I have been wanting to check out the San Pedro river level at the Big Wash for a while. Today was that day. I had wanted to take Wolfie since he was due a walk, but Fritz was more convenient as he was already alone in the backyard, so I took him.
The trailhead off Ramsey Road is the closest access to the river for me. Here I can take in a short hike and take in the views with no people around. The river is 1.9 miles away, but the views east toward the Mule Mountains in the morning light is worth it. The terrain is on high ground for the first mile, then descends into the riparian area of desert willows and tall grasses.
The fires in Cananea, Sonora are still burning, creating a smokey haze for the past week. Both sunrise and sunsets are beset with that haze. It was no different this morning.
There was no water at the Big Wash where it flows into the San Pedro. The river floor was dried, cracked mud with weeds poking through. Yesterday's short storm at 5pm made no difference. I had to walk another 0.45 miles south in the wash before reaching water. I know this is predator hunting time but I had Fritz watching out for me. He never strays far.
I knew there was water somewhere as I spotted a red Vermillion Flycatcher near the remaining water pool. Birds never are far away from a water source. Fritz immediately went into the pool and sat in the muddy water. I'm sure that pool of water is full of bacteria. The water was illuminated by the morning sun.
I made this pool my turn-around post at the 2.38mile mark. It was still very cool and shady here, but I knew the walk back away from the river would be warm. I didn't want to make it uncomfortable for Fritz as it was already in the upper 70s.
This morning hike took us two hours and 4.8 miles.
