tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72873039192382494622024-02-18T21:00:45.229-07:00Mule EarsBiking, Hiking, GPS navigation, fitness.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-48974501173553475902011-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-15T21:00:15.299-07:00Montezuma to Miller, Post-Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXOudOuhHX0ZqiGg8XDRXLAVRP4Jt4PMYIWFqxykdlqF5kiMLqupAjRfakJDX5I8WF7QJAFskZpF3iRO0eAdFX2pfHjEZKqU-wq5EqFXeCLeiAUR6e9hjJh5jjzZFpTGYiCGyInO_BYU/s1600/charredgreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXOudOuhHX0ZqiGg8XDRXLAVRP4Jt4PMYIWFqxykdlqF5kiMLqupAjRfakJDX5I8WF7QJAFskZpF3iRO0eAdFX2pfHjEZKqU-wq5EqFXeCLeiAUR6e9hjJh5jjzZFpTGYiCGyInO_BYU/s320/charredgreen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZopfUEJ1N0qh9eRWsqZNg-9SRW-NQ7F9L97xKBiRSIF0-LnD6YogkADmNNor2Vcv01GTW6IpIW0NCFWY5HfnbKifz5HrlFkyP9r99-W7xHSPe7pMdI98SVpkxyrkHviwIitIzstWkIw/s1600/crestTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZopfUEJ1N0qh9eRWsqZNg-9SRW-NQ7F9L97xKBiRSIF0-LnD6YogkADmNNor2Vcv01GTW6IpIW0NCFWY5HfnbKifz5HrlFkyP9r99-W7xHSPe7pMdI98SVpkxyrkHviwIitIzstWkIw/s320/crestTrail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjWkbZrQh8EnzqKBxwNYFWM0pMTvgO2HYwXtKRQDMek380EupHWI2bLKMegHczHP9BBmlHCZiRzVBh5n5u-wkYwX_yxeAg6o0ASI73pwx-iad8doB-qJk06JGVWpHtlkrF5AROe4s_jY/s1600/lutzsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjWkbZrQh8EnzqKBxwNYFWM0pMTvgO2HYwXtKRQDMek380EupHWI2bLKMegHczHP9BBmlHCZiRzVBh5n5u-wkYwX_yxeAg6o0ASI73pwx-iad8doB-qJk06JGVWpHtlkrF5AROe4s_jY/s320/lutzsign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXR2LPxYT4kB2kD4t08PYsFP4HmpA-ax8UrbhC_EyFAGyY8XTBgJcDrVvKKU7Pk14-_rhgKpU4SDprc8yrAIT-SNmuGS0vhcRKRt0ZS-zFH1YFegceypFzGFLcgW0MCOQr17LW4NDXz8/s1600/airdrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXR2LPxYT4kB2kD4t08PYsFP4HmpA-ax8UrbhC_EyFAGyY8XTBgJcDrVvKKU7Pk14-_rhgKpU4SDprc8yrAIT-SNmuGS0vhcRKRt0ZS-zFH1YFegceypFzGFLcgW0MCOQr17LW4NDXz8/s320/airdrop.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3VW8kHxnFC0CtaVjRw9dAJbJxzZJB110v3y6KYot-a1YYpPtr6vyeU1sCdk0A1oCuddb8PXIJGPkVLdZdW1rHxuQTssnxtWkKgChl5pkcIIzWs9rnkGpXpIqCpbeYxxg9kLdQ6eDqAY/s1600/morenewgrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3VW8kHxnFC0CtaVjRw9dAJbJxzZJB110v3y6KYot-a1YYpPtr6vyeU1sCdk0A1oCuddb8PXIJGPkVLdZdW1rHxuQTssnxtWkKgChl5pkcIIzWs9rnkGpXpIqCpbeYxxg9kLdQ6eDqAY/s320/morenewgrass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs9q3YFnNAcpJyyaZKl_imkqLQUH7n4Sd4VpQGSQBPYlyry7PzCLtgmf4Elcvl1Uy7Lb88Wpnl7L1E_PtMjzYSCAEzh4h2FH7ggt9ktzKGc_VZitu-lrsGC_S47cj5XeD39qw05zpZYU/s1600/newgrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs9q3YFnNAcpJyyaZKl_imkqLQUH7n4Sd4VpQGSQBPYlyry7PzCLtgmf4Elcvl1Uy7Lb88Wpnl7L1E_PtMjzYSCAEzh4h2FH7ggt9ktzKGc_VZitu-lrsGC_S47cj5XeD39qw05zpZYU/s320/newgrass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherhP6BoZOobsbGfl6oVE6hvyby8S2CAfPATvWWO91uR7F1cB42C3bZC_7vDsKgMiHyTXnS1b-UV27ucYN2yCN54OsTqzTHVydEYC7JzQHrp77EJBuHDmCdr3iQsqf-vVZJ9KPTCxkjb8/s1600/scorched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherhP6BoZOobsbGfl6oVE6hvyby8S2CAfPATvWWO91uR7F1cB42C3bZC_7vDsKgMiHyTXnS1b-UV27ucYN2yCN54OsTqzTHVydEYC7JzQHrp77EJBuHDmCdr3iQsqf-vVZJ9KPTCxkjb8/s320/scorched.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v3ACq9ctXcrMIiR3SMNn1T9sAH6GvJzF5AzdjKPTeN-BvXzpO-UBUkh_6LW9J5RrjZUTEHP7AJV5SkVVkc7WRLsv-1dQvOoj8CyFtsiW-_4Vg9DMSrhh7HbWuJmjkzre85ho5OSWzww/s1600/peakburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v3ACq9ctXcrMIiR3SMNn1T9sAH6GvJzF5AzdjKPTeN-BvXzpO-UBUkh_6LW9J5RrjZUTEHP7AJV5SkVVkc7WRLsv-1dQvOoj8CyFtsiW-_4Vg9DMSrhh7HbWuJmjkzre85ho5OSWzww/s320/peakburn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkvYbmF7472r8Cv6aqUf69J5Nksk4V1aWgEj0-7KAIbcAoY4j5X3fN9hFdKZgOCpyliwZ2JVGS9xUsmnL9CInhtk0U4XESDYsBtkvYma7L56aEGVemaxiix9B8Y-QYq8TysdaZQltaM/s1600/pinkPlant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkvYbmF7472r8Cv6aqUf69J5Nksk4V1aWgEj0-7KAIbcAoY4j5X3fN9hFdKZgOCpyliwZ2JVGS9xUsmnL9CInhtk0U4XESDYsBtkvYma7L56aEGVemaxiix9B8Y-QYq8TysdaZQltaM/s320/pinkPlant.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UpmVyT3FHAFSfjORPr0EeVbYmTHb3VSTudVlA8ln9Jg_r250v4F5b4JJmyemTdyZ8MISG_j0Qx5UXCvHrefmadQITohkCet_CAqzNqh8YLIUolQzWYkXk0ySNrwmm6Bb5dyQfi_E04E/s1600/trailsidecolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UpmVyT3FHAFSfjORPr0EeVbYmTHb3VSTudVlA8ln9Jg_r250v4F5b4JJmyemTdyZ8MISG_j0Qx5UXCvHrefmadQITohkCet_CAqzNqh8YLIUolQzWYkXk0ySNrwmm6Bb5dyQfi_E04E/s320/trailsidecolor.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-41611593121484197332011-02-19T07:57:00.000-07:002011-02-19T07:57:19.582-07:00Atascosa Lookout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3tmHNk-uONP7zW6fh9073SLk_pQjaeJszKObP0Mv4ACsURYs-NJyBgSKY22ONxa3UMf0dwSfY20tQjLmy9xjzUGy6ZQNeZh0OExRgLdzh2bKdY6fru5KEPjfoNiTwjwOMICNFkWOaY/s1600/AtascosaCabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3tmHNk-uONP7zW6fh9073SLk_pQjaeJszKObP0Mv4ACsURYs-NJyBgSKY22ONxa3UMf0dwSfY20tQjLmy9xjzUGy6ZQNeZh0OExRgLdzh2bKdY6fru5KEPjfoNiTwjwOMICNFkWOaY/s320/AtascosaCabin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOleeytWYqkIAeZBVxHc72iPzHD7p-3epiXzl0r8Q_1gQnueucf18nR79Xpm0jBetp905456EYt1A_2nGNCeo4x7ooEbeZaedBVDIYBQcpXiQFdl-8Hr6KwGfFYcfit5PLIGaAZWACE/s1600/AtascosaRampart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOleeytWYqkIAeZBVxHc72iPzHD7p-3epiXzl0r8Q_1gQnueucf18nR79Xpm0jBetp905456EYt1A_2nGNCeo4x7ooEbeZaedBVDIYBQcpXiQFdl-8Hr6KwGfFYcfit5PLIGaAZWACE/s320/AtascosaRampart.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w9nrkwqWfvOmDAuLeR00GkOoTdkMObTMzoPUUsGs01ABC7gtLjDRmeDmNuaTvdeIcKEB7JcEeGViy-nbhPkjppKSUGE577c-AmAxwYiTxCMpQvy_w0z0hqw3uCWSr-GtR0TjjglHp-E/s1600/rubyParking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w9nrkwqWfvOmDAuLeR00GkOoTdkMObTMzoPUUsGs01ABC7gtLjDRmeDmNuaTvdeIcKEB7JcEeGViy-nbhPkjppKSUGE577c-AmAxwYiTxCMpQvy_w0z0hqw3uCWSr-GtR0TjjglHp-E/s320/rubyParking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-26859043379672026442010-12-17T16:31:00.003-07:002010-12-17T18:19:22.423-07:00Perimeter RambleHiked the Perimeter Trail up from the bottom of Carr Road to Miller Canyon and back via the Clark Spring Trail. <br />
This bit of peeling bark reminded me of the old woodland-camo pattern. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_iK444wdqu-Kz2zf-F7N5-ibGPEameUVSBY4bkOH16Rkvrg-UdGxLq0G44qIza5wdW9H_9u1b_LGENzmZC1LHdF68kiBR8R4DYOB-Yd_HHWjhfrWo-7Hr8SZMjw8eUXzEagOhy4uP40/s1600/woodlandCamo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_iK444wdqu-Kz2zf-F7N5-ibGPEameUVSBY4bkOH16Rkvrg-UdGxLq0G44qIza5wdW9H_9u1b_LGENzmZC1LHdF68kiBR8R4DYOB-Yd_HHWjhfrWo-7Hr8SZMjw8eUXzEagOhy4uP40/s400/woodlandCamo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Juniper berries smell enticingly like gin, but I can never find any vermouth trees. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaZwM6G4Co2d3R5_-BxbJrFDyU1MGv36HZr_cpzEs91MK-TFPTLcDSWrUjrHTogorP5y14ipy-gXBFSPwpunPERJz8d-VYKwf9_bqO3BSp0WyqQmLQWh15njScuZ0YBWjCzlFwwMmHGU/s1600/juniperBerries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaZwM6G4Co2d3R5_-BxbJrFDyU1MGv36HZr_cpzEs91MK-TFPTLcDSWrUjrHTogorP5y14ipy-gXBFSPwpunPERJz8d-VYKwf9_bqO3BSp0WyqQmLQWh15njScuZ0YBWjCzlFwwMmHGU/s320/juniperBerries.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Apart from an early cold snap, it's been a mild Fall, so there are still some colorful leaves clinging to the trees in Miller Canyon. Reminder to self: Some of the bigger oaks near the Perimeter trailhead have potential as rope climbing anchors. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnruuB506FceJYpxLjZ7iDmBBV2gqb-Lp6CGJWbgZlMN9PqHp8awhuk3GFhuVDB5DPJdAD-TK7zHMDyeKsqCMVIgR5VcKfLIxL1q3Co3pEMjohhxy5w8YSafCMUcf0MtVHU_TZ0Q9Z1g/s1600/lateFallColor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnruuB506FceJYpxLjZ7iDmBBV2gqb-Lp6CGJWbgZlMN9PqHp8awhuk3GFhuVDB5DPJdAD-TK7zHMDyeKsqCMVIgR5VcKfLIxL1q3Co3pEMjohhxy5w8YSafCMUcf0MtVHU_TZ0Q9Z1g/s400/lateFallColor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
They're slightly beyond the sell-by date, but these madrone berries are still purty. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0g7mJJ-ibwG-AzTKcorfqwWSgU8ArirdRGb4c5oT08WJQhurZSZvMKc9KukZ7CovtbNhsCjJWwR4sl_Zluy3DjjO2eszau7wLcddtDXFiEpyTc_eSwm8plnmg8mwqcNAe_3g8sCl3c/s1600/madroneBerries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0g7mJJ-ibwG-AzTKcorfqwWSgU8ArirdRGb4c5oT08WJQhurZSZvMKc9KukZ7CovtbNhsCjJWwR4sl_Zluy3DjjO2eszau7wLcddtDXFiEpyTc_eSwm8plnmg8mwqcNAe_3g8sCl3c/s640/madroneBerries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-1795650980309835252010-11-05T16:50:00.000-07:002010-11-05T16:50:02.287-07:00Dry Canyon Cache Maintenance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zNusewcDvxzLdLDQTBn2afIMOOTJW-zb2nEzTduoRngqFZhXXbuj1RXJBnfL2xXpavuH3rbkP10OLYj-yjYqbnb0Y8hNhb5QMlWdY49RC6AYu2gjshdoy0PGcSmmB8UzUsBWKwAyuI/s1600/whetRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zNusewcDvxzLdLDQTBn2afIMOOTJW-zb2nEzTduoRngqFZhXXbuj1RXJBnfL2xXpavuH3rbkP10OLYj-yjYqbnb0Y8hNhb5QMlWdY49RC6AYu2gjshdoy0PGcSmmB8UzUsBWKwAyuI/s400/whetRoad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-64102043010771558552010-10-22T18:39:00.006-07:002010-10-24T18:46:18.322-07:00Hidden PastureWhen I hiked to North Star Peak a couple of years ago to place a <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=abd452f3-5e24-4781-a270-e773171e5341">Geocache</a>, a divot in the landscape to the north of the peak caught my eye. Turns out it's called Hidden Pasture, and it's enough of a hiking destination to be featured in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Arizonas-Cactus-Country-2nd/dp/156044794X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287963731&sr=8-1">a guide book</a> and a <a href="http://blog.summithut.com/post/2009/01/12/Little-Rincon-Mountains.aspx">hike report</a> by Dave Baker of Summithut. <br />
<br />
That was good enough for me; I strapped on a pair of foot gloves and set out to explore. I used Baker's map, which I converted to a rough GPS route, as my guide. <br />
<br />
Parked alongside Mescal Road next to a dry creek bed, then hiked up to this gate that overlooks the boulder-strewn drainage leading to the pasture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBKRHvTHkXzTM2zQtKBjDDHQIL-_Pp6-gZ5H2QQRFy1108bIRABQk88z6tRdaDUp9MQ00Z83x1eec5jwO6fDRBYHDTCA9rviYLSRLM20K8Xv2ZqGuKmbHaaOtGToRmq8QGVR4hzu9T98/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBKRHvTHkXzTM2zQtKBjDDHQIL-_Pp6-gZ5H2QQRFy1108bIRABQk88z6tRdaDUp9MQ00Z83x1eec5jwO6fDRBYHDTCA9rviYLSRLM20K8Xv2ZqGuKmbHaaOtGToRmq8QGVR4hzu9T98/s400/gate.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
There are quite a few cairns marking the route. I was unnecessarily fussy about locating and following them, hoping to make a human Etch-a-Sketch tracing of the route. Burned a lot of time this way, and still made a botch of <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=859823">the track</a>. Fact is that so long as you follow the drainage to the northeast, you can't miss. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KwCDGOxvqi_XaP5SRbxAHx9VQONIZh554ILQQwZSnAMIRmvLAfXJNPRr61HLrjDrvvD2ardC_4WhUk12-nh2PwW_cZGxJPFGU1ugzfEDIObepeNSGcWYNSBKKRKM3wsGhSR3T3PbB90/s1600/cairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KwCDGOxvqi_XaP5SRbxAHx9VQONIZh554ILQQwZSnAMIRmvLAfXJNPRr61HLrjDrvvD2ardC_4WhUk12-nh2PwW_cZGxJPFGU1ugzfEDIObepeNSGcWYNSBKKRKM3wsGhSR3T3PbB90/s400/cairn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Terrain along the route was a mixture of granite boulders, coarse sand, catclaw acacia and various grasses. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ndCodyKsl0VbAnSIlqvV6A7EeI23K851B0NFamvh6CbgE6zu3P38H1ymskzCXWCMrqgaSez6oXp00lJerIDca89GT2mYQmAMqvDL9NkrPyiVvfh97l1FXJLhmrhiqrN7mSqJF7OWKec/s1600/hikeTerrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ndCodyKsl0VbAnSIlqvV6A7EeI23K851B0NFamvh6CbgE6zu3P38H1ymskzCXWCMrqgaSez6oXp00lJerIDca89GT2mYQmAMqvDL9NkrPyiVvfh97l1FXJLhmrhiqrN7mSqJF7OWKec/s400/hikeTerrain.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5zNY8QfYBBBSlIiu31ZbwdgtCmoVowPvVS1EYHSRlheD06cItA8UfBaisz-dOnn2ewcjWy2Qwns28sdYWzUzMEtdvW8J_cDvCxcn0Kz16-a9yV9nJ9Zn4OsTXROiq6i3G65Zu_x91L0/s1600/fenceline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5zNY8QfYBBBSlIiu31ZbwdgtCmoVowPvVS1EYHSRlheD06cItA8UfBaisz-dOnn2ewcjWy2Qwns28sdYWzUzMEtdvW8J_cDvCxcn0Kz16-a9yV9nJ9Zn4OsTXROiq6i3G65Zu_x91L0/s400/fenceline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fG8DEpkjs6I4OR6dgc5aoQaHaGCFDYHQs36z68k-AoiebdnzdhxHWpX6nTgzNdaWpu95Bc89t4QEFRTeD1PZgHLmWuA4_SGyTPD-93FTOuJ82fR4srAaSaNZN8Is_o7LPZB_sd25ov8/s1600/slantedSlab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fG8DEpkjs6I4OR6dgc5aoQaHaGCFDYHQs36z68k-AoiebdnzdhxHWpX6nTgzNdaWpu95Bc89t4QEFRTeD1PZgHLmWuA4_SGyTPD-93FTOuJ82fR4srAaSaNZN8Is_o7LPZB_sd25ov8/s400/slantedSlab.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Chilicote, AKA Rattler Beans. When the pods dry out, brushing up against these guys produces a realistic rattle that'll raise your hackles. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5IxczJgKMDVJpFkL9vBUAvChSD4fPBKbTqugQ_VeLDXh3IG6M8psMToHAWefx6r9Hs6kNjMzCGfOiYzCQUw28Vv86iUWI4PjjThzNNm4fpRe1XbL2FTiau_xZG9Sf8-oqGJtE3Zgsds/s1600/chilicotePods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5IxczJgKMDVJpFkL9vBUAvChSD4fPBKbTqugQ_VeLDXh3IG6M8psMToHAWefx6r9Hs6kNjMzCGfOiYzCQUw28Vv86iUWI4PjjThzNNm4fpRe1XbL2FTiau_xZG9Sf8-oqGJtE3Zgsds/s400/chilicotePods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Along the way, I appraised various potential routes to North Star Peak. All of them looked steep and tedious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VqdJA9mOTireXUSMN2cJas-AV6oZUxbq6nmpIGhx2HV9MK622Igildk1vnKFrK_uKHCAvyY9y-uoqNNysOsiqm7iU8lBMK5ZY7GENy7cCj1IceoRmOBuQOo3pTZgNlchvW9nOfLOV8Y/s1600/southSlope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VqdJA9mOTireXUSMN2cJas-AV6oZUxbq6nmpIGhx2HV9MK622Igildk1vnKFrK_uKHCAvyY9y-uoqNNysOsiqm7iU8lBMK5ZY7GENy7cCj1IceoRmOBuQOo3pTZgNlchvW9nOfLOV8Y/s400/southSlope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The pasture. Was kind of let down that not to see herbivorous dinosaurs grazing down there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcT7L_afZc9YomBjiJn8n_pnOx6m3_2gG6b-RzIoVZ4WYRieCcz_LnZaNU0u5u5rLBj4o361uGE7YLdh2ad5ZuIPquiBoCX8j8FBur-7-GOGiYd-q5CuL_Qgo3Xb1pdA_JKKfx8rgiuM/s1600/hiddenPasture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcT7L_afZc9YomBjiJn8n_pnOx6m3_2gG6b-RzIoVZ4WYRieCcz_LnZaNU0u5u5rLBj4o361uGE7YLdh2ad5ZuIPquiBoCX8j8FBur-7-GOGiYd-q5CuL_Qgo3Xb1pdA_JKKfx8rgiuM/s400/hiddenPasture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Found a wonderful shade tree and lunched on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sausage-shop-tucson">Sausage Shop</a> jalapeno sticks and cheese. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKYZ5kAkBVVTo7HK4k1IqmvsYw6jaOsS7UzQbbgYVpqtcaDkisBqgdjmnoN3YmCdVxqZMUmz77VRB1ZCkj0AWCcJjzNgxAv3re6RqvVkPhkP9DjJngZfJ96m_3zHQ0c5NZtuDzaz6LfQ/s1600/muleChow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKYZ5kAkBVVTo7HK4k1IqmvsYw6jaOsS7UzQbbgYVpqtcaDkisBqgdjmnoN3YmCdVxqZMUmz77VRB1ZCkj0AWCcJjzNgxAv3re6RqvVkPhkP9DjJngZfJ96m_3zHQ0c5NZtuDzaz6LfQ/s400/muleChow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Glad to go, glad to return. First sighting of the Jeep is always poignant, even on a short trip like this one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jWs8aZ23pklFJ_u15BNbFkIiSEUUJQUKud4N7xiOdy1Rv-G6U2Usmnr0WUFi8nrA35gZH72MR7Rrvo8oxqIpijMk4BJQzxlGV1kiKiRDXp4o90sk2-aE055eFF9bvMHPBuTrxVZ7T2o/s1600/jeepParking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jWs8aZ23pklFJ_u15BNbFkIiSEUUJQUKud4N7xiOdy1Rv-G6U2Usmnr0WUFi8nrA35gZH72MR7Rrvo8oxqIpijMk4BJQzxlGV1kiKiRDXp4o90sk2-aE055eFF9bvMHPBuTrxVZ7T2o/s400/jeepParking.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Map of this trip is on <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=859823">everytrail</a>.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-75024743285669893992010-10-15T16:42:00.004-07:002010-10-23T06:12:24.796-07:00Route 66 (miles)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xdq1ZHBL8OF5IhEZq0JguIi4U5lsQIVkI7Iq89ZRIth2KMfvaXZoMbVz86Ymt1pph9XIRyu38jm625TpjmTtyStvAsTg3IZy07UU88Ga9BORzRcTs-r51CetZYgjImj3bC-brDgmk6c/s1600/cloudsOverMules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xdq1ZHBL8OF5IhEZq0JguIi4U5lsQIVkI7Iq89ZRIth2KMfvaXZoMbVz86Ymt1pph9XIRyu38jm625TpjmTtyStvAsTg3IZy07UU88Ga9BORzRcTs-r51CetZYgjImj3bC-brDgmk6c/s400/cloudsOverMules.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rode the big, square loop: Highway 90 north to 82, west to 80, south to 90, west back home; a total of about 66 miles. Other than a persistent headwind on the southbound leg, conditions were perfect. I stopped to photograph the jellyfish clouds during that stretch.<br />
<br />
Trip stats: 65.6 miles in 5:03 (4:11 moving); track at <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=858286">everytrail.com</a>.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-47009652483874536422010-10-08T18:43:00.002-07:002010-10-21T13:16:10.023-07:00Kentucky Camp EpicBeen kind of toying with the idea of running the <a href="http://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/kc/">Kentucky Camp Epic</a>, but wasn't sure how I would do. One way to find out: I loaded the GPS with the short loop route (~29 miles) and gave it a shot. Turns out I'd have finished 8th or 9th in last year's running with my 4:17 time. <br />
<br />
Enjoyed the mixture of tough climbs, techy descents and fast doubletrack. Don't think I'll sign up for the race, but I will return to explore the lower loop of the long course, or maybe run the whole thing (46 miles). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGPgmQFwlDhGm94rJy0a2tXCSUdN5aLx5xEePuq8LMjNRKzuFwg9I1xGHwc9hqKnXxwgnjKYXIw1BoP7mS-H8ScH02dLS3_77z9bdVKAmfcdLjqsn-pap-H88B2Zi5p3hgspzEITrnE4/s1600/KYepic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGPgmQFwlDhGm94rJy0a2tXCSUdN5aLx5xEePuq8LMjNRKzuFwg9I1xGHwc9hqKnXxwgnjKYXIw1BoP7mS-H8ScH02dLS3_77z9bdVKAmfcdLjqsn-pap-H88B2Zi5p3hgspzEITrnE4/s320/KYepic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yjEZTdy916e4h3ZCnSq5wgSP41SQr0WuHA0cCWx07gtL-bnRdQji6rVF557iWdTlXyEiyXdFXFJjUcqpA8IY0hSGc6APBZatnAOOjcPQV_li4ahGGtnCOQsxzG42Cv9eS5zlA77wV04/s1600/fallGrasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yjEZTdy916e4h3ZCnSq5wgSP41SQr0WuHA0cCWx07gtL-bnRdQji6rVF557iWdTlXyEiyXdFXFJjUcqpA8IY0hSGc6APBZatnAOOjcPQV_li4ahGGtnCOQsxzG42Cv9eS5zlA77wV04/s320/fallGrasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Map of the run is <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=841987">here on everytrail</a>.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-79736559871834453902010-10-01T18:36:00.003-07:002010-10-11T12:31:04.833-07:00Carr Peak Bike-Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYn1xOlAPMxsa8bZsau_6mt_8qY4OsclacWl1Ua19C_K0F48y6lXuEsJDNdqIwdKQNhdPQc0Yo08i4VAJ4MGvx1PdsYPlJKPAqWD4s2cog4ZxBpJ8uwRrhoKtAcPMr_1Wuo_D5Ozs5YQ/s400/carrYellowFlowers.jpg" width="300" /> </div>Up ahead on the trail, I heard someone curse sharply. Other voices responded with something unintelligible but sympathetic sounding. I rounded a bend and caught sight of them: a half-dozen Forest Service workers outfitted for trail maintenance standing in two groups about a hundred feet apart. One of the nearer group, a young woman, saw me coming, and said, "I'm so sorry." I made a questioning face. "I accidentally broke their nest and the bees are all stirred up. You might want to run past them." She glanced toward the more distant group, who were rubbing and scratching. <br />
<br />
I saw the bees flying fast, tight orbits around their nest a couple of feet off the trail. They looked stirred up alright, but not very numerous or menacing. "I'm not allergic to bees, so I'll try to sneak past," I said. And so I tried. The bugs left me alone until I drew up even with their damaged home, then attacked en masse. One made a direct assault on my nose, seemingly intending to crawl up a nostril, while others stung my nearside arm and back. I had time to mutter "Crap!" before pawing at the nose invader and taking off running. I tore the bee-booger away from my face, only to have another replace him, <i>and </i>sting my nose in the bargain.<br />
<br />
About the time I barreled into the midst of the second group, the bees broke off their attack.<br />
<br />
I continued up to Carr Peak to inspect the Geocache (A-OK!) and have a snack before heading down. I had ridden the mountain bike from home up to the Ramsey Vista campsite, where I'd locked it to a tree. I'll add the trip stats later.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-62819797664364162772010-09-24T15:59:00.001-07:002010-10-11T12:35:12.384-07:00Fairbank FiftyIt's not a full 50 miles, more like 48-and-a-quarter, but it's a pleasant ride. I made excellent time thanks to a nearly windless day, but I failed to record the GPS tracklog. Next time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3tgOSFKEOKX5gxSw83v-pf2hp3bkMVfH5-2Wcmm9qUNpZC9_bjPe86-r3xLlq605Iscir6BtuthjuhHRL804SJuSI1UC1Z4Etid9Av2Z_SS6EzJM-GVRgPTvEaSuHTivDMg17puxd3c/s1600/posies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3tgOSFKEOKX5gxSw83v-pf2hp3bkMVfH5-2Wcmm9qUNpZC9_bjPe86-r3xLlq605Iscir6BtuthjuhHRL804SJuSI1UC1Z4Etid9Av2Z_SS6EzJM-GVRgPTvEaSuHTivDMg17puxd3c/s320/posies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Uq4u2Gt8ezAgxJ7s5A40WJ8jKjOnRce65ldyBAPBxHHLBIZUFHbnCioMos2PbsMJc9Rqk14rKb3yG2AERlJP2OFiEmzAo3K6R5gXjWlFSZ88sgOpXHEfu1JhYATQozqZ7njDUex7_g/s1600/Fairbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Uq4u2Gt8ezAgxJ7s5A40WJ8jKjOnRce65ldyBAPBxHHLBIZUFHbnCioMos2PbsMJc9Rqk14rKb3yG2AERlJP2OFiEmzAo3K6R5gXjWlFSZ88sgOpXHEfu1JhYATQozqZ7njDUex7_g/s320/Fairbank.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-53632176086675171352010-08-13T12:17:00.001-07:002010-08-13T12:21:49.463-07:00Carr, with Mushrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UbGeePqlboe5MQfYgYnybozymQLuQdfTWb-74AOKAmo0WvRpX07JdlU9grspQc8lUJta5_kwQyGNwxBu6Zs7qMrRV7ozfLCGf7pp5KA4wwjEPnvdVRqdekW4unRVZMmasxuEubSfbcY/s1600/amanitaMuscaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UbGeePqlboe5MQfYgYnybozymQLuQdfTWb-74AOKAmo0WvRpX07JdlU9grspQc8lUJta5_kwQyGNwxBu6Zs7qMrRV7ozfLCGf7pp5KA4wwjEPnvdVRqdekW4unRVZMmasxuEubSfbcY/s400/amanitaMuscaria.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW94n0om_VvHKV1D7pTLkv6lC7-6KWICT3ip0DBtMmYTgUxEk36LzxaNob9DMw6wfpXEwLydpBlOGxk-fN5-uHCa-59TqC9zeB0iFE7Ki3CcnOxgNvI94m_VKSlsGtgrDEwX6XRm32Jxg/s1600/yellashroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW94n0om_VvHKV1D7pTLkv6lC7-6KWICT3ip0DBtMmYTgUxEk36LzxaNob9DMw6wfpXEwLydpBlOGxk-fN5-uHCa-59TqC9zeB0iFE7Ki3CcnOxgNvI94m_VKSlsGtgrDEwX6XRm32Jxg/s400/yellashroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-63268862559292748982010-08-08T16:08:00.000-07:002010-08-08T16:08:37.109-07:00Sunday at Beatty's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtPgpc6sll66wyegJirJRZok0eMbteW3R0YNDeeENNOKprkA2clm9L1It5lAtuFFiuy3ocbecct-Cl3w-uQpuzf7YYSH0G8nqJQjyEO6K528AiaDBmBdgptgJKMsW3TKQSh2sGNutA4E/s1600/BeattysFrawg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtPgpc6sll66wyegJirJRZok0eMbteW3R0YNDeeENNOKprkA2clm9L1It5lAtuFFiuy3ocbecct-Cl3w-uQpuzf7YYSH0G8nqJQjyEO6K528AiaDBmBdgptgJKMsW3TKQSh2sGNutA4E/s400/BeattysFrawg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-86326107392907668682010-07-31T18:47:00.000-07:002010-07-31T18:47:07.950-07:00Yard Monster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dT4BSk7IbcZgdb6Qc2Fslj9emoMps3xxeiZgpP2bzNCHd0opQGL0b_zVKbOpVCLy8kHAT5w2iuNIbtDi7AAZMY5nwAfMB62_uWyN-AlmruN85wmh2PQzTlbhoTBTE2WAvnLps4ANKvw/s1600/yardMonster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dT4BSk7IbcZgdb6Qc2Fslj9emoMps3xxeiZgpP2bzNCHd0opQGL0b_zVKbOpVCLy8kHAT5w2iuNIbtDi7AAZMY5nwAfMB62_uWyN-AlmruN85wmh2PQzTlbhoTBTE2WAvnLps4ANKvw/s400/yardMonster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-19102159576908333712010-07-30T16:15:00.002-07:002010-08-01T14:57:46.150-07:00Carr Road Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G5RdZWAMUCsPHW4OPc6jZytUemWLTOtgxkev5iSsd78EK_yYMAZzvZdflW55NZZx6b23Jqp8TRqFSTfyME1Qt5DLDI5BmP3FKbC-FZjbsfyPZeufGG4PFXQkAfh8V_Z7M43MFBN-aD8/s1600/CarrMule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G5RdZWAMUCsPHW4OPc6jZytUemWLTOtgxkev5iSsd78EK_yYMAZzvZdflW55NZZx6b23Jqp8TRqFSTfyME1Qt5DLDI5BmP3FKbC-FZjbsfyPZeufGG4PFXQkAfh8V_Z7M43MFBN-aD8/s320/CarrMule.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3jlTntBX6lNtd-HRaPg-qnVOXDzZnz2CCuzP48IPZgxKCEx9lXyHX8GsJe3hstHZLDQpFm_lPGTo6dJP9uBeqpZ3GDLuNYpA-MLsB0LS_iIJrRTEZEexv22YaCtzQD2ogsPB0Qa5kHo/s1600/CarrClouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3jlTntBX6lNtd-HRaPg-qnVOXDzZnz2CCuzP48IPZgxKCEx9lXyHX8GsJe3hstHZLDQpFm_lPGTo6dJP9uBeqpZ3GDLuNYpA-MLsB0LS_iIJrRTEZEexv22YaCtzQD2ogsPB0Qa5kHo/s320/CarrClouds.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Rode from home to Reef Campground; roundtrip of 27.6 miles with 3100' of climbing in 3:02:35. Made it from the parking lot to the Reef in 52:35, about par for the course. Felt like I had plenty left in the tank when I finished, as I'd made a conscious effort to take it easy. Pics are from the pasture on the south side of Carr Road, and at one of the final switchbacks near the top.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-82164983090848562092010-07-24T20:23:00.001-07:002010-07-25T15:36:45.099-07:00Babocomari Sweet Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGETllQ5GyKjWuWVV_j6xrU4VjOro4wEJif2WSr8zSmcn2ckMtb_SW9qrCW_NKwnaLcLB4E2hyphenhyphenYmh32b24h3qR1BIQ8ZpL8udeRzlJ87ktgjjCePIQAyHLGjqs6WmlSGuzxr8TnYTSBg/s1600/olBabocomari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGETllQ5GyKjWuWVV_j6xrU4VjOro4wEJif2WSr8zSmcn2ckMtb_SW9qrCW_NKwnaLcLB4E2hyphenhyphenYmh32b24h3qR1BIQ8ZpL8udeRzlJ87ktgjjCePIQAyHLGjqs6WmlSGuzxr8TnYTSBg/s400/olBabocomari.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Heard strange tales of a fishing hole on the Babocomari River near Huachuca City and had to check it out. Finagled some GPS track data, recruited Gary to accompany me, and set out. <br />
<br />
And, what do you know? It's true! We hiked along the mostly waterless riverbed, enjoying the shade of enormous cottonwoods, until we reached a long, narrow pond of still water. GPS track indicates that it's about a tenth of a mile long, and I'd guess 20 feet wide. The water appeared to be dammed by an earth berm, but I couldn't say with any certainty whether the berm was manmade. <br />
<br />
With this discovery under our belts, Gary and I have agreed to make another expedition in search of the site where the infamous <a href="http://www.forteanzoology.com/cgi-bin/CFZ/YaBB.cgi?board=zoo01;action=print;num=1209760169">Babocomari Gator</a> was caught by AZGFD back in 1986. Fortunately, between clues in the newspaper article and water-flow maps <a href="http://azconservation.org/projects/water/">available online</a>, I have a pretty good idea where to look.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-90571445693854816472010-07-09T20:49:00.002-07:002010-07-25T15:21:05.063-07:00Miller Peak<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9iPwmrY9tiP78IYYRZ_308CwJxM842v5QlrmnC3TdWmzcxXbap8XX1z-vVtts3c0t3CnZyMYyKfRxWr6xy66ueFHh1IcZ_DuyNsKRNYHzFKHZth5RS3E-45sRtbE8LfHZ6XxjHIEIIA/s400/aspenSpruce.jpg" width="300" /></div><br />
My hike to the peak via the Miller Canyon trail was not the unalloyed pleasure of past trips. The heat, humidity and swarming bugs got the better of me. I was soaked two miles in, and remained that way until I toweled off after my post-hike shower. My usual source of solace, speed, just wasn't there today.<br />
<br />
At the summit I checked on my Geocache: all is well. I ate lunch and watched crowds of ladybugs milling around on bits of deadwood and leftover campfire char.<br />
<br />
The trip down was blessedly fast, given the grumble of potential storms overhead. The grumbling was insincere, though, as not a drop fell. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzkujAw2kefXaaxVq-o65DUJAZ1-Kk4Mn0yS_KsUdAk4vvIsYyUF8BEHsMKEwhxdYCEJGpWA-NNDQH0xcj0lI6ubYYCxtFyMUi2faRUQBPOqwf0Nd0aPYbq7R5gTIzlautQzxAoDtvz4/s1600/ladybugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzkujAw2kefXaaxVq-o65DUJAZ1-Kk4Mn0yS_KsUdAk4vvIsYyUF8BEHsMKEwhxdYCEJGpWA-NNDQH0xcj0lI6ubYYCxtFyMUi2faRUQBPOqwf0Nd0aPYbq7R5gTIzlautQzxAoDtvz4/s640/ladybugs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-21131038632059008182010-06-11T18:42:00.059-07:002010-06-17T08:07:51.555-07:00Brown Canyon to Parker Canyon LakeJust 13 miles away--10 from the Brown Canyon trailhead--that's how close to home pretty little Parker Canyon Lake is. Of course there's the small matter of the Huachuca Mountains in the way, making the trip to Parker a 38-mile slog on the dusty Montezuma Pass road, a 50-mile slalom on pavement through Elgin, or an extended round of hurry-up-and-wait transiting Fort Huachuca. <br />
<br />
The thought occurs, <i>it'd be easier to walk.</i> So that's what I did. Starting from the trailhead on Ramsey Road, I stitched together the Brown Canyon, Hamburg, Pat Scott, Crest and Sunnyside trails to make my way to the Montezuma Pass Road and onward to the lake. Amy dropped me off before six and promised to meet me at the other end at around one. I didn't envy her the drive. <br />
<br />
At the top of Brown, I met a lady and her dog, the latter enjoying a canine favorite: the Bath-n-Guzzle. The water in the trough smelled strongly of algae and tadpoles, a real plus in the dog's opinion. The owner asked me where I was headed, and when I told her she said, "That's certainly ambitious." Heh. "Ambitious" is the new "interesting." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVREttMUmu-VP21PCNRPW2EXrbOj2Onlc3vLKXC5M7N01W-tMjzNjH5BUYoz0yDt6t2E2QfBf2VXqMbE9g2VGpMtqGDkBmmgjoEwampB7nrS2VDDVEj2AJeMUL0VjjFcAKb6SQMsjboDU/s1600/troughPooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVREttMUmu-VP21PCNRPW2EXrbOj2Onlc3vLKXC5M7N01W-tMjzNjH5BUYoz0yDt6t2E2QfBf2VXqMbE9g2VGpMtqGDkBmmgjoEwampB7nrS2VDDVEj2AJeMUL0VjjFcAKb6SQMsjboDU/s400/troughPooch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I pushed on up Brown to join the Hamburg Trail, then upward toward the Crest. I made this a test run of my new Vibram KSO Trek foot-gloves, and was happy with the extra traction relative to the slick-soled regular KSOs. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91-BJVlfQU_ONUNg7URiR8LJxVVOedXAl2gZEMmqmrcB0y1Gk9ek-N8u6kARWRwYE8VynPJ2o5nYyir3fZQP5d8VUrsHjbo5dfa4QT2dNA4hwEk1j-Gh6uVqbMF7_4ms6FoX5XAlnK_g/s1600/HamburgTrailScene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91-BJVlfQU_ONUNg7URiR8LJxVVOedXAl2gZEMmqmrcB0y1Gk9ek-N8u6kARWRwYE8VynPJ2o5nYyir3fZQP5d8VUrsHjbo5dfa4QT2dNA4hwEk1j-Gh6uVqbMF7_4ms6FoX5XAlnK_g/s400/HamburgTrailScene.jpg" width="300" /></a> <br />
<br />
I had good conditions for the hike; an unusually cool day (high forecast in the upper 80s) and wind to keep the bugs away for awhile. <br />
<br />
I didn't want to get bogged down with sightseeing, but I snapped a few pictures anyway. It's impossible not to. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtqnSXJDQNVmltZbI7jufLdTi7i87TqfRz04vu8YjEdH9cQlGie6nDxWALVRdns4wonyxI09-b-dFMTV2_7D1j2ki3h5A2IsvkEyqvFHDDTxltKRsgPvCefCF6N1rKMyxxnH99kldxo0/s1600/yellowFlahrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtqnSXJDQNVmltZbI7jufLdTi7i87TqfRz04vu8YjEdH9cQlGie6nDxWALVRdns4wonyxI09-b-dFMTV2_7D1j2ki3h5A2IsvkEyqvFHDDTxltKRsgPvCefCF6N1rKMyxxnH99kldxo0/s320/yellowFlahrs.jpg" /></a></div>Golden Columbine. These delicate beauties were everywhere in the canyon, particularly abundant near streams and seeps. I also spotted some purplish orchids, but they were past their prime, already wilted and withered. <br />
<br />
I called Amy when I reached the Crest to assure her that I was on schedule for our one o'clock rendezvous. We'd been texting throughout the morning, mostly cussing out SPOT for a lack of tracking. I cycled power several times, but the tree cover is too dense along most of the route. If SPOT can't get a GPS fix, it won't bother sending a track. I tried once more after hanging up, and bingo! SPOT started tracking. <br />
<br />
Just a tenth of a mile south of the junction at the Crest, I picked up the Sunnyside trail for the trip down the other side. The western slopes exposed me to an unpleasant southwest wind for awhile, but as I descended I was swallowed up by forest and once again sheltered from the wind. So too were swarms of bugs, and they gathered around me in malevolent clouds. I was ready for 'em, though. At the last minute I'd dropped a headnet into my pack. I deployed it, careful not to trap any of the bastards on the inside, and experienced the snug comfort of isolation from one of Nature's nuisances--like sitting by a window inside on a stormy night. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXOaJvR5XeT2qmqBsrx5Pn-Q0VdpNPxE39CP2M9cOA1bdauoGTRAXu-DrHMGCAH6NgeOmEiwniIUx9Q7F68nCWqRH_0uQTdstfFvBuAc4xjMMLVCGMftIF5-FcGbg7vuS8ZssrAQ11o4/s1600/hikingSunnyside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXOaJvR5XeT2qmqBsrx5Pn-Q0VdpNPxE39CP2M9cOA1bdauoGTRAXu-DrHMGCAH6NgeOmEiwniIUx9Q7F68nCWqRH_0uQTdstfFvBuAc4xjMMLVCGMftIF5-FcGbg7vuS8ZssrAQ11o4/s400/hikingSunnyside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOAuqC3KHJa1WFnTkjQhTgDjUjL2CBl5EQ4GYuePmXPv5p1nSZuCiZAIVVhbPMG5gSXuHfNS58gb3a6F3I0vHvfDmzh4xXaEhwY_M64C_SrAzfDAYy1qtycydQPq9OBsoRRPM3hRli_s/s1600/sunnyside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOAuqC3KHJa1WFnTkjQhTgDjUjL2CBl5EQ4GYuePmXPv5p1nSZuCiZAIVVhbPMG5gSXuHfNS58gb3a6F3I0vHvfDmzh4xXaEhwY_M64C_SrAzfDAYy1qtycydQPq9OBsoRRPM3hRli_s/s320/sunnyside.jpg" /></a></div>Pretty soon I cruised into the ghost town of Sunnyside. Wind and bright sunshine kept spooks and spectres at bay, and I was within striking distance of my goal. <br />
<br />
Hit the Montezuma Pass road at around noon, and realized that I had a very good chance of making the lake by one. I picked up the pace and reached pavement in about 45 minutes. I turned on a walkie-talkie (no cell here) and immediately received a cheery <i>deedle-deedle</i> alert tone from Amy. She'd just pulled in to the parking lot. I told her I was a quarter-mile away. Made the one o'clock appointment with seconds to spare, as recorded by SPOT, below. <br />
<br />
Stats: 19.6 miles with about 3500 feet of climbing (trailhead to the Crest; thereafter almost entirely downhill). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q6wNjNTA1Q72cRzAulErUvt0JW8FQuZh5mm4reCRCZdbxje16MWr21uwE66QVeV1Kk6MfDT516zQofKozxf3TEVKZi173kYMEUDgR_Bh1VAt6RDq5PrQzYquZaLjH6jpv0IPhzVp8y4/s1600/arrivedSpot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q6wNjNTA1Q72cRzAulErUvt0JW8FQuZh5mm4reCRCZdbxje16MWr21uwE66QVeV1Kk6MfDT516zQofKozxf3TEVKZi173kYMEUDgR_Bh1VAt6RDq5PrQzYquZaLjH6jpv0IPhzVp8y4/s400/arrivedSpot.png" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-53726111197076451532010-05-28T16:47:00.007-07:002010-06-13T15:09:26.070-07:00AZ Trail: Canelo Hills Hike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvcqEijFFmFjBCtd45kzap00oqaiMMMzSF5aLIvyjpho_oZUPOC2-M4LWYdQj-4lH2c7VF4h5b5b-FqFAAGgfTCEzOjbUb5qlfcUkpFpH4gQdVm_SyjMu0NYiLTxQVsGr4cEbaTtRAVw/s1600/cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvcqEijFFmFjBCtd45kzap00oqaiMMMzSF5aLIvyjpho_oZUPOC2-M4LWYdQj-4lH2c7VF4h5b5b-FqFAAGgfTCEzOjbUb5qlfcUkpFpH4gQdVm_SyjMu0NYiLTxQVsGr4cEbaTtRAVw/s400/cinnamon.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
The Canelo Hills passage of the Arizona Trail has a reputation among mountain bikers as being a hike on which you might like to carry along a bicycle. You know, just in case. I took the hike and left the bike at home.<br />
<br />
Set out from the trailhead just south of Patagonia and letting the arrival of lunchtime determine my turnaround point. Right away, I could see how the passage got its hike-a-bike rep; the first couple of miles consisted of loose, sand-gravel trail surface mounting a succession of small hills at a 10-20% gradient. Maybe rideable for a patient, skilled granny-gear climber, but not for me.<br />
<br />
About a mile from the trailhead, I caught up to another hiker, "Autumn," an authentic Oregon hippy chick visiting Patagonia. She'd heard Bad Things about illegal immigration and smuggling and wondered about safety on the trails. Most of the horror stories were from folks who own homes and ranches near the border and in the Parker Canyon area. I gave her the sitrep and told her to enjoy Patagonia, though she might like Bisbee better. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Ys9ihwZ86mKHVxBF-9LZ2yUmrRY4uVdPhDzkYqRPflZMEcXTbstiNEbCTbzs-El60KACA9uRXlabGCnpGm29nhQeH8_v5xJlRg7JVE4sbIcKFOlW50jYsBZ7PVe4vkUZURNrFhu3JY/s1600/hippyChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Ys9ihwZ86mKHVxBF-9LZ2yUmrRY4uVdPhDzkYqRPflZMEcXTbstiNEbCTbzs-El60KACA9uRXlabGCnpGm29nhQeH8_v5xJlRg7JVE4sbIcKFOlW50jYsBZ7PVe4vkUZURNrFhu3JY/s400/hippyChick.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Autumn on the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJepACIGuO4MNTrqAgTfpOSKH38BL0CSH8AbLIJDYmsJ44e1tI3OISpSHzFWInKwjg68duhchIkLkIecv0G_pmes6RliuIZgahrZegpSjahkCnQ43QXLkWLk0E64XJeHjsGOsgdZoeck/s1600/caneloTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJepACIGuO4MNTrqAgTfpOSKH38BL0CSH8AbLIJDYmsJ44e1tI3OISpSHzFWInKwjg68duhchIkLkIecv0G_pmes6RliuIZgahrZegpSjahkCnQ43QXLkWLk0E64XJeHjsGOsgdZoeck/s400/caneloTrail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>After awhile, the hills gave way to flatter and occasionally shady, bosqey countryside, vastly more bike-friendly. Bike-friendly, but tire-hostile, with plenty of mesquite thorns and catclaw. I wore my Vibram foot-gloves through this section, but picked my footfalls with care. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhPTWBdtkUX4l6Vh_e0bkchFg1am-1NnzbMc_4BG8d9a6sNNjwfwWjIKVobDhcgz0bRZnHpssFvhWz1_PljxM_zUZDh5JH-ssCq-5qs-Nkj-12su15tGzHdPASx6Kv8VHPsTAFGKorDg/s1600/sunRay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhPTWBdtkUX4l6Vh_e0bkchFg1am-1NnzbMc_4BG8d9a6sNNjwfwWjIKVobDhcgz0bRZnHpssFvhWz1_PljxM_zUZDh5JH-ssCq-5qs-Nkj-12su15tGzHdPASx6Kv8VHPsTAFGKorDg/s400/sunRay.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Large, lush trees shaded parts of the trail. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbiQt5zNj6Q4B6qLUD9dyH-I8m6mnl0aG5jtYI8o6BhqQAhrxtF3WEA06jN6SOqSDlFIYDRXmYYXKV3oV_5g_iWEqVbDizzV-g1HCaC-I0wzFu8Pi4p9zc5JRGlt9cUMSCwaVb0PmafU/s1600/knobbyTracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbiQt5zNj6Q4B6qLUD9dyH-I8m6mnl0aG5jtYI8o6BhqQAhrxtF3WEA06jN6SOqSDlFIYDRXmYYXKV3oV_5g_iWEqVbDizzV-g1HCaC-I0wzFu8Pi4p9zc5JRGlt9cUMSCwaVb0PmafU/s400/knobbyTracks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Saw quite a few bike tracks enroute, some made while the ground was muddy and preserved, others more ephemeral impressions in sand. Wonder if any of these were remnants of the AZT300?<br />
<br />
Lunch time arrived just as the GPS odometer turned over eight miles. Not fast or far, but acceptable for a hot, lazy day. I picked a shady spot under a tree to snack. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXmErIz2rQ3MoBIroKV9TUqadfbogSGuVRICEinBHcAUfwZ42t1R_Dlx76ZAXLfzwiTkOPRrjmpVOn4vsSAlU0RLkqaExsNdRvbw6Vz8GX6l7j205Z2zKC2wV874OvDh6U_QW_c1COx0/s1600/caneloHills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXmErIz2rQ3MoBIroKV9TUqadfbogSGuVRICEinBHcAUfwZ42t1R_Dlx76ZAXLfzwiTkOPRrjmpVOn4vsSAlU0RLkqaExsNdRvbw6Vz8GX6l7j205Z2zKC2wV874OvDh6U_QW_c1COx0/s400/caneloHills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK67AxQCxzlzxXIoHBQS-gMcqnC_eSvHoF32thSz4xY-WmAt91oxwT-i3PZklQUjWF043s0P4A2INUUwUz5rNrJO1iFMtLwuJGcehqJeunNYNoMjwArylFLVz4Pyr5iFaRkvHtmdXDN4/s1600/handsomeProfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK67AxQCxzlzxXIoHBQS-gMcqnC_eSvHoF32thSz4xY-WmAt91oxwT-i3PZklQUjWF043s0P4A2INUUwUz5rNrJO1iFMtLwuJGcehqJeunNYNoMjwArylFLVz4Pyr5iFaRkvHtmdXDN4/s320/handsomeProfile.jpg" /></a></div>On the way back, I spotted a cow skull hung in a tree above a fire ring--a nice prop for telling stories around the campfire.<br />
<br />
By the time I reached the steep switchbacks above the Harshaw Road it had gotten properly hot. I drew the last mouthful of water from my Camelbak about a mile from the Jeep. Stats for the day: 16 miles with 2700 or 3300 total feet of climbing. (A rare case in which Topo Fusion counts more climbing-feet than Topo USA.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXRUfVzIb6J0iHeMsS7TLCOwrACTw_t48_UtB9Kdq-AP9gpuQbz3CTpKhzM2RxzvG2IUTYaGJZDpm4PcFrA7RgWPRp0nJfoGw6-S-921v9gFlxXdIYftWa-nNRpwNyCW8fPHngrGu8q0/s1600/redMountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXRUfVzIb6J0iHeMsS7TLCOwrACTw_t48_UtB9Kdq-AP9gpuQbz3CTpKhzM2RxzvG2IUTYaGJZDpm4PcFrA7RgWPRp0nJfoGw6-S-921v9gFlxXdIYftWa-nNRpwNyCW8fPHngrGu8q0/s400/redMountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-18077337653590490662010-05-21T14:22:00.001-07:002010-05-23T10:05:09.425-07:00Cooper Brown Mini-Epic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv3MbNTgDxB6L-i-Q1WApLXtgqetxOY0mPk3EqbyDFAzQNMRbxRhMhMzMfQsNnlV82H16DKjv_wUCWja4o85pMgtv4_uz7HJoY8v8Mp3ND3hNwbdxElOzJmbHnvZEFok7oaM3ITM0NzU/s1600/bristles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv3MbNTgDxB6L-i-Q1WApLXtgqetxOY0mPk3EqbyDFAzQNMRbxRhMhMzMfQsNnlV82H16DKjv_wUCWja4o85pMgtv4_uz7HJoY8v8Mp3ND3hNwbdxElOzJmbHnvZEFok7oaM3ITM0NzU/s320/bristles.jpg" /></a></div>With the wind bending treetops and grassblades alike, it seemed like a good idea to stay close to home. I slapped the new Exiwolfs (<i>-wolves</i>)on the D460 and rode from home down to the Huachucas. Got in 35.7 miles and 3849' of climbing by piecing together routes along Garden Wash, Ramsey Road, Cooper/Perimeter trails and Brown Canyon--a mostly singletrack Tour de Sierra Vista. <br />
<br />
A bad omen at the outset of Perimeter--a slow-leak flat. I replaced the tube and pushed on, but didn't put in my best performance on the trail's rockier passages. Don't know whether it was the loss of mental-momentum or the poor traction of the rear tire. (I dutifully followed the sidewall arrow, despite a strong intuition that it'd grip better reversed.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC0g_T7lfQObHczcJvT9WOd4Y8r7jwj1UoAiCXB3391uTzIxrYx8fbmQpC4RNikKsIjaRupgLX4VhsmEap8uP3R5NDM4o-SmzxHeNNce8-Tucmy53WVDgwVTNKToh25y-LO-L1ITDG-E/s1600/shadetreeMechanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC0g_T7lfQObHczcJvT9WOd4Y8r7jwj1UoAiCXB3391uTzIxrYx8fbmQpC4RNikKsIjaRupgLX4VhsmEap8uP3R5NDM4o-SmzxHeNNce8-Tucmy53WVDgwVTNKToh25y-LO-L1ITDG-E/s320/shadetreeMechanic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Lunched in the shade at the Carr Canyon trailhead, then headed off to battle the wind on pavement. Heading west up Ramsey Road was a trial; it was a relief to turn into Brown Canyon and start climbing in earnest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAWUMSFUokMUf9_79KNAsoK_OdYHJiAHMyTI9AxwaclhWPTutnqeOY9raHkr2rzTK-n0w6fNJ3CMUR89DUMUpp-LEBBTJ_96eBI8XH8Ar696N-L7cBOja6sJljaqTNCFsTALZi8EQbFs/s1600/isthereajamboree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAWUMSFUokMUf9_79KNAsoK_OdYHJiAHMyTI9AxwaclhWPTutnqeOY9raHkr2rzTK-n0w6fNJ3CMUR89DUMUpp-LEBBTJ_96eBI8XH8Ar696N-L7cBOja6sJljaqTNCFsTALZi8EQbFs/s320/isthereajamboree.jpg" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-48533407407037157232010-05-19T15:51:00.003-07:002010-06-10T15:16:25.287-07:00Wheelset MusingsLately I've been considering a new wheelset for the Redline D460. On a par with <i>Breakfast is the most important meal of the day</i> is the bike wisdom that <i>New wheels are the first upgrade you should make</i>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>After comparison shopping a bit and reading up on other rims and wheels, I realized that I lacked important information about my current wheelset: the actual weight. So, I stripped off the tires and put the rims on the postal scale. <br />
<br />
Front (w/rotor and skewer): 1260g<br />
Minus rotor (128g) and skewer (64g): 1068g<br />
<br />
Rear (w/rotor, skewer and cassette): 1924g<br />
Minus rotor (128g), skewer (64g) and cassette (425g): 1307g<br />
<br />
Total net wheelset weight 2375g<br />
<br />
That figure can probably be rounded down to 2300g even to account for rotor bolts, rim tape, and dirt. Shouldn't be too difficult to improve on a number like that.<br />
<br />
- New Wheelset Arrived! 904g front, 1060 rear. More to come..Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-80921760591287026502010-05-14T18:29:00.006-07:002010-05-16T14:21:50.437-07:00Rincon PeakThe objective, seen from a creek crossing on Mescal Road. Snowmelt is over, and the streams have slowed to a trickle. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJTleOov38GTY58E2NSIeUDBkeWWZPXIw-ZecUUx4NKXr7ycypc4wmcamcv8zC-mM7TnsdEJjrPFnhWsOr74_cpiFlxyTPmTx_AcBWK3q93yUJunVqPb3-8s3nv3IXrhKcoSTTbycBQs/s1600/RinconPeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJTleOov38GTY58E2NSIeUDBkeWWZPXIw-ZecUUx4NKXr7ycypc4wmcamcv8zC-mM7TnsdEJjrPFnhWsOr74_cpiFlxyTPmTx_AcBWK3q93yUJunVqPb3-8s3nv3IXrhKcoSTTbycBQs/s400/RinconPeak.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Wild grapes near the trailhead. I examined some of last year's raisins and it appears that the vines produce pea-sized fruit. Probably sour as all get out, but it'd be fun to pick and eat a few in season. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46Oh-F3ycYtc_07wenQB2nadI8bobr-9sbNx0RlcTAYSIk3sSn8cUf4wiIh6FSTCqeY9B0k7L9TxQYNNxN3rBZdd-mKNhw3tqIAwbu3FHuJ36RwYzOIkEc5HhnbTYLAirK5zKH9YqhYU/s1600/grapesofpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46Oh-F3ycYtc_07wenQB2nadI8bobr-9sbNx0RlcTAYSIk3sSn8cUf4wiIh6FSTCqeY9B0k7L9TxQYNNxN3rBZdd-mKNhw3tqIAwbu3FHuJ36RwYzOIkEc5HhnbTYLAirK5zKH9YqhYU/s400/grapesofpath.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Miller Creek Trail. Pleasant, sandy passage with more shade than you'd expect. It crosses the (now mostly dry) creek a few times before climbing up toward the ridge. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv_v0AbQYjwagp9dDw4FF79ekGzk3eiXF43LtOxjyyZ4tfKB-Xb_HFJ05g9Qut9Pf6U9e6FGAWtNfwkt_uQEnFptdbcNQDHdrOVOQq6U3jiqMHG4ktsDtLg8WklErBXEsQtvKsT1dfjQ/s1600/millerCreekTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv_v0AbQYjwagp9dDw4FF79ekGzk3eiXF43LtOxjyyZ4tfKB-Xb_HFJ05g9Qut9Pf6U9e6FGAWtNfwkt_uQEnFptdbcNQDHdrOVOQq6U3jiqMHG4ktsDtLg8WklErBXEsQtvKsT1dfjQ/s400/millerCreekTrail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
"Wheaties." I saw several different species of these cereal-headed grasses nodding in the breeze. It'd be wonderful to have this stuff growing in the yard, but I suspect that it requires Happy Valley levels of water to thrive. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lGXlrJCrdp3xKTbsL2xzZTC73UBKy7RGrTtlADwusXC7jhRkp3PJST883qbJOFfUJbz00cGnWxUE11a6ekjLoaFmagMQ-cGivq-DmSignpqImItfwwXO4glCBUZXvvqD9fdcpsLazPc/s1600/wheaties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lGXlrJCrdp3xKTbsL2xzZTC73UBKy7RGrTtlADwusXC7jhRkp3PJST883qbJOFfUJbz00cGnWxUE11a6ekjLoaFmagMQ-cGivq-DmSignpqImItfwwXO4glCBUZXvvqD9fdcpsLazPc/s400/wheaties.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Heh. Even with a good trail, I make sure to do a little bushwhacking. In this case, boulder-whacking. After a creek crossing, I followed a branch of the creek instead of the trail and had to adjust my course. Wasted about a half-hour in this fashion, but got to clamber around on some big rocks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTPQPpM9zutut62IGrFiv25M0PuhPedQF72okU0PApQwslwYGZzUZBXcpjxwZf5I9qaYRI69N32GheeVyAwnFAHBuQFbNdFjeeIRNalgJmSr6EJzdJxJJNMtUN94eH2hd6PHS2mhPB8/s1600/boulderXing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTPQPpM9zutut62IGrFiv25M0PuhPedQF72okU0PApQwslwYGZzUZBXcpjxwZf5I9qaYRI69N32GheeVyAwnFAHBuQFbNdFjeeIRNalgJmSr6EJzdJxJJNMtUN94eH2hd6PHS2mhPB8/s400/boulderXing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Back on track and steaming up the flank of the ridge on this solid trail. After my initial mistake, I followed cairns through rocks and faded boot prints over sand. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_JXjWUYIerA8S9F-8DifRgeWEcX_E3OFOflUdcxFZ4gBjdhZgeJ47WGvi5B5mx2uIUUPoIcBqR3qRSLrf6ppTbuYp4BbwSzkCklYpodt2EW0nfwKKfZGCIFe4sCWLc17qfqc_uyHB1s/s1600/shadyOaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_JXjWUYIerA8S9F-8DifRgeWEcX_E3OFOflUdcxFZ4gBjdhZgeJ47WGvi5B5mx2uIUUPoIcBqR3qRSLrf6ppTbuYp4BbwSzkCklYpodt2EW0nfwKKfZGCIFe4sCWLc17qfqc_uyHB1s/s400/shadyOaks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Heartbreak Ridge Trail. Got some elevation now, cool breezes and shade. Delightful, except for the persistent and plentiful swarming black flies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGlIZBb2moThwXugdy1s_mK5qmXGSDfHkG5B58ENOozBuijLSP3AF9IQTZhtChZt9spvyHj8QoU6-wRQx5lwHT814jDZqFOePOG967Lh-6PXakwUXs2edow5f9JgdwlzzD3aUJ8hSVC8/s1600/heartbreakRidge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGlIZBb2moThwXugdy1s_mK5qmXGSDfHkG5B58ENOozBuijLSP3AF9IQTZhtChZt9spvyHj8QoU6-wRQx5lwHT814jDZqFOePOG967Lh-6PXakwUXs2edow5f9JgdwlzzD3aUJ8hSVC8/s400/heartbreakRidge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
First good look at Rincon from the ridge. Come to think of it, maybe the last view, too, since the trail is primarily a tunnel through piney woods the rest of the way to the peak. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZfApRvyJT4oGzf5RXgYq_F-ZLuTGhPya3d_EyhyT8vUXKHC_BsWzo9uOCpxsmkD80zy2_E6TPVolmzSdR6-VJt7aRhXjuwshi22XKRzfPSiJ349aDTEUge_pKfMm-RLZ8NgTPs9Ekjw/s1600/rinconHbreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZfApRvyJT4oGzf5RXgYq_F-ZLuTGhPya3d_EyhyT8vUXKHC_BsWzo9uOCpxsmkD80zy2_E6TPVolmzSdR6-VJt7aRhXjuwshi22XKRzfPSiJ349aDTEUge_pKfMm-RLZ8NgTPs9Ekjw/s400/rinconHbreak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wore sandals for the whole trip, though I brought along some foot gloves (VFF KSOs) as a backup. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQaO1NetVQl4vwsj5TSYVXXkpw5L0vngcHAr45dbwSlaUhiI5iHq7LLK5rnj8iZpDDW4Ln6OTXL9j9X1vWV4Jj7nzv6DKqgT-HVXDCYm9EUcRG1u7DFR78cgP8ctiA7zF4Y0HMNG4JXQ/s1600/treadinTroddenTrails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQaO1NetVQl4vwsj5TSYVXXkpw5L0vngcHAr45dbwSlaUhiI5iHq7LLK5rnj8iZpDDW4Ln6OTXL9j9X1vWV4Jj7nzv6DKqgT-HVXDCYm9EUcRG1u7DFR78cgP8ctiA7zF4Y0HMNG4JXQ/s320/treadinTroddenTrails.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On final to the peak, looking back to see whether the trail looks as steep as it feels. Nope. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCqhyMo-NVfMAKoVu8bKUvhJuyqBFb9d3O3ruzOHIpY1xNHmAk0vw8EAZBAHceilprgIa8-nOBMvSplPaX-GqXaZm_0ECj6WVYbe2TEACyQSLTmO9IvEPO4NUebavv9P0QfO4o3O9qfY/s1600/pineyWoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCqhyMo-NVfMAKoVu8bKUvhJuyqBFb9d3O3ruzOHIpY1xNHmAk0vw8EAZBAHceilprgIa8-nOBMvSplPaX-GqXaZm_0ECj6WVYbe2TEACyQSLTmO9IvEPO4NUebavv9P0QfO4o3O9qfY/s400/pineyWoods.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Obligatory Kilroy shot with the Giant Heap of Stones. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHAFT9KmFvi-L3-mLp020GuFev91id61gi-MN2QwYeNU3ED9ZdpQ9axrRAgxuWf2HWuiQLLTORKUCC69_LOgpCAxbNhDNNjMvpbRbdPm8H3IMlC-uh1tG81ClvQFI_q9pHCfu2iZHN5U/s1600/bigCairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHAFT9KmFvi-L3-mLp020GuFev91id61gi-MN2QwYeNU3ED9ZdpQ9axrRAgxuWf2HWuiQLLTORKUCC69_LOgpCAxbNhDNNjMvpbRbdPm8H3IMlC-uh1tG81ClvQFI_q9pHCfu2iZHN5U/s400/bigCairn.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Hike stats (map-based; GPS track is too messy to use): 16.2 miles roundtrip with 4500 feet of elevation gain covered in about 7:30 (with a half-hour each of stopped and off-trail time).Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-60592991368096713572010-05-08T16:50:00.003-07:002010-05-23T10:05:45.108-07:00A Ripped Sidewall to Boot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAH0ZYoJFZdYq9xYjXrxCMX4u6xnbi-AdrD_bnbVfEGYRckcozMlNUlRZNnZVFBSZn-3OlD_22FW56vDmShOo7nf9LrqBMN9_-2CJKrUZUfWJmKPXV8hd2zO-v5zWMuL1dh6QW4yy1sA/s1600/slitSidewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAH0ZYoJFZdYq9xYjXrxCMX4u6xnbi-AdrD_bnbVfEGYRckcozMlNUlRZNnZVFBSZn-3OlD_22FW56vDmShOo7nf9LrqBMN9_-2CJKrUZUfWJmKPXV8hd2zO-v5zWMuL1dh6QW4yy1sA/s320/slitSidewall.jpg" /></a></div>Just 2.5 miles north of Three Bridges I was climbing out of a wash crossing when I heard the hiss. I tried to tell myself that it was just a puncture, but the tire was completely flat before I could dismount. One of those scabby rocks embedded in the trail had reached out and slit the sidewall of my back tire, a lightweight Vulpine. <br />
<br />
I had a replacement tube, but no spare tire, so I'd have to install a reinforcement (a <i>boot</i>) to prevent the new tube from protruding through the rip and either blowing out or getting damaged by some other trail debris. Since I wrap all of my bike tools in short sections of innertube, I decided to use one of those pieces--the one I keep the tire levers wrapped in--to back up the slit.<br />
<br />
I provided trailside entertainment for other trail users. A couple of runners that I'd passed near the trailhead pulled up; they had reached the turnaround point in their five-miler. Not typical runner physiques. He was shirtless with a broad, muscled back and a slight gut. She was more curvaceous than girl runners tend to be. But both had made excellent time on the trail and seemed fresh enough to run quite a bit further. He was sporting Vibram KSOs and while he'd done some distance on pavement in 'em, this was his first trail run. His feet were not particularly happy with the hard, rocky trail surface, but he figured they'd get used to it. <br />
<br />
As I was finishing up, along came a fella on a blue Redline Monocog. He offered assistance, which I declined, and complimented my bike, which I accepted. "Glad to see that somebody else out here is crazy enough to ride this full-rigid!" was his heigh-ho Silver line. Heh. I don't need suspension, just tougher tires.<br />
<br />
I got the tire back together with its reinforcing boot and pumped it up, all the while expecting it to blow out. The tear opened up a bit like a coin purse, but did not rip. Very gingerly, I rode down to Posta Quemada Ranch, where I picked up pavement to Pistol Hill Road. I stopped several times to inspect the repair, which held admirably. I opened up my pace on Old Spanish trail and averaged 20mph all the way to the rendezvous at Broadway and Pantano.<br />
<br />
I might be able to salvage the tire by gluing in a more robust boot, but it's probably not worth it. I'd never trust the repair, and the tire is one of the wire-bead OEM jobbies that came with the Redline D440, so it's heavy <i>and </i>fragile. Probably time that I remounted the trusty Panaracer Ram-<i>pazh</i>es anyhow.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-23777827557307467502010-04-30T19:01:00.006-07:002010-05-23T10:06:25.486-07:00Brown - Hamburg - Crest Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq0qO5YKWn2KUmshUFY3CjvNexJOXazrN_dALpX8o_xJMEtHXbWChza8EKtODqvkGt5ftYvWdTULTzxabXWJCEEohmG-qmGw48-f9UzBHgHkKBNsbt0vohKMVrnB62Cx-1aNo_2ub5r8/s1600/RamseyCreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq0qO5YKWn2KUmshUFY3CjvNexJOXazrN_dALpX8o_xJMEtHXbWChza8EKtODqvkGt5ftYvWdTULTzxabXWJCEEohmG-qmGw48-f9UzBHgHkKBNsbt0vohKMVrnB62Cx-1aNo_2ub5r8/s400/RamseyCreek.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I've been considering a one-way hike from Sierra Vista over the crest of the Huachucas to Parker Canyon Lake. But before I can sign up a shuttle driver to pick me up at the lake, I need a reasonably accurate idea of how long the trek will take. Today I walked the first half of the route, from the Brown Canyon trailhead to the Crest Trail near Pat Scott Peak.<br />
<br />
The trek of 16.6 miles with 5000 climbing-feet took a bit over six hours. Uniform of the day was sandals for this trip, but the Vibrams would have been fine, too. Thanks to good trails and signs, there are no navigational difficulties enroute. The snowpack is still melting, so the creeks were running with gusto. When I reached the Crest Trail the weather took a turn: Clouds moved in, the wind came up and, as I was rounding the final bend in Brown Canyon, swirls of tiny snow crystals swarmed down, just to put an exclamation point on a Spring of strange weather. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnATemRZKNxGjtpJQ5RrZ87EoY6L0dpzulGlr4ADnr8IBv_TO3UEXYXKgnndIhAOdr50_z2Q7d8HXvbfZOybtoIN2FZMffNPEL3I_c80VO_COG1Q4iY8y0xdU2ZLyX0dwdq_uv9TjlWYo/s1600/curiousDeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnATemRZKNxGjtpJQ5RrZ87EoY6L0dpzulGlr4ADnr8IBv_TO3UEXYXKgnndIhAOdr50_z2Q7d8HXvbfZOybtoIN2FZMffNPEL3I_c80VO_COG1Q4iY8y0xdU2ZLyX0dwdq_uv9TjlWYo/s400/curiousDeer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Spotted these deer just as the snow-sprinkle ended. They weren't sure what to make of it either. <br />
<br />
Looks like I'll need to allot about seven hours for the hike to the lake; eight if I want to arrive a little before my shuttle expects me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDtp-k2HTke7RAlzJ8RU6_qWXap_rIWnf1pGiD9jbNKPukI-rtO1KiZrQUNFxm8NKPCAk4E9rp3ackUQ99DxdDegFg2LbJqo4zxv2rk5DlxUtM3QVOcHVzVWX_aO31IZozbPDV_CS4nE/s1600/BrownCrestHikeMap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDtp-k2HTke7RAlzJ8RU6_qWXap_rIWnf1pGiD9jbNKPukI-rtO1KiZrQUNFxm8NKPCAk4E9rp3ackUQ99DxdDegFg2LbJqo4zxv2rk5DlxUtM3QVOcHVzVWX_aO31IZozbPDV_CS4nE/s400/BrownCrestHikeMap.png" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlzJRzaMQShdoTeU-Sl5-3KawCAAKmzaeudXzJX3Ys4hyphenhyphenH9ko9Buf8fo79XLhnJCbNait0rsUYQSlxEWPoaKgq94woTcoP-W0pZbdQZb89kpdH8XsF57f9DRpGA23HwL_H-QvV55YyLI/s1600/profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlzJRzaMQShdoTeU-Sl5-3KawCAAKmzaeudXzJX3Ys4hyphenhyphenH9ko9Buf8fo79XLhnJCbNait0rsUYQSlxEWPoaKgq94woTcoP-W0pZbdQZb89kpdH8XsF57f9DRpGA23HwL_H-QvV55YyLI/s320/profile.png" /></a></div><br />
(GPS track is for the outbound hike only; on the return leg the gathering clouds degraded reception enough that the track was useless.)Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-82434974090652789652010-04-26T14:39:00.001-07:002010-05-23T10:07:02.060-07:00Saturday Ride: Fro and To<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Rode the Redline 1x9 counterclockwise, flying the Jeep-road whoopses down to the mailboxes, then--<i>what the heck?</i>--rode back up to complete the trail clockwise. Had the semi-slick Vulpines on, so I wasn't surprised to log a halfway-decent 7:45 to the mailboxes in spite of ongoing upper-respiratory torments. Also not surprised to get a flat from an itsy-bitsy thorn that wouldn't have drawn blood if I'd stepped on it barefoot. You make tires lighter by leaving out rubber, after all. </span></span>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-91061527835261534962010-04-13T14:57:00.001-07:002010-04-13T15:44:02.379-07:00Sunday Morning Ride: Counterrevolutionary BrownA week or so back, I finally pieced together the off-pavement approach to Brown Canyon, linking the Garden trail, Calle Encina, Redrock Drive, and various double- and singletrack trails. Sunday morning I took the singlespeed Rat, still covered with Moab dirt, out to the canyon via the new route. When I merged onto the trail, I was headed counterclockwise around the loop, against the grain of my customary ride. Well, why not? <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Brown-clockwise begins with a short, steep climb up firm two-track followed by an easy, winding descent. Brown-counterclock is a gradual ascent with occasional patches of techy rocks and one for-me-unclimbable rockface, followed by a steep plunge down the old Jeep road.<br />
<br />
In addition to slickrock dust, the Rat's other Moab inheritance was an 18-tooth rear cog. The spinny 33:18 ratio made the CCW climbing easy--even the one steep stretch between the water tank and the gate. Good thing, too, as I had to stop and track-stand in the middle of that climb in order to make way for the blind Chow-mix dog belonging to one of the trail's regular hikers. Once the pooch was past me, I resumed pedaling and cleaned the climb.<br />
<br />
I took it easy on the final Jeep-road luge, scrubbing off a little speed here and there to maintain some margin of safety. But even at that--wooeee! I encountered a pair of clockwise riders who were winching their way up in the granny ring. Don't dare crash with witnesses, can't wimp out with spectators, so I allowed myself a modest hop off a bump and whooshed past, hollering a doppler-shifted howdy as I went by.<br />
<br />
I'm not necessarily a counterclockwise convert, but now at least I see the attraction: easy, scenic climbing followed by a swift rollercoaster plunge. Not bad for a change of pace.Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7287303919238249462.post-58195222049778984552010-04-11T15:50:00.000-07:002010-04-11T15:50:04.162-07:00Moab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z77Vgcw_tVGt2LXSvgeZ_3wDuIyt7775v4J6TyxjJvJt5dOUUeiPVXF8PQDCuoSn9CIKXMccRZVhyphenhyphenYsb7j0dkmVkDr9Hl8I3JmW4fe8qi6_McYHT5AgwdZPD0v2XER3HcZsCW7l2kAE/s1600/muleRatMoab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z77Vgcw_tVGt2LXSvgeZ_3wDuIyt7775v4J6TyxjJvJt5dOUUeiPVXF8PQDCuoSn9CIKXMccRZVhyphenhyphenYsb7j0dkmVkDr9Hl8I3JmW4fe8qi6_McYHT5AgwdZPD0v2XER3HcZsCW7l2kAE/s400/muleRatMoab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbnn_ZaB8YlDGynjGhsSouOhMjCQxB-gs6G6rSwswBvOWZTIqR25eUvfAkaJvwatworieDlv7FSrmnW9RQDafEIW3U6NLo658Dtf_7bgO8LkRqVwtfe0mUsuQfi35kvcbRKlTtSTS5pU/s1600/windowArch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbnn_ZaB8YlDGynjGhsSouOhMjCQxB-gs6G6rSwswBvOWZTIqR25eUvfAkaJvwatworieDlv7FSrmnW9RQDafEIW3U6NLo658Dtf_7bgO8LkRqVwtfe0mUsuQfi35kvcbRKlTtSTS5pU/s400/windowArch.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Mule Earshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17327783955655502447noreply@blogger.com0