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| no partners | | In Memoriam of Fallen Superstition Saguaros: Over the past decade-plus of hiking in the Superstition Wilderness I have had the pleasure of repeat visits to several giant saguaros that have brought great joy to my heart.
Battleship Mountain may be my favorite hike in the Supes. Two hikes back, we discovered the big saguaro on the approach (Boulder trail) had fallen. Then recently saw the pics of the Big 50+ on the Dutchman’s dying (went to say goodbye a few weeks ago) – get out there to see it before it falls, already lost several arms. This past Saturday I decided to do my to Aylor’s Arch Loop and visit probably my favorite “big guy” on the way back, it is above Dead Woman’s Cave on Black Mesa (you can see it from the Dutchman’s trail). It’s been a few years and I felt I needed a big saguaro experience after the sadness of Big 50+. We’ll, it too has fallen! We still have the one out at Reed’s Water on Coffee flat trail, although it is choked in vegetation and a different experience – also looking very tired. ??? Sad to see these massive saguaros falling – they have brought great joy to many over the years.
So… of these four friends, two have fallen, one is deteriorating quickly, and the other is likely on its “downside.” Has me contemplating my own mortality as a hiker and as a man, as no-body hikes forever or gets out of here alive. Thankfully I am not this body (although I believe I am)! I am grateful to these gentle giants for sharing this journey with me, as well as the many hiking friends over the years who shared in the experience - it’s certainly been my pleasure. I’ll look for the reflections of those fallen in the many saguaros still standing to bring beauty to the eye of the Superstition hiker! : )
Thanks for indulging me in my expression of gratitude as I pay tribute to the mighty saguaro. Hope you enjoy the photos. Photo captions tell dates and more of the story.
Peace,
Darrell |
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