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Trailblazers ready to hike. [most photos by Billie]
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Steve, Pat, Neil, Billie, Julia, Pam, Rodney
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It was almost predawn darkness when 7 hikers met at the Desert Vista Trailhead off North
Valley Parkway.
After introductions and a group photo, Neil Dennis led us on an out and back hike through the
rolling desert.
We began our journey on the Desert Vista Hawk’s Nest Trail, which leads to a large
saguaro with a nest built by hawks and taken over by owls. Each spring baby owls can be
spotted peeking out over the nest, but not today.
After viewing the nest, we backtracked a short distance to a junction with the Desert Tortoise
Trail, where we headed east on a rolling, scenic well-groomed 2 mile path to the junction
with the Valle Verde Trail. After a brief discussion we decided to hike a short distance on the
Valle Verde Trail. The weather was cool and cloudy, so heat had not affected us. We turned
around and hiked back following the same route.
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We gather in the pre-dawn light.
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Look everybody, a stick.
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Pam and Rodney sweep.
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Ready to go on the Desert Tortoise Trail:
Julia, Neil, Rodney, Pam, Billie, Steve. [photo by Pat]
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The trails around here are well signed.
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Rodney finds a pair of boots.
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Let me tell you about the Desert Tortoise Trail (Steve, Neil, Pat and Julia).
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Rodney found two hiking boots someone lost on the trail and will most likely be back to
retrieve.
The desert is green, the vegetation lush, and the cacti seem to be rejoicing with the recent
rain and damp weather of this Monsoon Season.
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Everything is so green!
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One hiker started to develop a blister, so she stopped to bandage her foot, while everyone
offered assistance.
We returned to the trailhead shortly after 8:00, as planned.
7 hikers
4.25 miles
2.5 hours
elevation gain 400'
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