|
21 terrific Trailblazers! [photo by Quy]
|
Left to right and front to back: Andy, Marilyn, Roy, Mark, Michelle, Jim,
Rudy, Yanis, Mohammad, Colleen, Billie, Ben, Ralph, Mary, Quy, Dave,
Darrell, Julie, Susan, Michael, Chris.
|
This hike was a continuation of my quest to pretend that I am going to hike
all 800+ miles of the Arizona Trail.
In June we hiked AZT 30a from Gooseberry Springs to Mormon Lake Village.
The hike today started at the village and continued northward to Dairy
Springs, a distance of approximately 8 miles.
Twenty-one hikers showed up at the Village just before 9 AM and all within
about 10 minutes of each other.
That was amazing given that people were driving from Fountain Hills,
north Phoenix, Flagstaff, Payson and Munds Park and three people were
camping in the general area.
It was a bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky.
That makes for good hiking and picture taking but is scary since it has been
over a week since there were any clouds in the high country during Monsoon
Season!
We drove four cars to leave at the trail end near Dairy Springs campground
and brought the drivers back to the trail beginning which was the trailhead
for Navajo Springs trail in the Village.
After the group photo and quick introductions, we started the 1.3 mile hike
with 300 foot elevation gain on the Navajo Springs trail to the Arizona Trail.
Along the way we encountered some equestrians from the nearby riding
stables and occasional road apples along the trail.
When we reached the AZT, we paused to make sure everyone was with us
as we turned northward on the trail.
|
Off we go! [photo by Quy]
|
Aspen Grove on Navajo Springs Trail. [photo by Mohammad]
|
Equestrians leave calling cards on the trail. [photo by Dave]
|
Navajo Springs. [photo by Quy]
|
Despite drought, we have wildflowers. [photo by Mohammad]
|
We reach the AZT and turn right. [photo by Dave]
|
This section of the AZT is relatively flat but has a good forest canopy and
grassy ground cover. I consider it to be the nicest part of passage 30.
We trekked along, pausing periodically to make sure everyone was with us.
Given the ease of the trail, the large group stayed together better than usual.
We stopped in a ravine where there was nice shade and places to sit while
we had a rest and some snacks.
I suddenly got a call on by cell phone from one of the hikers saying
“Where are you, did you pass by a burned out area?”
No we did not. So I followed the trail back out of the ravine so we had a
chance to see each other.
Sure enough, after a couple of minutes, we spotted 3 hikers bushwhacking
in our general directions.
Apparently they had taken potty breaks off the trail and did not find their
way back to the trail.
|
The group gathers before heading north on the AZT. [photo by Quy]
|
View of Mormon Lake. [photo by Quy]
|
Lightning. [photo by Mohammad]
|
This was some tree! [photo by Ben]
|
What a tree! [photo by Ben]
|
Through the forest to grandmother’s house. [photo by Dave]
|
We stopped again for more snacks or our official “lunch”
break after a little more than 4 miles and 2 hours of hiking.
We continued on and joined the Lake View trail that took us down to the
Double Springs Campground. We used the toilet facilities available and
made sure everyone was with us because the trail through the campground
is not obvious.
|
Taking a break. [photos by Dave]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blue Jay. [photo by Quy]
|
Critter blocking our path. [photo by Quy]
|
Critter catching a ride. [photo by Quy]
|
Beardlip Penstemon. [photo by Mohammad]
|
Locoweed. [photo by Quy]
|
Bergamot. [photo by Quy]
|
Alkali Marsh Aster. [photo by Quy]
|
Sunflowers. [photo by Quy]
|
It was a very pleasant hike of about 8 miles and took four hours.
The temperature at the end of the hike was 85 degrees and there were a
few puffy clouds around but nothing to get excited about.
|
Supplemental Report
by Jim Buyens
|
Once again it was great being with you all on a scenic Arizona hike.
I hope you all had as much fun as I did, and Dave, thanks again for
leading such a fabulous hike. You did a great job!
Jim
|
Hike Statistics
|
Total Distance: | 8.1 | miles |
Starting Time: | 9:42 | AM |
Moving Time: | 3:15 | hrs:min |
Stopped Time: | 0:52 | hrs:min |
Duration: | 4:08 | hrs:min |
Finishing Time: | 1:50 | PM |
Avg. Speed Moving: | 2.3 | mph |
Avg. Speed Overall: | 2.0 | mph |
Starting Elevation: | 7,186 | ft |
Finishing Elevation: | 7,074 | ft |
Minimum Elevation: | 7,074 | ft |
Maximum Elevation: | 7,504 | ft |
Total Ascent: | 837 | ft |
Total Descent: | 867 | ft |
Calories: | 800 | |
Starting Temperature: | 74 | ° |
Finishing Temperature: | 84 | ° |
|
|
|