Hottie and I planned to hike/run Wasson peak. We also planned on helping out at the ALL (Accelerated Learning Lab). But first I had to survive a dental epic. It was supposed to be simple — just cement a crown in. But the office was crammed and the Dr was hopping back and forth between patients. The receptionist claimed they were running 20 minutes behind but it turned out to be hours.
I’m slightly more patient and understanding than most people, and did not mind for 2 hours or so. As a result of this I think they put me on the lowest priority, paying attention to less patient patients.
In the end, it took over three hours for a half hour appointment.
So, we missed everyone at the ALL, and did not make it to Wasson. But we still got a good two hours or so of running/hiking in. The tendons above my knee became a bit inflamed, but I kept it going. Upon walking it out, my knee started feeling better. Hottie kept running and I picked her up a few miles down Camino del Cerro.
We almost made it to the saddle, and there was a nice view. The sunset was not so spectacular, but the Catalinas did glow a nice red. I was really enjoying the walk back until I heard the sound of 3 dogs barking and yelping below in a wash. Some residents (since ours was the only car in the lot) were ignoring the no pets sign. I thought of yelling at them, but I always avoid confrontations. It’s just my nature.
No matter how many times I visit Saguaro West I still cannot get over the fact that bikes are not allowed on the trails. Wilderness it is not! Horses have destroyed the tread, leaving hoof marks everywhere. Why horses and not bikes? There are old mining roads, signs of human impact everywhere. I can guarnatee that very few mountain bikers would brave the ascent to Wasson. It would not be an easy climb… but oh how I would love to give it a shot.
I also can never stop laughing at the ridiculous masonry work on the sweetwater trail. Again, I say, Wilderness it is not. How much time, energy and money was wasted blasting rocks and installing stone steps, all for what? So that the trail looks less natural and more annoying? It was very interesting to read the comments from user groups about the Saguaro’s upcoming GMP. All agreed (hikers, bikers and horses) that the mason work is not appropriate for the parks. Why does it continue? Likely the answer is tradition.
Yet another strike against tradition.
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