The weather is still cool enough to hike if you go REALLY early.

A friend and I went hiking in Spur Cross today, early in the morning. The weather was beautiful, with a slight breeze. No water in the creek beds, but the pond was full and the desert trees were still lush. Several benches have been added since I last hiked the Metate Trail, so we did have places to rest with shade when we needed it.

We did NOT encounter any snakes or mountain lions (thank goodness) but we did see lots of lizards and birds. In the photo I am standing with a very old saguaro the park rangers call “Mr. Viagra”. He has one huge, long arm connected and growing along the ground to my left.