Apache Junction mud puddles
Posted by Zonie on October 20, 2024 at 05:41:53
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We went straight from summer to winter. Monday afternoon it was 104°F. This afternoon it was only 74°F. The cold front that moved through the area Friday morning didn't bring much rain except to one area--eastern Apache Junction. Apparently the orographic effect of the Superstition Mountains caused the clouds to rain out about half an inch in that area. It's further than I usually drive to get muddy, but I figured it's been so long that it was worth the extra drive.
The Apache Junction Equestrian Trail has an unexpected level of solitude. All day I saw just one equestrian and two hikers. It's in the middle of a decent-size city. It has lovely views. It was lovely weather to be outdoors. It wasn't a work day for most people. For all that, there were few people, and that's been my experience the other times I've been there. It's something of an undiscovered local treasure.
At first I wasn't having much luck. I headed south to HWY 60 and found some patches of damp ground, but that was all. Then on the way back on the main trail I found a fairly large mud puddle suitable for stomping. I headed north and found a few others. Then opportunities dried out, and I decided to turn back.
My energy sank more rapidly than I had thought, and I had an almost pathological thirst for the cool weather, going through a whole gallon of water. My knees were also bothering me. Maybe I need to think about getting cortizone shots. A six-mile hike seems to be pressing my abilities these days. Still finding the old puddles reenergized me a bit.
The return journey was an ordeal. HWY 202 was almost a parking lot between Rural Road and 44th Street. Then I got onto the surface streets, and McDowell Road was very slow going between 44th and 40th Streets. I wondered why there were so many drivers on the road late on a Saturday afternoon. Anyway it was almost dark by the time I got home, so not much time for clean up. That will have to be tomorrow. It was nonetheless worthwhile.
- Re: Apache Junction mud puddles Mud Doggie 11:25:11 10/21/2024
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