Chandler Arizona Snowbird Test - Gila & Bursera Loop South MountainPark, Dec 13, 2018

When I was finishing up hiking the Black Mesa a few days ago, I chatted with a couple of fellows and they recommended I might like hiking in South Mountain Park which is right out my back door.  I put their recommendation on the back burner until I had some time to research the location.  I did my homework and confirmed I need to go there.  This was go there day!

When I walked out my door I took the sight I saw as a sign that I was in for awesome today.  Rays of pink shooting off in different directions was quite the sunrise.

After an easy straight forward drive in 20 minutes, I arrived at the Pyramid Trailhead Parking Lot.  Already it looked pretty sweet.  It was still early enough that those morning golden moments were presented. I geared up at home, I just needed to strap on my pack and hit the trail. 

I hiked the Pyramid Trail for a short section then veered off onto the Gila Trail. At the time, I did not know I was on that trial, I met a runner and he told me where I was and he suggested a great route.  I heeded his advice.  

                               

I continued on the Gila Trail and eventually reached a pass where I could see far off and to where I wanted to head. It was a good thing I met up with that runner earlier and he pointed the way, some trails were not signed.

                  

The Gila Trail was rough but it was obvious until I needed to find the way to cross over to ascend the Bursera Trail.  I could see the runner already over there, climbing to the top.  He did tell me there would be a trail to turn left at to get me over there. Was expecting a signed trail and there may have been further along but I did find a boot beaten path through bushes and I took it.  It got me to where I needed to be.

Now on the other side and on the Bursera Trail, I began climbing.  I could see over to where I was on the Gila Trail.  

The Bursera Trail was such an enjoyable route to follow.  It was a hilly ridge that went on and on with amazing views.  I liked all the cactus that lined the trail.  There were wild flowers in spots.

                                  

                        

Climbing yet even higher and seeing down and across to the Gila Trail.

By now I was high enough to see across and down to the other side, hikers right.  The mountains looked like they were floating in the clouds.  I believe I hiked some of those far off mountains.

It was now time to come down off the ridge and wind my way around to the Pyramid Trail. I could see up to some of the last part of the ridge where I just was.  Gosh, I enjoyed being up there.

While passing a few hours exploring those trails back there, someone decorated a tree close to the trail head.  I tried to think Christmas thoughts but I am feeling I may need to see snow to do that.

I am thankful for the advice I have been receiving on where to hike.  All recommendations have proved to be valuable information.   I thoroughly enjoyed this playground right out my back door.

 

Chandler Arizona Snowbird Test - Dolly Steamboat Cruise at Canyon LakeDec 12, 2018

When I put a shout out to my sister to see if there was interest in joining me on a cruise on Canyon Lake she jumped on board like there was no tomorrow.  I was not surprised as cruising is a forte of hers.  The forecast said go right now, so I booked it and off we went to hop on board the Dolly Steamboat.

I motored over to Apache Wells and transferred over to her vehicle, she was keen to drive that crazy Apache Trail.  I admired the scenery on the way there while gripping the seat and a handle for mental support.  Our plan was to arrive early so we could enjoy lunch before the cruise.  Upon arrival I was taken in by the gorgeous scenery and then saw Dolly down at the dock.  I was excited for our adventure.

                             My sister prepared a tail-gate picnic.

It was time to check in and then get a good seat on the steamboat.  We were fortunate that today there may have been only 30 people so we could move around freely and sit/stand wherever whenever.  We opted for upstairs at the back to begin with.

                                     

The captain and his right hand man worked together to point out certain sights, cruise close to the canyon walls for better views and even stop the boat at times to enjoy quiet moments and pretty scenes.  A bald eagle stood guard at the top and with a good zoom I was able to capture it.  

                                    

Canyon Lake is a large man-made lake.  We cruised along the edges and out in the middle too at times.  It was a beautiful day and the winds were calm and when we slowed down the reflections were amazing.  

It felt like time was standing still out here.  I got lost in the beauty.  At times music played that brought me even closer to being lost in my thoughts and the scenery.  What an incredible place, it's a photographer's dream and a geologist's delight.

It was time to get Dolly back to her dock.  I could see the mountains off in the distance and I could pick out the area where I had hiked on prior days.  While taking this photo I did not see the twinkling stars on the right through my view finder.  What a nice surprise they were to see when I imported my photographs.  

This was a wonderful experience and I was so thankful I got to share it with my sister.  Once back on land we picked up with the tail-gate picnic then hit that Apache Trail back to home.  This was a day to treasure weather-wise, scenery-wise but most of all sisterhood-wise!  

Chandler Arizona Snowbird Test - San Tan & Goldmine Trails at San TanMountain Park Dec 11, 2018

In conversations with hikers I have been meeting along the trails I have been learning about additional parks & preserves where I could experience what I came here to experience.  San Tan Mountain Regional Park was one of those places so that is where I ventured to today.  Here I could reach a high point with vast views and also hike amongst the cactus along sandy desert winding trails.

I paid the dues then hit the San Tan Trail which was the beginning of a gigantic loop.  It was early, overcast, cool, quiet and I settled right in as I most certainly have my desert legs now.  I could see I would be sharing a portion of the day with mountain bikers.

                               

In one direction it looked dark and dismal, in the desert that created a dramatic scene.  I hoped that would stay over there and I was glad I was not heading in that direction.

Continuing along, it continued to be pretty and then even got prettier.  Every now and then there would be a memory bench to sit for a spell.   I took advantage of those for my snack breaks.

The San Tan Trail went on and on with many opportunities to veer off and head back to the Visitor Centre.  I could see the hills and mountains ahead and assumed that was where I would arrive to then begin the climb. Along the way I still admired all the scenery especially the saguaros.

I reached the end of the San Tan Trail and began the climb up the Goldmine Trail.  It was gentle at first then got a little rough and rugged.

I made it to the top.  As I was approaching the summit a small group was packing up to begin their descent.  I stuck around awhile up here and just savoured some snacks and the scenery.

The views from up here were incredible.  There is history that goes with this Goldmine Mountain. I opted to admire it for its golden colours and golden views.  

After investing a good amount of time, I began the descent.  At the bottom I continued along the Goldmine Trail back to the Visitor Centre.  I kept looking back just because it looked so darn pretty.

I arrived back at the trail head feeling very pleased and content.  I was happy to receive the advice to give this place a go.  Other places were suggested too and I will give those a try.  Beauty surrounds us in this desert!