Trailblazers are ready to hike Toms Thumb. [photo by Lin]

Anna, Nick, Terry, Li Li, Tom, Kevin, Hong Li, Pam, Bud, Ron, Gene and Thomas.

It was a perfect day to hike one of the local favorite trails in Scottsdale – Toms Thumb. At 8:30, nine of us were carpooling: Robert, Lin, Li, Tom, Thomas, Kevin, Terry, Bud, Hong Li. When we arrived at Toms Thumb Trailhead, Gene, Nick, Ron, Anna and Pam were there waiting for us. After taking a group picture and a quick introduction, we started hiking. It was a nice temperature and not too windy. It is a beautiful trail, and the elevation gain on the Tom's Thumb trail occurs almost immediately, making the initial part of the hike significantly steeper than the later sections. After a few stops on our way up, we made to the base of the Thumb in about 1.5 hours. Excellent job, everyone.

Almost sun rise. [photo by Lin]

Going up the switchbacks. [photo by Lin]

Suns up. [photo by Lin]

Still some shade. [photo by Lin]

Ten years ago there were no houses. [photo by Lin]

Getting there. [photo by Lin]

Almost there. [photo by Lin]

We are here. [photo by Lin]

We took a quick break at the base of Tom’s Thumb, took a few more group pictures, then we all went to the Lookout point. It was a beautiful section, and there were not many people on this section of trail.

On to the lookout. [photo by Lin]

Lunch break. [photo by Lin]

Just standing around. [photo by Lin]

Getting the picture. [photo by Lin]

After another break enjoying the beautiful view at Lookout point, we separated into two groups. One group hiked back to Tailhead (Robert, Hong, Thomas, Bud, Gene, Nick, Lin); and the other group, led by Tom, continued to hike to do the Windgate loop. They were fearless Li, Tom, Kevin, Terry, Pam, Anna and Ron. After returning to the Trailhead, Robert, Gene, and Lin decided to go to The Thumb for Lunch. Man, the lunch was delicious.

Taking pictures. [photo by Lin]

Thanks, Tom, for helping to lead the longer-distance group, everyone told me it was a tough hike, but it was very fun and beautiful. Thanks to all the carpool drivers: Tom, Robert and Ron; Welcome Pam and Thomas, who joined us for this beautiful hike, I hope you are not only enjoying the AZ scenery, but also made a few friends on the trail. Thanks Everyone.