A very, long time friend from Ohio was in Phoenix on business, had a free day, wanted to hike so....  More to come.

First, START TIME IS 5:30PM! Had someone text me on Tuesday and ask if the start location had changed cause no cyclists were seen at 6pm. I don't have a composite map to show, only the Rivet/A route but all routes below. Folks, 24 rides down, only 4 to go so come out and enjoy the camaraderie.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19496721
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19496924
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19497192

The sun is still below the horizon as I ride 6 miles to the start of a group ride hosted by Cat 4 cyclist, Carolyn Audilet.  The third Tuesday of every month, the guys are invited to attend this women's only ride. It's too bad for the guys because Carolyn creates the best routes among the ride organizers for GABA (Greater Arizona Bicycling Association).

Nearing my destination, the mountains to the west are just being touched by the rising sun.  Beautiful as always.  The somewhat humid air has been swept away so rain chances are nil for a few days while each day's high temps remain well below 100....fall is here!!!

Our group heads south and then turns west, crossing I-10 before eventually heading toward Dove Mountain where I had my lungs ripped out on the Twin Peaks climb, as usual.  Finished with a tidy 34 miles.  Well, with the increase in weekly miles, I'm ready to venture farther afield with some riding on the big slopes.  First though, with the arrival of an Ohio friend this weekend, got to show off one of the premiere hikes, one of the hardest, in the Superstitions.  More to come.

I met a friend for a hike around my reliable, stand-by trail, Linda Vista and as usual, enjoyed fine views, here looking to the west and the Tortolita Mountains.

It was a fairly active monsoon inspired weekend although most of the rain was to our east and south.  I departed my home at 6:15 freaking AM:) to meet a group and a view presented itself that was magnificent.  Of course, the camera fails to capture it but in the distance, sunlight illuminated Kitt Peak and the observatory shone like a beacon.  All else was in cloud induced shade but for that one ridge.

Rode out of Oro Valley toward Saddlebrook where there are some good climbs and as usual, although we may be dry, the Catalinas were engulfed in clouds and no doubt rain.  I've been coming out here since 2012 and am so glad I don't take the view of the mountains for granted.  Awesome.

Saddlebrook has plenty of golf courses but I am too busy for that.  Imagine, I have 2 sets of golf clubs in the closet and they are rarely used.  I should sell a set.  This was my second week of 150+ cycling miles so all going according to plan.  

Where has the season gone....well, no where! The season is still with you Ohioians. May be some spotty showers but I have full confidence you can skirt them as you leap from New Albany and race into the beautiful countryside while enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow cyclists.  Meantime, I have ramped up my miles and will be in Ohio, maybe for the 10/5 Blue Jay ride....ouch....that is a hard route....maybe not.  The routes:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489879
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489907
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489921

Each late summer, several groups mobilize to begin Tour de Tucson training rides.  Each weekend there are rides from various points, the length of which incrementally increases each week.  One such ride began only 3 miles from my home but at 6am which is a few minutes prior to the sun rise.  Very odd for a 38 mile ride to start so early and at 5:45am I prepared to ride to the start but it was still dark.  I waited for a little light and headed out to.....

…..catch the group on the return form a short loop and so.....

…..I did.  Note in the distance, that is a rain shadow!  There was some excitement among the cyclists that we may actually ride in the rain....how about that Midwesterners!!!  The memory of doing so, frequently, is still too fresh so I was less than enthusiastic.  Fortunately, our route skirted the rain.  We were a fitness compatible group and I hung in until about 3/4 of the way up the Twin Peaks climb.  Dropping anchor is nothing new and I was actually encouraged by my cycling progress, slow as it may be.  I left the group.....

…...to get in a few extra miles that included a stop at my fav gas station, QuikTrip.  Note the beautiful mountains in the distance.  Finished with 51 miles and then at 6pm.....

….was sitting in a dugout, waiting for my turn at bat during a game of softball.  The kids are accepting of me despite the enormous gap in age if not in youthful exuberance.  I never really grew up as some of you have observed:)  Typically, I play the infield but tried the outfield for a few innings.  I have some real trouble tracking the ball in flight.  I can see it just fine but figuring out its trajectory (is it destined to fall in front or beyond me) is a problem....then the wind....yikes.  This experiment was a disaster so I resumed my spot at shortstop or second.  We had a good game for 2 hours with much of it played under the lights.  Fun time!

Following a 40 mile bike ride, I joined a friend for a tour of Colossal Cave, being guided through the "Ladders" route.  The pavement leading into the park is in dire need of repair with multiple large and deep holes but things improve once you park your car.

Colossal Caves is southwest of Tucson, close to Vail, AZ.  Nice views abound.

The stone structures that support a gift shop and café date back to the 1930's.  The area is a pleasant place to relax prior to be called for the....

….helmet fitting and explanation of what to expect.  The woman shown was also our guide and gave an admirable performance.  Her knowledge of the history of the cave and the environment was impressive.

With our helmet lights on, we descend and are quickly off the main tour route and onto the ladders tour.  The passages are narrow and the helmets are frequently tested on the low and jagged ceiling.

In the 1930.s a large group of men were paid $1 a day to improve the passages, install walkways, lighting, etc... to turn the cave into a tourist destination.  The history of the cave is long with evidence of use all the way back to 900AD.

At one point, we are 6 stories below the surface.  

Few of the stalactites are whole as over time, the tips were broken for souvenirs.  Since this is a "dry" cave, meaning the water that once fed the cave ceased hundreds of years ago, no growth is occurring.

Probably the highlight of the 90 minute tour was being led into a dead end tunnel and instructed to turn off our lights.  Then we were given the opportunity to feel our way out to the main passage while wisely scooting on our rear ends. In the blackness, it gave us an appreciation for what a few experienced, long ago, when they lost their light source and died, trying to find a way out.

Our guide continues her performance, including stopping at the "Alter" where for $250, you too can use the site for a small party marriage ceremony. 

The Tyrannosaurus Rex rock.  

An enjoyable time in a cave where the temperature is a constant 71 degrees.  For this reason, early developers of the cave would....

…..spend several days at a time inside while the outside temperature soared.  I give this tour a thumb's up.

About 1 mile from home is the Linda Vista trail.  This 2.6 mile loop is easy to follow and hard up against the base of Pusch and Bighorn mountains.  It's a good workout with 480' of climbing, all of it in the first half of the loop, whether you hike counter or clockwise.

In the distance is Wasson Peak, in the Tucson Mountains.  I've ridden 3 times this week, 4 counting tomorrow and will have logged around 140 miles.  Way off the 200-250 weekly totals from past years but again, this is the off season so way ahead of what I would be riding in Ohio's off season. The unusual warmth is about to end with a forecast for temps in the 90's.  There is an interesting bike event in Sierra Vista coming up, still thinking about the Mt. Lemmon gravel grinder, a visit to Ohio, a visit by an Ohio friend who wants to hike, etc...

A great forecast for the Thursday ride. On this day, a few years ago, Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards (honest, you can look it up). After tomorrow's ride, there will be only 5 more to go! Then buckle down for the cold winds of winter so enjoy it while you can. The Rivet/A, B & C routes are below.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489498
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489618
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489837 

There has been some monsoon activity and it appears that it rains almost every day in the mountains so I rode to Catalina State Park on the northwest side of the mountains.  Alas, this wash is still dry although I have seen video of other washes that are running with water.  More rain forecast for the coming weekend but dry until then. High temps are still running a couple of degrees higher than normal (100+) but it looks like that trend will change this weekend too.  

Willcox, AZ and the location for the 7th annual Willcox Flyer, a cycling event that is not officially a race but like all events of this kind, if there is someone in front of you, it's a race.  I stayed at a near by hotel so ride the 2 miles to "Railroad Ave."  and down town Willcox for the 7am start time.

Wow.  A working theater that plays recent releases. 

Willcox is an agricultural area and one of the top producers of tomatoes.  We were offered free samples.  The area is also home to several wineries and with packet pickup for the event being at one the day before, well, I had to sample the wine if not the tomatoes.

The event added 100 more cyclists compared to last year so the quantity of cyclists was 600, including some outdoor elliptical riders.  The fee to attend the event was a very reasonable $55 and all the money raised stays local.

The drone guy was ready to go as.....

….we lined up for the start.

Following an inspirational "Star-Spangled Banner" we were led out by a police cruiser.  The start was not chaotic like some can be and the 600 cyclists quickly stretched into a line.  A tandem couple, Cliff & Jan, who I know from Tucson rides came by, shouted my name so I jumped on for a glorious few miles of drafting.  We caught what I think....

...was the 2nd or 3rd large group and settled in.  At about mile 5, the road bends and we head toward Chiricahua National Monument.  The next 10 miles is all climbing, gradually at first but steeper later.  I hang onto the above group until mile 10 where, with an average speed of 24mph, I sadly spit the bit and drift back.  The average speed plummets of course.  I reach the high point of the route at roughly mile 16, enjoy a rolling descent and then a final ascent to.....

...the turnaround point at mile 31.5 where we are filled with a delightful variety of snacks and drinks.  Having ridden no ride longer than 40ish miles for quite awhile, my expectations were low and.....

…...Strava confirmed it, lol.  Actually, my legs felt pretty good but the return was a different story.  I reached the aforementioned high point and while beginning the long descent, a cramp began in my right leg.....damn!!  Meantime, a Cat 1, Stephen Pedone, broke from his group on a climb and soloed for approximately 20 miles, finishing first with an average speed of 25mph!  I, on the other hand,......

….limped back into Willcox with an 18mph average,  Then, 20 yards from the finish, a long freight train stops me and the slowing and restarting dropped my average to 17.9.  Dang it, that 0.1 is important, ha, ha.  Finished with 63 miles and 2050' of climbing.  Good event and well organized.  Probably do it next year but come a bit better prepared.

Some rain moved through the Santa Ritas during the night and clouds still linger as I pick up a hiking friend and we proceed to the Bog Springs trail head where we are to meet approximately 20 other hikers.

Wow!!!  A turkey!!!  Hard to see but in there it is, along with two baby turkeys.  Because we are considerate hikers, we made the effort to arrive on time.  By 8am, there are 8-9 of us....tick, tock....  By 8:30 a car load arrives then another and we are hiking by 8:55.  So annoying.  I'll never understand why, fortunately, a very few hike organizers give so much consideration to the late arrivers while those of us who made the effort to be on time are inconvenienced.  Most organizers, I being one of them, don't enable the lazy people who can't get their act together.  For most, at 8:05am, we are hiking, not waiting. 

It is a new trail for me and I was glad it was not the typical, boulder/rock strewn trail but instead a relatively smooth one.  We were headed first to Bog Springs then on to Kent Springs and returning back to complete a nice loop.

The forest is thick with trees which provide good cover on this day where the highs would reach 100 degrees in the valley but much cooler here in the Santa Ritas.

The climbing would be steady for most of the roughly 3 miles to Kent Springs with the aforementioned Bog Springs thrown in there too.  I had intended to hike with the group but then a large guy passed me and then I began wondering if there was a Strava segment on this climb so with the bit now firmly in the horse's mouth, off I went and.....

….how about that for the 1.25 mile climb to Bog Springs where I paused my efforts and regrouped.  I turned off the after burners and happily jumped in with the others.  The climbing......

….continued.  So much so that it appeared we would be climbing in the clouds but with around only a few hundred of vertical feet to reach the clouds, the trail flattened and we dropped.....

...to Kent Springs where some of us had to touch the running water.  It felt great then someone found a huge tree angled over the gorge and so....

...some of us climbed that too.  Note the shirt hanging so far from my core makes me look really fat...well...it's not an illusion.  I'll be so glad when the heat subsides and I can emerge from the early morning and too brief hiking/cycling periods.  It could be a whole bunch worse, it could be winter in the Midwest.  This is the off season and what a wonderous off season it is.

The group gathers for the obligatory group photo in front of.....

….Kent Springs which has a cement tank full of water as well.  From this point, the trail descends steeply at times and very rocky to the trail head.  Several hikers slipped including.....

….John who may have ruined a good shirt.  Other than scratches, all were fine.  Finished with 5.3 miles and 1700' of climbing.  Well, got in a couple of rides following this hike and tomorrow, I drive to Wilcox for the Wilcox Flyer bike event.  More to come.

The only forecast you will ever need so take heed: "When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and louring." Note Rick's valuable observation below regarding the routes:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489194
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489236
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489264
​Thursday Night Aug. 22 Route Construction Notice: Only the Rivet/A Route is impacted. County Line Road about ¼ mile south of Rt. 37 (about the 28 mile mark) is closed to bridge/culvert work, with the bridge removed this morning Aug 21). A suggested detour is to follow the B Route from Hartford Road south onto Ross Road then continuing south to Green Cook then east on Needles to County Line Road and the balance via the designated Rivet/A route.  

Lots of people driving out of Phoenix via I-17 and headed towards the much cooler temps in the 7000' area around Flagstaff.  In the distance are the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest of which is Humphrey's Peak, the highest point in this magnificent state.

I arrive Friday afternoon, check into a Hampton Inn (my go-to national chain) and am out the door the following morning by 6am.  No temperature pressure to start early (54 degrees at the start) but there is some urgency to arrive prior to the masses.  While making the 30 minute drive to the Snowbowl and the trail head for Humphrey's, I pass an electric sign that state Snowbowl Road is closed from 7am to noon for a charity run.  Arriving at 6:30am, a woman directs me to turn around and come back after noon to start my hike!!!  I explain the sign states otherwise, she checks with someone and waves me through.  

The trail begins with a walk through a meadow where wild flowers are abundant.

While I am shaded by the peaks, the sun lights farther west and check out the full moon, high in the sky. My drive from Flagstaff has gained more elevation and I start the hike at about 9300'.  To put this in perspective, today's hike starts at the height of Mount Lemmon's peak in Tucson and then gains another 3000'.

The trail enters a forest largely of Aspen and Ponderosa pine.  Hard to believe that during my hike, I will climb above the tree line into a barren landscape of volcanic rock.  The forest floor is full of fallen trees.  

The trail is rocky, frequently having small diameter roots crossing it, loose gravel and rare is the surface flat for your feet.  It's a good thing the first 4 miles of the hike has rare views because you dare not take your attention from the trail unless coming to a stop.  Of course, I've got Strava segments to think about and walk fast.

I gain elevation and looking at a rock slide, see a couple of guys picking their way through.  They some how missed the trail and instead walked up beneath the ski lift.  Finding no trail, they see people walking this east facing slope and head up.  They did manage to take about .3 off the route.

The trail has not been terribly steep yet, maybe an average of 9% but just before I reach this sign, the trail steepens and from this point forward, there are some brutal slopes.  Having not done a hike of this magnitude for a long time, I assumed my legs would be in good shape for the first 3-4 miles of climbing and they were but the next 1.5 miles to the peak....ugh, just ugh.

I reach a saddle that directs me to make a left while a right takes one to Locket's Meadow, an alternative approach via the Waterford Trail.  I'll probably come back and try this route as it is longer and not as steep, at least to this point.  A hiking group to which I belong, TLC, approached from Locket's but it was quite a bit longer and I certainly didn't have the legs for that alternative, today.

The landscape is barren as I pass the last pine tree, bent from the constant wind.  The forecast wind for today was 30mph but that was for later in the day.  For now, maybe 20ish.  

Periodically, these poles identify the route because there often is snow obscuring the trail even into June.

Of course, the views are spectacular in all directions.  This trail is noted for a variety of false peaks so as I.....

….pick my way through this mess, I know the high point above is not "the" peak but a false one.

But having reached the peak in the prior image, I can now clearly see the destination.  The average grade of the final 1 mile is 12% so doesn't seem like much but the grade is skewed by some down climbs and false flats.

At last, the final approach.  Not much of a trail can be seen but there is one, faint as it winds through the rocks.

Yeehaw, I reach the peak.  I walk around the limited area that comprises the peak and then take shelter behind one of the many walls that over time, people have built to shield from the wind.  The temperature is probably low 50s but out of the wind and with the shining sun, it feels ok.  I am wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt.

I enjoy chatting with the few others who have made it, including a couple with dogs.  I also meet a couple of guys who are here for a wine tasting event that is to be held at the bottom, tomorrow.  No, no free samples came with them.

Another couple sit in one of the shelters.  Everyone is in a good mood and why would they not?  You can see far, far into the distance, including the marble cliffs up in the Grand Canyon area.  So awesome it is hard to tear oneself away from gawking.

Yep, hard to muster the motivation to being the long climb down.

But of course, I begin the hike while enjoying the views until the forest obscures them once again.  Once finished with the 10 mile, 3300' climbing effort I was eager to check where I stood relative to others who posted their effort on Srava and....

….well that sucks, 49th place out of 1333 people.  For the Strava segment from the aforementioned saddle to the peak I was around 150th place so I clearly suffered in there but still....49th?  Get in better shape and head back, I guess.  

Driving to Flagstaff on Friday for an early Saturday morning assault of Humphrey's Peak, the high point in the state of AZ.  Been trying to get up there for about a month but weather forecast for the area has not been favorable.  Humphrey's creates its own weather but an early to bed and early to rise will keep me healthy, wealthy and wise.  Winds up there in the 30+ range which I think is normal.  More to come.

I organized a group for mini golf (putt-putt golf) at Funtasticks in northern Tucson.  I promised cash prizes but with no guarantee of payment, fantastic views from the high point of the facility and a really fun time.  Seventeen people arrived and I sent them out in teams of 4 on this kind of hot, August evening.  I was in the last group and had arrived on the 12th hole when I heard someone yelling my name a couple of times.  A woman comes trotting on the path and states that a man had collapsed.

Arriving at the scene, a man had collapsed to the ground but sitting upright with someone supporting his back.  The man's chin was buried on his chest and breathing was labored. At one point, his breathing stopped and I thought he had passed but then resumed breathing.  I called 911 and soon could hear sirens in the distance.  Throughout, the operator had me explaining the situation and eventually asked if she could talk to the man.  He had revived a bit so I gave him my phone.  He explained that he had the flu...…..and was now holding and talking into my phone.  I wondered why a person having the flu would participate and potentially expose us?  The medics arrived and we dispersed to continue our game.  As my group came through to where the man was treated, he had fainted again so they wheeled him into the parking lot and took him to a hospital.  He was discharged the following morning, dehydration being the cause of the collapse.  Never a dull moment and yes, I cleaned my phone thoroughly before using.  Hey, my team won the group score and I had the low individual score.  Ok, being a former avid golfer gave me an advantage but the weirdness of the hole designs seems to reward luck more than skill.  Back to hiking and cycling.

Ebaugh Climb Again!! Here are the Rivet/A, B and C routes. Chance of rain for Thursday. Maybe Steve Nelson,  Weatherman Emeritus can bring some clarity to the forecast. Ha, ha, that's like asking a blind man to assemble a bomb.  
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489006
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28086457
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19489159

It was not all that hot this particular morning so I did a valley level hike out of Sabino Canyon, rather than drive to a higher elevation for a hike.  The warning signs were out as I strode up Sabino Canyon Road.  At roughly mile .8, I......

….turned left onto the Esperero Trail and headed toward a saddle that is the entrance to Geronimo Meadows.  Here, I read a warning about mountain lion activity.

Check out how the saguaro cactus, over a long time, has snaked its way through an available portal.

I hiked into Rattlesnake canyon followed by Bird Canyon and began a fairly long climb up "Cardiac Gap" to Geronimo Meadows.  I was motivated to go for a Strava KOM but just after the climb began I.....

….heard the distinct buzzing of a rattlesnake.  At first I thought it was in a clump of grass but then began exploring the adjoining ledges and figured out it was somewhere in there.  I was curious why it even bothered to warn me. I poked around for awhile but could not coax it out so returned to the hike.  The time I lost took away the motivation to hike fast and then..... 

….grass and brush encroached on the trail and I had to slow as I went into snake scanning mode.  Those critters love to lay alongside a trail and wait for mice or hiker ankles to bite.

I reached the saddle after about 2000' of climbing and 3.8 miles.

A flash flood warning had been issued for later in the day so I kept a keen eye to the southeast and could see clouds building.  The canyon being kind of narrow, wouldn't want to get caught in there during a deluge.

The Esperero trail continues of course, circumventing Geronimo Meadows (doesn't look like a meadow and doubt Geronimo ever visited) before dropping down into the ravine on the left, passing Bridal Wreath Falls and then on to Cathedral Rock, there in the distance, middle.  Awesome place that.

Wow, so humid this morning as I head back.  During which I....

….pass a break on a rock wall and wonder if any creature has taken that as a home.  Probably not a good idea to bushwhack over to check it out!

A popular drink in the area is Prickly Pear Margaritas.  Above, you can see the fruit is ripe and ready to be consumed.

Reaching Sabino Canyon Road, the road is mostly vacant as people have heeded the storm warnings and in fact, one of the nearby canyons received 3" of rain later in the day.  Tucson got a good soaking of 1".  I finished with 7.6 miles and really glad I had a change of clothes.  Yikes, I was soaked but not from rain.

An Ohio cycling friend, Amanda, produced the above image from the Thursday evening, New Albany, Ohio group ride.  Most made it back just before the storm began.  Its odd that I can identify almost all of the above cyclist from their backs.  Meantime, in....

….Oro Valley, AZ I have gone out for a couple of rides but still solo. Plenty of morning group rides but either they are C groups and kind of slow or faster groups and I am too slow.  It's the cycling off season here so I enjoy the 35-40 mile rides a couple of times each week.  Things will ramp but soon.  

I've also gotten out for a couple of shortish hikes, not worthy of blog posts.  Yet, the beauty of the mountains mesmerizes me.  I love it here even in the summer.  Be back to Ohio soon for a good visit to torment my Ohio cyclists.

Evil Ebaugh Drive climb. That will separate the ladies from the girls. Threat of rain but it wouldn't be a Thursday ride otherwise. The Rivet/A, B & C routes:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19449353
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19449368
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19449449

About an hour drive from home are the many trails and peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  Mount Lemmon receives most of the attention but also in the vicinity are other peaks, including Bigelow, at a height of 8500'.  I park at the Butterfly trailhead and begin a 5.9 mile hike to the aforementioned peak.

The trail is paved for a short section, then becomes a wide dirt path which quickly narrows as I begin a long descent.  Nice views to I guess the northwest.  In there some where is an area called "Reef of Rocks", a popular rock climbers destination.  I'll check it out soon.

More grand views as I continue my descent on this north facing slope which.....

….was untouched by the 2003 Aspen Fire.  Steep down there but the trail is well constructed and not too steep as many switchbacks take me past vegetation that is far different from what I see on the mountain's other side.  OK, there are......

….plenty of Columbines which are found elsewhere in seemingly moist surroundings but here there are.....

…..lots of other types as the plants have closed on the trail making it narrow.  I catch a man and two kids and he asked if I had seen an AZ black rattlesnake just a little ways back.  Nope, had walked right by it and it must not have felt threatened as it did not rattle.  I took a few steps forward, now in front and.....

….whoa!  This was enormous, at least 5' long and a gopher snake.  They eat rattlesnakes so we talked about capturing it and taking back up trail to meet the black rattlesnake but of course, we did not.

OK, now I was becoming concerned as I waded through lush vegetation with 2 snake sightings in the first 2 miles.  Some where in here, as I lost visual of my feet (which I hate) I decided I was not going to return this way.  I knew there was an option other than out and back, my original plan.

I had dropped 1000+ feet.  I was also wearing long pants which was a good idea but dang, the heat and unusual humidity would soon have my shirt soaked with perspiration.

So there I was, walking a narrow, overgrown path, looking ahead at a neat rock formation and wondering if that was Bigelow Peak when...….

….the silence is interrupted by the distinctive sound of a rattlesnake's buzzing.  I immediately stop and look around me to first locate the snake (another AZ black rattlesnake) and then decide to faint, continue forward, back (usually the best option) or to one side or the other.  There it is ahead and to my right, at the edge of the trail.  My heart is beating rapidly but I extend my hiking pole, insert it into the brush to try to coax it out so I can get a clear image.  It was having none of that and slithered farther into the brush.  I kept poking it while depressing the branches but the above is the best image I could take.  Holding the camera with one hand while simultaneously pressing the brush with the pole just didn't make for a steady platform.  And yes, there was some hand shake involved too. I continued on now that I was out of strike range.

I reached Bigelow and circled clockwise while stopping to chat with a couple of trail volunteers who admitted some portions of the trail were in need of maintenance.  Here though the trail was wider and I picked up the pace, less worried about reptiles.

How about that!  Raspberries ready for picking.  I continued up and soon....

….saw a building indicating I was almost to the top.  

That is a hard hike folks.  5.9 miles of down and then mostly up with 2700' of elevation gain.  I studied the above map, talked to some mountain bikers and headed.....

down Bigelow Road where I passed many camp sites, full of people who had escaped the valley heat.  Hmmmmm, I hear thunder and my hike is accompanied with.....

…..rain....nice!  I am already soaked from sweat so I didn't notice the rain much.  Although the temperature was now 61 degrees as I continued my march.  I turned down an offer for a ride as I did not want to sit in someone's car in my current state.  I reached.....

….Catalina Highway and was greeted by numerous cyclists riding from Summerhaven in the same conditions as I.  Reached my car at mile 9.8, changed into dry clothes and enjoyed the drive down the mountain.  I'll wait for winter before trying the Butterfly trail again.

Beautiful cloud formation as the "nonsoon" season has turned into a late arriving monsoon season.  The mornings and early afternoons are dry but a couple of times a week the clouds build to the south and weather radar comes alive.  The lightning displays, especially in the mountains, is awesome.

I went for a short hike via the Linda Vista trail, which is about 1/2 mile from home and a good workout.  From a distance, I saw someone with two dogs trailing but as I came closer....

…...Norwegian Dwarf goats rather than dogs.  She gathered them cause maybe rather than a bite they could gore me.

The trail rises above Oro Valley.

The morning sky was still kind of dark as some remnants of the previous night's system had not completely dissipated but it would and there would be no rain on this day, like most.  Finished with 2.5 miles.