Do over

I try to use my photographs as the inspiration for blog topics. This morning I was going through my hiking photos of 2021 (which I categorize by date in separate folders), and found one that I haven’t written about yet. It’s called the Lime Creek Trail, and I tried to hike it back in February. Yes, please note “tried.”

Early in the morning, I headed out to the Cave Creek area, where the main road ends and you take a Forest Service road deep into the Tonto wilderness.

I was following the directions of a random website page to seek this elusive creek and a historic cabin, and I was able to find all the forest service roads that led to more forest service roads. Finally I was at the last road to take to the trailhead, but sadly it was impassable with my low-clearance vehicle. I figured I was only a mile or two away from the trailhead, so I parked it alongside the deep ruts of dried clay leading up a very steep hill, and continued on by foot. It was not too disappointing as the landscape was gorgeous, and there were interesting rock formations to explore.

After a mile or two, the road led down to a dry river bed, framed by a beautiful sycamore tree. Sycamore bark always fascinates me with its patterns of lines and color. I think they should be dubbed the “Redwoods of the Riparian.” ha ha

I walked and walked along this winding, hilly dirt road for miles, looking for that trailhead. At one point I saw a couple cars parked at what looked like a rustic parking area, but I could not see a trailhead after looking around. So I kept walking until I came across an unmarked stream, bubbling alongside the road. I assumed it was Lime Creek because of the algae, but who knows?

After a while I kept walking along the road and found a huge assortment of petrified wood, perched high on the top of a very steep hill. The contrasting colors of the blue sky, red rocks, juniper, and prickly pear cactus made my missing hike feel a little more complete.

I figured at this point that I’ve seen all that I can see for the day, and headed down the hill. Now that I wasn’t stopping at every little creek, rock, or tree, the walk down the road went very quickly. As I passed the parked cars again, I decided to look for the trailhead one more time. And as I walked down what appeared to be a path, I found the Lime Creek Trailhead. It would be another four miles before reaching a historic cabin… should I do it? I decided to wait until another day and do it over.

So looking at these photos and recalling my day’s adventure, I’m ready for that do over. Sometimes it’s better the second time!