Keychain light saved the day or should I say night.

This afternoon I found myself a little board so I thought I would hike a trail CM told me about to take some pictures and to kill a little time. The trail head is only about two miles from my house but didn't know it was there in till recently so this was my first time hiking this trail. I started on the trail not expecting much but it turned out to be a great trail. To my surprise the trail offered some really good views of the surrounding desert and distant mountains. As I hiked the trail I noticed a ridge in the distance and thought the top of the ridge would offer a great view of Four Peaks (a mountain east of Mesa) and would be a good turn around point. It turned out that the ridge was a little further then I thought so I really picked up the pace but still by the time I reached the top it was getting pretty late. Somehow while hiking back I ended up taking a wrong trail and by the time I realized it I had lost some time that I was counting on to make it back to my car. The sky started getting real dark and I just knew I wouldn't make it back before complete darkness set in but I was not too worried because I had a light on my keychain. As it turns out it was completely dark before I reached my car and I ended up hiking about 2 miles in compete darkness. I never intended being out after dark so I didn't bring a light for hiking but it sure was nice having a backup light on my keychain. The point is you never know when you are going to need light so having something on your keychain is a GREAT idea as most of us already know. I never carried a keychain light before I knew about the CPF but today I sure was happy to have one.

Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of the area. These pictures are close to a meg so unless you have broadband I wouldn't click on the links. I really like the area so probably more pictures then you care to see but if you like the SW then have at it. Make sure you click the box on the bottom right of the picture if you want to see the actual size and maximum clarity.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1049.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1053.jpg

Next picture is Dinner

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1054.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1059.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1063.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1067.jpg

The next picture was taken on top of the ridge I wanted to reach to see Four Peaks, I was happy to get view because I was not sure I would.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1068.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/slebkuecher/IMG_1084.jpg

Good story!

what light did you have on ur keychain?

Manzerick said:

Good story!

what light did you have on ur keychain?

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I was carrying my Chimo Arc mod, kept it in low mode most of the time because I had attached the cut down battery tube the other day and runtime became a concern. I rethought on the trail tonight what I was carrying and think I will go back to ether my regular Arc or Ion modded by 4sevens with the X-RE Cree. A backup light is not much good if your batteries are dead. I can see where 4 plus hours would be a big benefit in certain circumstances.

Beautiful country out there. Shoulda brought a sleepingbag and just stayed the night. What were you doing out there without a real light? At 10am i have no less than 6 lights on my person including 2 keychains, 2AAA clip ons, a 2x123 thrower and a backup 123 LED light.

Should have said "no fewer" sorry.

Thanks for the story and pics Lebkuecher. Such a different landscaape to what I am used too. I like the cactus in the first pic.

carbine15 said:

Beautiful country out there...

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People do not realize just how beautiful the Sonoran desert really is. When people hear "desert", they think sahara desert void of vegetation and life. This desert is very lush, full of wildlife. Heck, I have seen bobcats crossing the street down the road from me, and there was a cougar spotted a block down the road from me two years ago.

carbine15 said:

...What were you doing out there without a real light? At 10am i have no less than 6 lights on my person including 2 keychains, 2AAA clip ons, a 2x123 thrower and a backup 123 LED light.

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Yeah Leb, what's the deal here? Only one light :nana: I've seen your collection and there are no excuses LOL. Jokes aside, those are pretty awesome pictures you took. I need to get out more often.

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures. I hope you didn't really eat that rabbit!?!
:-D

mmmmm... i love rabit but not when thers not a foot of snow

great pics by the way:goodjob:

WNG said:

I hope you didn't really eat that rabbit!?!

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yeah me to cuz if there not snow or pretty cold weather you could eat a bad one (sick,unhealthy). after that there fair game.

Loved the photos. Thanks
Norm

Great set of pictures saw them twice over and will show my grandkids and wife, your picture postcards tomorrow. Arizona sky is beautiful, enjoyed your neat story too. Glad you made it back safely.

Thanks for sharing,
Marlite

Lebkuecher said:

A backup light is not much good if your batteries are dead.

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I carry an Arc AAA in that role, but am playing with a Fenix EO possibly to supplement it. Though its half the output of an Arc, it gives 8+ hours of flat output on an alky, and costs under $20.

yo