Superstition Mountain Hike

12-18-2009-Hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Today we ventured out to Apache Junction. We arrived at Lost Dutchman State Park at ten in the morning, the park is to the north of the Superstition Mtns. Got out our trail map and decided we would trek up to the Praying Hands rock formations, they are just to the left of the tallest spire of the main mountain pictured above.

Once out of the flats on the trail the Praying Hands formation were more visible but we still had a distance to go.

Sheri, Storm and Thunder pausing for a brief moment before continuing on up.

You have to appreciate God's natural signage, as this Saguaro keeps us on the trail.

Self portrait time, nice background!

Almost there as Storm dog and I take the lead up.

Storm dog and I pose with a spire shot.
Looking west towards Mesa and Phoenix. Sheri took this shot from a huge overhang.

Crag shot looking down at the wife.

Storm dog is always looking for critters!

He decided nothing worthwhile time to descend.

Come on in, if I can fit through this hole you surely can!

Sheri and Thunder on the descent.

One last view to the east, no cars, highways, structures, people, just wide open space. Another great day outdoors with my wife/best friend and the dogs enjoying Gods creation!
Wish you were here! God Bless, Sly

December 14th,2009- Perfect weather for hiking the Ballantine Trailhead. Loaded up the dogs and supplies in the truck and headed for the Beeline Highway, state route 87. Thirty seven miles later we arrived at the trail head parked the truck, donned our packs and hiking sticks and hit the trail. Today we we're only doing a ten mile out and back as there was snow at the top of the trail, and it gets fairly rugged and muddy.
North side of Four Peaks looking at Lone Pine Saddle.
The boys getting ready on the lower part of the trail.
The clouds were slowly moving in from the west on us so we picked up our pace a little just in case the weather changed.
The Rock Garden, this area is pretty cool although its a little tough on the dogs pads of their paws.
Break time for some water and snacks with a little snow in the background.
Storm saying "Come on I'm on to something here!"
Storm sitting on a rabbit, rabbit wins today, no shotgun with me, so no retrieving. All in all a beautiful day to get out and enjoy the outdoors. About 48 degrees and a light breeze, perfect.

Had to snap a picture of Red Mountain on the return trip as the air was very clear and a few clouds hanging around.

God bless, Sly

Fall Finally

December the 4th,2009- Fall is finally Here. The leaves are finally changing in the Valley of the Sun and cool weather is here. We took Thunder and Storm for a early morning walk/hike 3.5 miles. It was Thunders day to wear the dog backpacks, he was stoked puffing his chest out and walking like a big shot.

We headed to the east of our house to the Arizona crosscut canal, and to visit the Llama's and Emu's. They weren't to active as it was pretty cold and waiting for the sun to warm them up. I only had my cell phone camera on me so I was unable to get any good pictures of them as they were still in a shaded area. Maybe next time.

One last shot of the changing leaves, Thank you God.

God Bless, Sly