Left to right: Clare Bangs, Pete Williams, Lynn Warren (photographer) and Bill Halte clowning for a selfie with a crested saguaro in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Lynn Warren
Scientists estimate that there may be as many as 75 million saguaros but as few as 700 crested saguaros. PebbleCreek hikers may question the 700 since they have seen numerous crested saguaros on their many hikes and on June 15, four PebbleCreek Hikers visited another one just off the Pemberton Trail in scenic McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. It was a really hot day for an 11 mile hike but still comfortable since it was before the onset of monsoon season. The club hikes five days a week during the regular season (September through April) and explores new trails, with an occasional adventure, during the summer; visit the club website at PCHIKERS.ORG for more information and photos.
Sedona
Pete Williams
The PebbleCreek Hiking Club did a hike on July 9 in beautiful red rock Sedona. The six club members on the hike included (left to right in back) Bob McDermott, Clare Bangs, Lynn Warren, Pete Williams and Bill Halte. Bonnie Elliott is lurking just above the bush in front of the group. The loop hike utilized nine different trail segments and included a section across bare red rock and as well as an interesting slot canyon called Canyon of Fools. We do occasionally come across wildlife on our hikes – on a wide red rock ledge, we shared our snack break space with a cute baby rattlesnake (maybe cute is pushing it a bit much). It was in a wide open space and we kept our distance so there was no danger involved. For more photos (including the rattlesnake – look under Sedona – ChuckWagon/Mescal Mountain Loop) and other information about the club, please check out our website at pchikers.org.