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| Hiking | 8.36 Miles |
1,589 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.36 Miles | 3 Hrs 41 Mns | | 2.27 mph |
| 1,589 ft AEG | 4 Hrs 41 Mns Break | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | I guess, according to Angela, this is an annual event called the "Jack's Back" hike. This year Angela and Kelly decided to do a one-way trip from First Water TH to the Marina on Canyon Lake. Preston (Kingsnake) got wind of the hike and asked to be included, which, of course, we gladly accepted. I'm glad Angela selected this hike as it's one that I have been wanting to do for some time now because of the incredible views along the way.
After staging my Explorer at the Marina, Angela and I drove back to the First Water TH where we met up with Kelly and Preston and signed in around 0830. Beautiful morning for a Superstitions hike with some cloud cover working its way in, a bit of distant haze and a good breeze that would kick up later in the day.
We stuck mostly to the trails with a couple of side trips along the way in Garden Valley then the long downhill stretch of Second Water Trail that brought us to Boulder Creek. Then it was on down the trail with a pause at the Indian Paint Mine. Always an interesting area to visit with brilliant red rocks that would compete with Sedona for color 
A short ways further brought us to a dry La Barge Creek and upon crossing the rock strewn creek bed, it was now time to begin the steep ascent up to the high bluffs that provide some of the best viewing areas in the Superstitions. That 3/4 mile uphill stretch only rises 400 feet but it sure kicked my butt on this morning, proving to me I need a bit more workout.
Once on the first plateau, we paused for some shots of the mountains we had just passed through. Battleship Mountain was brightly lit as the sun was breaking over Geronimo Head and Weavers Needle and the Ridgeline were almost hidden in the distant haze. Below us we could follow Labarge Creek up as far as the Box and Boulder Creek was just visible below Hackberry Mesa. Little Four Peaks was basking in the morning sun as well as the higher peaks of the Goldfield Mountains 
Continuing along a more gradual ascent/descent trail it wasn't long before we were at the summit bringing with it outstanding views of Canyon Lake and there goes Dolly out on another tour of the cliffs surrounding the lake. From here we could see the range above Tortilla Flats and the always impressive Four Peaks.....Unquestionably, million dollar views in all directions (I'm going to have to get up here for some spectacular sunset shots}.
Now it was all downhill to the pre-staged Explorer in the parking lot at the Marina where Angela had remembered to bring along her favorite Pumpkin Spiced Ale (talk about hitting the spot at the right time). Then it was over to the Marina for an outdoor lunch on the deck above the water and a "Kiltlifter" to wash down the fries.
Several black birds sat in the branches below while a flock of Mallards cruised the waters below me, all waiting for handouts. A couple of very large Carp swam just below the water's surface apparently attracted by the commotion of the birds and ducks above them.
As we were finishing up our meals, Kelly said that she was going to hike back to First Water since she had enough daylight hours to safely make the trip  We all wished her well as we boarded the Explorer for the scenic trip back to the Trailhead.
 Angela, Kelly and Preston for being a part of another memorable day of hiking the Superstitions |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
The trees at Second Water Spring are still shiny green. |
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Second Water Canyon |
Pools to trickle |
Pools to trickle |
| | | The ground was damp at the trail crossing. | | _____________________
| 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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