The hike headed up to the American Museum's Southwest Research Station where we acquired other hikers. One on foot and two that drove on up the road a short distance to park and join the group. The hike was pretty much what we have done before, hiking up to Ash Springs and along other various connecting trails. Hiking is still somewhat limited to the lower elevation trails by the Forest Service because of the Horseshoe 2 Fire earlier this spring and summer. The fire has left the upper trails to dangerous to be open yet because of concerns for falling trees and possible monsoon caused flash flooding that can occur without notice.Therefore, the upper trails will remain closed until mid-October or later. Hopefully not later!!
The hike was still a wonderful way to enjoy the forest as it recovers. Each new week seems to bring out new and beautiful wildflowers, some of which the long time locals on the hike had not seen before. Some have rarely been seen even in the past!
Group Photo by Paul Hirt
Leaving the open areas we moved on into the more forested area that was now carpeted in spots with lush fern groves and a clear running stream which we had to cross as we began the last half of the loop back to where we started. Just before reaching the end of our hike we were treated with fresh baked cake and ice cold lemonade at one of the hikers home, which was nicely placed right next to the ending of the trail!!
The hike covered approximately 7.5 to 8.5 miles in total by the time we were back to Linda and Paul's house. All in all the hike was a wonderful experience with lots to see along the way that was not there in weeks prior. As the forest continues to recover from the fires, we will probably be seeing more and more plants and wildflowers that only appear after a burn. It was nice to see that the once ashen appearance of the forest just following the fire is now being replace with lush green grasses, colorful wildflowers, and other plants. Wonderful to also see the trees are for the most part putting out new leaves and growth as well!! We all are looking forward to being able to venture onto the upper trails in the coming months to see how those areas are recovering as well. Hopefully too, the Forest Service will soon reopen the campgrounds so the public can once again start coming for longer periods. - Roger
All photographers unless otherwise stated are by Roger McKasson.
There was even MORE green and MORE wildflowers on Thursday Sept 15th! Even some junipers are starting to get leaves. One hiker commented that some of the views are spectacular and we had no idea about the views until the fire cleared some of the blockage away! some positive benefits to the fire......
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