A Quick Trip to Cooler Climes

A friend wanted to escape the heat for a couple of days and while I have found I am comfortable with the summer temps, may as well be a good friend and go too.  Following a 3 hour drive, we arrived above the Mogollon (pronounced I think "Mogey" like Bogey and "yawn")  Rim in the Show Low/Pine Top area.  Thousands of folks from Phoenix have a summer home here and it is a beautiful area.  Today's hike destination was Ice Cave.

OK, full disclosure, know the route before you start.  Ran into a woman from Poland who never found the cave.  No reliable signage and many trail intersections further complicate the activity.  We followed diamond shaped markings nailed to trees and that works but if you reach one that says. "IC10" you have gone too far.

Quite a few groups of horseback riders out too and the leader of one group provided some needed directional help.  He told us when we reach the teepee, make a right.

We hike along the shores of Scott Reservoir for a bit before breaking off.   

There is an abundance of volcanic rock in and along the trail which makes sense since the area is part of a volcanic field.  There are around 405 volcanic vents in the area and we were to visit one today.

After about 2 miles, we reach the teepee and make a right.  We arrive at a fork and go right....wrong so we back track and quickly find.....

….the Ice Cave, sometimes known as the Blue Cave and also known as a lava tube.  It Is surrounded by a fence but many have gone through and today, a large family of 12 arrived just ahead of us and are now inside.  Would I have ventured into the inky blackness were I alone....no friggin way but in.....

….we go.  There is a room large enough in which to stand and of course, the air is a cool 52 degrees.  I bonk my head against the ceiling and since there is little to see, even with a few cell phone lights on, we.....

….climb out.

Such an unusual feeling to stand in the sun with 91 degree temperature while the air escaping from the tube is so much cooler.  We leave the family behind and head back, finishing with about 5 miles and not much climbing.