Phoenix AZ, McDowell Mtn Regional Pk

We hiked a trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park that held a nice little surprise, a lone rock with some petroglyphs next to the trail.  It was a cool morning, perfect for hiking. Found out later at the park office that the rock is indeed the only one for miles with petroglyphs.  The Dixie Mine trail at the park, a few miles away has quite a few though, we were told, so we will be checking out that trail tomorrow.

We met up with Mike's cousin, Cathy for this hike!

You can see Weavers Needle across the mountain ranges

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Phoenix AZ, My Sis and her Chicks

For those of you who don't know, my sister runs a hen house!;)  Literally. We have been enjoying fresh, organic, eggs since we have been nearby.  Thought you might enjoy a look at the ladies:

Gemma is  letting the chickens out for a few minutes while she gathers eggs in the evening

Pretty colors!  Eggs are gathered twice a day.  This was a hot day and they don't lay as many on the hot days.  These 3 made about a total of a dozen for the day.

OK, time to go back in. They like it much better inside.  No coyotes or bobcats to worry about.....too much.

My sisters real job as a termite expert. In front of our home;)

Phoenix AZ, Agua Fria Trl

In the Phoenix area there is a 42 mile loop trail that circles the valley. The Maricopa Trail.  There are several trailheads around the loop and the Agua Fria trailhead is out near Lake Pleasant.  Mike and I did a few miles on this portion of the trail.

Our wild critters of the day were burros.  We came face to face with the male (called a "jack") almost as soon as we hit the trail.  As you can see, he has been in a few fights.  Later on we spotted the small herd made up of 3 females and 2 little ones.  We spotted a couple more up on a ridge.  Very cool!

Phoenix AZ, Cave Creek Regional Park

Here is that trail I mentioned yesterday where we saw the rattlesnake.  A beautiful park as you can see. You can see shale and white quartz in some of the pics.  That is what we walked on and with all the cactus and clouds that day, it was really pretty!

Phoenix AZ, Western Diamondback

Yep, it's a rattlesnake:)  Nice one too!  We encountered it on the trail at Cave Creek Regional Park.  More of the beautiful trail tomorrow.