{Walk This Way}

I've lived in Arizona since the end of 2004, (minus that little trip across the pond in '06). Yet, somehow I've only explored two of the mountain ranges The Valley has to offer. (For shame!) New geography and mentality has me more determined than ever to try lots of new things.

After scaling both sides of the more popular Camelback Mountain, I knew it was time to follow the recommendation given to me by a bartender from Vintage 95 (who really just bartends to support his real love of hiking and working as a guide). I figured a person with his passion knows his stuff.

My brother, Aaron, was in town from Illinois. Together, we went west in search of Peralta Trail. (More cell phone photos -- ugh -- sorry! One of these days, I'll get back into the mode of using my real camera and taking decent pictures.)

{For you locals: Take 60 to Peralta Road Exit (just passed Apache Junction). Go north on Peralta. You'll pass a school, and the road turns to dirt. Take that another 3-4 miles and park!}

I get excited like a kid at Cedar Point when I get to a new trail head. Adventures await!

This hike didn't disappoint. We saw a 4 foot rattlesnake inches off the trail right off the get! I've always known they're there, but this is the first time I saw one up close and personal. I carefully snapped a picture. Fortunately, he cooperated. (Is it wrong that I assume it was a he just because it's a snake? Ha!) I couldn't quite get it in one shot. That's it's head to the left and it's wee little rattle on the right.

From then on, it was just a series of breathtaking views. We were amazed that they seemed to be ours alone. We saw so few people out there -- maybe a dozen at the most.

My "church" is, without question, Mother Nature. Nothing else resets me like she does! There's something grounding about being in medias res of expansive natural spaces. It reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things. Life is not to be taken as seriously as I sometimes like to think. We're really just part of a greater whole. The goal, as I see it, is to do something meaningful with my piece of it, leaving things a little better than I found them. Well, that, and making sure to enjoy the process. Mornings like this put my perspective back on track and reset the flow of my blood! 

The area pictured above is Boulder Canyon. We hiked all the way through it! The reward? An awesome view of Weaver's Needle. It's the main landmark in the Superstition Mountains, and it's gorgeous!

The hike back was fun -- faster, easier and every bit as beautiful. :) Completely energizing and a great little adventure. Quite possibly, the perfect way to start a Sunday!!