The Clan of the Cave-poodles

Wickenburg AZ, a couple years ago. I learned a new trick for enjoying the land near Vulture Peak. On the leeward side of the peak the teddy bear chollas are manageable, and much better for camping. The windward side is the dangerous side. Nevertheless we had to go to that side to use the trail up to the top of Vulture Peak.

It was a challenge to negotiate the minefield of teddy bear chollas on the way up to Vulture Peak. I leashed my dogs until we were near the top, when the chollas disappeared.  

Looking at the 360 degree view from the top of Vulture Peak, it was easy to appreciate the strategic location of Wickenburg, AZ. At an altitude of 2000 feet it's only a couple degrees cooler than Phoenix. Off to the northeast the mountains begin their march up to the Mogollon Rim. Vulture Peak itself is not large, but it protrudes photogenically from the desert plain that surrounds it. A hiker would feel quite exposed if he were caught up here during a monsoonal thunderstorm. Perhaps he and his frightened dogs could jump into this alcove-like cave for cover.
 

The dogs were almost funny on the way up; the sudden switchbacks on the trail confused them. Dogs are shod with cartilaginous pads, not hooves; the sharp rocks of Arizona are too harsh for them. In the desert they thrive only in dry washes, with their wonderful gravel and sand. Actually the word 'thrive' doesn't do justice to the mad joy of a dog in a dry wash.

It is rare for me to hike on an official trail. I never sign in, lest I feed the Beast of "improvements," signage, more visitors, fees and restrictions. There were a few upward-bound hikers on our way down. It would have been nice to stop and chat, but I've learned to keep my distance, the way primitive man or any form of wildlife learns to be wary of an alien species.