Buster Mountain

I drove the one mile to Catalina State Park, crossed a wash and began walking on a trail called the "Birding" trail.  Pretty benign and a nice level walk until, a short climb to a bench, I walk behind the bench and begin going off trail.

If you've been following my hiking reports, you know I've climbed Pusch Peak on the right a few times, wanted to go off trail and climb Bighorn Mountain (middle) but while doing some on-line research, found there is a route to the mountain on the left, Buster Mountain.  After leaving the Birding Trail at the bench, I find cairns and a faint trail and begin.....

....going up and up.  The mountain is named Buster because in the early 1900's Buster arrived with his family from Texas, family returned to Texas except for Buster, who worked odd jobs while working a still.  Supposedly, somewhere around here you can see the remains of the still.

Reaching a saddle after a pretty good climb, there is a canyon and then a steep climb that either takes you to the above or....

...to the above.  Not sure this close which is Buster.  I've walked 2 miles and have another 2.5 to go. However, it's eerie up here and I'm going to lose cell service after I leave the saddle.  From the saddle, I call Vagabond Jeff, local hiking legend and get him to agree to go the distance next weekend, so I'll be back.  Also, one of the local hiking groups has designated me a hike organizer so if this goes well, I'll put it on the schedule.  I belong to 4 hiking groups and for a variety of reasons, the hikes have been very lame so far so I'll try to add some spice.

Turning back, I notice the rocks in the area appear to be pink.  Very pretty.