Hiking in the White Tanks..............

I think I've mentioned in a previous post that we are pretty busy right at the campground itself, and have been slacking on our hiking adventures. Not because we want to....we just run out of time. Upon our return from NJ/VA, we decided we should go hiking at the White Tanks when we had just an afternoon or just a morning free, since this park is so close to us. Sooo....after a busy morning we headed out to the trails, praying that it wasn't too hot for yours truly. The sun is just brutal!

starting on Waddell trail....oh, about 2:00 or so!

ready Susie?

The air temperature was pushing 70, but with the full sun beating down and that radiant heat....it just felt so much hotter. Thankfully, there was a strong breeze (well, okay, it was quite WINDY), and that helped with the effects of the heat.

Were we on this trail before?

Connecting to the Ford Canyon Trail

heading to the canyon

the desert is really beautiful

a look over the saguaros to Phoenix

We headed out to the Ford Canyon Trail, via the Waddell Trail, and really enjoyed it. After  hiking out about an hour and a half, we decided it would be smart to turn around and head back. We did not meet too many other hikers-probably because it was just too hot too fast. Its been fairly cool in Phoenix this winter, and that is changing abruptly. The daytime temps are expected to be in the mid 80's now....and I'm pretty sure I am the only one here not really too happy about that. (I know....I'm a terrible snowbird)! Early morning hiking is in our future-just sayin'. 

heading up a bit

check out that saguaro...what is it saying?? go that way, no that way, no that way

getting a bit toasty for us....time to head back

oh look! 

you never know what you will see

Hiking in the desert has become one of our favorite things to do, as long as the weather is bearable. It really is so beautiful. I wish I could capture the beauty a little better in some of the photos. When the light hits the cacti in a certain way, it is just magical!

just beautiful

another "picture" of the beautiful desert

another fun day on the trails

you know its getting hot when the lizards come out (hope the snakes aren't out yet!)

staying hydrated!