Walking Bisbee's stairs with the HHC

I finally joined the guys from the Huachuca Hiking Club on a stair climb in Bisbee.  Doug B hosted this walk.  We met in front of the St Elmo's bar in lower Brewery Gulch at 7am.  The three guys, Doug, Steve A and Barry D, all drove in Steve's van and were ten minutes late because of road construction east of town on SR90. Doug was the only member not wearing a "goofy straw hat." His words.

We started up the art alley, turned around and continued heading toward the first stairs by the City Park.  The rest of the route was the same as the official route.  The only difference is that at 7:10am it was already quite warm at 75F.  This is why I kept all dogs at home.  I had walked Gretchen and Hansel at 4:50am for three miles but I could already feel the heat reflecting off the asphalt.

The pace was much slower than what I'm used to with Bill, But what I did enjoy was the camaraderie. It had been over a year, maybe two, since I hung out with these guys on a hike.  I've always enjoyed our post-hike meals and conversations.

We hadn't even finished the first mile when we stopped at the new coffee shop in the renovated Warner Hotel.  I walked into that place and was immediately impressed with the high ceilings, live plants, and water fall in the back room.  Despite the warmth, I had a large vanilla cappuccino.  The guys had smaller portions of plain espresso.  It was quite good.  I'll definitely be back at this place as the cafe is dog friendly.

By now it was past 8am and warmer.  I felt the heat getting to me.  While I did ok on the third set of stairs, which is the first of the longer sets. I was worn out by the end of the 5th set.

Doug stopped briefly at the Circle K for another drink.  We talked to the owner of a 7-month old mudi pup, a small Hungarian herding dog with pretty merle marking.  The pup, Cosmo, was a bit nervous of me.  This was the highlight of today's walk

Bisbee was in bloom.  Cacti were flowering.  Flowers were everywhere.  I wish the prickly pear in my yard would bloom.  My entire property is a dull brown and black

We stopped for  a second time at the Bisbee Coffee Company.  I had my iced tea which I carried in my pack.  We chatted some more.  From there it was a quarter mile back to our cars by 10:30am.  

We drove back to Sierra Vista via SR92, avoiding the construction on SR90.

And yes, I felt exhausted when I got back.