In June of 2003 for the Aspen Fire destroyed 85,000 acres on Mt. Lemmon,
located in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Last Friday, we hiked the Aspen Trail,
part of which goes through some of the burned areas.
The aspens were among some of the first vegetation to return,
making these trees now about 15 years old.
Our hike was almost too late in the fall
since many of the aspens have already lost their leaves.
Quaking Aspens On Aspen Trail, Mt. Lemmon — Images by kenne
Swirling leaves,
Like erratic wings of butterflies,
shimmered, shook, slapped,
Simultaneously clapping as we passed.
Grace in the grove, the ticking,
whispering clatter of the breeze
Passing back and forth between worlds,
Spirit and sound merged together.
— from “Riding Through a Grove of Aspens” by Emily Dickinson
Gusty Winds In The Tucson Basin — Image by kenne
St. John’s Worts Wildflower — Image by kenne
The July 5th SCVN Friday Hikes began at the Sky Valley parking lot
One of the interest points on this hike was the Lemmon Rock Lookout staffed by the Forest Service personnel.
The original tower was erected in 1928.
On this day we were able to get a tour of the Lookout
The Osborne Fire Finder.
View down into the Tucson Basin and the Santa Rita Mountains.
After the tour, we took a snack break before continuing the hike.
A little music from our leader.
Always a fun time hiking in the Santa Catalina Mountains. — Images by kenne
New Mexico Raspberry (Mt. Lemmon, AZ) — Image by kenne
The SCVN Friday Hikes began this past Friday (June 7th) with a short hike up to the old ski run. 
As the hikers gathered at the base of the ski run they noticed smoke coming from a camp fire on up the ski slop. 
After getting the fire under control, Ricky continued her narration on the old ski run,
Images by kenne
Sneezeweed — Photo-Artistry by kenne
