March 2014 - Our Last 2 Hikes in SE Arizona:
The Tucson Mts.
Soon we will be hopping into the fully loaded van and saying "Abiento!" to SE Arizona. Then we will begin the drive home to lush and green West Virginny. Ahhh... It will be glorious spring time there - just as it is here in the gorgeous Sonoran desert.
Like the previous two winters here I have spent much of my time leading hikes for the Tucson Hiking MeetUp group. This has left little time to get out by myself or for Betsy and I to get out alone by ourselves and enjoy a quiet walk.
Since we will not have another chance until next year we got out by ourselves to hike two of our favorite places - the Cat Mt area of the Tucson Mts and Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mts.
Here are a few snaps from the final two hikes.
Click on the photos below for a larger image.
This is on the way up to "1st Ridge." This ridge is directly behind Little Cat Mt.
The early morning sun was really lighting up the Teddy Bear Cholla.
This has been the warmest winter on record in the Tucson area and this has been followed by an early Spring. These cholla flowers area ready to pop - about a month ahead of schedule.
This is shot from near the top of the 1st Ridge. The John Krein trail meanders along the side, across the top and then down the back (north) side to hook up with the Yetman Trail.
In the distance can be seen the 1660 unit Tucson Estates. This is where we will be staying next winter. Unlike our current location, Green Valley, Tucson Estates is minutes by bike or walking to several trails and a short drive to places like the Desert Museum and King Canyon.
And there will be no 24/7 Interstate noise like there is in Green Valley.
The top of 1st Ridge offers some outstanding views. In the background can be seen Bren's Mt and Golden Gate Mts. They flank Gates Pass.
BONUS! There were a few Hedgehog cactus in bloom.
An added bonus: the Ocotillo was in full bloom.
Thorny devil!
This looks up towards Gates Pass from the base of 1st Ridge. The Teddy Bear cholla were gorgeous.
Looking back up to where we just hiked - the top of 1st Ridge.
One last shot and a fond farewell to the Tucson Mts.
March 2014 - Our Last 2 Hikes in SE Arizona:
The Santa Rita Mts.
The lower section of Madera Canyon was covered in wild flowers.
We love the gnarly old oaks along the trail. Some must be over 200 years old.
The thick, deeply furrowed bark makes these old timers pretty fire resistant.
A dandy Schotts agave with Mesquite in the background.
The grit laden waters of Madera Creek have done a beautiful job of sculpting the rocks.
One last look at Mt Wrightson before we go. Notice Betsy's bottle of fortified water.
A good friend of ours back home recommended this hiking tonic. Betsy says: "It works pretty good!"
And that wraps up another great winter in Southeastern Arizona. I can hear the mountains call out: " Yall come back now - hear?"
Until next time...
Mike and Betsy
