Lynn Warren
How do hikers escape triple-digit temperatures in the valley? Well, one popular way is to head for higher elevation, so on August 9, seven hikers headed for West Clear Creek, a few miles southeast of Camp Verde. Although the hike was ten miles RT through scenic terrain, it was a relatively easy hike and the highlight was having to ford the creek eight times. Even though the hikers were confident of their skills and the water was not too deep, rocks on the bottom were quite slippery so most chose to protect cameras, phones and keys in waterproof covers, just in case. As it turned out, no one fell in so this precaution was unnecessary and everyone enjoyed the break from the valley heat. The club hikes extensively around the valley with occasional adventures such as this in other interesting areas; visit the club’s website at pchikers.org for more information and pictures.
Lynn Warren
According to legend, in the early 1900s a couple found gold coins (shortly before being murdered) in what today is known as Broadway Cave, a large opening on the west side of the Superstitions. On a hot July 16, seven PC hikers challenged I-10 traffic and headed east to Apache Junction and Broadway Cave. The hike to the cave was interesting and presented a few challenges since the trail was steep in places and occasionally required what is frequently termed “navigation skills.” Although somewhat marred by graffiti, the cave is quite large and interesting and has a 50 ft. prospecting tunnel at the back, rumored to be the hiding place for gold coins. The hikers didn’t find any gold so they left the cave and added distance by bushwhacking up Monument Canyon to a scenic area for a lunch break. The club enjoys fun and sometimes adventurous hikes all around the valley and challenges the summer heat to explore new trails for the next season; visit the club’s website at pchikers.org for more information and pictures.