Wow, had to wake at 5:00am and arrived at my destination just as the sun was rising, casting its first light on the Superstitions. I passed a guy standing on a ladder perched in the bed of his truck, waiting for the sun to rise. Quite a show. This hike popped on the schedule only the day before so only 4 of us signed up and began yet another eye popping experience starting on the Dutchman trail. Ok, actually there were 5 of us counting the black lab. Today's destination and note the little window on the right. When the sun hits it just right, it throws off a narrow shaft of light, hence the "needle" in the title. As for "Miners", I have no idea. It would be nice to approach the object from here but alas..... .....we have to go all the way to the back side prior to going off trail and up. It was almost 4 miles to the base of the Needle and then... ....and long expanse of slick rock. I enjoy hoofing it up these steep slopes and then.... ....I'm getting closer, headed toward the ridge, center right. I know it does not look like it but really steep. I should have waited for someone to be on the wall to give it scale but behind me, two of the group bailed on the climb and heck, I like to be first so.... ....wow, how about that. Ok, didn't make it to the actual top since that would require technical climbing gear and I would not trust my body weight on that structure. Not how I want to end my fun. Between the notch, I can make out a segment of the trail we followed. I couldn't make myself walk too close on the slope with loose gravel. I'm dumb but not stupid! More with the trail running to the lower left. Soon, I am.... ...back on it, returning to the trail head and notching another fun hike of 8 miles.
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