Last hike of the Monsoon Season. I was a really nice afternoon for a hike. We never seen anyone one the trails and the cloud cover and breeze were most welcome.
During the first six miles of the hike I drank 1 liter of water and Rowdy drank two. The last four miles neither one of us drank water until we were back at the trailhead.
My ankle was really bother me since my fall at Windgate in the McDowells. I fed Rowdy some smoke pepper sausage. I decide to take a double dose of Oxycodone and washed it down with a five hour energy and it worked well.
I was able to pickup my pace with less pain. And when things started really going good I ran into a really awesome sunset and it slowed me down and it kept getting better and better.
It really was a great way to end the Monsoon Season.

The first 5 1/4 miles was awesome as it was cloudy a sweet breeze and it sprinkled lightly and we really never got wet. We took a nice little break under the bridge and when we got up and started again it was clear skies.
It did not take long to warm up as there was really no shade for the next three miles and Rowdy needs his shade.
Tomorrows hike should be sweet as we head to the Mogollon Rim.

Linda met me at my house from there we headed over to Apache Wash Trailhead. This was Linda's first time on this side of the preserve. The weather was really nice out today.
Once we started on the Apache Wash Loop I heard a Cardinal singing so we looked around and found it. As we got out to the Esplanade Trail it seemed like it got some much needed rain. Linda got to see the owls nest which she liked seeing. I did spot another bird sitting on a Saguaro that was pretty far from us. I really wasn't sure what it was until I uploaded it and realized it is a hawk.
As we traveled on the trail Linda got a surprised from a big Rattlesnake. We finally reach the bridge and went under it to the other side to check out the third owls nest. From here we jumped on the Cliff Walk Trail where we encounter another Rattlesnake which was larger than the first one. I was really hoping to get a better picture of it but wasn't able to convince Linda to grab its tail and pull it out.
Oh well it was really nice enjoyable hike and myself I love hiking after it rains as everything seems cleaner and I like the smell of rain.

Well I was glad to get this hike in today. I had another doctors appointment today and it took longer than I thought it would. I also had an 7pm appointment to see my granddaughter perform in the Wizard of Oz in Ahwatukee and it was great.
Anyway I started out on the Esplanade Trail and just started watching my time as I wanted to check out the Northside of Cave Creek Hwy. I had notice that Chris did some trails on the Northside but where he parked is posted no parking. As I hiked under the bridge and came out the other side I spotted my third Great Horned Owl Nest. I had just enough time to hike about a half mile out before I had to head back.
On my way back I did see a few signs that said trail but no name. And then I notice another sign to the left of me and checked it out and it read trail head parking. And really it looks like it has never been used so next week I'll have to check it out. I should be able to access Go John Trail from here and maybe make it a nice 10 mile hike or so without the $6.00 entrance fee.
All and all it was a really good hike with lots of cactus blooming. I just wish I had more time to explore.

Strung together a bunch of SPN trails to create a longer than normal workout. Swung back by the trailhead for lunch under the ramada, changed socks and shoes and took off again. Not much breeze, but intermittent cloud cover helped.

Saw two Western DBacks along the trails in the afternoon. The first was the largest and most polite -- a soft gentlemanly rattle at about 5 feet. The last one was smaller and far more agitated. Gave them both a wide enough berth and pressed on.

Nice day to be on the trails. Now off to soak the dogs. They are certainly tired.

Wildflowers
Just the normal smattering of color.

Well I decide to get Rowdy out early this morning. We got to the Apache Wash Trailhead about 4:45am and there were 11 cars already waiting. By the time the gate opened there were at least another dozen cars behind me. It was really nice and cool when we started about 79 out.
We headed out on the Apache Wash Loop Trail which was really a good idea, as no one followed. We did see a hiker coming from 40th street I guess because no one passed us.
The weather was great for the first 3 hours then it started warming up. and on the way back we did see a really beautiful Diamondback Rattlesnake laying across the trail. Hopefully I can get up early again for another hike.

Used Widowmaker's track and ran it clockwise. I was looking for something today and this really fit the bill. For whatever reason I ended up with a NASTY blood blister on my pinky toe that was KILLING me for the last 4 miles! Hit the lot at 5:02 AM and there were already a couple of cars in the lot before me. Went all the way out to Carefree Hwy on Esplanade and came back on Cliff Walk trail. Lots of hot air balloons floating around and some military helicopters flew over. Saw my first saguaro cactus blossoms of the season, finally!

Wildflowers
Saguaro, buckhorn, sunflower

A very nice hike. I met a park ranger on my hike we talked for a little bit. He also gave me a map with the new trails listed on it. Rowdy seem a lit on the hot side today,extra breaks.
It was really great to see a couple of Great Horned Owls nesting on the trail and a Horned Lizard.
I did go to REI after our hike and bought Rowdy a swamp cooler dog vest and a new pair of boots. Tomorrow could really be interesting.

Coolest afternoon in a while, so why not hike? Parked off Carefree Highway just west of the Cave Creek Wash bridge. Pulled out the phone and hit the HAZ Tracks app. My first hike using the app. Love it.

Hadn't hiked Cliff Walk yet, so that was new. The cloud cover made it possible to move fast, well fast for me. Not much color, just some bright hedgehogs, the yellow of the creosote blooms and the smallest globe mallow I've ever seen.

Hit the intersection with Badger Brawl quick enough. BTW, this name isn't just random. A couple of years ago I ran into two badgers up near the official trail head on Dove Valley Parkway. Had no idea there were actually badgers around here.

Turned onto Skunk Wash to link over to Esplanade. Up ahead a biker was waving wildly. Got close enough to hear him yelling rattlesnake. A 2-and-a-half foot Western was stretched across the trail between me and the biker who was a good 40 feet from the snake. Apparently the biker and the Dback had been engaged in a long range standoff for about 20 minutes. I am far less patient, but sympathetic to the biker. Rolled a rock or two at the snake thinking he'd move off the trail. No luck, he was gonna stand his ground. I took a photo and walked around the little bully. Discussed snakes a few minutes with the biker (no, the don't strike 3 times their length, nor are they as speedy as a horse). Headed on down the trail. I didn't look back to see if either had budged. My second rattler this year and both on this trail.

Got some very very light sprinkles on the way back to the Jeep. Just enough to make everything feel even better. Was nice to get some trail time.

Well I got a late start as usual but I was just happy to get Rowdy out this weekend. He has been really sick and didn't go with me last week. This was a 10 mile hike that crossed the Cave Creek dry river bed which is pretty wide. This trails follows along the creek the whole way and does have some nice drop offs. I would definitely be careful as some of the edges look like there is no support underneath.
This trail seems to be popular with bike riders. It is really nice this time of the year. So much green and birds and butterflies just a great day for Rowdy and me.