Hiking on New Year’s Eve is a Trailblazers tradition and 2013 was no exception. Seven of us gathered that morning with an intent to make history. Well, at least a little bit.

The original plan was to hike 9.4 miles on the Saguaro, Gateway Loop, Bell Pass, and Windgate Pass trails. Then, a few weeks before the hike, a longtime member suggested offering a shorter option, and I planned that as 6.7 miles on the Saguaro, Gateway Loop, Windgate Pass, and Desert Park trails. Both groups would start together on the Saguaro and Gateway Loop trails, then split by distance and return to the trailhead at different times.

As it turned out, though, we had no hike leader on the shorter distance, and those folks weren’t confident of going it alone. Also, everyone wanted to get back to the trail head at the same time for the traditional New Year’s toast. And getting back early wasn’t a problem for the longer hikers, as we all had plenty of things to do that day. So off we all went for the shorter distance.

John and Chuck navigate the early going.

Along the way we shortened our distance even more by taking the Gateway Loop Trail clockwise rather than counter-clockwise to the Windgate Pass. After realizing our mistake, though, no one voted to go back around. After all, it was New Year’s Eve and we all had too many plans for the day.

Therese, Lance, Linda, Chuck, and Gabrielle converge for directions.

Linda, Gabrielle, Therese. John. and Chuck gain altitude on the Gateway Loop trail.

With the morning sun still low behind them, Therese, John. and Chuck head west.

The Desert Park was somewhat of a disappointment. I expected an easy trail, but this one was basically an undeveloped strip running though an expensive golf course and housing development. We crossed several paved golf-cart lanes and bridges (prominently marked off-limits) and were never beyond the sight of houses. But oh well, we still enjoyed the desert plants and air.

Jim, Therese, John, Lance, Gabrielle, Linda, and Chuck celebrate the passing of the old year and the start of the new. Happy New Year, everyone!

Back at the trailhead we toasted the new year with horns, blowouts, champaign, and (in one case) a ridiculous hat. It was only late morning and no one wanted to stop for lunch, so instead we just exchanged warm wishes and headed our separate ways.

See you next year!