Mark Gruca, Gary Baker, Dennis Zigmunt, Cindy Greiner, Freddi Wilson, Barbara Valencia, Dorothy Sammartino, Stephanie Rodeghiero, Dan Sammartino, Paul Rodeghiero, and John Greiner (photo by Carol Rice)
Hiking the Marcus Landslide Trail
Carol Rice
On Feb. 13 a group of “D” hikers headed to the Tom’s Thumb trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to hike the Marcus Landslide trail. About 500,000 years ago a portion of the McDowell Mountain summit collapsed. There are several interpretive signs along the trail that explain how the landslide occurred and point out the geologic features, but the highlight is the unusual rock formations. Visitors see examples of mushroom rocks, along with a large boulder called Submarine Rock that contains a grotto into which one can walk. The Hiking Club leads hikes six days weekly with offerings at five hike levels. Come and join us for these adventures. Visit the club website at pchikers.org for more information and photos.
Tom Wellman (center) with fellow hikers in Tucson.
Safety Committed Hiker Hits Milestone
Eileen Lords Mosse
PebbleCreek hike coordinator and leader Tom Wellman recently achieved a notable club milestone by hiking 5,000 miles over the past 13 years. Tom, a native Alaskan, joined the Hiking Club in January 2012, and is one of the club’s more active members. One year after joining the club, Tom formed the club’s first Safety Committee, and as chairman he created the first safety protocols. He is currently a member of the safety committee, which remains an integral part of the hiking club.
Tom has been a hike leader for over 10 years and became a hike coordinator four years ago. His commitment to the club extends deep; Tom has planned club hiking trips to Palm Springs, Zion, Prescott, Sedona, and Tucson (which is where he attained his 5,000 milestone). He has mentored other club members in out-of-town hike planning and in hike leadership training, and he consistently works to update and refine the club’s hiking descriptions. A well-deserved congratulations to Tom, and a deep appreciation for all that he contributes to the PebbleCreek Hiking Club.
Consider joining this fun club where safety is always a priority. Visit the club website at pchikers.org for more information and photos.
Pictured: Laurie Rosenbloom, Kay Thomas, Art Solorio, Barbara Valencia, Gary Baker, Atsuko Arner, Matt Schryver, Freddie Wilson, Sandy Mednick, Mike Collins, Dana Thomas, Ann Rohlman, and Dennis Zigmunt (photo by Susan Bernt)
Hiker Hits Another Milestone
Lynn Warren
On Feb. 20, 14 PC hikers enjoyed a perfect hike day in the Estrella Foothills and helped celebrate Dana Thomas’ achieving 6,000 miles with the club. Dana, an Alaska native, has been a member of the club for 10 years and has contributed to the club in many ways, including serving as club president and guiding the club through the challenging COVID-19 years.
Why Hike?
Jan Sherwood
Ruth Bindler (front and center) just completed 3,000 miles with the PebbleCreek Hiking Club on a hike at Lake Pleasant. You might ask why being a member of the hiking club is so important to Ruth. The hiking club was the first club she joined when she and her husband, Julian, moved to PebbleCreek. By being a member, she has met many friends who not only hike with her in the club but have also enjoyed other adventures, like hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and crossing England on the Coast-to-Coast Trail. Her love for physical activity, being outside to be able to feel the sun and rain, hearing the birds and seeing animals, also fits into her photography hobby. “Hiking is great exercise while learning about the wonders of Arizona,” Ruth says. Being a retired nurse, she has been a valued member of the club’s Safety Committee, instructing members on how to stay safe on the trails as well as bandaging a few hikers who needed patching. Aside from hiking, she enjoys biking, pickleball, kayaking, and cross-country skiing both here in Arizona and Washington state. Get outside and decide what your answer is to “Why Hike?” Check the information about our club and hikes on our website, pchikers.org.