(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, AZ)

Hike Date: July 29, 2010; Trail 396 from Senator Hwy to Goldwater Lake.

I just wanted to get a post in here one more time about this great trail.  Trail 396 from Senator Hwy to Goldwater Lake always makes for a great short 45 minute walk in and out.  Here are a few shots we took on this trip last Thursday.

This is the time of the year to see fungi at it's finest! 

Nothing quite like littering the natural beauty around the Prescott area with regulatory Do's and Don'ts.  It's a great way to shatter the illusion that you're out in the wild! 

I spotted this lawbreaker shortly after seeing the sign.  Bad dog!  You get out of there and put your leash on!



Thanks again for visiting Wicket's and my blog.  We appreciate your interest in our adventures into the wild around Prescott.  One of these days Wicket and I are going to get out of the Prescott Basin and head to another trail system, just for a change of scenery.

"Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel,

Noel@trailpooch.com

Noel@realtywebnet.com

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/28/2010, Wednesday

Wicket and I like to run out to the Granite Basin Lake Wilderness Area on Wednesdays and take advantage of the free parking day.  We park at the Cayuse Equestrian parking lot and hike out of there to the south on trail 346; pick up trail 347 north to trail 348, connect with trail 351 and back to the parking lot.  We cover the ground in a little over an hour. 

Wicket heading up trail 347 with Granite Mt creating the back drop. 

Here's what I refer to as "PacMan" rock, but I'm sure there is a formal name for it.

and on the north side of "PacMan" rock you have a total different look.  I haven't come up with a name that suits me for this view yet.  Not far from here, you can pick up trail 348 which will take you southwest over the west lake trail and back into the parking lot at the Cayuse Equestrian area.  This trail system is available for Hikers, Mt. Bikers, and Horseback riders.  The views are great in this area and vegetation still lush, if you discount the bark beetle damage to a good many of the pines along the way. 
The Trail system in the Granite Basin Wilderness area is extensive, in fact if you want to stay on the 347 you can hike a few miles north to a parking lot in Williamson Valley and connect with other trails along the way.  Snake sightings?  Yes, you can see rattle snakes in this area, in fact my son stepped over top of a napping Western Diamond Back a week or so ago while hiking on a trail north of the lake.  Luckily the snake wasn't interested in a mouth full of pant leg.  So just another heads up warning while you're out there with your pooch.  There are Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Javelina and I would suspect Black Bear in this area, not to mention all the other creatures of the wild that are known to make this part of Arizona their home, some good, some bad.

Heading back into the parking lot via the 351 from the north.  It was another wonderful hike into the wild around the Prescott area.

Thanks again for stopping in to check out our adventures. 

"Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel
noel@trailpooch.com
or
Noel@realtywebnet.com

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/27/2010; 7:30 A. M.; Partly Cloudy Skies; Morning after rain, Fabulous!

If you've never hiked the Yeager Canyon Trail #28 to Trail #111 to #533 and back to Hwy 89A on the west side of Mingus Mountain, I have to tell you, be prepared for a strenuous climb, switchbacks, "thick" forest and fantastic vistas.  This shot is actually from Trail #533 on our way back from an approximate 5 mile loop which covers some remote topography on trail #28, #533 and #111.  I was absolutely impressed on this walk in the woods with the Wicket Pooch.   We met a local Contractor on the Yeager Canyon ascent by the name of Bob who has been hiking this area for 30 years.  I felt short changed when I heard how long he'd been traversing this area.  But I do tend to spend most of my hiking time on the South and West sides of Prescott, AZ.  But I think I am going to make this loop one of my mid-range milage favorites. 
Finding the trail head for the Yeager Canyon hike is a bit difficult now that the forest service has blocked off the easy access to it.  But you can still park a few hundred feet from it.  If you hike with a pooch, be prepared to either carry your pup over a cattle guard, or figure on dealing with a barbed wire fence.  They didn't make it easy on the access here.  It's important to note that when you have crossed under the power lines while traveling west from Prescott Valley on Hwy 89A, at the west base of Mingus Mt., you're going to want to look for the first wide spot to the left of Hwy 89 where you can park.  The actual trail head is to your right on a curve in the road and south of the wide parking area on the left; about 500 feet south of it.  You can do like Wicket and I did and park in front of the barricaded access if you want to.   When you make it through all the obstacles that seem to be a deliberate attempt to discourage hikers of giving this a try, you'll notice trail markers for trl 533 and trl 28.  Wicket and I had intended to just do the Yeager Canyon Trail over trl #28 initially, but after meeting with Bob on his way back down and learning that the 533 connects with 111 and 111 connects with 28, I decided, why not make this 45 minute walk a little longer and just do the loop. 
I have to tell you, that I am glad we decided to do the loop.  We were into the round trip for about 2.5 hours total, just as Bob had indicated we would be.  Here's a shot of a dead tree on a Martin Limestone outcropping along trl #28 where Bob likes to hike to and check out the views back toward Prescott Valley. 
It gets kind of rocky on the Yeager Trail, but stick with it; it does get better as you begin to crest canyon's edge.
Shot taken along trl #111 on our way to the #533.  Note: #111 runs for 2 miles and intersects the main road running along the top of Mingus Mt south to Cherry.  When you get to the road, turn right and walk about an 1/8 of a mile to trl #533 on your right.
This is the TREASURE of the Day for me!
I am not a forensic expert or an archeologist, but I got to tell you when I saw this old wagon grown over with brush, I thought wow!  How lucky am I to have even spotted it lying hidden along side the trail?  I just happened to glance over my shoulder in that direction.  The thought occurred to me that there might have been hundreds of trail teams that passed it by and never new it was there.  
Here's the Trail Boss, Wicket.  He's looking at me and probably thinking, dang that human of mine has his camera on me again!  This shot was at the end of our descent over trl 533.  It's a good trail, but it's full of switchbacks, so getting back to "home plate" seems like it's going to take forever!

Thanks for checking in.  "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"
Please feel to post your comments and or questions; if you prefer, shoot us an email.

Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel
noel@trailpooch.com

Affiliate Website:
www.realtywebnet.com 
or noel@realtywebnet.com



 

(Posting from Prescott, Arizona.  Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel)

Hike Date: 07/26/2010;  Prescott Highlands Center for Natural History, Walker Road Lynx Lake area. 



Hi Trail Pooch teams.

Just wanted to get some information out to you about the great trail system immediately north of Lynx Lake, off to the east side of Walker Rd.  You and that trail pooch you hike with are going to love it out here! 
Check it out,
an outdoor ampatheater for the Scholarly. 
Ah yes,
now there's a welcomed sight!   Take a break here and meditate on the scenery before you in God's Country.
Yee haw doody!
"Charge of the Light Brigade"!  I'm telling you that Wicket loves it out here!  

Well Trail Pooch teams.. "Happy Trails" and remember to always, "Live Free, Live Wild",

Wicket and Noel
www.trailpooch.com   (Shoot me an email at noel@realtywebnet.com or noel@trailpooch.com )
Affiliated website: 
www.realtywebnet.com 

 

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/25/2010; 7:30 A. M.; Clear Skies; 62 degrees F at trail head.

Just in for a quick post about today's walk in the woods with Trail Pooch, Wicket in the Thicket.  Wicket tried to get me to roll out of the sack at about 5:00 AM, but I just couldn't make muster this morning.  Even so, the trail was fresh, damp from great monsoon showers that were received there yesterday and the temps were perfect for black long haired trail pooches named Wicket. You'll see Mountain Laurel with its thorns, Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Alligator Juniper, and Black Walnut trees in this area. This is one special spot in God's country.

I really appreciate trail #48, because its easy to get to and has a lot of nice terrain and moderate topography, unless you opt for the Mt. Frances hike; now you're talking some blood pumping and heavy breathing exercises.  For me it's a 45 minute forced march to the top.  But you know what?  The 360 degree views from there are worth the extra huffing and puffing.


Here's Wicket ignoring my command to turn around so I can get a photo of his face!  Typical.  He does make a great lead dog for me on any trail in spite of his stubbornness when it comes to photo opts.  Today he stayed closer than normal; I suspect because it has been awhile since we were on this part of the trail.  We normally do our little walk through this area in the reverse of what we opted for today.  Since I'm at least 15 years older than I was when my hair stylist Thomas coerced me into hiking this area, I think I prefer the reverse approach these days; a bit less grade to it, if you know what I mean. 

Here's a fallen "Soldier" where the trail actually goes under it.

I took this shot, because of the fabulous view of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte, although the photography is less than what I would have liked. 

Well Trail Pooch friends, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel
Email: Noel@trailpooch.com
affiliate website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com
noel@RealtyWebNet.Com

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date: 07/24/2010, Saturday.

Hi trail pooch friends.  Wicket and I decided to head out west of town and tackle a little bit of trail #37 which leads you into the Granite Mountain Wilderness area from Iron Springs Road.  We began our hike under threat of rain, but opted to chance it.  As luck would have it, we had the chance to hike wet. 

Posted at the Trail Head at Iron Springs Rd.

I met a couple a few weeks back at this special spot who were married here.  At that time there was a Juniper pine gracing this gateway to the Granite Mt.. Wilderness.  The high winds that came through this area earlier in the year blew it over. 

This gate about 1 mile in from Iron Springs Rd.  It's where the trail really begins to descend into the G. M. Wilderness.  From here Wicket and I hike on out to the next ridge where we have found ourselves a secluded view point where we I like to take a few minutes to reflect on things.

What View!

Well Noel, What are you waiting on?  Let's head back to the truck!

On the return trip from our inspiration point on trail 37, I finally appreciated the beauty of this century plant that had been hatcheted off a few weeks earlier by a person who'd rather not see it in its full glory, but this time this plant decided to blossom from what was left of its stalk.  Magnificent!  So to the one who chopped this Century Plant off, better take another look at it.  You might decide to leave things as they are the next time you're out looking to chop things up.  Learn to appreciate the living, rather than destroy it. 

Today we met a young lady and her two trail pooches heading up the trail as we were on our way down to the F-250.  A very pleasant woman with two very friendly pups, Andy and Oreo.  I've said it before and I will reiterate; Hikers who hike with dogs, are special people and the pups who hike with humans is what makes it all special out there in the wild.

Well Trail Pooch Teams, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Until the next time when we see you out there in God's Country.  Be safe! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the King Coral Snake that almost ran across my boots on the the way up the 37!.. exciting!  LOL
Wicket and Noel
www.Bolg.TrailPooch.com
Affiliated Websit www.RealtyWebNet.Com

(Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date: 07/23/2010

Hi Trail Pooch Hikers,

I just wanted to do a quick post about a 25 minute walk on one of the many trails in the Pioneer Park area (AKA Whipple Gunnery Range for you old timers).  

Wicket in the Thicket... happy and free.  Of course the humidity was a trifle much on this excursion, but we managed to have a superb quickie out at Pioneer Park on Friday of this week.
 and there is Granite Mountain afar!


Wow Wick, what's happnen with this bush?
  
Y'all have a great weekend.  Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel.
email: noel@trailpooch.com or at my business email: noel@realtywebnet.com 
Until next time Trail Pooch friends.  "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel: www.Blog.TrailPooch.Com





 

(Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/22/2010; Location School House Gulch Rd, Trail #61 and #396.

This first photo was shot at 7:30 AM on Thursday.  Wicket and I were heading up Trail #61 from the School House Gulch Rd near White Spar Rd.  I know in advance of approaching hikers who are with their pups, because Wicket lies down and assumes what I call his "ambush" posture.  Actually he is telegraphing his non-aggressive and playful intent to the other pooch.   So when I see him in ambush mode, I know there is a trail pooch up ahead.  In this photo, you can see Wicket and his new trail buddy, Herbie getting acquainted and Herbie's Hiking Human, a short distance behind.  The funny thing about this encounter between the two pups is that Herbie also went into his own ambush mode when he saw Wicket.  So there for a minute, or so, they're both on their bellies, chins to the ground, in a staring wait and see contest.  Very cute indeed.
 
When you get the chance, check out the comments the Herbie Team provided at the "Welcome" link to the left of the page.  She has her favorite spots along her favorite trails, same as all Hikers do.  One of those spots is at the summit of trail #396 where there are fabulous views awaiting all hikers willing to stop and enjoy.  She reminded me of the rock and log benches someone had built at that point, which have since been dismantled by others.  Somewhere in my photo archives on one of my computers I think I have a picture of it before it was taken apart.  Anyway, Herbie and his hiking human would like to request fellow hikers to assist her in rebuilding the bench arrangement there, as she finds it to be a fabulous place to enjoy reading poetry and soaking up all that is great in the out of doors.  I'm a player for this project, as I am sure Wicket is.  If you're interested in lending a hand, why not post a comment of your own.  Maybe we can get a group together to make this happen before summer passes into autumn.

Three new friends for Wicket, a very playful Dobie named Ebony and a sweet Basset mix named Chloe and friendly Foster.
 The Shadow Cameraman horning in on the action once again!..
Wicket in the pool of water just west of Lower Goldwater Lake where he made friends with Foster, Chloe and Ebony.  While the Hiking Humans were jawboning the pooches played in and out of the water.  Out of respect for the hikers and their anonymity, I shall not post there names as they have requested.  I will say that of all the folks I meet on trail, those who hike with a pooch seem to be the most easy going of the bunch.  Dogs are here to show us a few things, so I suspect we should pay attention to what they have to teach us. 
I'll close with this photo at the end of the trail.  I couldn't help but wonder just how often a person notices something as unique as this.  I have hiked by these two trees a dozen times or more and never took the time to really appreciate them.  Rather mystical looking, don't you think?  So where is the hobbit in this photo?  If you copy this photo and zoom in on it you'll see a hobbit's face. 

"Happy Trails" from the Trail Pooch Team, and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Email Wicket and Noel at  noel@trailpooch.com
Affiliate Website: www.realtywebnet.com /> />

Hello from the Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona

Wicket and I had another fabulous outing in the Lynx Lake area.  We try to get out there on a Wednesday to take advantage of the free parking day.  It wasn't that long ago that access to public lands was free 24/7.   I am lucky that I have a job that allows me to take advantage of "free Wednesdays".  Those of you who work on Wednesdays, I feel your pain.  Someday we should take it back America.

I decided to post the last photo of the hike first this time, just to emphasize how important it is to be careful while hiking in the Forest.  Here you go, check out this Timber Rattler! 

My Veterinarian calls these "Black" Rattlesnakes Mountain Rattlers.  I've always referred to them as "Timber" Rattlers.  But I can assure you that no matter what you end up calling these "Villains of the wild", they're almost impossible to see in the forest.  As you can see, this Timber Rattler looks exactly like a branch off a Ponderosa Pine or Pinon Pine.   We came across this ominous creature while exiting the Lynx Creek Ruin Trail Head area just north of Lynx Lake by about a mile and a half.  It was lying in the road which is why I was able to see it.  If it had been lying along a trail, or among the many piles of fallen tree limbs that scatter the forest floor, I'll bet I would have probably missed picking it out, even though I scour the trail ahead and to both sides of me and Wicket at all times, trying to see anything that might look like a black rattler.  By the way, it wasn't there when Wicket and I drove into the area. 
I can freely admit, while I am a friend of animals and believe that they should be allowed to live, unless hunted lawfully for food, the very sight of this Black Rattlesnake gave me a huge case of the Heebie Geebies!  Actually it is the first rattlesnake I've seen in about 4 years.  But there have been those times that I have almost walked up and stepped on one, even though I am very aware that they're out there.  Their camouflage is definitely working over time for them.  They are almost invisible when they're lying motionless on the forest floor.  Please be careful out there Trail Pooch teams....  NOTE:  If you're not aware of this you might want to take time out to have your Vet give your Trail Pooch a Rattlesnake Vaccine.  It won't stop the poison completely, but it will give your pup extra time to get the anti-venom from your vet.  Also, I am told that it doesn't have ANY affect on the venom injected by the dreaded Mojave Green Rattlesnake.  These Rattlers have extra strong venom which also affects the respiratory system.  So be extra careful around stream beds and water as they are as their name indicates, green and the few times that I've seen them has been when I was near water, like in the Verde River Canyon northeast of Chino Valley, AZ.   Talk about heebie geebies!  It makes me shudder just to keyboard this. 

Wicket is patiently waiting on me to decide which trail we're going to take.  What a pooch!

Ah yes the Shadow Cameraman is alive!

Wicket taking a dip in Lynx Creek in the early stages of this hike.  Just last week the Forest Service was letting water out of Lynx Lake and this spot was about two feet deeper with water running over the rock ledge creating a waterfall.  If you're a placer miner enthusiast you might want to give this area a try.

It's time to shut it down for today, even though I am running a full day or two behind...  Stay tuned to this site and I promise you more great shots of the back country in the Prescott Area.  Oh yes, I almost forgot; yesterday Wicket and I saw a beautiful coyote, a timber rattler, a ring tail cat, a few head of mule deer, and two raccoons, not to mention an assortment of chipmunks, squirrels and a rabbit or two, before the day was over. 

From the Trail Pooch Team, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"
Noel and Wicket  email: noel@trailpooch.com
Affiliate Website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com

The Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and the Shadow Cameraman, Noel Posting from Prescott, Arizona

Hike Date: Tuesday; 07/20/2010

 
Nothing quite like a hike into the Prescott National Forest to get your blood pumping.  Check out this wild grape vine; spectacular! 

Then there is Wicket racing back to see what has delayed his shadow cameraman.


Wicket and I decided to hoof it up a canyon in the White Spar Rd area Tuesday of this week.  It is also one of the trails we take when we are targeting Bean Mountain as our destination point.  On Tuesday's hike we opted to bushwhack out of the ravine to the west and tie into an old road that eventually leads us to another obscure old road which will tie into trail 382, a trail that will lead you north to the White Spar Campground.   

Here's a little keepsake I found along the way, while Wicket was hiking in point position.
enter the feather as evidence of another great hike into the wild.

and here at the end of our trail we have come full circle.  Look closely and you'll see what's left of a modern day ruin.  Here once stood a dwelling and gift shop on leased forest land.  Not seen in this photo is an apple orchard to the upper left of the photo.  All remnants of a less hectic time of our immediate past.  I was a very young fellow when my family visited this gift shop that no longer stands.  My father bought me a small bag of Hard Rock Candy on that day; about 1960-1961 as I recall.  Thanks dad for the memory.

"Happy Trails" from the Trail Pooch team Wicket and Noel:  "Live Free, Live Wild". email: Noel@trailpooch.com
affiliated website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com