Left to right: Stacey Miller, Barbara Valencia, Lynn Warren (photographer), Mike Tansey, Tom O’Reilly, Neal Wring, Bill Halte, and Kris Raczkiewicz enjoying cool water while crossing West Clear Creek.
Lynn Warren
July 31 was another hot, humid day in Phoenix (high of 110 degrees). To escape the heat, eight hikers headed to the Camp Verde area to hike a club favorite at West Clear Creek. The drive down to the trailhead was challenging, and best done with a high clearance vehicle, but the hike made the effort worthwhile. The group enjoyed a leisurely, scenic 6-mile hike that required fording the creek three times in each direction, but the cool water was a refreshing change from desert hiking. Although the hike was relatively easy, it did require poles or excellent balance since you have to step on submerged rocks in flowing water, which can be quite slippery because of algae; fortunately, no one fell in, just a couple of near misses. Join the club and you too can enjoy the Arizona outdoors with a fun group of people. Visit the club website at pchikers.org for more information and photos.