RENEGADE RAMBLE. Day 8: 8.1 Miles
I am seeking $20 donations for each mile but will accept any amount: ProtectOurPreserve.org/donate. We only need another $3000 to meet our goal of $25,000 by the end of July!
Fraesfield Trailhead. Whiskey Bottle Trail. Powerline Trail #2. Yucca Trail. Turpentine Trail. Black Hill Trail. Dixileta Trail to Whiskey Bottle Trail returning to Take Service Road #4. Black Hill Trail. Fraesfield Trailhead.
I had planned to hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead; however, when I arrived, the gate was still locked due to the Forth of July holiday. No problem. Fraesfield Trailhead is just around the corner.
Each day, I’ve expected an end to my run of lucky wildlife viewing, but I was fortunate again today. Not more than a mile up the Whiskey Bottle Trail, with my legs still fresh and sun rising through the clouds, two tawny mule deer stepped across the trail. We locked eyes for a moment before they bounded down the hillside. They weren’t too fearful; I was able to snap a photograph this time! (See attached)
Prickly pears many times the size of, though about the same color as a radish flourish at this time of the year. Bountiful banana yucca fruit tempts me; I hope to find seeds for sale somewhere to plant with my gardening club in the fall. The miracle of the desert bounty even as temperatures climb above 110 degrees Fahrenheit fills me with hope.
Further toward Powerline Road #2, a large bird of prey swooped by and landed on the saguaro (pictured). I’m sorry to report I am unable to identify it; I think I’ll add binoculars to my kit.
If you’d like to hike a leg with me, or if you have suggestions about how ProtectOurPreserve.org might raise money and awareness, please contact me.