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

After Horseshoe 2 Fire Hike!

     Thursday the hiking group from Portal and Rodeo did their first hike on the trails into the forest following major trails being reopened to the the public. There were 10 hikers at the start. and 8 finished the hike to the end. One went back at the half way point and I went back at the 3/4 point not wanting to push myself to much while recovering from surgery.
     The hike showed that in spite of the fire there still remains more of the forest than was thought!! Signs of recovery were everywhere with small plants and grasses sprouting up and leaves popping out of the burned trees. Nature obviously was in full recovery mode. Recent monsoon rains are aiding in the re-growth of the forest and it's plants. Wildlife are also making a comeback from lizards, to birds, to even deer and other critters that were out and about. The forest is an artist and photographers dream now as it recovers. Hikers can now enjoy what nature is recreating with her palette and brushes!!!  Here are a few pictures of what could be seen!!! Enjoy!!!

Monsoon Sunset

Tonight as a major monsoon storm moves into the valley at sunset nature took out her paint brush and created another masterpiece sunset painting on the western horizon!! Rains are much needed here in the valley and especially in the burned areas of the forest to help hydrate the soil and plants to bring the vegetation back to life and re-establish the flora of the forest once again. As you can see rains not only can bring much needed water to the forest but beauty to the sky as well. Come and enjoy the beauty of the magical Sky Islands throughout this community!!

Don't forget to bring your camera!!!

TRAILS IN THE FOREST ARE OPENING AGAIN!!

The local hiking group went on another hike on Thursday figuring because of the recent fire the trails would still be closed into the back country. We started our hike from the American Museum of Natural History Southwest Research Station and walked up the road for our walk. At the end of the road we were pleased to find the Forest Service had open the trail there. Pleased with an actual trail the group hiked it back through the forest to the research station instead of walking back up the road. Later we found other trails were also posted as now being open. So everyone put on your hiking boots and come back to the forest to hike again!!

Monsoon Rains

We are now seeing the influx of the seasonal monsoon rains into the valley. Fresh air and rain are not the only things that come with the storms. The beauty of natures clouds from Mother Natures paint brush and color palette fill the sky with beautiful cloud shapes and colors. I have been told that famed artist Maxfield Parrish studied the clouds in this part of the southwest for their shapes and colors and later used them as the models for his famous paintings. Many local artist now do the same with camera and brush to continue to capture the beauty of this season of the year. From the clouds and the rains they bring to the area will later come the wildflowers and grasses that will finish the natural paintings of the area.
Come see the beauty that nature creates here for yourself and don't forget your camera and art supplies!!

Portal/Rodeo Hikers back hiking after Horseshoe 2 Fire

Last Thursday, July 14, 2011 the hiking group from Portal, AZ and Rodeo, NM areas started hiking again after a major fire burned the local forest this spring and summer. Trails are not yet open so the group took a stroll up the road into the forest. Hopefully the Forest Service will open the trails again soon.

Whitetail Canyon Hike

A group of 22 hikers went hiking in the Cochise Head area of Whitetail Canyon area on Dec. 2nd.
Some went up to the Indian Cave while two other groups went further up to what would be Cochise's shoulder and the rest more up on his neck. The weather was perfect for hiking. Bright, sunny, and warm. Of course I'm in my traditional shorts. LOL
Because of the time of year the shortened day kept the hikers to making it to the top of his head. Rewards for the hike were fresh baked brownies and hot coffee at one of the hikers nearby home.  The attached picture shows most of the hikers. A few dogs also made the trek up the mountain. - Roger 

            Photo by DiAnn Matteson