Peralta Canyon to Weavers Needle Summit - Superstition Wilderness

The first time I stood on the Freemont saddle and got my first look at Weaver's Needle, I never imagined one day I would be standing on the summit, looking back at the saddle. I watched Jerry Arizona's videos and realized quickly that if I wanted to duplicate that feat, I had to first learn how to rock climb AND I would need to meet some experienced climbers who can lead the way. I buckled down and started training. I spent the next couple of years hiking longer and longer distances, pushing myself to build both stamina and confidence by willing myself up and down hundreds of thousands of feet of elevation gain/loss. I also joined a climbing gym, alternating training between hiking and climbing every other day. After a year of climbing indoors (significantly tougher grades of climbing than Weaver's) I was ready to give it a shot. I posted in an AZ Climbing FB group asking if anyone would be willing to lead me up, on an overnight adventure. Adding jokingly that your gonna be in a YouTube video, in case that's not your thing. As is often the case with social media, I was dumped on immediately by a couple of guys who thought no climber would ever drag a stranger up Weavers and then camp with him. I was informed that I needed to pay for a guide. They cracked jokes with each other, at my expense, and it seemed evident to me that the climbing community was not be as welcoming as the hiking community has been. I was seriously discouraged. I just deleted the post and started thinking about a plan B. Directly after that post, a paramedic friend and canyoneering guide (Cody Jordan) reached out. He said he saw that post and he'd be happy to take me up. A couple of weeks later, he took me out to the Mines, a climbing site East of Superior for my first outdoor climbing experience/lesson. It was awesome! Summer was approaching fast and with busy schedules, we didn't have time to make a run for Weaver's before the serious heat hit. I look forward to climbing more with Cody in the near future. Flash forward. In researching the infamous Motherlode scramble/climb in the Four Peaks, I found a number of extreme videos from Troy Dixon @walkingwithawookie1097. He was traversing the Motherlode (without a rope) and climbing Weaver's using rope to rappel, but otherwise free soloing all the way up. Troy, like Cody and most of the outdoor adventure folks I have met, was more than happy to join/lead me on this adventure. A kindred spirit to be sure. He was just as excited to show me the ropes as I was to learn. Finding a free weekend at the end of October, we decided to give it a shot despite the dry conditions and unusually late 100 degree temps. With proper planning, its not quite enough to stop us, so LET'S GO!!! The adventure includes a 4 mile hike up and over Freemont Saddle via the famous Peralta Canyon, to one of a few small camp areas near the trail on the west side of the Needle. This is dry camping, all water and cold beers needed to be humped in. Add camping and climbing gear and the heat...just getting there isn't easy! Additionally, there's a pretty steep approach and 3-4 pitches of easy trad climbing, depending on your route. We came, we saw and we....climbed! This was my first multi-pitch climb of any kind, and my first time even seeing trad gear. What an amazing learning experience! Can't wait to see what's next. Thanks to Jerry Arizona for the inspiration! @JerryArizona Thanks to Cody Jordan for reaching out and taking me outside! Huge thanks to Troy Dixon for leading this expedition. It was better than I hoped for, and it definitely won't be our last. This is just the beginning! And finally, thanks to Jack @bikerjack1 for laying down the challenge. I'm about 25lbs lighter (but not any younger!) so.... in your face! LOL! Guitar covers by @KfirOchaion Misirlou - Pulp Fiction Theme Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb Coldplay - Yellow