 |
| Beautiful desert views |
We hiked The Brown Mountain Trail on our last outing. There were 9of us along for the hike, Judy, Ernie,
Danielle, Dave, JoAnn, LaNeta, Linda, Kirk, and myself. We headed out at 8:00 a.m. to perfect weather
for hiking – slightly cool and sunny.
 |
| Valley views |
 |
| Alright - starting the climb |
The trail is approximately 5 miles long round trip with a 350
ft. elevation gain. The guidebooks always
just give you the highest elevation gain on the trail that you will have to
climb. Sometimes you climb to that
elevation more than once. In the case of
the Brown Mountain Trail, it reaches that height a total of 3 times. It is listed in the guidebooks as a moderate
hike and I would have to agree with that.
 |
| Linda, Kirk and LaNeta checking the sights |
 |
| LaNeta and Joann |
Even though we have done this trail before, what keep our
hikes fresh and new and exciting are the people. We have one of the most interesting and
diverse group anyone could ever hope for.
Everyone brings different experiences and history to discuss along the
trails.
 |
| Another new member - Abadaba |
We saw many saguaro, prickly pear, and jumping cholla and
ocotillo cactus. There’s not much color
out there on the trails this time of year, so any little splash of color gets lots
of comments. One of the best things
about the Brown Mountain Trail is the surrounding views.
We hiked the trail in reverse of how we usually do it. We stared out at the picnic area and it was pretty
level hiking and gradually climbed. I
have to say I think I like this way better.
It probably added another half mile or so to the hike, but not an issue
at all. We seemed to get a different view
altogether, and I for one, was not a bit tired by the time we stopped for our
lunch break. It’s always nice to learn
new things, even as little as when a well known hike is done a different way. Thanks Ernie!
 |
| Happy hiker - happy cactus! |
 |
| Ernie leading the way |
That Cougar Trail sign is always getting people in trouble!
 |
| Judy |
 |
| Abadaba |
Lunch break - one of my favorite parts of the hike....
Except when Abadaba swipes my PB&J
Scenic mountain views....
 |
| One of many saguaros we saw with twisted arms
|
 |
This one seems especially happy to see us
|
Another wonderful hike under our camelbacks! Can't wait til the next one.
 |
| Exhaustion sets in |
See you on the trails....
