Sublime day for an easy to moderate hike in the Catalinas with my great friend Ira from Cincinnati. I scouted this short 5.7 mile loop a couple weeks ago precisely with Ira in mind. Ira is getting back into hiking after a substantial layoff due to some medical reasons, primarily a hip replacement. Let me just say, I think the hip is nearly back to 100 percent considering Ira’s pace today; I think Ira was especially (and happily) surprised as well. Saw a couple of coyotes on the trail, and we apparently just missed a Bobcat according to a couple other hikers. Other mammals included some horsey folks and their horses, and other bipeds on their own legs. Beautiful weather in the low sixties, with cerulean skies and no wind; perfect hiking weather.
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Nice pace set by Ira.
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Ira remembered his poles today. And while he certainly didn't need them on Bridle Trail, he was glad to have them on the descents and rocky areas.
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One interesting Saguaro, perhaps 150 years old.
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Looking north toward the Tortolita Mountains where I have done many hikes, including the M.O.V.E. fundraiser hike my hiking partner Misty and I did last February.
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Looking northeast from the Cañada del Oro Ridge (CDR) at the northern end of Pusch Ridge. Ira moving on out ahead of me.
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Looking east at the Pusch Ridge. I have hiked the first three peaks: Cathedral Rock only last week; Window (Ventana) two years ago for the third time; and Kimball in November for at least the fourth time.
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Looking northwest from the CDR Trail.
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About the midway point where the 50-Year Trail comes in from the east.
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