There are few miracles as wonderful as water in the desert. Whether it's the summer monsoon or the short streams that sneak from the hillsides and run sprints over the rocks and through the tinajas before disappearing in the hot sand on the desert floor's washes, there is little in nature that is as rare and ironic as water running in the desert.
I've always wanted to hike to Romero Pools on the north side of the Catalina Mountains to see the waterfalls and pools. Check that: I've always wanted to SEE Romero Pools. Years ago, I started the trek horseback but the guy I was with took a wrong turn and we went too far north.
Recently, Zane and his kids took Maren and Jill and me there on a hike. The pools and the stream were breathtaking. The view was also breathtaking. Unfortunately for me, the hike was also "Breathtaking," but not in a good way. I thought several times that I was going to have to be taken out in a helicopter. I have NEVER enjoyed hiking; back to Boy Scouts I have hated it.
I can't see making that hike again, but I am certainly glad to have done it once. Along the way, we encountered a Black--tailed Rattlesnake on the path, but no other surprises.
