Highlights from the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club
Exploring the stunning vistas of the Sonoran Desert, hiking near Tucson offers members of the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club an exhilarating way to connect with southern Arizona's natural wonders. The club, part of the active adult community, The Preserve at SaddleBrooke, provides a fantastic opportunity to meet neighbors and embrace the desert landscape. Here are some of the latest SaddleBrooke Hiking Club highlights.
Monthly Hiking Club Program
The SaddleBrooke Hiking Club offers programs that touch on various hiking topics six months a year. They are held at the Activity Center on the third Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Recently, the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club welcomed Missy Rodey. Her presentation titled “Uhuru Peak Raison D’etre, an Adventure to the Roof of Africa” will discuss the various routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the ecozones encountered en route, and the unique experiences of Missy’s climb there.
Though growing up in the Pacific Northwest with a family who enjoyed camping, she never experienced backpacking or hiking until her brother introduced her to it when she was in her early 30s. Hiking has been her favorite recreational pursuit ever since, providing many adventures in great places over the years. As she puts it, “Nature is a gift for my soul.”
Missy’s background is in public health. She attended college in Southern California, working her way through college as a tour guide at Disneyland. She then went on to gain a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on nutrition. Her career included teaching student nurses and medical residents at Northwestern University, hospital-based clinical practice with kidney failure patients, and nonprofit management. She capped her career with her own company, offering independent patient advocate services.
by Bruce Hale
Hikers Hit Dripping Springs Before the Fall Picnic
The Fall Picnic was a welcome time to reconnect with hiking friends and enjoy a banquet of delicious food. This year, Terry McCarthy led nine hikers to Dripping Springs before the official gathering. Terry shared historical information about Catalina State Park and pointed out interesting rock formations along the way.
The Dripping Springs trail they followed spends significant time in sandy washes and passes by large rocks and, in the rainy season, requires several water crossings.
After the 4.4-mile trek, the group was ready for all the picnic fixings. A great time was had by all.
by Elisabeth Wheeler
SaddleBrooke Hiking Club
The SaddleBrooke Hiking Club not only provides a platform for exploration and appreciation of the breathtaking Sonoran Desert but also fosters a sense of community among its members. Through engaging programs and invigorating hikes, the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club highlights opportunities for participants to forge lasting connections with both nature and their neighbors. The club continues to embody the spirit of adventure and fellowship, enriching the lives of all who participate.
