Saturday, February 8 to Monday, February 10, 2014
After another free night at the same casino-resort, it was a 30 minute drive to the McDowell Mountain Regional park for a three day stay, just north of Fountain Hills, where we could still see the spewing fountain. A very unique, wide open desert setting with mountains all around in the distance. A relaxing and quiet spot. Made two long hikes in the mid day sun, and was it hot. Had another first, and unexpected surprise - a young diamondback rattlesnake right on the trail. Almost stepped on it. Yikes! It was a small one but the venom is just as dangerous as an older one. Never know what to expect in the desert. Heard packs of coyotes every night at dusk. This was another special place to experience.
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| A great desert find |
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| Large open site with a view and our own cactus |
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| PeeWee loves the open spaces |
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| Riding the trails is very big here, since it has miles to offer and is close to Fountain Hills |
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| Love the evening light here |
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| The sun goes down and... |
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| ....then it comes up to begin another day |
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| Some kids never grow up. That's some diamondback rattler in the covered play area. Where are the grandkids? |
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| Add caption |
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| Picked the Scenic Trail, and was it hot, dry and looong |
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| It starts out in the valley and then.... |
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| ....makes it's way to the top |
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| Sore puppies need relief |
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| That's our place taken with the long lens |
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| Grace wants to fit in with the surroundings |
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| Those little white dots in the background show how far away from the campground we are |
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| And the trail goes on and on |
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| Finally winding our way back down |
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| Ready for some cold refreshments on the perfectly groomed site. Hated to walk on it! |
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| Chicken BBQ time |
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| Every sunset is different |
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| Sunrise taken through window, while in bed |
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| A morning visitor runs by |
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| Here's the hourly fountain show in Fountain Hills |
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| Only kidding |
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| The winding trail |
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This certainly wasn't expected. It was a young diamondback rattlesnake right on the trail. Lucky I looked down
and saw him or else would have stepped on him. Not a good thing. Their poison is just as potent as a mature one.
Those are bike tire tracks he is on. |
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After a couple of photos and not too close, he gave the rattle warning with his tail and slid off the trail
under a bush. This certainly was a highlight of our stay there. Not many people see them this time of the year.
They are out now due the early high temps.
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| A very late tea time |
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| Another happy couple |
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