Empire 2, Gardner Ranch & the Arizona Trail

 The chance of rain tomorrow meant we got going this morning to do a hike on the Arizona Trail.  Well, we didn’t really know what we were going to do when we left camp.  We wanted to go up the Gardner Canyon Road where there are several trails.  When we got up there we chose the AZ Trail northbound.  We did some of that trail 2 years ago but didn’t go more than a couple miles.  Today when we stopped for lunch and checked the map we realized we had the time & energy to go to Kentucky Camp.  We had been at KY Camp 3 years ago and did a short hike there, so this would connect to that.  

We met 3 people on the trail today.  One was a trail steward south of here who had gone to KY Camp out of curiosity.  She had heard of a trail relocation and had gone to look for it, but didn’t find it.  The next couple had gone to Greaterville, a 12 mile round trip.  And it wasn’t noon yet.

It was a very nice stretch of trail with some good uphill to start then leveling off for long portions a couple of times.  Once at KY Camp we saw the caretaker and recognized him from our last visit.  Also met his brother who is working with him.  Their father started care taking there 20 years ago and the first brother started 10 years ago every January and February.

When we got back to camp we saw that Will and Linda were out at the other neighbor’s camp,  They gave us a big wave as we drove in, so we went over to meet n greet   Skye made a good new friend really quick  Dixie is a small Brittany and they hit it off great   Despite a long hike Skye was in full play mode  

We’re not sure what we’ll do tomorrow.  It is supposed to be showers starting around 7.  We’re not hiking in the rain, but will find something.

I am puzzled that my phone won’t let me post photos tonight   Those below were on my iPad  

This cow was right in the trail and didn’t seem to care about moving aside for us.  She and Skye carefully checked each other out. 

These cattle proof gates are on the AZ Trail

This was hanging in a tree.  At this height it was most likely hung there on horseback