Judith Kuse Spring has sprung here in Arizona, and summer is fast approaching. It’s rattlesnake season. Hikers, be on the lookout. Snakes are out of their winter haunts enjoying the sun’s warmth. As you hike during the next months, keep this information in mind. Thirteen species of rattlesnakes reside in Arizona. Rattlesnakes are identified…
Judith Kuse My friend Dave has been heard to declare, “There’s an Arizona for everyone,” in reference to the variety of housing possibilities for retirees who plan to move here seasonally or permanently. Indeed, options abound — rentals, condominium neighborhoods, RV campgrounds, mobile home parks, apartments, ranches, gated communities. I’d amend that declaration to…
Judith Kuse Hiking in the desert calls for good preparation and a keen sense of one’s capabilities. Hydration is of utmost importance. Drink a liter of water one to two hours before hiking. Carry one liter of water per hour you plan to hike, especially when it’s hot or you’re hiking at a higher altitude.…
Judith Kuse On November 10, SLHC members and potential members gathered at Oasis Park in Sun Lakes I for the opening picnic. All were treated to a bountiful smorgasbord of fried chicken, salads, casseroles and desserts. After lunch, leaders of the club shared their advice for successful hiking. The list of safety tips-in-a-nutshell follows: Choose…
Judith Kuse The Sun Lakes Hiking Club (SLHC) is excited to welcome hikers of every skill level to its 2017-18 hiking season, which officially begins November 1, and also extends a special invitation to new-to-Sun Lakes hikers. The club’s Fall Picnic and first meeting of the season will be held at Oasis Park in Sun…
Judith Kuse As October brings us ever closer to the onset of the Sun Lakes Hiking Club’s official season, it’s also time for a book recommendation. This book, a true story, will likely whet your appetite for upcoming hiking and exploration, and will certainly entertain those of you who are, or have ever been, in…
Judith Kuse Sun Lakes Hiking Club members were recently asked to recommend memorable summer hikes they’ve taken in locales outside of the Valley of the Sun. These hikes may be of interest to those who return to the northern states or Canada for the summer, plan to vacation away from the Phoenix area during the…
The National Park Service calls it “Quintessential Arizona.” It is only accessible from November-April, and one needs to make a tour reservation to hike it. In an effort to reduce impact on this sensitive backcountry site, hikers are only permitted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. There is one tour a day, and it leaves…
Judith Kuse Arizona hikers will often tell you that they hike because they value the opportunity to be outdoors, to experience the beauty of the Southwest and to see breathtaking vistas, interesting wildlife, beautiful birds and colorful wildflowers. Only occasionally will a hiker refer to hiking as an emotional adventure. However, if you take the…
Judith Kuse It’s tradition that when Sun Lakes Hiking Club gathers for its end-of-season picnic, awards are presented to deserving recipients. And again this year, in late March, the club did just that. Jerry Anderson, a Moderate Hike leader, and Liz Morque, a Mellow Hike leader, received Hike Leader Awards for having the most hikers…