HILLS HURT, COUCHES KILL hiking log

Hiked up Gold Creek Valley. The trail was pretty overgrown in places, especially after the river crossing.






Trail?


Happy doggo





I've posted this before, but this spot is pretty cool. 15 years ago a big avalanche came down off Alta Mtn through this avy chute..


And knocked all the trees down uphill on the opposite side of the valley

 

Snow Lake/Gem Lake, 11 miles in 3.5 hours

 

This is from a point 2 miles into an 8-mile hike in 113 degrees in the Sonoran Desert. Zoom in to see the trail cutting into the side of the opposite hill, this photo from a 1000 ft climb over really just the last 0.7 of the first 2 miles. Total intermediate climb for 8 miles was 2000 ft.

 

Where in the Sonoran desert?

 

Phoenix, South Mountain Park, started at Pyramid Trailhead. This from National Trail intersection with Lost Ranch Trail.

White blotches in the distance are houses.

 

More evening hiking in the Commonwealth Basin. Red Mtn, Red Pass and Red Pond. 6 miles round trip, 2,300 ft climbing, 3 hours

 

Kaleetan Lake
21 miles/5,500 ft elev/ 7.5 hours






Pratt River Valley


Pratt Lake



Mr Owl

 

The photo of Pratt River Valley reminds me of Yosemite when you first drive through the tunnel and see the entire valley.

 

Made a loop up the Gold Creek Valley to Joe Lake, scrambled up from the lake basin to the PCT and the hiked out from there. Trail unmaintained, this one took a while. 16-17 miles, 3k ft climbing, 7.5 hours












And of course the Kendall Catwalk and Red Mtn

 

Hiking in Phoenix South Mountain Park, 112 degrees. Even the snakes are lethargic. This one (do not think Diamondback Rattlesnake, but cannot guess what it is) sitting in the middle of the trail. Did not respond to a couple of rocks I tossed onto the trail to see if it wanted to move off the trail. Second picture just to show that the only way to bypass was to scramble off the side of the trail in rocks into the parallel gully.

These snakes really can blend into the background ...

EDIT: After looking at pictures of "snakes in Arizona", I think this one could be "Sidewinder"

 

South Mountain Park ... hill climbed (not really big, but) and this critter stood still long enough for a picture.

 

Damn, that is one big ass lizard. Any idea what kind?

 

Only about 6 inches long including tail. No idea what kind except that they are fast and rarely stand still long enough for a photo. Others on the trail ran away too fast.

I did see a gila monster once but it rambled off before I could get the camera ready and hid in the bushes. Did not seem wise to annoy it too much as their saliva causes some small amount of pain I am told.

Once had to fast-step because I stumbled onto a part of the trail not 10 ft away from a Green Mojave Rattler who was coiled and rattling. But it did not follow me after I quick-stepped a little bit away and I decided that cowardice is the better part of valor and kept hiking.

 

Stay safe, @RichochetRabbit. The desert cares for nobody.

 

That is the truth. A former Peoria (AZ) resident (moved to Oregon) in town for the baptism of her son died in the desert north near Carefree AZ the day before the ceremony.

 

That stick on the ground behind the lizard looked like part of the lizard. Looked like it had a 2’ tail. I see now it’s a stick and not part of the lizard.

 

Not the best picture. My iPhone is the least expensive model because I do not need the best camera. Occasionally would like to have better but cannot justify the $$.

 

Your photography is great, it’s these old eyes that don’t see as they should

 

Exactly. I'll be 50 this year. I've always been in shape and never plan on getting out of it. Honestly, I'm probably fitter than 80% of 25-year-olds.

The biggest issue I have is about 4 years ago. I finally needed to get reading glasses. The best part is when I forget them when I go shopping with my wife. Nothing says not a hard-ass like walking up to your wife with a container of half and half and asking her if she can read the expiration date for you. lol

 

I've been busy. One quick trip with kid and dog to hike up under the Brooks chair at the ski hill. She did pretty good, I only carried her up a couple steep sections. Lots of crickets and flowers




This is hallowed ground

For the entire 20 years I've been riding here the main terrain park has been in this upper meadow. Halfway down is Waterfall with 2 or 3 fairly large jumps, and a rail garden at the bottom.

Lot's of night skiing, lots of sunny spring sundays, lots of park laps, good times..