Sunday, November 9, 2014 (McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills, AZ)

Today we thought we would try to get out earlier than yesterday...we did managed a little earlier; it was about 9:40 when we headed out for our bike ride on the trails. We rode up the service road and got on the Granite Trail...we had walked this part of the trail yesterday.


Instead of continuing on Granite Trail, we took the Delsie Trail that links up with the Pemberton Trail. The Pemberton is the longest trail in the park...it is a 15.3 mile loop that the other trails link up to.

Steve thinks these guys are on steroids...



This is at the junction of the Pemberton Trail...a nice little rest area...
Wow...water out here!







We came across only one horseback rider today...but there were certainly lots of mountain bikers out!




Last time we had ridden this trail (a few years ago), we started at the other end, going in the opposite direction. It was great going in this direction...a nice gentle descent...



We left  the Pemberton Trail at the main road that runs into the park. Now it was payback time for the ride downhill...it was uphill back towards the campground!

We stopped at the Visitors Center...











Tarantula...












There is a nice picnic area beside the Visitors Center...

It was about 1:00 when we arrived back at the trailer...an awesome 11.3 mile/18.2 km ride! We relaxed inside the air-conditioned trailer for a bit, had lunch and then Steve went out to load the bikes back onto the trailer while I cleaned up the kitchen and worked on yesterdays blog.

After showers, we sat outside...Steve set up his camera with his telephoto lens on the tripod to capture some shots of the distant mountains.
That's Weaver Peak...
Shadows growing...



Eric and Linda arrived at about 5:15 after their shift working at the gatehouse. We enjoyed happy hour around the Campfire-In-A-Can. It has been great connecting with them again...they certainly have a great spot to camp host!

After hugs and handshakes, Eric and Linda headed home and Steve and I enjoyed the campfire for a little while longer before going in for dinner. We really love this park and would love to stay longer but it's time to move on tomorrow to Lake Pleasant. Red and Pam are already there. Pleasant Harbour RV Resort is close to where we have to take the truck in. It goes in on Tuesday to have the exhaust brake squeal taken care of under warranty.



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