The next 5 days are supposed to be cloudy, rainy, cool and not the best weather for hiking so we thought we’d better hike today. Gary chose this hike and he chose a good one. It was on the north side of the Superstitions, south of Canyon Lake formed by a dam. And, you thought Phoenix had no lakes. The marina on the lake had a lot of boats even now in December and I imagine it is jammed full in the summer when Phoenicians want to come up higher to the cooler temps, boat and swim and picnic.
Here's that stud muffin again.
There are 3 lakes in this region, all formed by dams but serving the water needs of part of the Phoenix area. We got there early and right in front of the hiking club of about 15 people who arrived just as we did. They took longer to organize and we were able to get on the trail before they did.
The Superstition Mountains are pretty rugged, as are all mountain ranges with little water and unforgiving rock surfaces. But the chances to get away from everyone else are pretty good and we love these opportunities.
We’ve often wondered how dogs protect their feet and horses protect their legs from the cactus spines on the trails. Well, we haven’t found out about horses but we’ve got the answer about the dogs. Look at these little hiking booties. The owner of the dog said he put them on a day in the house to get Hershey used to them and then took him out on he trail with his booties on. Hershey loves hiking but has gotten cactus spines in the pads of his feet but - no more.
We hiked by an old prospector’s home foundation and mine.
A tricky trail, with a steep uphill, a somewhat level part and then a steep, rocky downhill with lots of scree: loose flatter, slippery rocks. I was ecstatic about getting to the bottom and remarked to Gary that sometimes I enjoyed climbing up more than slipping down. Luckily he didn’t remind me of this when we were returning to the trailhead and climbing up this section. He knows better - I might have jabbed him with my trekking poles.
Neat hike: challenging trail, remote enough to feel as if we were the only ones hiking here, great views and an old prospector’s foundation and mine for the historical side of me. Good choice, Big Gar.
On the way home, I checked the phone and noticed a call from my brother. I called him back and he sounded so glum that I asked him what the matter was. I thought his best friend had died but, nope, it was his microwave. Gary chuckled and Jack took umbrage at our laughing at his plight. He told us he uses it all the time and would nave to cook in an old Dutch oven or starve. Hmm. I think this is a bit of hyperbole.
And, here’s another view of one formation in the Superstitions.
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