)

The trail ascends to the left of the Peak up to the saddle

Steep trail meanders up the gully to the saddle.

A little shade at the top of the Peak.

The trail back down is treacherous - steep, loose dirt, sandstone and rock.

A Bit Anxious

Hmmmm.....seems I'm a bit early for my flight.

Waiting for To Go

Fifteen days and the plane will lift off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on the first leg of my trip to New Zealand, where I will meet up with my oldest daughter, Kelly, for two glorious weeks driving, tramping, viewing and just plain having fun. She will be flying in from Afghanistan on her R&R. So very blessed to be able to spend time with her.

In the meantime, I am finishing up work projects, submitting proposals for new projects, packing and re-packing bags for both Kelly and me, last minute travel shopping, Thanksgiving dinner, a three day convention in Vegas and one final packing before departing on 1Dec.

Should be a fantastic trip! I expect to post stories and pictures along the way. Hope you follow along in the pre-planning and trip itself.