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| Hiking | 10.30 Miles |
1,790 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.30 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 2.06 mph |
| 1,790 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| partners | | Hiking the Supes with Mike, seeing my second Gila Monster of the year, seeing my first Rattler of the year and having lunch with Tom Kollenborn..... Life just don't get much better than that.
There was supposed to be high clouds today but they didn't show up until the hike had ended so we had another one of those beautiful Arizona sunny days for our planned hike out to Aylors Arch and back. Been getting Mike acquainted with some of the more popular Superstition hiking trails so that he becomes familiar with the landmarks along the way, then who knows what's next.
About a mile out we were passed by a noisy bunch of hot rod hikers who then rested on the first saddle allowing us to pass them. Then they blasted past us again taking their noise along with them and soon it was quiet again. On the way down into Boulder Basin we came upon a Gila Monster doing its "wiggle walk" down the center of the dusty trail, I think this is the same one that I encountered a couple of weeks ago. After a little encouragement to leave the safety of its bush we were able to get a couple shots as it scurried across an opening to another bush. Ahhh the distractions of hiking in the Superstitions 
Soon we crossed a dry West Boulder Creek and then came upon the first of the trail signs, this one pointing the way to Black Mesa Trail. Then past Boulder Creek Trail cutoff, Bull Pass Trail and finally making the corner between Palomino Mountain and Black Top Mesa. We continued along the Dutchman's Trail until we were able to get the views of Aylors Arch high on the top of Palomino. There were small pools of water in East Boulder Creek but I thought there would be more following last week's rains 
We took a break at the campsite along the creek to shed some layers as the temps were steadily climbing, then began our trek back to First Water Trailhead. We soon met six horse riders on a daytrip enroute to Weavers Needle for the views and wondering if we had encountered any snakes along the way. We assured them that the trails were passable at that moment and continued our hike through Boulder Basin.
Looked for the Gila Monster at its headquarters but no one home this time, then as we were passing through Parker Pass, we were "beep-beeped" by one of those hot-rod hikers again. She passed us but before long there she was throwing rocks at something in a narrow section of the trail. As we approached, I saw the black & white ringed tail of a rattler as it slowly disappeared into a bush beside the trail.... rattles going loudly 
I extended the sections of my hiking pole fully and, following the sounds of the rattle, cautiously probed the bush until I spotted the snake who was now well back from the trail allowing ample room for us to safely pass. This was Mike's first encounter with a Rattlesnake along the trails so I made sure he could hear the sounds made by the rattles for future encounters as they most certainly will arise. I thought now, if we could only spot a Tarantula, it would be a fine ending to a fine hiking day, but that didn't happen.
Once back at the trailhead we removed the now sweaty gear and stowed it in the truck and headed for a cool brew and a hamburger at the Blueberry Mine Store along the Apache Trail. As we placed our order, I noticed Tom Kollenborn, a noted Apache Junction author, sitting at the picnic table under the sunshade. I've met Tom before and we regularly share comments on Facebook so it was a rare pleasure to converse with him as Mike and I ate our burgers and sipped that cold brew.
Thanks for the company Mike I still owe you an encounter with a Tarantula but that will come soon enough too. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Lots of Indian Paintbrush along the trails and the Hedgehog Cactus are blossoming everywhere. Some Globe Mallow showing and several small daisy-like flowers blooming. |
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| 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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