| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
2 |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 9.80 Miles |
1,391 AEG |
| | Hiking | 9.80 Miles | 3 Hrs 40 Mns | | 2.67 mph |
| 1,391 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Did I somehow miss seeing the fun, here? Am I the only person who thinks the 'reward' to 'effort' ratio is a tad on the low side for this one? And, that's without factoring in the 15 gallons of gas it cost me to get there and back. I have to think it must have been a lot better before 'the change' to inspire so many positive triplogs.
I hadn't been out to Fossil Creek in 2 years and at that time, I drove all the way to Childs Power Road and entered the creek a few miles further downstream from there. Aside from the horrendous trash in that area, my experience then was delightful. But, instead of doing the same thing, I thought I'd take the Springs Trail this time. I got to the trailhead at about 8am and there was only one other car in the lot (that should have been my first clue). The trail heading down was quite pretty, nicely shaded (in the morning!) by the fragrant pines and fairly pleasant. I came around one turn to find a coyote standing on the trail 10 ft from me. I stopped and we stared at each other while I tried to get my camera, but it took me so long, he got bored and walked off into the brush after ceremoniously marking the trail for my benefit. All the way to the falls, I saw only 2 people, one currently unoccupied tent and virtually NO trash. I was starting to think I was in the wrong place. The area at the falls was certainly beautiful, but it seemed too dangerous to be much of a swimming hole. It didn't look like there was a very safe way in or out of the water there, especially for younger kids (or really old ones!). The pool under the falls was kind of small with fast moving water and then a couple more falls coming in quick succession. In any case, I kept walking. I found a spot with a shallow entrance a short distance downstream for a quick dip, but the long, dense 'seaweed' wrapping around my legs was creepin' me out, so that didn't last long. But, it was nice there - shady, breezy and a comfortable rock to sit on - so I hung out for a while and ate lunch. Then I hiked almost a mile further on what I'm guessing was the Flume Trail? to see if there was anything more interesting nearby, but that trail just kept going higher so, I turned around and decided to head back.
The hike up was pretty physical, but nothing I wasn't expecting. I was motivated and made it to the truck in an hour and a half (the time noted on this log does not include 2 hours of stopped time). I saw 8 more people on their way down and only one of them appeared to be properly equipped for the return trip. One solo guy had a 16 oz water bottle in each hand (one of which was only half full and he was only halfway down). Two older teens I passed earlier were carrying nothing. They had stopped me and asked how far they were from the creek. I told them a mile and they said, "Cool". Good luck, people.
It was a long drive back and, of course, what roadtrip would be complete without a negative impact traffic event? After turning off 87 onto Bush Highway, I went a couple miles to discover that the road I came out on was now closed beyond Saguaro Lake, so I had to turn around, get back on 87 and go all the way to Gilbert Rd, taking me 20 miles out of my way... like that drive wasn't long enough already. But, after reading gpsjoe's recent triplog, I guess I shouldn't complain! |
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
|
|
| _____________________
I'm at home in the wilderness... it's civilization I have problems with! ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall") |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
