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| Hiking | 6.29 Miles |
826 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.29 Miles | 3 Hrs 14 Mns | | 2.17 mph |
| 826 ft AEG | 20 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | The higher temps will reduce my time in the Supes, so I decided to head out early and catch a quick loop. I was not sure if I would do Black Mesa Loop or Hackberry Springs Loop. So, when I got to the turn off for Black Mesa from 2nd Water Trail, I opted for the shorter Hackberry route.
I arrived at the First Water trailhead at 5am and it was completely empty except for my Honda. No need for a headlamp, so I started off down the trail.
What is noticeable out in the Supes this year is just how brown and baked the place is. The dryness of these mountains is really a concern. Just like the rest of the state, this place would burn of ignited. I hope we escape without too much going up.
I like this loop. It’s not really difficult and has some nice scenery mixed in. The arch is always a treat and I spent a little time up there before heading back to the trail.
I made my way to the spring, it was the lowest I have ever seen it. The last time I visited this place was 3-4 years ago. It was February and the place was packed with people – dayhikers and backpackers, and there was water in the creek and a bunch in the spring. Not today. Everything is dry.
The temperatures were pretty pleasant, it was still in the 70’s when I finished up about 8am. I saw a few hikers starting off as I was just about back to the trailhead. Other than that, I saw or heard nobody.
I did see some movement on the trail ahead of me when I was just past the Dutchman Trail. For a second, I thought it was a mountain lion. But, it was too small. I got closer and moved off the trail a bit, and it was a nice-looking bobcat. He (or she) was not too impressed by me and quickly scurried off. I got a few long shots off from my camera, but they came out a little blurred. The cat looked pretty good. I guess there’s no shortage of tasty little critters out here.
Even when it starts getting really hot, these dawn starts out here are always such a nice way to start a day.
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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