All photos by Bill McCall.

Neil Dennis led this hike.

Nine hikers arrived before dawn at the parking lot of Spur Cross Conservation Area to begin a hike combining two groups, AZ Trailblazers and North Mt. Visitor Center hikers. Since many of us routinely hike with both clubs, why not hike together during the summer when the hikes are shorter and located in the Phoenix area?

Six of the nine in today’s group are members of the Trailblazers: Rod, Neil, Julia, Billie, Jay, Maureen, with three from NMVC including two boys, aged 8 and 13.

Thanks to Bill for taking the photos today.

We explored the most popular trails in the Spur Cross system, including Spur Cross; Metate, Dragonfly and Jewel of the Creek and because of the early hour we had the trails to ourselves.

There was no water flowing today, but even under the extremely dry conditions we’ve had for a couple of years, there is still green, lush vegetation on the lower reaches and small pools of water. Hopefully the Monsoon rains will offer some relief this season.

Thanks to everyone who joined us today! See you next week.

9 hikers, 5.20 miles, elevation gain 442', 3 hours