Trailblazers are ready to the AZT. [photo by John]

Back: Lin, Michael, Jan, Stan, Robyn, Chris, John, Diane, Neil Front: Terry, Li, Gail, Tom, Cindy

The temperature for the hike was a little warmer than normal, however there was a great breeze across the mesa which made the hike very enjoyable. There were 9 hikers from Phoenix, and 3 hikers from Prescott made the early start to join the 2 hikers from Munds Park for the 9 am meeting at the trailhead. The group of 14 hikers trekked 9.8 miles of the Arizona Trail from Horse Lake Trailhead to the Lowell Perkins Observatory in 4 hours. The group stopped for a snack break and hung out under the shade of the cedar tress on the mesa while catching up on what was new with friends. The views of upper and lower Lake Mary from the top of Mesa really showed how dry this past winter was in Northern Arizona. At the end of the hike everyone relaxed while the carpool drivers were driven back to trailhead where the hike started to retrieve their cars. After picking up the hikers the group proceeded to Beaver Street Brewery for cold carbonated beverages and lunch. At the conclusion of a great lunch and chatting the group parted for the long journey back to the valley and home.

Trailblazers at lunch.