PebbleCreek Hiking Club Diary: Enjoying Impressive Arizona
Enjoying New Sights on Out-of-Area Hikes
From the PebbleCreek Hiking Club Diary: This active club sponsors hikes six days a week and usually organizes some out-of-area hikes each year. On a recent trip, three different groups of hikers traveled to Green Valley, south of Tucson. On day one, two groups hiked in Saguaro National Park, and one group explored the Brown Mountain loop. The hikers spent the second day in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. As hikers climb the trails, they are challenged by the starting elevation of 5,000 feet but rewarded with frequent animal and bird sightings, enjoying the cool temperatures and trees, and experiencing impressive Arizona scenery. The hikers were fortunate to see two rare sightings—a ridge-nosed rattlesnake and a yellow-eyed junco.
On the third day, the hikers explored Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Additionally, two trams carry visitors to higher levels to begin their hikes. This beautiful canyon offers an abundance of water, creating the need for hikers to be comfortable with some water crossings!
If these adventures sound enticing, visit pchikers.org to view photos and learn how to join this active group.
“B” Hikers Enjoy Scenic Loop in Estrella Foothills and EMRP
Conveniently located just south of the Gila River, Estrella Foothills (EF) and Estrella Mountain Regional Park (EMRP) offer a variety of trails that hikers can combine in many ways based on their desired distance and elevation gain. On April 15, 10 “B” hikers enjoyed a 9-mile loop that started at the EF High School and continued on the Crossover trail into EMRP, with a pause on the return at an impressive quartz outcropping along the Pedersen trail for a lunch break and obligatory group photo. This year, because of moderate temperatures and rain received, the mountains were unusually green and colorful poppies and brittlebush were still enhancing the scenery. If hiking and experiencing impressive Arizona scenery interest you, the club provides four levels of hikes, six days a week during the regular season, and offers more limited, close-in hikes during the summer.
Atsuko Arner Reaches Hiking Milestone
Atsuko Arner completed her 2,000th mile with the PebbleCreek Hiking Club in Estrella Mountain Regional Park, and celebrated the event with many of her hiking friends. The backdrop of green desert with wildflowers was a lovely setting for the occasion. Atsuko and her husband, Art, hike in Arizona during winter months and near their Seattle area home during the summer. They were both among the recently honored “octogenarians” (80 years and over) who belong to and hike with the club.
Atsuko has had interesting life experiences. She worked as a nurse in Japan and then as an airline flight attendant in the United States before meeting Art and establishing their family. Atsuko is very positive, encouraging other hikers, joking along the way, and sharing her upbeat outlook. Join Atsuko and other hikers for an inspiring experience on the trails! For more from the PebbleCreek Hiking Club Diary, visit the website at pchikers.com. Furthermore, a variety of hikes with various distances and elevation are led each week by club members.
Contributions by Lynn Warren
About PebbleCreek
Experience the lifestyle you deserve at PebbleCreek. Nestled in Goodyear within the vibrant Phoenix area, this Robson Resort Community offers 55+ resort living at its finest. Immerse yourself in a world of passion and discovery as you enjoy retirement freedom and indulge in a multitude of inspiring activities, including over 100 clubs, classes, and organizations such as the PebbleCreek Hiking Club. Pursue your interests, forge new connections, and embrace the ultimate retirement experience at PebbleCreek. Contact us today to get started!
