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Mark’s Cycling & Hiking Blog

Mark’s Cycling & Hiking Blog

 

A beautiful dawn!

Got out for a ride that as usual, included Woodland Ave where a group of miniature horses had gathered.

One strolled over to say hello.

A two day rain event moved through and behind it…..

….Snow! Not on the front range but beyond.

Kind of a cool day so decided to hike to Maiden Pools, up Ventana Canyon.  The trail head is about 1/2 mile from home to very convenient.  There are 12 wash crossings with no water in the first but the next had plenty of water.

As I crossed each, the water became deeper.  At one crossing, a rock on which I was standing, suddenly pivoted and a foot got wet.  I ran into a couple, descending and asked, “How many more crossings are there?” They said 3 but actually it was 5 and the last was pretty sketchy.

Then, a pretty good climb ensued with great views to the southwest.

Pretty steep was the climb.

Reaching the top of the climb, I looked back into the canyon and wondered if the water was rising, additional runoff from the recent rain.  Fortunately no although I did slip once again on my return. 

The final obstacle was remembering to duck under the arm of this saguaro.  Finished with 5.5 miles and 1300′ of climbing.  Good day.

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