Golfed, Hiked, and Biked

We have had a few busy days.  Monday we golfed, Tuesday we hiked and Wednesday we biked.  All these in temperatures that ranged from 30 to 35 degrees C and under brilliant blue skies.

The golf day was a bit of a day off compared to the Piestewa hike the previous day.  Mike did the research and we chose Paradise Valley.  It is an executive, 4145 yard course, with mostly par 3’s and 4’s, with a single par 5.  We only paid $30 each including a pull cart.  (We chose to walk so we could call it exercise.)  When I asked if it was the senior rate, the pro shop the gentleman replied, “Sir, at Paradise Valley we are all seniors!”

We Had The Hole Surrounded

The Duck Wanted to Caddy

It is Not Good To See Your Form in a Photo

Our Gallery

We Were Ignored by the Turtles

We all had some good shots to talk about and some poor ones to forget.  The fairways were hard and produced some good bounces and we think the desert air might have added to our distances off the tee.  One drive was reported to have cleared the 250-yard green but then again, none of our eyes could definitively say it didn’t bounce an awful lot.  All in all it wasn’t a bad day for a walk.

On Tuesday we hiked the desert Peralta Trail just outside of Apache Junction. It is highly rated by Trip Advisor and the fact it was in Apache Junction meant we could repair to recommended Dirt Water Dick’s Tavern and Restaurant immediately following for hydration.  Hydration would be important in the 33 C, with extremely dry air.

We left the condo around 9:30 am. (Yes, I set an alarm to be ready that early), and drove 50 minutes east to the trailhead.  We had our choice of numerous trails and chose the Peralta for its relatively short distance up (about 5 k each way), with an elevation change of around 500 meters.  It was advertised as being quite strenuous but with an end view worth all the effort.  After dutifully registering we set off on the rocky trail.    

Every Dark Line is a Different Trail

It is spring in the mountains with lots of colour everywhere.  I am not sure the pictures truly reflect the scene.  I also suspect the new scrub plant greens and all the blues, fuschias, yellows, oranges, reds, and purples of the wild flowers will be short-lived as the temperatures soar and the ground dries. 

When we finally reached the trail end, “Saddle”, the view was truly breathtaking.  We posed for pictures and started our descent.  Some of us struggled going up and some going down.  Peralta is not a hard packed surface.  There is high stepping over and on rocks on the way up and small measured steps on the way down.  All four of us were relieved to reach the car at the end and were all proud of our accomplishment.  After a short stop at Dirt Water Dick’s it was home for some pool time and more hydration.

Almost There - Target Little Tree in Distance

Made It!

Well Worth the Work

Met a New Friend On Way Home

Wednesday was a biking day.  The Phoenix area is well set up for biking.  The city has many defined bike lanes and off road paved bike paths.  We started with a loose plan but quickly adapted to what was in front of us and headed north on a paved trail.  We stopped a local biker and discovered we were on our way to “Reach 11” on the north side of Scottsdale.  The area is accessed by a paved trail and then you are faced with a hard packed trail network of desert choices.  The local we met described it as an area you could ride “forever”.  We didn’t choose “forever” but chose a path and a predetermined distance to direct our return.  There was lots of desert vegetation and many warnings to be watchful for rattle snakes and scorpions off the trails. 

The trip was not without challenges.  We had four flat tires and only carried two new tubes.  Unfortunately the McWhinney’s had three of the flats and only had one extra tube.  Fortunately, mechanic Mike had a tube patching kit and made relatively short work of the repairs.  The Keys on the other hand discovered our CO2 gas canisters for refilling tubes had leaked and since we don’t carry a pump, were much relieved the McWhinneys did.  We only ended up travelling 37 k but under 35C heat, it was a good effort.

Luckily We Found a Bunker Tunnel for a Fixit Shop!

Smiling - Before Three More Flat Tires

Thursday is a day trip to Sedona.  It is to be a 38C+ day here so we are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of the mountains.  Maybe we will hike, maybe we will just ride in an air-conditioned car.  It is to be determined.