North Mountain

Today, when temps got into mid 50's, we added an extra layer and set out
for a hike in North Mountain. The trail, Maricopa, was pretty steep compared to other trails that had inclines mixed with flat areas.
Had to stop a few times on way up and commune with nature, and catch your breath.
The terrain was jagged, not much vegetation; guess cacti can't grow out
of rocky mountainside.
The sky was blue and the scenery was awesome; different than WNY.

It was mild enough to have a picnic lunch, with the mountains as a backdrop.
The only " wildlife" was chipmunks, who must get used to getting handouts
from hikers....not from this hiker- they are wild animals, after all!

Reading around the pool was the afternoon activity. As long as you stayed in direct sun, it was fine.


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Thompson Peak

Today was sunny & warm– perfect for a morning hike. The tall cacti are amazing-
In attached pic, notice the height- David is 6' tall, so cacti is???
Guided hikes spotlight the geology and flora and fauna; may try to take one.

The Gateway trail was mostly uphill for first half of hike; thin air gives your lungs
a good workout. ...you need a few water breaks/ breathing breaks along the way,
but the scenery is quintessential SouthWest: desert and mountains and blue
sky. The hike down was much easier; just need to watch for loose stones and some
rocks that pop up. Bike riders were doing this trail- must have great stamina!

Afternoon " activity" was reading around the pool:)

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Piestewa Peak

Warmed up enough to play outdoors. Piestewa Peak has pretty steep trails,
some rocky "steps" , and a view overlooking the city of Phoenix. First hike was a short one, before picnic lunch, then a little longer one on the
steeper trail. Boy, you get winded quickly....a good chance to stop & enjoy the scenery.
Interesting to see greenery growing out of the rocks and the various types
of cacti.
Mineralogists would have a field day here....colorful rocks, marble-like flat stones,
red and orange patterned slabs and black ones that looks like onyx. Maybe I should
check it out; could strike it rich (although they frown on removing rocks or plants).
Here are a few " back to nature" pics ( hiking is not for the fashionistas:)

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Gateway Trail

I was feeling better today, so we ventured out for trek in the desert, instead of
a hike. It's a gentle trail- no steep climbing- but the scenery is just as dramatic!
Mountains in the near distance, lots of cacti and different vegetation....and
some of the bushes are starting to flower- bright red.
The trail we chose was about 2 miles, then I stopped and soaked up some
vitamin D, while David did another short trek. The temp was about 54 degrees
and it was bright sunshine; back home we would think this was a heat wave.

It's nice to be outdoors, communing with nature!
I'll take some pics, but if you scroll down to last year's blog, you'll see lots
of hiking photos, including some of the same spots we'll do this year.

Stay tuned...

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Scottsdale, Az 2013

First hike was @ Lost Dog Trail; we hiked for 2 hours ( more than planned for 1st
time) and made it to Taliesin overlook ( FLW's Taliesin West can clearly be seen
from here); elevation was 2100'.
Weather was sunny with bright blue skies; temp in a.m. was mid 50's, then
heated up to 74 in afternoon...nice!

We're checking out restaurants that we found previous years; one of the favorites
is closed, but there are lots of choices. Tues night's choice was Olive 'n Stone-
tasty food, decent wine, nice atmosphere ( and Happy Hour til 7:00)
This condo is a couple miles from last year's, so we can easily get to familiar sites.

Pool area is nice- and it seems pretty deserted- perfect! I got into hot tub - really
a " warm tub" , but relaxing none-the- less.
David checked out the gym ( I'm on vacation, so can skip it:); it looks pretty well-
equipped.

More as we go along...

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