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First Visit to the Dome

8/16/2020

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I entered Saguaro East National Park and drove to the Tanque Verde Ridge trail head.  Parking was tight but I was able to squeeze into a last spot.  I had signed up to join a group hike but never got off the waitlist.  I shoved off at 6:45am, 15 minutes after the group departed. 
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The group had planned to hike about 2 miles up trail and I thought 3 was about right given the forecast high of 108.  The trail descends for a short distance prior to climbing but not too steeply.  The average grade of the distance we hiked was 11%.  In the distance is the 8 mile drive that loops through the park.
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The main group had gotten separated with some choosing to turnaround prior to the completion of their planned ascent.  I reached the front of the group, which was down to 3 people, paused, regrouped with a couple others and on we went.  I was told of a granite dome that was a neat destination  and could see it in the distance.
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Reaching a saddle at mile 2.6, we went off trail although there is a fairly obvious social trail that is followed.  The final hundred yards is fun, scrambling up the dome.  In the distance, members of my new group are about to join me.
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Good views all around.
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The dome is fairly large so I....
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....walked to a lower portion and scouted around.  Looking back my group too is admiring the views.
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I regain the summit and just then, discovered a fluid issue.  I brought 3 bottles but drank from one during the drive.  At the summit, I emptied the 2nd and reaching in my pack, withdrew the 3rd bottle, half full.....IDIOT!  I excused myself rom the group and scurried down the trail, rationing the water.  
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Not much danger of not making it of course but I was very thirsty when I reached my car.  I stopped at the visitor center and had a nice, cold drink from the fountain.  Finished with 6 miles and 1600' of climbing.  
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    Mark is a long-time cyclist who enjoys poking fun at himself but most especially at his friends. No nicknames or comments are intended to offend, accept them in the humor they are intended.

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