We have forgotten what rocks and plants still know - we have forgotten how to be - to be still - to be ourselves - to be where life is here and now. —Eckhart Tolle
Hearts made of stone.
The days for hiking in the Phoenix Mountains are ticking down. Summer is rearing its ugly head, and as temperatures rise, the vibrance of spring quickly fades. Geez, how depressing is that?
Hey now, early mornings are still quite pleasant and hikeable. With that in mind, Dave, Margaret, and I chose to hike an alternate route on Quartz Ridge Trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. The trailhead (located just off 32nd Street and Lincoln) was our starting point for city views, moderate elevation, and an escape from Sunday Morning’s Talking Heads (that’s you, Chuck Todd).
Onwards to the connector trail.
Our alternate route took us on the Mohave connector trail, which meanders between Quartz Ridge and Piestewa Peak.
Towering saguaros.
Having hiked Quartz Ridge many times, this route was a pleasant alternative. Less traveled, it combines numerous vistas with a much-needed respite from the city it overlooks.
Ocotillo and Red Hooks.
Gazing over the Biltmore area.
We turned around at Mohave trail—that was just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Piestewa Peak parking lot.
Panorama with Piestewa in the distance.
A necessary escape — just long enough (3-miles) to get the blood flowing, clear the mind, move forward with the day..