I heard the cars driving by my home as I lay in bed this morning, getting up the energy to get my day started.
Drizzly view west to Red, Candy and Rattlesnake Mountains
I heard the unmistakeable swish of tires spraying water, it was raining. But, I thought, it’s not raining to hard and I have to keep working to get ready for the Badger Mountain Challenge. After our early-morning family gathering, I bundled up, thinking I’ll just shower when I get back so even a little dampness won’t be too bad. I got to the trailhead and was excited to get going.
Looking north
There were no other cars around as the rain deterred some hikers. I plugged in my iPod learning and headed up the Canyon Trail. As I hiked, I noticed the green that was a benefit of the moisture we’ve received recently and this morning.
Looking east, downriver from the top of Badger Mountain
It is the beginning of a beautiful time of year on Badger mountain; that time when flowers start pushing through the soil, patches of green grass are everywhere, but before the summer heat turns the vegetation into the marvelous array of the brown colors of desert beauty.
I got to the top in about 21 minutes without seeing anyone. I surveyed the view with gratefulness and headed back down. I saw 4 or 5 people braving the drizzle heading up the mountain.
Hiking the Canyon Trail on Badger Mountain
I just hope more people take the opportunity to hike Badger so they can experience the the different kinds of beauty as the seasons evolve.
Protected from the rain, heading for the summit