Well I have let myself get a little behind on the blog so here is at least an attempt of catching our readers up on our activities. The weekend of the 23rd of February we joined the Glendale Equestrian Club for their ride up Boulder Creek. It was just a day ride but because it was on the far side of Phoenix and “butts in the saddle” was at 9:00AM we decided that it was a good place to head to Friday night and enjoy the evening in the desert.
Although there were a few hunters camped in the same location they like us were early to bed so it was a peaceful night. This fellow made an appearance as we were watching the sunset below while cooking our supper over a nice campfire.
In the morning the rest of the group started to pull into camp around 7:30AM so we were all saddled and ready to ride on time. We headed down and across the Aqua Fria River and past the crested saguaro below and then up and over the ridge before we dropped down into
Boulder Creek. There was evidence of mining activity in the past and of course the usual detritus from our motorized friends. Why is it that whenever we share a trail with ATV’s or other motorized outfits we always find a wealth of broken bottles and tins strewn along the way. You’d think that if they could haul it all in, it would be easier to haul it out. It weighs less empty. As soon as we leave the two track and get back on single track trails that are only used by hikers, bikers and folks on horseback we seem to leave the garbage behind.
Rant aside it was a beautiful valley with more saguaro’s than we have ever seen with maybe the exception of the area around Usery Mountain Park north of Mesa and this may have been the granddaddy of them all.
There were many creek crossings along the way,
and with Brenda’s fast walking Wink she managed to get out front and in one instance found a spot that was a little deeper than she expected. But with a quick sock wringing and a few minutes of sun at our lunch break she was ready to rock and roll again.
The album below capture some of the trail.
After the ride and a short visit with folks we joined the Modahl`s, the Roger`s, Shannon and her date, whose name escapes me, for dinner at Logan`s Roadhouse back down the road towards Phoenix. The company was stellar the food unmemorable although the wait staff were excellent. Now that catches me up to last weekend and that deserves a separate post so stay tuned for our southern Arizona adventure.
