MountainBrook Shih Tzu Conquers Summit of Silly Mountain

Tuesday, Jan 14th , 2003

Written by Gary Hyde

In the early dawn hours of Tuesday morning, the brave little Shih Tzu “Sir Pippin”, accompanied by a hardened group of climbers from the little hamlet of MountainBrook made an attempt at the summit of Arizona’s 2139 foot Silly Mountain.  The group left the MountainBrook Activity Center and traversed a desolate stretch of the Sonora Desert to the base camp at Silly Mountain.  While most of the party wanted to rest before making the ascent, Sir Pippin insisted that they press on before the hot desert sun would have a chance to take its scorching toll on the climbers.

While the ascent was steep and rocky, Sir Pippin scrambled up the trail as if he had an extra pair of legs.  Waiting at times for the other fatigued climbers, Sir Pippin arrived at the summit just as the red morning sun was making its appearance over the crest of Picket Post Mountain.  This awe inspiring sight was all that was needed for the final fifty foot ascent to the craggy peak of the mountain.

This reporter was the first to interview Sir Pippin after his monumental achievement.  When asked how he so untiringly made it to the top, long ahead of his fellow climbers he humbly replied,  “I just kept the vision of my mentor Corbin Volluz focused in my mind.  After his daring climb to the top of the Flatiron, I figured if he could do that, surely I could do this.  I only wish he were here with me now to share in this moment, but alas he is still recuperating from acute muscle fatigue sustained during his climb.  Good luck Corbin and I hope you are able to walk again soon”.

When asked what drove him to such a climb, Sir Pippin simply stated; “Because there was a bush up there.”

Yes folks, so long as there are daring and courageous climbers like Sir Pippin among us no mountain will remain unclimbed nor any bush remain unsniffed.