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| Hiking | 4.20 Miles |
653 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.20 Miles | 1 Hour 53 Mns | | 2.23 mph |
| 653 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | A close-to-home well-known trail is all Tracey wanted for today, so we just scanned the parking spots along Bush until we reached Coon Bluff Road intersection. We noted the gate was open, which made sense since Tonto opened up many of the sites as of today. That being the case, we figured there'd be plenty of vehicles farther in so we parked at the intersection.
The trail going toward Coon Bluff was VERY well beaten, a result of the months of folks walking out to the river when the gate was closed. We would pretty much stick to a trail most of the loop.
We were headed for the north end of the new metal fencing, which emanates from the parking area along Bush Highway (across from the Hawes - Saguaro Trail) all the way past Phon D Sutton to Coon Bluff.
Up at the top of the bluff we had a nice view of the river and surprisingly enough there were only three vehicles at the Coon Bluff Rec Site. I suppose just like the folks that it took 2 months for them to realize the Rec Sites were closed, it will take a while before they realize they are open again. I'm sure this weekend will bring them out in the droves. So... if we're going to do another close-to-home hike the next few days we'll have to be out around sunrise.
Anyway, shortly before reaching the metal fence by the Salt River we encountered a young rattlesnake stretched across the trail. I was just fast enough to take a photo as it turned to head for cover. And of course during the a slight delay while deciding to shoot a video I missed the part where it came toward me before heading into the brush.
Coiled up nicely off the trail, there's no longer need to worry is there? Except for Tracey there was. Sheesh! It's now 8 feet away so just walk right on by... like I just did without any further complaint from the rattler. Five minutes later on the return trip it gave sign of recognition of our passing.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (0:44 video)
No drama the rest of the hike, no wildlife, no hikers or snakes... to my chagrin and Tracey's delight.  |
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