Birds Make Good Neighbors

Easter Sunday, my husband and 12 1/2 year old son decided to try and work off our huge Brunch by hiking Casa Grande Mountain. Not much is documented regarding the mountain since it’s recognition as a State Park sometime last year. I went to the library, the City’s Chamber of Commerce and even searched online. Many people we know here have hiked the mountain and know it’s trails, but nothing’s written down about it (which is our new goal – to document the mountain’s history and beauty).

By the gadget I used, it was 1.8 miles to the top, so 3.6 miles total hiking distance; elevation 2098. Rattlesnakes are not uncommon on the hike, so it’s best to bring a pole, wear thick socks, long pants and watch where you are stepping! Placing a pole in front of you, on the ground, and standing still, then slowly backing away is best. Rattlesnakes can strike 2/3′s their body length. 90% of rattlesnake bites are typically males who have been, either, consuming alcohol or antagonizing the snake. The other 10% are bites from accidentally stepping on it. So watch your step! Rattlesnakes would rather leave the scene than bite, so using common sense is key. I found this article to be most interesting and most helpful.

Of course other creatures exist on the mountain, as well as beautiful Arizona plants, trees and cactii. We are hiking again next weekend and hope to get some more interesting photos. We are also hiking an additional mile or two in order to reach another peak of the mountain. There’s a flag planted on the peak and it’s been said that once reached, you are able to sign your name in a book docementing that you have actually hiked the mountain. We’re going to check it out and try to get some more information about the mountain and it’s trails.

As always, click on the photos for a larger image. Then click them again for the closeup view.