The sun was out this weekend, and the wind wasn’t too strong. We were glad because we are over all the rain and wind! Yes, we are grateful for the beautiful flowers, but enough is enough! Anyway, we were gung-ho to hike the Bobcat trail near the house, but it was a bust. With all the new houses and apartments going in, the trail isn’t accessible any more from Dove Valley Road…at least that we could see. If you know the secret, do share!
This isn’t our first adventure, and we had a Plan B because you never know what will happen. Off to New River we went to hike the Andy Kunasek trail at Spear S Ranch. Last time we came, a biker had to be air lifted out due to a crash. Click on the link above to get more information on that hike. Today looked quiet and calm. Note: No human restrooms, and the free parking lot is relatively small. Just as we got on the trail, though, my ankle decided to act up again. I’ve been doing so good, but not today. I cannot confirm or deny that I may have rough housed with Mowgli too much the night before. Mom said it sounded like a herd of elephants playing! For the record, it’s Mowgli’s fault. Awoof!
The Andy Kunasek trail is a bit rocky, and I just couldn’t go very fast. Mom could tell it bothered my ankle. We took some pictures of the flowers and headed back. Dad had a Plan C – way to go! Back in the car we went and drove over to Cave Creek Regional Park.
We noticed the Cave Creek Rodeo was taking place. Anyone go? Just curious. We have been to the Cave 
Creek Regional Park numerous times. It costs $7 per vehicle to get in, and it is always busier than the trails near us. The lady at the entrance said the flowers were spectacular, and she wasn’t kidding.
Off of E. Tonalite is a parking lot for the Go John Trail. Go John is a lengthy trail, but we parked closest to the section where we were told wildflowers were plentiful. The lot was full, but we were able to park across the street. Again, no restrooms here. You would need to head back to the visitor’s center.
You have tons of hiking options, and we suggest you get a map to determine what best suits your time frame, energy, and ability—and in my case, your dog’s condition. This trail wasn’t as rocky, and I was able to plug along without much discomfort. Dad also taped my ankle, and that helped a lot.
Mom was excited to see so much purple, her favorite color if you didn’t know. The yellow flowers were everywhere, and some of the hills were covered in orange from the poppies. Truly a sight to see! We stayed on the Go John trail and past the intersection of the Jasper connector trail.
The trail keeps going as far as you like. We opted to hike an hour before we turned around. Since this was our third stop of the day, the temperatures were warming up some. We didn’t have a picnic lunch since we were supposed to be close to home, and it was after lunch time now. I heard Mom’s stomach growl. I wasn’t hungry until then. Now all I could think about was food. Thanks, Mom.
On our way back, we took the Jasper connector trail and went back on the Slate trail so it would be a loop. That added a little to the hike, but we don’t know the exact mileage as Dad’s cell went wonky. We estimate it was about two miles around trip.
However long it was, it was just right for my ankle. We saw amazing fields and hills of flowers, and that made Mom
happy. If you have the time and energy to hike a little further to make your $7 count, we recommend you visit Cave Creek Regional Park soon. We suspect we’ll have wildflowers into April, but we never know here in the desert. Get out and see them while you can!
Back home, I got to each my jerky and rest my foot. By Sunday, I was walking normal again. I’ve never been this old before (14 ½), and I guess things are changing. My mind says JUMP, and my body hesitates and may or may not comply. Sigh. We all just do the best with what we have, eh? Keep on, keeping on my friends.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
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Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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