A Hike Prior to a Ride

After Monday's day off, I rode a 45 mile route on Tuesday to get ready for the big Thanksgiving ride at which 100 cyclists are expected.  On Wednesday I hiked a simple route out of Honey Bee Park which included a walk to the base of an old dam...

....where someone hacked an opening through it.  The damn was constructed in the early 1900's by sheep ranchers

Following the wash, the canyon walls creep inward but also lose elevation until you.....

....emerge into open desert.  Although it seems you are in the wilderness, the canyon/wash is surrounded by developments with more under construction but they won't encroach on the park, preserving the wilderness experience.  Somewhere in here are the remains of a Hohokam village who populated the area in AD450-700.  The location is secret as they explore the remains.  By the way, regarding development, 55% of AZ is owned by the state and local government and will never be developed.  Including tribal land holdings, the percent jumps to over 80%.  Less than 20% of the land is privately owned and there is plenty of it for future development so make your retirement plans to include AZ.  If you are active, it is far better than FL but maybe a bit behind spots in southern CA.

Despite the awesome natural beauty, there are some plants that only a mother could love.