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| Hiking | 3.87 Miles |
612 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.87 Miles | 1 Hour 54 Mns | | 2.21 mph |
| 612 ft AEG | 9 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Started from the full lot nearest the highway with a slight breeze blowing every once in awhile so had to vest up. There was a big group that had just finished their hiking day. As we hiked on the connector trail, I helped Tina with her "saguaro" pronunciation and pointed out some of the various flora in the area. I missed the turn once you come out of the gully so we went astray for a bit before I admitted defeat and we turned back. Just past the area we came out of we saw the sign and got back on trail.
We made our way through the cholla forest before arriving at the south junction of the Treasure Loop. I saw another big group headed our way. This must be group hike day. I pointed out the peaks in the distance and the Goldfields behind us. And of course, the flora was very plump, green and lush. We also got to see a phainepepola and once again, I forgot to pull out my Pany for a closer zoom, so only got a 10x of it; great background though.
We headed up the wide and railroad block trail; longer up than I remember but a comfortable grade. And it's one of those that you think you're at the top but you have two more UPs to complete before arriving near the bench and the junction with the Prospector's View Trail. Looking to the massif I first spotted a large boulder stuck between two solid walls of the cliff and then I noticed an arch; don't recall noticing either before.
The large group had finally caught us and were taking group pictures as we continued on our way. We were constantly admiring the distant views but also took notice of the foregrounds with the flora and rock formations. We considered Praying Hands but Tina wasn't feeling the best so we passed. I may have to give that a shot when I come back out this spring. Heading down the north side of the loop is not the easiest due to the grade and slippery trail conditions. We took our time and enjoyed the views and said our hello to the hikers along the way. We were both surprised how many hikers were out for a Monday.
We got down to the bottom and headed back toward the lot but all of a sudden, both of us, smelled that smell. It was intense. We were next to a Palo Verde Tree and then I saw it and knew where that smell may have been coming from and I had just pointed it out on other trees, the Desert Mistletoe. I remember that smell from when I was hiking in the Goldfields with Sandy a few years ago. It kind of has that verbena smell that I'm not overly fond of. We saw a robin and heard the catus wrens. I told her the phainepepola is a whistler and the cactus wrens sound like a car trying to start.
We had lunch outside at the Goldfield Ghost Town's Mammoth Steakhousee starting with some very tasty prickly pear margaritas. We walked around the town and I took her to the fudge/candy store at the south end of town. We bot way too many sweets and headed back to the car. I had planned on driving at least to Canyon Lake but since we had time, I took her to Fish Creek Lookout Hill. It's been a long time since I was last there with my cousin Julie in August 2015.
Last we saddled up to the bar at Tortillas Flats for an ultra large mimosa (we wanted the Tortilla Sunrise but the bartender said it was really sweet and we should have the mimosa). We finished the day with some huckleberry ice cream from the store on the east side. The clerk was very generous with the two scoops as mine was at least 4... but I beared down and ate the whole thing.  |
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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