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| Hiking | 5.75 Miles |
815 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.75 Miles | 4 Hrs 15 Mns | | 2.09 mph |
| 815 ft AEG | 1 Hour 30 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Started out with intentions of doing the loop as shown on the map. We were going to do a Clockwise direction so we were able to identified the trail and canyon where we would be rejoining the Dutchman's Trail. As we continued along the well worn path, we approached the place where we should exit and begin the loop into the canyon. The trail was non-existent and overgrown with brush and catsclaw. Since it was a warm morning and we had already stripped down to our t-shirts, the catsclaw didn't look inviting enough to challenge the loop and we opted to continue along the Dutchman's Trail.
There were several hikers and horse riders out already so it became kinda crowded out on the trails (to say nothing of the horse do-do we had to contend with)  We reached a scenic overlook that provided excellent views of Weavers Needle off in the distance and Black Mesa just off to our left. We took a short break here and wondered about the three "Dutch Hunters" from Utah who perished just a short distance away from this very spot.
As we began our return, we were soon overtaken by a hiker with a large overnight pack. We talked with him and found out that he had been bound for Albuquerque via the Escalante Trail, but was being forced to quit after only 17 miles because there was so little water to be found so soon into the journey. We bid him well and he was soon out of sight heading towards First Water Trailhead.
When we finally arrived at the trailhead, there was our hiker sitting in the shade of the entrance sign looking for a ride back towards Apache Junction. We had enough room for another rider so we obliged and took him to the Blueberry Mine Store, a favorite cooling off place of ours. Once there, we had a couple of "cold ones" and struck up some conversation with a couple of the locals sitting on well worn couches under the shade canopy. The hiker was able to make phone contact with an acquaintance who was to meet him at the store and take him into Phoenix.
Just goes to prove that there's never a dull day in the Superstitions. If the scenery doesn't blow you away, the characters you meet surely will  But we still have to plan on completing the Loop some day soon. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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First Water Creek |
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Dry |
| | | Almost no water to be found. Some quickly drying pools with thick, green scum on the surface. | | _____________________
| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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Route Editor
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