 Another day of record breaking heat so another day having a hike start of 5:30am. The Sabino Canyon parking lot, normally over flowing is barely 1/4 full. Beginning the hike with me to Blackett's ridge is a daughter, son-in-law and....  ....5 year old, Anthony. He and my daughter hung with us for the first half mile and then we were on our own.  The sun rises above the mountains to the east and.....  ....casts light on the highest peaks in the front range of the Catalinas. As we climb....  ....the views are spectacular!  So far, we are hiking in the shade but the sun line is moving steadily toward us.  The shadows add some context to the irregular ridge lines. After about 3 miles and a couple of regroups we.....  ....made it.  Awesome views into Sabino Canyon and beyond.  A lone hiker on the right, looking into the abyss with Thimble Peak in the distance, right side. Good hike with 1800' of elevation gain. Have a big hike coming this Monday, as long as a new fire doesn't deter us.
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 Family has arrived and what a week in which to arrive! A daughter and son-in-law wanted to hike so I decided to try Pusch Peak. Hindsight being what it is, that was not such a good idea. On a prior visit I had escorted them up Picacho Peak but this is an entirely different animal.  An early start is required so from the Linda Vista trail head we began, at 5:30am. The climb would almost entirely be in the shade so that was good. But....  ....if you've done the hike, you know how steep it is once you leave the Linda Vista trail for the unnamed trail to the peak. That portion of the hike has an average grade of 30% so I was not surprised when my daughter, who lives in South Miami Beach, needed to take a break or two.  We arrived at the "wall" and.....  ....climbed it but I evaluated my hiking companions and decided rather than head for the peak, we'd.....  ....make Breakfast Point our destination.  The sun began to clear Pusch Ridge and what a sight it was.  Breakfast Point was still in the shade but not for....  ....long.  After enjoying a break, we headed back, finishing with 2.9 miles and 1400' of climbing.
 If you find yourself on the east side of Tucson, plan a visit to the Aqua Client Park. It's an otherworldly setting.....  .....lots of birders walking around and the sound of frogs is fairly constant, at least in the morning.  Nice walking paths too.  Being on the east side gave me ample views of Blackett's Ridge and Thimble Peak. I only rode about 18 miles this day and then.....  ....the next day parked at the base of Mount Lemmon. Two women rode by on Elliptical bikes and I thought for sure they would turn right but nope. They kept going up the mountain until mile post 7. I think that's quite an accomplishment on one of those platforms.  This was a Sunday and I was surprised at how many cyclists were heading up, easily 100, As I rode up, I was passed by several dozen trucks having mountain bikes in their beds. Whole lotta cycling going on that mountain. Alas, I spit the bit at only mile 7 but I rode so infrequently the last 4 weeks it will take some additional rides to regain some cycling fitness. I got in a 45 mile ride the next day.  Amy and I celebrated our 20th month anniversary at the El Conquistador on Oracle Road which had great views of Pusch Ridge as the sun set.
 I realize 99.5% of you visit this site for the images from awesome places. Yet, for any long time followers of this blog, I have always maintained I have kept this going because some day, I'll be in an assisted living place and I may enjoy looking at these reports. That you find some enjoyment from the reports is awesome. Amy and I were invited to a friend's house....  ....to a dinner party. It was a lot of fun to sit on their patio, talk, eat and drink. Mean time....  ....I'm ramping up my cycling. I rode with the ZONA cycling club but they have only 12-15 members. Sabino Cycles has restarted their weekend rides but the first ride is only 27 miles so forget that. Cyclefit is the most promising group but the organizer is vacationing so haven't had the opportunity. I got in a 45 mile ride that included the retirement community of Saddlebrook, above the town of Catalina. One of my favorite views is found there.. Pretty sure I am riding up Mount Lemmon for the first time this year, tomorrow.
 Amy and I drove up the paved side of Mount Lemmon, the south facing side. Usual fantastic scenery. I wanted to check out a trail head and make sure an upcoming hike was doable given some trail restrictions that are still in place (fallout from the fire of last summer).  The images don't do justice to what we witness. Plenty of evidence of the fire but also...  ....plenty of evidence of a normal scene with plenty of ponderosa pines. Then, since neither of us had ever driven the back side of the mountain, we.....  ....drove the 29 miles to the town of Oracle. It's a dirt road of course, and pretty bumpy in places but at this time, I think a car could make it. We passed 3-4 jeeps/trucks on the way down. The going is kinda of slow of course but the scenery...  ....was great. We both were glad to hit the pavement and then continue on to Oro Valley.
 An uneventful drive so that's a good thing. You can smell the stockyards before seeing them in northern TX. Each time I do this drive I swear, never again yet my daughter wanted me to get into her condo in AZ and bring pictures and a vase, I wanted to bring golf clubs and the bike so it's likely similar circumstances exist on my next visit, in September.  I drove 800 miles the first day, staying in Tulsa then 1100 miles the second day while passing through Hatch, NM. It's the Chile Capital of the World or so they say.  Many dozens of figurines line the streets.  Big Boy!!!  A hamburger joint.  A strange place and then, reaching southern AZ.... ....Amy and I drove up the paved side of Mount Lemmon to check out a trail head for an upcoming hike and then, for the first time, drove down the back side via the dirt road to Oracle, AZ. More to come.
 It has been a very eventful visit. I watched my five year old grandson, Anthony, play soccer. Then....  ...my son wanted a rematch so we played at Denison University Golf Course (formerly Granville Golf Course) a course designed by the famous Donald Ross. I enjoy playing these old courses with mature trees. I parred the first 5 and Brett was unable to keep pace. Eventually, I won and smoked another cigar!  Of course, most of my time was spent in my woods. Decades ago, a farmer had cut many large trees and dragged the stumps into the creek. I dragged several back out, cut them and burned the excess along with grape vines and other brushy plants.  Kenda Janet and Paul (a nickname I gave them long ago for always wearing Kenda branded cycling gear) met me at the Napa Kitchen Cafe in Westerville and had a wonderful time catching up with them.  My daughter and her husband bought a nice boat and we motored around Buckeye Lake with....  ...Anthony being towed behind. He had a great time. Well, my final day and thus, the drive back will begin.
 I arrived for the Thursday evening, Cycling Club group ride with some trepidation. I had not ridden a whole bunch and rarely with a group (I belonged to 2 groups but one disbanded and the other is only doing C rides for now). A late arriving crowd grew to about 65 cyclists as Don Novel, above in orange, gives pre-ride instructions. Among the attendees was....  ...Brad C, one of a few people who kept in contact after I moved to AZ. Brad and I share an interest in a Santa Barbara bike shop, Fastrack, which we visit when either of us is in southern CA.  It was good to see so many people with whom I once rode. As usual, the "Rivet" group rolled out, then the "A" group and I jumped in with the "B" group. I was rather concerned about keeping up with them as this is not your ordinary B paced group. We rolled out of New Albany and as is the norm for the B group....  ....regrouped a couple of times. I spit out the back of the group about 70% of the way up Hardscrabble Road, but then hopelessly behind on Stone Quarry and that nasty climb above the village of Granville. Otherwise, lol, I did fine, finishing with 42 miles and a 19.6 average speed. The good news is I received a "Cyclefit" kit which entitles me to attend Tim Caroline's rides in Tucson. Tim is the rare, no ego, Cat 1 cyclist and organizes large group rides. As usual....  ....Kristy B brought containers of treats and opened the trunk of her car....  ....so all could sample. The next day.... ....my son and I played golf again, this time at the Denison U golf course. Nice, mature layout with some good holes. Hey, I had a 40 on the front nine and won by 1 shot.
 I head east, passing the vacant Longaberger Basket corporate office on my way to....  ....Longaberger golf course which has been acquired by an entity and renamed "Virtues Golf Club". I am here to meet my son for an epic golf match on what is a very nice layout. Enjoyed playing here especially since....  .....Victory was Mine! My son brought a couple of Cuban cigars so I smoked one in celebration then....  ...back to the woods for more enjoyable work. Attending the New Albany Cycling Club group ride on Thursday evening and looking forward to that.
 If you are an outdoor loving, adventure seeking, warm weather, mountain view type of person who enjoys views of fabulous vistas than it is hard to beat southern Arizona. There is a notable exception though. You can't beat the thousands of miles of lonely country roads that stitch small communities together throughout Ohio. Many people mistakenly believe that Ohio is flat and if your exposure is southwest, west and northwest Ohio than you are correct. All other areas are rather hilly and the variety of bike routes is endless. That, I do miss.  I continue the enjoyable work in my woods, cutting dead ash trees, victims of the emerald ash borer pest (thankfully it has no interest in my oaks or the walnuts, chestnut, maple or cherry trees).  I'm also clearing "sticky bushes" that have grown enormous and taken over large swaths of the land. The above image is the before of my efforts while the below is....  ...the after as I move, steadily, through the woods. Of course all the cut brush....  .....needs remedied and so I keep a good fire going. I'm not sure why but it is so satisfying to engage in this work as I also strip poison ivy from the trees. Tomorrow, I go golfing!
 I divided the 2900 miles of drive into 3 days. Sometimes I drive straight through with a few naps at rest areas but prefer two hotel stays to break up the drive. Day 1 was light traffic from Oro Valley, AZ to Amarillo, TX. Awoke Day 2 to rain and the expectation it would rain for most of the entire day to central MO. That was a long day. But....  .....Day 3 was all sun. Driving through southern IL and IN, crops are barely emerging from the ground. Too much rain kept farmers out of the fields during early spring. What we need is a more equitable distribution of precipitation. I can think of one state that would benefit from more of it.  And then, in western OH, this happened. A truck crashed, entering a construction area so I sat for over an hour. Did enjoy getting out of the SUV and chatting with the other drivers. What else can you do? Arriving in Granville, OH sooner than I expected, I.....  ....toured my woods. A couple of already dead trees had fallen so looked forward to starting the chainsaw.  The 400 red oaks that I had planted as seedlings many years ago, are thriving. I feel something like parental pride when among them. I'm going to make sure this land remains as it is and will probably mount a sign that says, "Wilson Woods". That's what some of the neighbors call it anyway. My first full day, I dropped my bike at Rick Miller's, a well respected bike mechanic and good guy, for a tune-up. Then to the woods, and began a long day of work fun. Cut two ash trees, victims of the emerald ash borer, a pest brought in from China via pallets. The wood makes for good burning.  Then I began splitting the pieces (manually of course). I enjoy this activity too but have to warm up to it, increasing the duration of splitting each day. I don't do much upper body work in AZ so my back began feeling the effects so..... ....I switch to clearing and burning brush. Still bending over a lot but at least I'm not picking up heavier wood. Rick dropped off my bike mid day so ready for a ride.
 Hey, sorry I have not been posting hike reports but mostly riding or in this case, Amy's back yard is surrounded by a wall with oleanders providing a beautiful backdrop. But, they have become overgrown so into the above thicket I went with a hand saw and pruning shears. A few hours later....  ....she can walk through there again and I also raked a drainage that had been filled with leaves.  Friday evening, we went to the Steam Pump Ranch across from where I live and attended an outdoor concert. Actually, the group who was playing was kind of awful but the mountains were magnificent as the sun set. A vineyard, Sonoita Vineyards, set up a booth and I hit it too hard. Some how....  ....I got up early the next morning and joined the Bicycle Ranch group ride at 6:30am. There were about 30 of us departing in the "A" group. There we were going 30+mph on Silverbell Road when I spit the bit and dropped out. Gasping for breath, I noted my average speed Wass 22.6 but of course, now soloing, the average dropped precipitously as I labored up the long climb on Twin Peaks Road to Dove Mountain. I caught the gang at....  ...a gas station off Tangerine Road.  Rare for a gas station to have such a nice view. We headed back onto the road and I lasted about 8 miles before again dropping anchor and out the back of the group I went. Finished with 48 miles and an 18.1 average. These group rides are a great way to improve fitness since I can't maintain that kind of intensity when riding alone.  That evening, my spirits were lifted by playing Rummy with Amy. In what has to be one of the most lopsided wins in Rummy playing history, the game ended with a score of me--210 points, the Amster--35. lol.  Sunday morning, we hiked the Linda Vista trail with Jack. He's not much into hot, desert hiking so we finished with only 2 miles. I picked up a rental suv today and am packing for a drive to Ohio. Will be back in about 2 weeks and will continue to post here.
 Amy and I were invited to a Kentucky Derby viewing party. She took a pool hat, stuffed faux flowers through the band and easily wore the most attractive/interesting Derby hat among those attending. By the luck of the draw, our horse finished 3rd so we broke even with our bet.  On Sunday, I was finishing a ride with a segment on the bike path and stopped when I approached a group of people standing and staring at something on the opposite side of the path. Most had. never seen a rattlesnake in the wild. Having witnessed a herpetologist in a similar situation, I knew what to do. I extended the rear wheel beneath the snake and flipped it on the slope leading into the wash. It was not cooperating and then "charged" at me. I quickly pulled my bike away as the snake slithered across the path and disappeared into brush at the bottom of the other slope. The onlookers were thrilled to have heard the snake rattling its tail. Guess I need more practice.  On Monday I took a quick hike around the Linda Vista trail off Oracle Road. There were four....  ....artists using chalk or paint to create pictures of our beautiful mountains.
 Our hike begins at the Marshall Gulch trail head, at an elevation of about 7500', high up Mount Lemmon. The start temp is 53 degrees as we climb 1.4 miles to Marshall Gulch saddle. We don't pause for long as the wind was rather high so....  ....jump on the Wilderness of Rock Trail and begin a descent. You might wonder how the trail got its name? Well.....  ....the name is apt.  Our descent takes us into a valley having enormous ponderosa pines. I'm keeping track of our distance because I know to look for an off trail segment at mile 3.6 and sure enough....  ....find it. We climb a very steep section and break out onto.....  ....an amazing expanse of boulders and slick rock. I wasn't consulting a gps track as I thought I could find the entrance to the pools based on past visits and....  ....found it. It is a beautiful location with rock sculpted by rushing water. I climbed a ways above the pool on the far bank just as....  ...with very little coaxing, Diane dove in and did a quick lap. Our group erupted with cheers. Soon, Andrew and Rex did the same. The pool being fed by snow melt was really cold.  There are several levels above the main pool and some of us enjoyed doing some exploring.  Wouldn't want to be in the area when the above giant falls. We geared up and began the climb from the pool. We recrossed the broad area of slick rock and boulders before descending to....  ....Lemmon Creek. Yet another beautiful place. Soon we were back on the official trail.  We crossed into and out of burn areas as we made our way....  ....to the parking area, again going off trail at times to take in some great views. Strong wind had taken dust aloft so the views weren't quite as good as usual.  Small pine trees destroyed by the fire. Finishing with 8.4 miles and almost 2000' of climbing, we put our gear away and then enjoyed watermelon supplied by Dee and Rex with John providing beer and Diane throwing in an abundance of drinks. After a hot hike I enjoy a cold beer but today was not that day. Instead, I shared a watermelon flavored vodka drink with Amy. Good time with good people.
 It rained steadily in Oro Valley for a least an hour. Higher up, more of it which included a few inches of snow.  The clouds lingered in the area which produced....  .....stunning images of the sunset. I was driving at the time so the quality is not the best but if you live in the region, you too saw it.
 After Friday's hike I got in a short recovery ride on Saturday and then headed east for a 43 mile ride on Sunday that included the Pistol Hill climb and a stop and one of my favorite markets on Old Spanish Trail Road.  I of course visited the Amster while she was reorganizing her office and found the above. Get this; IT COMES WITH AN ADAPTOR FOR A CAR!!!! So, on future hikes, we'll bring this, packed with beer. for my hiking buddies, things just get better and better.
 Our group gathered at the top of Sabino Canyon Road, 2 of us arriving via the shuttle, all others by walking the 4 miles of road (for the record, I rode). After ascending a modest .9 miles, the Sabino Canyon Trail is flat to rolling, a pleasant departure from our recent hikes.  We reached the West Fork trail, turned left and continued on the easy to follow trail, crossing a weak flow of water before reaching.....  .....a incongruous spot in the Catalinas, Hutch's Pool. What a magnificent location. The usually white sandy beach has turned into a grey sandy beach, showing the effect of run-off from the burn area. Three back packers were enjoying a swim so we moved upstream.....  ....to take a snack break. I found a comfortable shady spot and was enjoying the pause but then noticed that with the reduced water flow, the other side could be reached so....  ....hopped across some boulders and explored a little.  Amazing how a few trees, survive the rush of water during an active monsoon season.  Our break was well deserved as we had maintained a 2.7mph average, arriving at the pool in about 1:35. Knowing the shuttle arrived at the top of Sabino Canyon Road every hour, at the bottom of the hour, I was keen to not miss the 1:30pm pick-up.  One of our group, Susan, was some how enjoying the snow melt fed pool. That would be way too cold for me. We put our gear on, walked to the beach, gathered Susan and began our return.  There has been enough regrowth of grass and some plant life that the burn area is no longer so obvious. I was glad Sabino Basin, shown above, was largely untouched by the fire.  The scenery, always so beautiful.  Eventually, I could see the Phoneline Trail which parallels the road. Checking the time, we were in good shape and....  ....arrived 15 minutes early. Alas, there were no spots on the full shuttle for anyone but those who had previously purchased a ticket. Although, at no time did anyone ask to look at mine or the ticket of anyone else. I finished with 8+ miles and 1200' of climbing. The others who walked, very fit hikers all, would have added almost an extra 8 miles.
 Twelve of us gather in the Lost Dutchman State Park at the Siphon Draw trail head. It's a long drive for everyone so I do what I can to make the drive worthwhile, including a promise to have cold beer for a post hike drink. I stopped in Catalina to buy the beer, removed it from the cooler when Amy asked if I needed ice. Dang it! I had forgotten to bring the cooler. Above, the prominent feature in the distance is the Flat Iron.  Everyone appears happy (this is probably before I dashed their hopes of a cold beer). I was wearing a bright red cap so that if anyone became lost, I'd be easier to spot. Or, if I became lost, I'd be easier to find.  We climb steadily and at about mile 1, this wondrous sight comes into view. Big thanks to Amy for doing the captioning in her image.  The Siphon Draw is a surreal place. From this point, our remaining climb will average 28%. It is an awesome mix of navigating through boulders and branches which provides a full body workout.  It being a Saturday, the trail is busy but not annoyingly so. Just a few dozen people with a permanent smile planted on their face, sharing the same experience. I'm seated at the top of the Siphon Draw, shouting encouragement to my peers. The final portion of the climb is really steep, having way too much pea gravel to further complicate the ascent.  Eugenia, a visitor from Canada, looks down canyon and in the distance, the Goldfield Mountains. A whole different type of hiking over there, which is surprising considering how close they are to the Superstitions. I was seated to the side of the trail as two of our group, Karen and Katherine, assuming I had kept going, kept going. Probably half of the times I've done the hike I've ended up temporarily lost, off trail but they had no problem and arrived ahead of us.  A couple of hikers make good use of crevices to get out of the sun.  And so the scramble up one of three ravines that descend from the top, begins. In the distance, the base of the Flat Iron. Climbers ascend the wall and occasionally, hang gliders jump from the top.  Reaching the top of the ravine is always a thrill and thankfully, the remaining distance to the peak is an easy hike. I stayed here so I could show the gang there was an alternative to a 12' wall. Marc, tried both climbs and thought the wall was easier.  The alternative is also steep as Katherine, Amy and Lorna scramble up.  Looking back from the Flat Iron from where we emerged from the ravine. Not that long ago, finding my way back to the ravine was a challenge but a trail is now well worn and easy to follow.  Our group spreads out and advance as close to the edge as they dare. The views are incredible.  Looking to the east we see Superstition Peak. So many hikes yet to schedule. I'll be in CA and OH for most of May so between that and the expected heat, not many hiking opportunities remain for this spring.  Our serpentine trail is easily seen from where we stand. Following a typical winter, the slopes would be covered with wild flowers but a drought persists. Hope the monsoon season is normal.  Lorna, aka "Medusa", smartly wears gloves as the descent requires a lot of hand contact with a variety of rough surfaces.  So many interesting rock formations that prompt calls for naming them. Some of us have very vivid imaginations. We finish our hike with about 7 miles and 2700' of climbing. I had forecast a hike duration of 4 hours but missed it again by a significant margin. Thankfully everyone had enough water. Diane had thought too, and remembered to bring, beer in a cooler. What a great hiking buddy as she offered one to me. Then we.....  ...stopped at the Hitching Post Saloon where several people had arrived via horseback to enjoy a band. All the seats were taken inside so we sat.....  ....outside in a covered wagon. Great day with awesome people.
 Newly repaved, the 8 mile loop through SENP is a great training route with short, steep climbs, a 1 mile+ climb, lots of turns and if you choose the right day, very little traffic.  The ocotillo is in bloom but we received too little rain to encourage the magnificent wild flowers.  I went around the loop, five times so ending with 41 miles and 3000' of climbing. Good workout but tomorrow is the hike to the Flat Iron so didn't want my legs to be like jelly for that monster.
 Hey, sorry for the lack of posts but been riding a lot and don't take many pics. Have a big hike for Saturday though. Meantime, I bought a cooler so I too can have cold drinks (beer) to share after our group hikes. More to come.
 Got in a 71 mile ride today that took me almost to Picacho Peak via Frontage Road but rather than continue, I.....  ....hung a right on Park Link Road. In the distance of course is Newman Peak, our hiking destination of last week. I had left this weekend open as I planned to do the Saguaro Century at Saguaro East NP. That event was cancelled when the organizer was unable to acquire a permit. Park Link Road has good pavement but not many good views. It is 18 miles to St. Rt. 79 and all climbing albeit the average grade is only 1.3%.  For 40+ miles, there is no place to take a break until I reached a gas station at Catalina. It was awesome to get off the bike, even if I was sitting on concrete as a reward. The route had 2000'+ of climbing so it was a good workout.
 I continue to regain cycling fitness but at a ponderously slow pace. Recovering from the hikes takes a day or two so each is a small setback. On Tuesday, I started up the 26 mile climb to Summerhaven. It's not the physical challenge as yeah, climbing for almost all of the 26 miles is a challenge but with an average grade of 5%, it's more mental.  I reached the "Seven Cataracts" parking area at mile 9 while gaining 2300'. Then I simply spit the bit and coasted back down, finishing with 26 miles and 2700' as I rode a bit beyond the descent.  It is an epic climb but for every 10 times I begin the climb, I probably finish it to the Observatory, Ski Valley or Summerhaven, probably 2 of those 10 times. Spitting the bit is not uncommon, lol. The problem though, I have a really epic cycling event coming in the next week and I am just not nearly ready but what the heck......
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