Hiking in the Heat
Diana Smith
Please join us on Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Activity Center for the Saddlebrooke Hiking Club’s final program of the 2025-2026 season; “Hiking Safely and Comfortably in the Desert Heat.” Jeff Merten, general manager of Tucson REI,will share information on choosing the right gear and equipment, as well as tips and tricks for staying comfortable and safe in our extreme desert environments.
Jeff’s last presentation to the SBHC was a big hit and seating is limited, so be sure to come early. Feel free to bring a friend; you do not need to be a member of the club to attend.
Note: This month the program falls on the fourth Wednesday, instead of the usual third Wednesday of the month.
Standing: Lynda Green, Bill Thompson, Joanie Mack, Lynda Fraley. Sitting: Bill Johnston, Barbara Wellman, Kathy Johnston
“Wildflower Meander” Delights Hikers
Lynda Fraley
On March 16, a breezy, chilly Monday morning at 6:30 a.m., seven members of the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club and veteran guide Ruth Caldwell gathered in the Mountainview parking lot to carpool to Catalina State Park.
On tap was a circuitous wildflower meander along the Sutherland Trail, Canyon Loop and various unnamed horse trails, in search of an elusive profusion of blossoms. Even before the sun had broken above the peaks, the leader’s sharp eyes did not disappoint. Beginning with a single diminutive raspberry colored Sleepy Catchfly concealed in the shade of a split rail step, Caldwell, gesturing with her hiking poles, pointed out a myriad of tiny plants unnoticed to most. She described their growth habits, customary colors, and the microclimates where they are found.
At the outset of the meander, the pickings were slim. But Caldwell made the most of it, seemingly delighted by each small discovery. She found Silver Puffs, white Chicory blooms, and Fiddleneck. But as the sunshine chased the shadows and warmed the soil, everywhere the blossoms began to open! Suddenly there was no need for her to gesture with her poles or strain her eagle eyes, because orange Mariposa Lilies, Mexican Gold Poppies, and lilac-blue Lupine, along with a huge variety of other lovely, colorful Sonoran Desert denizens, lined both sides of the trail. Hikers were delighted to stroll along a verdant garden path in the midst of such a rugged landscape. Judging from the happy oohs and ahs and the number of photos snapped, the juxtaposition inspired everyone. The wildflower meander was gaining steam.
On the return leg of the journey, one of the hikers spotted a lovely, lone pink Parry’s Penstemon pushing up from a pile of stones next to a clear, running stream. It was a perfect spot for hikers to pause, snap a group photo, and enjoy the hollow sound of the water trickling over the rocks. As they headed back toward the parking area, Caldwell stopped at a spot which only the week before had been covered with Mexican Poppies. She showed the group a photograph, yet now there were none. Arizona wildflower season’s beauty is fleeting, and each hiker probably felt lucky to have experienced this year’s pageant. In all, with Caldwell’s help, they saw twenty-nine different types of wildflowers.
If you are interested in reading about the many types of hikes and activities that the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club offers and seeing the accompanying photographs, please visit our website, saddlebrookehikingclub.com. Hopefully you will consider joining us on the trail.