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| Hiking | 5.02 Miles |
1,482 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.02 Miles | 4 Hrs 8 Mns | | 1.84 mph |
| 1,482 ft AEG | 1 Hour 24 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Been itching to get out for a walk - with the heat arriving with a vengeance, more readily accessible hiking is proving to be challenging, so I was glad to see the temps dip a little bit, and J also expressing interest in getting out to hit a trail.
Met up early to make the long drive out to the Mt. Graham region with plans to hike a portion of the Clark Peak Trail. It was nice to finally get out of the car after the long drive and start walking. The trail is decidedly brushy and slightly overgrown in various places - the berry brambles weren't too bad, but there was plenty of oak that required pushing through along with a few deadfalls to climb over (none too awful). The trail was otherwise easy enough to follow to the point where we stopped amongst loads of ferns before the trail peeled off for its descent towards Taylor Pass. With the sun beating down, the elevation and knowing that we'd be climbing back out to reach the car, we opted to while away some time enjoying the birdsong and sound of the wind through the trees before heading back out. As expected, the climb back out was made more challenging with the elevation. I seem to have been eaten alive by biting insects - and can confirm the presence of mosquitos by the presence of an inconsiderate photobomber in one of my flower pics  Needless to say, my delicate dermis is not pleased at my being appropriated as a snack - it's been a while since I've had this many welts from insect bites.
After getting back to the car, we made our way leisurely back towards the valley by making some additional stops on the way back out starting with a brief visit to Riggs Flat Lake before heading over to Soldier Creek Campground for a quick wander along the Grant Goudy Trail to have a look at the Ice Cave(s). Exploring the "caves" would have been made easier if we had remembered to grab our headlamps  - but we made do with the lights on our phones.
Wildlife: got buzzed by a hummingbird, saw some turkey vultures soaring overhead, plenty of butterflies, most of which refused to sit still for portraits, and a number of fast lizards (also uncooperative for photos)
Other Hikers: None!
It was certainly nice to get out to get a hike in and enjoy the views. Thanks for the company, Jason! |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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| Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Needless to say, my delicate dermis is not pleased at my being appropriated as a snack - it's been a while since I've had this many welts from insect bites.
- but we made do with the lights on our phones.
