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| Hiking | 5.05 Miles |
145 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.05 Miles | 2 Hrs 31 Mns | | 2.42 mph |
| 145 ft AEG | 26 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Two easy loops that involved lakes, rivers, and many, many birds.
Hassayampa River Preserve
We arrived around 1450, and were told that the trails closed at 1530. Since we were already there, we decided to pay the $10 and check it out. We walked along the Mesquite Meander Trail to the Palm Lake Loop to the Willow Walkway, then looped back to the start. The trail was wide and flat with a lot of green and thousands of chirping birds. The river was 2 inches deep max, and the lake was covered with algae, so those were disappointing, but there were some thick green areas with Jurassic Park vibes, and the constant bird chirping was fascinating. We couldn't get any decent pictures of the birds, but recorded some videos with the omnipresent chirping. We only saw 3 other people. Total 1.46 miles.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Nice easy walk. Very relaxing. Beautiful riparian area. Thousands of chirping birds. The trail is very wide, flat, well maintained, and easy to follow. There are 3-4 stretches with deep sand, which felt nice but was a little slower going. The river was pretty stagnant looking, but people were swimming, floating, and fishing in it. The lagoons were beautiful, and full of birds. There were a number of people fishing, eating, bicycling, and hanging out, but there were also some quieter peaceful spots. We were told that there were some nesting eagles but didn't see them. There were numerous side trails, so we added an extra loop which had nice views. We saw a huge skunk, the first one I've seen in AZ, but it trotted into the brush before I could get a picture. Overall very peaceful and relaxing, with an impressive number of birds. Total 3.59 miles. |
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Route Editor
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The rain soon followed and we got soaked! Two days ago the humidity was 2% and now it was 90%. Felt good though and the desert sure needs the rain. With everything wet this place reminded me of a place I visited as a youngster many times...Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. The smell was identical. Crap, I'm reminiscing. 
It felt like South Texas and many migrant birds were in the area. For example, the Tropical Kingbird, Brown-Crested Flycatcher and the Roufous Hummingbird to name a few.
She has been gracious to invite me on many group excursions, for which I am grateful - However, my schedule and fear of other humans 
and headed out. Checked in with the Office upon arrival, and you know, I had to ask, if they had any Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds that visited upon occasion...Their answer? Ruby-Throats are not in AZ, they only come as far west as East Texas... 
That was fine, as the Annas showed off their beautiful Reddish Purple plumage for us in the Garden... 
, they arrived at 10:45 and I was on the road by 11:00.
Just kidding, the people were delightful.
