Hiking Among The Beautiful Cactus Covered Mountains

Wednesday, Jan. 9, the Desert Explorers hiking club headed out just a few miles west of town for a 4.2 mile hike through parts of Starr Pass.  We left the RV park at 8 AM and hit the trail head under clear skies and chilly temperatures in the med 40s.  The desert does warm up quickly as the sun gets higher.  There were about 30 of us who braved the cold in heavy jackets, hats, and ear muffs just to get some good exercise and fresh air.  It was so invigorating being out in the cool air and the sun shining on the mountains with even a view of Tucson behind us.  This hike was so beautiful!  The trail meandered over gentle slopes winding closer to the mountains.  All the different types of desert cactus were leafing out so it was all so green and colorful.  The Saguaro cactus with their arms outstretched seem to be pointing and saying “the trail is this way!”   What a great photo opportunity for me!  Soaked in every minute! 
 

Later we took off jackets as it got warmer and we would stop for a “water break” and a little longer break half way on our loop trail.  We all got to meet and talk with different people and share a great time together.  We just followed the leader because several trails go off in all sorts of different directions.  Of course,  I would walk ahead of people and stop and take my photo quickly before anyone ran into me.   Off we went!
 
 
Some went to lunch but I rode back with someone not going so I could get cleaned up, change clothes, eat lunch, and be back at the clubhouse for the creative writing class.  I also needed a little Ben Gay and Advil after I got home! But here are some more shots of our hike as we headed back to the trailhead.  I am all set to do it all again next week!!