|
| | | Phoenix Sonoran Preserve N - East Side, AZ | | | |
|
|
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve N - East Side, AZ
| | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 8.00 Miles |
282 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.00 Miles | 2 Hrs 54 Mns | | 3.08 mph |
| 282 ft AEG | 18 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | I wanted to do another Owl Checkup. After traffic delays I got started a little after 7AM. It turned out to be a glorious hiking morning with great temps and a nice breeze the entire way.
As suspected, the south nest was empty. One of the hikers I had run into previously was out there so I talked with her a bit before going to the north nest which was occupied by the owlets but no mom. It was hard to get photos as they were low in the nest. I circled it completely trying to get a better angle but to no avail.
Since the south nest was empty I decided to continue north and come back on the Cliff Walk Trail. I crossed the large wash below the cliff and headed up onto the trail. I was trying out my new PocketPod holder on my phone as holding it by hand and filming while hiking is not very comfortable. However, I was having trouble keeping the horizon level so I'm not sure yet how well it will work. It is surely a lot easier to have the phone on the handle (not a selfie stick).
I stopped to take a picture with my camera of a cactus wren when I heard a scream. Three other hikers had come upon a rattler and two ran back quite a ways before they stopped  . The other gal pointed it out to me; it was hard to see below the bush. I tried to walk by but it hissed at me rather vehemently and stuck its tongue out so I just took a couple pictures. For whatever reason, all of a sudden there were more hikers and bike riders so I continued on my way.
I came upon the Badger connector so I decided to add that to my hike. It's a pretty trail in the middle. However, as it turned out, I'm not sure that I was on the same part of it as I had been previously as I eventually came upon that rusty fence like they have along the preserve. I don't recall seeing that before so that's why I think I was on a different section. It seems I took the South Cliff Walk Badger Connector which causes you to miss part of the Cliff Walk. Anyway, I enjoyed it and was sufficiently entertained other than it gets a little too close to the road.
It's interesting terrain as you make your way back to the Apache Wash Loop. Just before the TH I saw a couple birds working on a saguaro bloom so I took quite a few pictures of that. It was interesting to watch and when I got home to see the pics, I got a few good ones, even with 30x zoom. If I hadn't been hungry I would have done the Apache Vista Peak but opted to use the Ocotillo Trail to take the long way to Tonto 3. It was busy as was expected but got me to the 8 mile mark anyway.
The trails were sufficiently crowded with hikers and bikers, not too many dogs. I enjoyed my beer and the cool temps. I was just so happy with how nice it was today. I haven't done a video for a while so here is the link using LosDosSloFolks music: [ youtube video ]
WATCH: 7.84 miles, 124 avg bpm, 163 max. 4% at max, 45% at anaerobic, 43% at aerobic and the rest at Zone 2 (weight control) burning 1047 calories. Temp at start 69.8 with 19% humidity. |
|
Wildflowers Observation None
Saguaros blooming; not sure they count as wildflowers exactly. Some Palo Verdes are still in bloom but waning. |
|
| _____________________
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. |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
