Location: Palm Canyon Road in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
Slept like a log last night and felt refreshed this morning. Beautiful sunshine peeking through my bedroom window at 7:45. Going to be a beautiful day.
Got up and fixed breakfast. Had bacon and eggs this morning so that I would have the extra strength for a long hike today. Decided to hike Queen Canyon today and go to Palm Canyon tomorrow. I had hiked this canyon two years ago, but have forgotten everything since then.
At noon, Yuma and I jumped in the Jeep and went six mile up Palm Canyon Road to the turn-off to Queen Canyon.
Took us a little over a half hour to drive the 5 miles to the entrance to the canyon.
We soon stumbled onto the wash that goes through the canyon. I had forgotten that I could have driven up the wash instead of walking. Oh well, Yuma loves to run and it is much more quiet this way. Get to enjoy the sounds of the birds along the way.
At Skull Rock I had walked three miles. More than I should. My feet and legs hurt and I still have to walk back to the Jeep. Thank goodness it is all down hill.
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| Heading for that area to the right between the two hills. That's Queen Canyon. |
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| Looking back across the valley. |
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| We're off. |
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| Looking back. |
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| Yuma checking out a cairn showing me the way. |
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| Yuma wondering how to get through the Cholla patch. |
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| Looking back. Made it through the Cholla patch without too many stickers. Yuma learned fast to watch for them. |
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| Yuma doesn't stray far. |
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| Skull Rock. |
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| Looking back towards the entrance to Queen Canyon. |
My camera battery died at this point and the pictures I took with my cellphone are too large to download.
By the time we made it back to the Jeep, it was 3:30 and it was after 4 o'clock by the time we got back to the WL. The first thing I did was to take two Tylenol and soak my feet.
Around 5:30 I felt much better and pulled out my grill and cooked dinner outside on this beautiful evening. It was then time to get the blog published.
I hadn't weighed for awhile so checked my weight to find out how much I've gained. I was shocked! It says I weigh 130 pounds. I'm losing weight or these scales are wrong. If they are right, I've lost eight pounds from the last time I weighed. :(( May have to see the doctor when I get home.
My wife sent me a couple of pictures of what her day was like. Five inches of snow fell before it was over! Different world in Illinois.
For some reason, the Internet was running so slow I couldn't download my pictures. Without pictures the hike would be bland, so I posted that I would finish the blog later and went to bed.
I woke up at 1 o'clock and looked at my phone and saw I had three bars so decided to try downloading pictures. My, was the downloading fast. I guess the server I'm using was being overused last evening and now everyone is asleep. That's what I should be doing.
Around 5:30 I felt much better and pulled out my grill and cooked dinner outside on this beautiful evening. It was then time to get the blog published.
I hadn't weighed for awhile so checked my weight to find out how much I've gained. I was shocked! It says I weigh 130 pounds. I'm losing weight or these scales are wrong. If they are right, I've lost eight pounds from the last time I weighed. :(( May have to see the doctor when I get home.
My wife sent me a couple of pictures of what her day was like. Five inches of snow fell before it was over! Different world in Illinois.
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| Cardinal. |
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| Front yard. |
I woke up at 1 o'clock and looked at my phone and saw I had three bars so decided to try downloading pictures. My, was the downloading fast. I guess the server I'm using was being overused last evening and now everyone is asleep. That's what I should be doing.
See you later.
Well, that's a bummer.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. Not sure if it is bad internet connection or a problem with Blogger. I had an Microsoft update tonight and that might be the problem. Will figure out in the morning.
DeleteGreat pictures Dad! Very busy day in a good way. Very beautiful area. Have you been drinking enough water? Just wonder if you're dehydrated after your hike. Take care and get some rest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. Water could be the answer. I didn't take any with me and didn't drink but one glass of tea in the evening. I'll drink more today.
DeleteThat's one reason I always get up so early. There's no one on the internet at 4:00 am!! I don't know how you find out about all these places to hike. The pictures are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy. I just follow where Al and Kelly have been. They've been everywhere in the southwest i think.
DeleteThese are some really amazing photos, Doug.! Very scenic with blue skies, lots of green vegetation, & of course Yuma leading the way. That wash looks like a great place for Yuma to run like the wind. When you get home, Dolly will help you eat properly & gain back some healthy weight. In the meantime - try to force yourself to eat 3 meals a day. Plus mid-morning & afternoon snacks - something like granola bar & glass of milk or little box of raisins, a scoop of nuts, & a banana. Enjoy the Sunshine.😎
ReplyDeleteThank Moonfly. I t was a beautiful canyon. So quiet and remote. Only the sounds of the Cactus Wrens and wind through the brush. I'll work on more food and water. May be dehydrated.
DeleteMy pics were too large also so went into camera app. and changed the size.
ReplyDeleteNo problem sending now! I have a Samsung phone. Have mine set at 4.3 Resolution.
Thanks Payson. I'll do that.
DeleteNice looking hike Doug. Glad you and Yuma made through there with only a few stickers. Lots of green around, better than that white back home. Haha.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. I'll take the green over white anytime 😊
DeleteI've never heard of Queen Canyon. So beautiful. And I loved Skull Rock. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Elva. Beautiful canyon with high walls. Glad you enjoyed the hike with me.
DeleteIt's spring and the rattlesnakes are coming out of hibernation. In your shoes, I would not take Yuma hiking where there is a decent probability of running into one. There are shots that help and you should always carry Benadryl to administer if he is bitten. However, these precautions are not a guarantee that he will survive a bite, especially if you are hours away from a vet. Best to minimize the risk by keeping him on leash and on the trail next to you if you are out and in the motor home or secured close by in camp.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. As the weather warms they will appear. I would hate to lose Yuma because of my carelessness.
DeleteI had forgot it was called Queen Canyon. Looking at your photos I am pretty sure I know right where you parked the Jeep and started your hike. We stopped and walked there where those Chollas were but after Pheebs got stuck with one we walked back to the Jeep and drove the rest of the way into the Canyon. I recognized Skull Rock. We went a little farther than that then turned around. It's truly a beautiful canyon and I would love to go back there some day.
ReplyDeleteCompared to Palm Canyon this one is quite isolated and quiet. Yuma and I enjoyed the hike even though it strenuous for me. Yuma had a great time. Almost made it to the end but next time I'll drive. :)) I hope you three do make it back. We're not getting any younger. Each year is harder than the last.
DeleteBeautiful pictures! You are a brave man to go out in the heat, snakes!!!!! You need to eat more and exercise less LOL.. seriously, you need to add more calories to your diet! Why is it women don't have that problem..losing weight??!!!! Beautiful pictures of Illinois..sure wish I could have made it this week!
ReplyDelete