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| Hiking | 6.46 Miles |
1,454 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.46 Miles | 2 Hrs 42 Mns | | 2.39 mph |
| 1,454 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | It’s been a couple of years since I last hiked in Skyline. But, unlike last time, I at least I managed to get a hike in, despite this week’s frustrations.
Almost left my GPS at home. Luckily, I realized it was missing as I was pulling out of my driveway.
I took the long, looping, route from Sunnyslope to Skyline: North on I-17, west & south on Loop 303, west & south on Sun Valley Parkway, then east on I-10 to Watson Rd. That way I could enjoy my McDonald’s breakfast — the Shamrock Shake machine was down — without constantly needing both hands on the wheel, like the hell that is I-10.  
First thing I noticed is that there is lots more traffic on Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway. (The transition is still an offramp, not an interchange.) Also, Loop 303 has new interchanges at 43rd Ave. and 51st Ave., which didn’t even exist north of the Deem Hills before. (For the TSMC chip factory.) At the very least, I could see 43rd Ave. went through to Carefree Hwy. (Not sure about 51st Ave.)
Loop 303 south to Bell Rd. was its normal relatively sedate self. Heading west on Sun Valley Pkwy., the Dell Webb development on the south side of the road is now built out. After Sun Valley Pkwy. bends south, there is a large new development going in. The land prep looked almost done.
Got on I-10 heading east, and almost got sideswiped by guy passing on right, through the gore point, at 20 over. And he had the gall to give me The Stare? 
Finally arrived at Skyline Regional Park. Although I did have my GPS, for the second week in a row, I had forgotten to load the route. Thankfully, it is straight forward: Quartz Mine Trail, a bit of Tortuga Trail, then up Javelina Summit Trail. (Which LindaAnn has a great description of.)
Did my hike. Outbound did well. Great view from the top of Javelina Summit. Lots of F-35s. Slipped & fell on the way down, but no big deal. I was trying to move fast.
Afterwards, stopped at Carl’s Jr. for fountain drink. The tinny drive-thru speaker now has voice-activated ordering. No! Just no. After the guy in front of me cleared, I drove right through. So, I crossed Watson Rd. to the Circle K. That had some sort of scan yourself setup, with a vending machine-like bill slider, and change coming out God knows where. With a worker standing there. Can't YOU just ring it up? I left my change. The Circle K in Payson has that too. Never again. Circle K now on the permanent Ban List.
I won't even get into Thursday and Friday ... 
Rumble Video: https://rumble.com/v4igd8f-skyline-regi ... -hike.html
Vimeo Video: https://vimeo.com/921805120 |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Steve’s dustymaiden, Coulter’s lupine, desert wishbone bush, creosote, ocotillo, California suncup, evening snow, scorpionweed, white woolly daisy, fiddleneck. |
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
On the way down Valley Vista trail I thought I spotted a mysterious direct tv size satellite disc on a rock outcropping , as I came closer realized it was Angela having deployed her umbrella 
For some reason there were other oddly placed hill top cairns around. The sound of freedom occurred repeatedly as the park is in line with the Luke AFB flight paths providing some visual entertainment. Again thanks to Linda it was nice to cruise along without needing to focus on directions, if it was closer I’m sure I would revisit often. FYI peanut brittle beer better than anticipated!
