August 11, 2011 Chiricahua Mounains Hike

     The local hiking group was back hiking the forest trails in the Chiricahua Mountains on Thursday. 13 humans and one dog hikers on this trek. The hike was focused on the Basin Trail to Ash Springs and divided at the end so some could retrieve vehicles while a few others walked on out the last two miles to where we all originally staged from.
     It was nice to see the forest continuing to recover nicely from the recent Horseshoe 2 Fire earlier this spring and summer. Lots of grasses and flowers sprouting and blooming along with the trees putting out new growth.  The smell of the fire has left and a new freshness is filling the air for the hikers to breath in. Hiking in the area with its plants, clear running creeks, and captivating views is a real treat for this artist's eye as well as those who look at these things from their own unique perspectives. Wildlife is also continuing to return as well with lots of birds, lizards, and even one small Rock Rattlesnake on the trail.
    Though the campgrounds are not yet open to the public most of the many trails are and people should return and once again experience what this forest has to offer the artist, photographer, or those into the various life sciences that can be seen and studied here once again.
Enjoy!! - Roger