It's About the (RV) Journey....: Cave Creek Regional Park...............

The first week of 2016 here in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, has been a washout! It rained here for 6 days in a row...which is highly unusual. Its also pretty cool, but I kinda like that part. Regardless of the weather, it was a busy week here in the RV park. Lots of people arrived after the holidays, and most of the activities started again full force. It reminded me of the first week back at school...ahhaah. By 9 am, people were heading to whatever "activity" they were involved in.

This was also the week of my skin cancer (basal cell) surgery, which went really well. Thankfully, I go every year to the dermatologist for a skin cancer check, and it was very small and very early. I'm glad that is over....I was having nightmares about it. Anyway, the nice big band-aid on my face is covering up the stitches. Its been fun meeting so many new people this week with a band-aid on my face. The stitches come out in 2 weeks.

our new flag...

a week of rain

I'm not getting any snacks out!

the "patient" is doing very well

getting the weather forecast?

Yesterday,our first sunny day, we laced up our hiking shoes and headed out to Cave Creek for a nice hike. The regional parks here in Arizona are really nice (that's why we bought a season pass). Very well maintained and staffed Visitor Centers. Great well-marked trails for every level of hiker. Clean modern bathrooms too! You can't beat that.

once we pulled out of our campground, we got a glimpse of the snow-covered mountains nearby

who wouldn't want to travel down this road?

Cave Creek Regional Park has about 25 miles of hiking trails, and we opted to do the "Go John" trail. According to the ranger, it is the "signature" hike in the park. The trail is 5.8 miles, and goes up and down and around a mountain. There are wonderful views no matter where you look. Even though the temperatures were on the cool side...in the low 50's ....we quickly warmed up with the sun beating down. Even in winter, don't forget to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun is brutal. It not only beats down on you, but there is radiant heat as well since there are no trees.

a bit chilly at the start

warmed up by the time we were almost done with the switchbacks

should I take my jacket off now??

not too far from the top!

the trail is really easy now, after those switchbacks

After a series of steep switchbacks at the beginning of the trail, for about a mile I think, the trail evened out and became super enjoyable. The views were incredible, and we felt like we were the only ones in the "wilderness". Truth be told, we met many people along the trail, as well as a few groups of mountain bikers, since it was such a gorgeous Saturday after a week of rain!

great views

great views no matter where you look

you good Susie?? No ledges.....

watching the bikers that just passed us .... on the trail ahead

isn't this beautiful?

getting the hang of the hiking poles...and they really do help! A bit cumbersome at first though

pretty picture

go that way...no that way...no go that way

just came from that trail across the way...the trail is very well marked

its so pretty here

another pretty picture

About 4 miles in, the trail changes dramatically. It gets pretty rocky and steep for about a mile, and the trail narrows to a single width. You really have to watch your footing on this part of the trail. I have to say though, the rocks are really colorful as I was looking down watching my step. This was an old mining area, and we were wondering just what minerals were there. We saw so many colors of rock...white, blue, red...as we were looking down watching the trail.

lots of rocky trails (for about a mile)...didn' take many pics of it....too hard!

the views were great

is that more snow over yonder?

our lunch sites are great....the views don't disappoint...the lunch could be better though...hahha

another pretty picture

going up again

we do feel like we are the only ones in these hills

such beautiful views

again....a pretty picture

another

cool rock - nature's art

lots of rocky sections on this part of the trail

the hiking poles are coming in handy!

more rocky climbs

paying attention....

going through the wash and looking up at the mountains....this trail is very interesting....has a bit of everything!

As the trail evened out and became easier again, I looked up and saw a crested saguaro! Always a treat, because they are kind of rare. Tom laughs at me, but I find the "crests" so interesting. Most of the crested saguaros I've seen have been at the top of the cactus, but this one was in the middle. Looked like the cactus was wearing a pendant of sorts. Hahah. All in all, this was a fun hike....with lots of variety and amazing views.