A Hike that Caused Me To Grow Webbed Feet

Demonstrating remarkable persistence, a hike I had previously scheduled 3 times but cancelled due to rain/run-off, I put back on the schedule for Monday.  That 42" of snow that fell above us continues to melt and pour through the various washes. Undeterred, my group of 9 take off their shoes and socks, wade through the water and....

….some faster than others, put the shoes/socks back on, trudge forward about 100 yards and.....

…..do it all......

….over again.

After the first 2 water crossings, we had a respite from the wetness and took a look at a crested saguaro and other features as we wound our way on the Sutherland Trail from Catalina State Park.  Reaching an unmarked fork in the trail, we made a right and soon....

…..more water although at this crossing we were able to skip across on rocks.  Eventually, we made it to a....

….spectacular group of falls but the rising sun made it difficult to get a good image.  We reversed course then took a faint trail and headed to the large.....

….green rock.  Yes, I have done this hike and reported it here a couple of times but it was all new to the group.

Walking across the desert we enjoyed fine views to the southwest which included the Tucson Mountains.  Soon, we plunged into a ravine and this began so many.....

….water crossings, some very deep, that we gave up the shoe/sock removal exercise and simply sloshed our way through.

I include this image for my buddy Janet in Ohio who has wondered about trail accessibility for dogs.  Yes, many trails allow dogs, including Dobermans like Janet's.

We near the end of our moderate, 5 mile hike.  Everyone was a good sport about the too many stream crossings and will all find a way to dry the shoes prior to whenever each is ready for another hike.  The weather continues its unusual ping ponging with temps in the 80's for the next couple of days before more rain and wind move through.  I read the Sierra's are now at 157% of their normal snowfall with more on the way.  The snow on Mount Lemmon has diminished but they may get more this weekend.