Back row: Pete Canon, Lynda Green, Jim Springer, Steve Aikens, Jan Springer, Guje Rizza, Joe Rizza, Michael Reale; sitting: Donna Canon, Elisabeth Wheeler, Sarah Earnest; photographers: Frank Earnest, Roddy Wilder
Hikers take a hike to Wahweap Hoodoo
Elisabeth Wheeler
Hikers on the Wahweap Hoodoo hike during the April SaddleBrooke Hiking Trip to Page, Arizona enjoyed three coves of unusual white sandstone formations capped by multi-colored conglomerate rocks. The hike was eight miles round-trip up the Wahweap Canyon, crossing the dry stream bed many times and climbing up cliffs for the best views. The Wahweap Canyon is north of Lake Powell and eventually descends into Lake Powell near the Wahweap Marina and Campground. Hike leader was Elisabeth Wheeler who was assisted by guides Roddy Wilder and Frank Earnest.
Denis Greenland, Jan Springer, Paul Arnett, Karen Gray (leader), Kay Clauson and Maria Miller; photo by Carole Burke
Tortoise photo by Paul Arnett
Triple Loop hike in Catalina State Park
Karen Gray
On Friday, May 12 seven hikers left MountainView parking lot at 7:00 a.m. on a warm morning to hike the Nature Loop, Canyon Loop and Bird Trail Loop. Among the hikers was Maria Miller, who is new to the hiking club, along with Jan Springer, Paul Arnett, Denis Greenland, Carol Burke, Kay Clauson and leader Karen Gray. Fortunately, it started out with a little overcast which kept it cooler for a while. At the top of the Nature Trail we were able to observe the major mountain peaks and some geologic features on the mountain range, including the Pirate Fault. At the bottom of the trail, just after we returned to the equestrian trail, we took some photos in front of a newly cresting saguaro, a recently observed feature. We went on to the Canyon Loop and looked at an old cresting saguaro and then up the hill and observed the Pirate Fault a little closer. It was getting hot. We moved on to the Birding Trail where a SaddleBrooke friend (Karen Bivens) told us about an owl’s nest and where we might see the owls. We couldn’t find the owls, but we did see the nest. When driving towards the exit we stopped short for a desert tortoise who decided to cross the road. We gave it safe passage and then five seconds later a large roadrunner cut in front of us. So the hike ended up with good wildlife viewing as well as a pleasant time with friends.