New River’s Wilds, Part I: Finding the Boy Scout Loop

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 9, 2017 in Community, Social, Travel

January 8, 2017, New River- I did it right, this time; I found, and walked, the Boy Scout Loop. Taking the northbound route, from New River’s Emery Henderson Trailhead, the next to last such springboard to Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, as one gets towards Phoenix, it was a non-taxing 5.75 miles, each way, including the Loop itself. Starting with the trailhead itself, there are five covered ramadas and BLM-style restrooms, greeting the bicyclists, hikers and equestrians who flock to this part of the Sonoran Desert, for a fair guarantee of a satisfying day in lush mesquite and saguaro forests.

The first 1/4 mile is marked by what had been a developer’s road, complete with blue-staked gas lines marking either side of the trail. There is no gas hook-up, nor are there any further signs of prospective development. This project was one that went belly-up in 2008.

Once past this bladed wasteland, the cacti, succulents and hardy desert trees take over. The terrain is not as rugged as that further north, with the washes and creek beds of the New River and its tributaries generally dry, even with the goodly amount of rain we had, the first few days of the new year.

The rock above had been struck by lightning, some years back, thus showing the bright sandstone, under its veneer of gray.

Near this crossroads, I came upon two runners- husband and wife. The lady had been injured, whilst running, and fortunately, the driver of this truck came back from target shooting, nearby, and was able to give them a ride back to the trailhead.

It’s always wise, even in easy terrain, to keep an eye out for the triangular Black Canyon Trail markers. Numerous ATV and shooting range roads cross the trail. I must add that target shooters have been uniformly careful, and respectful of those whose day in the desert is more oriented towards fitness. Younger shooters, and off -road drivers, are well-supervised by older family members. The teams are very careful, in my experience, to pick up their shell-casings and other trash.

After 1 1/2 hours, and 4.8 miles, I came to the southern end of Boy Scout Loop. I took the western route, going another 1.5 miles to the Loop’s northern terminus. The west side uses a BLM road, and features a moderate ascent, the only remotely challenging part of this segment. A Boy Scout troop from Cave Creek, about ten miles east of here, is said to have built this trail.

There are a few low mountains rising, north of Boy Scout Loop. One of these, at the base of which I stopped, the day after Christmas, turns out to be just across a wash bed from the BSL’s northern tip. The fence below marks a boundary between BLM land and State Trust property.

Above, is the rather well-hidden northern terminus of Boy Scout Loop. A single track leads back to the other end, going around a small mountain and through New River’s dry bed, on its way.

This segment, as indicated earlier, is a more leisurely, non-taxing route than its counterparts to the north. Nonetheless, it, and the remaining Biscuit Flat segment, which I will visit at the end of this month, are good indicators of the fragility of the Sonoran Desert, and of the special relationship the residents of New River and Table Mesa have with their surroundings. Indeed, on the way back, near where the runners were rescued, a man was coaching his daughter on proper shooting, cleaning a rifle and policing spent shell casings. I feel safer among such folk than I do in some shopping malls.

I topped off the day with a unique Jalapeno Ranch Burger, the pride of New River’s Raodrunner Saloon, which was, suitably, packed with locals this evening. Waylon and the kids are always gracious to those from near and far.

This was a fitting end to a well-spent Christmas-New Year’s. Tomorrow, it’s back to work for nine weeks. We will do well.

First Aid

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 8, 2017 in Community, Personal Values

January 7, 2017, Prescott-

I spent five hours, this morning and early afternoon, getting certified in Psychological First Aid, a skill that is necessary for me to be on our area Red Cross Individual Compassionate Care Team (ICCT).

Being so certified has been almost second nature for me, since childhood. Despite being seemingly clueless, as to other people’s suffering, it’s been my inclination to pitch in and help out ( with a listening ear and helping hands, more than with an open wallet- which doesn’t always have much in it, anyways).

This is what led me to become a counselor, and still keeps me in the loop, with regard to community healing. So, after a bit more red tape, I will be on the ICCT, as well as staying on full time, with Prescott Public Schools.

Enough about me, though. The whole concept of public service may well be challenged, in the next four years. I have a “wait and see” attitude, right now, and we certainly can’t expect much forward progress on our issues, if there is a building of walls, both physical and mental, as an immediate priority. WE, at the Red Cross, and in the schools, will continue to place top priority on the well-being of those who are hurting, and on the community as a whole.

Crowns

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 7, 2017 in Poetry, Service Activities, Spiritual, Striving

January 6, 2017, Phoenix-

Dental day,

and I am given

a mostly clean

bill of health.

A chipped tooth,

must be crowned soon,

so time gets set aside.

I honour my angel,

as other departed souls

are given their due.

The cemetery is busy

on this cool Epiphany Day.

Later, it is explained to me,

that angels were created

to serve Man.

My angel wears a crown, of pure gold,

having seen to me meeting my needs.

In the evening,

I present a living angel,

with a gift from my heart,

as no child should ever

feel forgotten, or of no worth.

This girl will make her own

crown of glory.

Out of the Fog

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 7, 2017 in Poetry, Travel

January 5, 2017, Palm Desert-

I left the coast’s Jan gloom behind

A Blue Hole greeted five of us

descending from the San Jacinto,

the driver of the lead monster truck,

seemingly driving blind.

Somehow, doing fifty,

in a 25 miles an hour stretch,

made sense to him,

while we behind him, retched.

I would drive on,

and back into the rain,

but here in the desert,

sand and sun held domain.

Who Wants What?

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 4, 2017 in Community, Inner Struggles, Personal Values, Social, Striving

January 4, 2017, San Diego- In the course of conversation today, a subject that always seems to come to the fore, when talking with unmarried young men,and sometimes with those who ARE wed, occupied a fair amount of time: What do women actually WANT?

My answer to that has emerged over about three decades- Basically, people all want the same three things: Respect, a sense of autonomy and a measure of security. No one really wants to feel set up, used or unappreciated. This seems to sometimes be falling on deaf ears, to a person who feels alone. Actually, though, the lonely man and the woman who falls into the waiting arms of a man who will disrespect her, or worse, are more alike than they each seem to think.

Sometimes, both are impatient, regarding life as something that is passing them by. The lonely man, especially if he is kind, generous, hard-working and family-oriented, sees a relationship/marriage as the one thing he needs to complete his life. The settling woman, especially if she has been sheltered, places autonomy, and an emotional challenge, over the fawning attention of one who is love-struck. Yet, she, too, sees a relationship, however flawed, as the one thing she needs to complete her life.

Both seek validation of their view of self, as well. The man who sees himself as virtuous and protective, can’t understand why women tell him that he isn’t their “type”. The woman who sees herself as either unworthy of respect, or, conversely, as too sheltered, can’t understand why men don’t present a coarser, or at least less solicitous, demeanor. These attitudes start way back in middle-childhood, sometimes earlier. They have something to do with parenting, as well as with broader socialization. (There are also exceptions to every rule.)

I learned, after so many years as a fulminating, unsettled young adult, in my late teens and twenties, that “You’re not my type” is as much of an excuse,as “Women are such jerks about relationships”. In looking for answers to my own predicament, I met, and listened to, several downcast people, of both genders. It became obvious that, if I wanted to meet one who would be my mate, for life, I would have to truly absorb her reality- past experiences, present circumstances, future dreams. This happened to me, as so often happens, when I felt genuinely ready for a relationship, while having no idea with whom. I met Penny two weeks later, we discussed all the above issues, and more, over 29 years, and I developed a real sense of what mattered to both of us.

Egos are fragile. Life is fluid. Everyone deserves respect, the right to pursue their dreams and a measure of security. I wish all my friends, especially my young friends, a wellspring of all three.

Mother Miguel Mountain

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 3, 2017 in collaborating, Community, Hiking and Nature, Inspiration, Service Activities, Striving

January 3, 2017, Chula Vista- Whenever I look out the window, from my son’s apartment, the curious sight of Mount San Miguel, in the Otay Range, looms to the southeast. I took advantage of Aram’s being back to work, got up before dawn, and headed over to Mount San Miguel Park, on Chula Vista’s east side. There was a short wait, of about twenty minutes, as the city park opens at 6 A.M., with decent light about 6:30.

My choice of trails led up Mother Miguel Mountain, to a military commemorative, called Rock House. Two explanations are in order: “Mother Miguel” is a mash-up of Madre Grande, which some early settlers from the eastern U.S. took to pronouncing “Mother Grundy”, and San Miguel, the name given to the area by earlier Spanish ranchers; Rock House is the name given to a rock arrangement which houses two, rather tattered, flags-our national flag and the banner honouring Prisoners-of-War and those Missing-in-Action. The latter is to be flown, or displayed at meetings of veterans’ service organizations, until the day comes when all such persons, or their identified remains, are honourably interred or cremated on U.S. soil.

My leisurely up and back lasted about three hours, over a round trip of 6.2 miles. The photos, taken with my phone camera, are not as clear as those taken with the digital, but you will get the idea. 20170103_0651391

Here is the trailhead for Mother Miguel, from the east end of Mt. San Miguel Park. 20170103_0701591

Above, is a view of the destination, for which I used a series of 22 non-taxing switchbacks.

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Occasional limestone boulder piles provide a place to sit and contemplate, along the way.

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Others just dominate their area, as does this castle-like outcropping.

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Once atop the modest-sized peak, Mexico looms, to the south, with the San Ysidro district of San Diego, in the foreground.

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Here is Rock House, with its resident banners.

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A second stone arrangement, intended as a circle for contemplation, is found just south of the Rock House. Sweetwater Reservoir is seen in the distance.

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A third, circular, stone arrangement is a bit more to the south, still, and seems to invite a holistic view of the repatriation process.

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Off to the east is Mount San Miguel, whose owners SAY they don’t want hikers going to its summit, but do nothing to prevent those few intrepid people,usually military members doing personal training, who make the steep hike up its western slope.

Speaking of which, there were about six others on Mother Miguel Trail, while I was there. One, a young lady, passed by, as I was taking in the rock arrangements, and went to the southernmost point on the summit. After she had returned from her moments of solitude, and headed on down the mountain, I went to that point, and found a commemorative bench.

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There is, indeed, nothing that replaces a sense of home. I hope that she felt comforted, and reassured, by this message.

The way down had me thinking, somehow, of just how vital the two youngest generations are, and will continue to be, to the well-being of our nation, and of our planet, as a host of problems, heretofore unfaced, will present themselves, over the next decade or so. I guess the energy of the young runners and hikers, along with the industrial views of the area to the west and north of the park, set this thought in motion. Like all previous such times of challenge, humanity will prevail, by working together. There is no other choice.

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The rocks remain, and patiently look upon us.

On The Ground

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 2, 2017 in Community, Family, Personal goals, Social, Striving

January 2, 2017, Chula Vista- “Make a friend today. Be the first to smile, in a friendly way.”- These words, to a Bluegrass song, coming from my son’s housemate’s i-pod, say all that needs to be said, in the first step to healthy survival.

Son is understandably anxious, about the coming change in his life, which is why I’m here, this week, and will be available for him, between now and departure day. It makes it easier,for both of us, that he will be in Arizona for most of that time. Once he gets to Korea, there will plenty of other seasoned adults to guide him into the routine.

I went on a routine errand, to pick up some items at the local Ralph’s (SoCal’s version of Fry’s and Kroger’s), yesterday afternoon. While backing out of my space, synchronicity almost led to crash, as a large SUV was also backing out, across from me and the guy who was waiting for my space was inching forward. Each of us noticed the others, at the last split second, and no fender benders hailed in the New. Such is life, in Bubble Land. I’m grateful to everyone, when I was growing up, who kept after me to get out of my head and pay attention. Now, I just have to keep their admonitions in mind, in all circumstances.

Today is statutory New Year’s Day, which means that, while the majority of us carry on with our lives, the government and the banks stay shuttered, more or less. It could be more severe, though. In Japan, New Year lasts for five days. Then again, even here, if Congress and the Executive don’t get their act together, soon, it’ll be another series of rounds of “Who’s open for business?”, come April.

The rains were kind to SoCal, and to nearby eastern neighbours, this past weekend. I sense we all may get a few more soakings, the rest of this winter. It’ll be a relative drop in the bucket, but perhaps will be the start of a reasonable trend.

Reasonable trends are what we need, across the nation, and the planet. I look forward to each such movement, however small. Have a great month, moving forward, everyone. I will be here, as many days as possible. Oh, and make a friend today!

Onward

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 1, 2017 in Community, Family, Hiking and Nature, Matters of Faith, Personal goals, Personal Values, Spiritual, Travel

January 1, 2017, Chula Vista- Seems people were so fed up with the year just past, that my retrospective montage was received like a lead balloon. No matter- the clouds have cleared, from the torrential rains of the past two days (most welcome, here in southern California, and the neighbouring states of Arizona, Nevada and Baja California Norte). My hope is that the clouds hanging over our nation, and over many parts of the world, will dissipate, as well.

I have a few, short-term, goals for this year:

January- This week, for the most part, will find me in the San Diego area, largely here in CV, with an Orange County outing, to Crystal Cove, on Thursday, before I head to Phoenix, and a dental check-up on Friday. Training in Psychological First Aid, on Saturday, will let me bone up on those skills. Who knows, as to just how many occasions such will be necessary? Next Sunday, my penultimate trek along Black Canyon Trail will bring me to the Emery Henderson Trailhead, in New River. The last hike on that trail will follow, later in the month, (probably on the 21st. ) Over the Martin Luther King Day weekend, Aram is likely to visit, so the three days will be open-ended, to his preferences. Other weekends will be divided between Baha’i studies and the trail.

February- Son heads out to South Korea, the second week of this month, so I will spend 2-3 days in southern California once again, to see him off. It’ll mean 1-2 ,years of Skype and a once-a-year visit. I’ve been in those shoes, several times. President’s Day weekend will likely find me in the McDowell Mountains, northeast of Phoenix. A service project will also be done, during the Baha’i days of giving and service to others, known as Ayyam-i-Ha (Feb. 25-28).

March- This being a month that features a Nineteen-Day Fast, with Spring Break coming towards the end of said Fast, my plans are open-ended. The inclination is to head over to southern New Mexico and western Texas, to pay a couple visits to friends in the area, and take some relatively moderate hikes, the likes of which have worked out nicely, over the past few Fasts. The Baha’i New Year (March 20, this year) will be followed up by a journey to Native American Baha’i Institute, to re-charge spiritually.

April- This is the month of the twelve-day Baha’i festival known as Ridvan, commemorating the days when Baha’u’llah declared His mission, in 1863. My energies will be thus directed. A few jaunts along trails in the Sedona and Payson areas will also be on the agenda.

May- Decision time, as to keep my current position, or move to a different school, will be at hand. A long-postponed revisit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and neighbouring Superior, is the only existing item on the hiking agenda, for this month.

June-The first month of summer will keep me in the Southwest. A week in SoCal will focus on Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Visits to Navajo and Hopi are also on the agenda.

July- My now customary week in Carson City and Reno will move to the first seven days of this month. Then it will be northwest, to Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. From there, finances and circumstances will dictate my direction- either a week’s visit to Korea, or down the road, through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

August-Back to whatever work assignment awaits, and whichever forays into nature are allowed by the Monsoon rains.

September-The Bicentenary of Baha’u’llah’s Birth will be celebrated next month, so this foot soldier will be ready to do whatever the Commemoration Committee needs done. Otherwise, Labor Day will take me up Granite Mountain, and the end of the month will mean a weekend in Flagstaff’s Inner Basin.

October- The aforementioned Commemoration will take place on October 22. Hope Fest will also happen this month, so there will be much work, in service. Fall Break is a cypher, at this point: Tucson and vicinity will get first dibs.

November- Thanksgiving, this year, will be observed at Desert Rose Baha’i School, between Phoenix and Tucson.

December- Christmas week will find me in Massachusetts, with family whom I feel have been somewhat neglected, over these past several years. Several fences need mending. That will include a train trip to Philadelphia, right before New Year’s, and on down to Tampa Bay, for the first week of 2018.

Books? “The Brothers Karamazov” slog continues. “The Standing Stones Speak”, by Natasha Hoffman, “The Century Trilogy”, of Ken Follett, “The Alchemist”, by Paolo Coelho and a pair of books on rebuilding communities take top priority. Speaking of which, my long put-off book of poetry and short prose will be put together, starting with choosing the better of the poems I wrote, over the past year, and adding verse as it comes to mind. No specific promises, as to date of publication, but it will be sometime this year.

So, off we go- Trump’s wild ride, widespread exercises in patience with one another, and continued healing (on both a personal and a collective level) will define this next chapter in the life of this beautiful humanity.