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| Hiking | 5.01 Miles |
1,645 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.01 Miles | 3 Hrs 40 Mns | | 1.58 mph |
| 1,645 ft AEG | 30 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Hike to Fremont Saddle and play around in the Hoodoos
It's getting to be that time of year again and within the next couple of weeks we'll be heading back to the cold country where the mosquitoes and deer fly's reign supreme. This year, however, we will be putting our Minnesota house on the market and when it sells we will be returning to Arizona to live full time 
Because time's running out, I took the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cool morning and hike one of my favorite scenic trails. I arrived early enough to sign in the log by 0630 and hit the trail with a long sleeve shirt on. As the trail winds its way from full shade, to full sunlight, I could feel the warmth taking over and wondered 'just where is this breeze that had been forecast for today?
The parking lot had only two cars when I arrived and I passed both hikers on the way up, so it was no surprise when I arrived at a deserted Fremont Saddle. I removed my sweaty shirt and stuffed it into my pack then ate some snacks before heading off into the Hoodoos that line the West side of the Saddle.
It's always cool to get back into this seldom traveled area and enjoy the scenery that's dominated by Weavers Needle, Boulder Canyon and a distant Four Peaks. A lot of the early blooming plants are now done for the season while some of the late comers are just beginning to show their stuff. Lots of Agave (Century Plants) are sending up their long shafts while the shorter variations are blooming along the rocky slopes. I chatted briefly with three hikers on their way to Robbers Roost and almost joined them but realized that I hadn't brought enough water and snacks 
By the time I got back to the Saddle, the noisy crowds were already arriving so I just continued on down the canyon. I kept an eye on the three hikers heading to Robbers Roost until they passed out of sight.... yeah, should have gone there. Ran into several large groups heading up so, once again, I'm glad that I have a habit of starting out early and enjoying the peace and quiet before the maddening crowds take it all away.
I got back to a now fairly full parking lot and opened a cold beer while I changed from my hiking gear and got it packed away. HAZ-Tracks showed I had just over 5 miles for today's adventure and the sun was warming up comfortably now so I took my time driving back the 7-1/2 miles of rough, dusty gravel road.... Hope to get back here before the Monsoon Season ends 
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Lots of patches of colorful wildflowers are now starting to bloom. Still waiting for the Saguaro to come out. |
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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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Route Editor
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