Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39 Photoset • Jeffshadows • 2010-05-15 • HikeArizona.COM

Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39, AZ

	2010-05-15
	9 by Jeffshadows

Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39

Tucson, AZ

Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39

Tucson, AZ

Backpack	8.67 Miles	2,134 AEG

Backpack	8.67 Miles	2 Days
	2,134 ft AEG

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My original plans for a backpacking trip were thwarted by a nasty LEO Ranger at Saguaro East who refused to give me an overnight permit because I had not been there to request it before noon. Apparently, the NPS treats everyone who asks for a camp permit as though they are about as able to make a campground within two or three hours as a 70 year-old lady would be.

Undeterred, I went to a place I knew I'd get some solace, and I found it. This trail is generally too exposed and warm for most casual strollers or backpackers this time of year. The trail has seen recent work by AZT volunteers and the weather could not have been nicer (IMHO.) I had the area around the reservoir to myself for the night, save for a bear that growled around for a few minutes until I started beating on a log to let him (or her) know that I was up for a tussle if so desired. I never saw the bear but wish I could have snapped a pic or two.

There was no usable water back in there, for all practical purposes, so I'm glad I hauled a lot of it in. The weather on the way out was excellent but I would have enjoyed a touch more wind. I too a few side trips to see if an old mine I had been told about was still there..it was. All-in-all, it was a great way to wash away the rotten semester of school and burdensome month at work I just survived. :sweat:

As a side note: I had another unfortunate dog encounter. This was the closest I've come in many years to shooting a dog. I was kneeling down in the sand near Hirabayshi on my way out trying to get a shot of a neat cactus (For Preston, of course!

) It was serene and quiet until all of that was shattered in an instant by a dog that came charging at me out of nowhere, barking as it came. My first instinct was to draw and fire since my pack made it hard for me to get to my feet quickly; I saw it had a leash dangling behind it so I winged a rock, got to my feet, and hollered for the owner to show him or herself immediately before I "Put a bullet in your dog's a**." He arrived and took the leash. I told him the damn thing charged me and nearly made me jump out of my skin and he laughed and said: "Oh yea?" and went on his way. He's lucky I was tired and we were so close to witnesses, that's all I'm going to say. Please keep your dogs to yourselves, people.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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