"To walk alone is possible, but the good walker knows that the trip is life and it requires companions." - Dom Helder Camara
This quote appeared in my Sojourners daily email the day I returned from a three-day hiking trip in Tucson with my friend Bev Groff. How fitting! Both literally and figuratively for nearly twenty years, Bev has walked with me through life’s journeys. I am blessed to call her my friend.
During our three days on the trails there were some challenging moments, but we didn't rough it in the back country. Rather, we launched our adventures from the comfort of the Best Western on Oracle Road (clean, affordable, free breakfast and happy hour!). Oro Valley has gotten a much busier and developed than the first time I saw it. But ten minutes into any trail, the serenity of the desert landscape overcomes any sense that one is minutes from a major city. Here is a recap of our hikes:
Saturday - Pusch Peak
Bev's trail name is "The Hungry Tortoise," but I think she should be called "Brave Billygoat." Pusch was a surprisingly tough, with false trails, loose dirt and rocks, and heart-stopping vertical scrambling. We did OK, but my lack of preparedness, combined with ominous rain clouds stopped us short of the summit. If at first you don't succeed, try try again. I will summit Pusch someday in the future. Who's with me :) ?
Sunday - Romero Pools at Catalina State Park
The Romero hike was a true "walk in the park" compared to Pusch. We spent about five hours on this trail. The out-and-back hike is about 3 hours. There are some breath-taking vistas overlooking Oro Valley, but the best part of the hike is lounging by the mountain pools and waterfalls.
Monday - Blackett's Ridge at Sabino Recreation area
This was a gem of a hike. Not too difficult, but definitely challenging. Six miles out and back, approximately four hours of hiking. The trail ends on a steep overlook of Sabino and Bear Canyons. The trail is impeccably maintained, and features a number of vistas.
I was in search a peaceful place that would help me heal. Each day moved me incrementally towards my goal.
Here is a link to some of our photos. I will post a youtube video as soon as I get it uploaded.
Bev's trail name is "The Hungry Tortoise," but I think she should be called "Brave Billygoat." Pusch was a surprisingly tough, with false trails, loose dirt and rocks, and heart-stopping vertical scrambling. We did OK, but my lack of preparedness, combined with ominous rain clouds stopped us short of the summit. If at first you don't succeed, try try again. I will summit Pusch someday in the future. Who's with me :) ?
Sunday - Romero Pools at Catalina State Park
The Romero hike was a true "walk in the park" compared to Pusch. We spent about five hours on this trail. The out-and-back hike is about 3 hours. There are some breath-taking vistas overlooking Oro Valley, but the best part of the hike is lounging by the mountain pools and waterfalls.
Monday - Blackett's Ridge at Sabino Recreation area
This was a gem of a hike. Not too difficult, but definitely challenging. Six miles out and back, approximately four hours of hiking. The trail ends on a steep overlook of Sabino and Bear Canyons. The trail is impeccably maintained, and features a number of vistas.
I was in search a peaceful place that would help me heal. Each day moved me incrementally towards my goal.
Here is a link to some of our photos. I will post a youtube video as soon as I get it uploaded.
2 comments:
Summit Push all the way!
Summit Push all the way!
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