It was a chilly start to what turned out to be a perfect hiking day in Cave Creek.

We welcomed two new members to the club; Rodney, 2^nd hike and Sonny, ^1st hike with us.

Eight hikers started out on trail C-4 to Slate, then Jasper, to Go John to Quartz, Flat Rock to Military and back to Slate then C-4 to the parking. This completes a “lollypop” configuration going clockwise.

Fun fact: The Military Trail is a remnant of the old stagecoach line between Prescott and Phoenix, and ran through the original town of Cave Creek that was in this area in the late 1800s.

We were treated to spectacular desert scenery today, and even stopped to visit the Michelin Man Cactus that’s just off the trail. To me it looks exactly like the other MM that hangs out in the area of Granite Mountain.

We took a snack break before starting the last leg of the journey. This is where one hiker who had a previous commitment took leave of us and hot-footed it back to the cars.

Quy and Carl both took photos today so hopefully we’ll get to share this area with all the club members through photography.

Back at the trailhead, we compared GPS and pedometer readings and came up with 7 miles hiked. Funny thing, that’s exactly what Neil and I measured last time we hiked this route.

This is the first Trailblazer hike Neil and I have led, and it went so well we are planning others.

Thanks to everyone who hiked today, because several had a long drive over to our side of town. We strive to make it worth your time and gas on future hikes.