Frolic in the Foothills

When I first started wandering out of my new neighborhood on morning walks I went the quarter mile to the head of my street, crossed the road, and entered the desert reserve. There is a sign as you enter telling you to stay on the trail. The problem is it isn't always obvious where the trail leads. Sometimes the dry wash, where water runs when it rains, looks like a trail. Another problem was the trails didn't turn very frequently so sometimes, in an effort to stay on the trail I walked further than I wanted. Then there was the problem of being so far away from the road/civilization that if had I found myself in need of help no one would have heard my cries. All this, plus the fact that the bushes could easily hide wild animals from my sight, made my walks in the reserve feel less than safe. After having to "off road" a time or two in order to get out of the reserve I decided I'd try finding some back roads to wander instead.

It's been several weeks now that I've explored the neighborhoods. I like to look at the plants along the way as well as admiring landscaping and the variety of housing designs. As I walked I found myself, almost without intent, trying to walk as close to the nearby mountain as I could. Each day I would try a different route, eventually ending up in a dead end somewhere along the way.

Before I turned around to head home I would take a picture of the mountain from wherever I ended that day. Each walk I would find myself closer...

and closer...
with a better view...
and more determination to reach the foothills...
Finally, I ran out of roads to try...at least that I could figure out without looking at the map. I wanted to try to explore, as much as I could, without consulting a map but I had tried every possible road.

So... this morning I pulled up google map and looked at all the places I had walked. As I studied the map I noticed that two streets over....a dead end that I had visited....backed up to a new neighborhood and it looked like there was only a very short distance in between the two streets. I set out with my pockets full, (camera, cell phone, house keys, sweat rag) my walking stick in hand, (that doubles as a paint pole) and determination in my mind.

The day, although hot, had a strong breeze that made the walk more comfortable as it blew the sweat from my skin, natures air conditioning.




Along the way I saw some interesting sights....My first snake in Arizona...well, what was left of him....

An unusual shiny smooth stone (rocks in the desert are typically dull and jagged)

I got to the dead end and, sure enough, I was able to cross over to the next neighborhood by walking just a few feet through someones side yard (I hope they didn't mind-I couldn't help myself-the mountain was calling me).

I walked down streets with names like Sidewinder and Diamond Back (I would think twice before buying a house on one of those streets) past unique custom built homes on large lots. I walked until once again the road ran out. I was pleased to be able to see clearly the fields of saguaro cacti growing in the foothills.




I took a picture and then turned to retrace my steps back home....



and to my surprise found that I had gradually climbed high enough to be able to look down and see the town in the distance.

As I reached home and checked the time I found my usual hour long walk had been more like two hours today. My feet were sore and my skin salty but my explorer instincts satisfied...at least for today.