Fremont Saddle - what a view.

On Jan 23 our Wednesday hiking group headed out to the Peralta trailhead to take the 5.1 mile hike up to Fremont Saddle.  We were promised a great view and as you will see they weren't lying.  The trail provides a pretty good workout with a steady climb of 1571 feet on the way out.  The trail is well traveled and easy to follow with the major challenge being the steep and steady climb.  The old ticker as well as the knees got a good workout.  

Some of our group winding their way up the trail.

Sometimes you don't know how far you've come
till you look back to see where you started. 

Got to the saddle and saw this couple had staked out a premium boulder for lunch.  

A few of our group readying themselves for the trek back down. 

A great view of Weavers Needle.
There is also a hike up to the Needle but not this day.
Do you see the whale to the left. 

Here is a closeup of the whale.
I'm usually bad at seeing formations in rocks and clouds.
I spotted this one right away. 

The view on our way back down.

Anybody remember the old Dr Doolittle movie.
This is where the giant snail retired to.  

Next up a visit to Old Town Gilbert and I join Lori's canine hiking group.