Sunday, November 1, 2020

Horton Creek Trail and Other Stuff


Our temperatures finally moderated a couple weeks ago and we've been getting out a little later in the mornings, which makes Jim happy. Recently we decided to take a drive up to Payson, AZ for a hike on the Horton Creek trail. I read that there was a bit of fall color along the creek and thought that would be a nice change from the desert. We didn't arrive until almost noon but it was only in the low 70s at 6,000' elevation, which felt especially pleasant given the shade from the forest.









This is a trail we didn't do when we camped on the Mogollon Rim so we didn't know exactly what to expect, but it turned out to be a lovely, fairly easy, gradual climb, with views or access to Horton Creek all along the way, a series of one little cascade or waterfall after another. We turned around three miles in but the trail continues on over another steeper mile to a spring.  Jim decided he was feeling good and enjoying himself so he didn't want to ruin the day by going farther and being miserable on the way back. That turned out to be a great idea because we came back a good part of the way on a smaller fishermen trail right along the creek, which got a bit dicey at times and involved some scrambling.












We've also been back out at McDowell doing some mountain biking, visited with camp host friends, and went out again Friday afternoon for a short visit with Alex and Ellen, who arrived that day for a two month stay, then enjoyed a beer with Andre and Rose, who were there for a few nights on their way home to CA after a month long RV trip. 

Andre set up the self time on his camera to get a shot of all of us. Thanks!


Pointing out the beautiful sunset while I was admiring the clouds behind them.



It was such a pleasant evening we missed being out there in the Lazy Daze but it's still nice to live so close to the park.

And here are a few more photos just because.

End of a saguaro arm


One of many mini-trump rallies just down the street from our apartment. Tuesday can't get here soon enough!


The best Halloween display ever


Please get out and vote if you haven't yet. And to ease the stress of the election and increasing COVID cases, there are always kittens. 😻

Four of a litter of nine. Most have been adopted over the past week. They were a crazy bunch!


12 comments:

  1. Enjoyed reading your adventures. Thank you, Barney.

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  2. Horton Creek is lovely!

    A basket of kittens is a cute reprieve from the nightmare that we are living in this election season. Fingers crossed that sanity and decency will prevail in the election on Tuesday...then we just have to make it through til inauguration day for the nightmare to truly be over.

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    1. Sadly, it's not going to be over for awhile. We're on a news hiatus until Wednesday since all the last minute speculation is just making us crazy.

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  3. I always enjoy reading your posts and your photos are great too, but I most enjoy the kitty photos/stories! and I found myself skimming thru your post to the kitties!

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    1. I haven't been taking as many cat photos because only half of the volunteers have come back to Fearless Kitty due to COVID, so when we do our shift we are taking care of twice as many cat rooms as we used to. What that means is we don't have as much time to play with them since we're so busy cleaning, scooping litter, etc. I do need to take a few minutes and get some more photos in the future!

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  4. A nice photo of you, Jim, Andre and Rose. Jim needs to put on some weight, tho...

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  5. Looks like a lovely trail following the creek. I love hiking with the sound of water. Glad you found a few fall trees. Isn't it wonderful to have the weather finally cooling off. The kittens are such a cute calming photo. I'm not sure I'll survive til this election is over.

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    1. Yes, it is so nice to feel some cooler air!
      We're avoiding the news today but hoping for a good outcome.

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  6. Beautiful pictures of what looks like a great trail. Love your colorful skies. Really wanting to go to McDowell. How long can a regular camper stay and when’s the best time to go?

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    1. Hi Sherry, you can stay as long as you like at McDowell but have to move sites every 2 weeks. The trick is going on the website 6 months in advance to make reservations or you won't get a site. Our friends say it's getting harder and harder.

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