I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day

By Johnny Nash

It was a time to revisit our routes from bygone days and back to Payson, AZ we traveled for some hiking adventures and some R & R. After some deliberation, Carolyn and I decided to hike See Canyon Trail #184 located in the Christopher Creek area. Carolyn invited one of her “work-related” daughters, Ms. Carly Brock to tag along. Carly has hiked with us in the past and she was looking to get back in the forest so she drove up and met up at Starbucks. She was probably unaware that we were going to drag her up and down on a seven mile hike with some tiring elevation gains.

The trail head is located two miles down a dirt road and upon arrival there were multiple cars in the area. I’m thinking we just might have company on our hike and was I ever wrong. The trail is not a simple trail as you travel about 3.5 miles up the canyon to Forest Road #300. It is rated as difficult and you climb over 1750 feet. The trail is rocky but in great condition and fairly easy to follow. We took our time and just enjoyed the beautiful weather and the conversation.

On the way up we encountered not a single hiker and on the way down we encountered one hiker on her way up. It should be noted that we encountered her on the way down as she passed us as we were hanging out.

There was some color present in the leaves but not much for this early October hike.

It was not the easiest hike to get back in the forest but Carly was a trooper and didn’t complain much except when I told her that we were done with the elevation gain only to find out we still had more to climb. I felt some remorse but only for a moment and just pushed her along. It was fun. In some ways this trail is has a very anticlimactic finish since you never really get any view points to see for miles. With that being said, it is great hike to get away from people and just to be in the fresh air away from the city and the desert. You also can see where fire has been in the forest with downed trees and burned areas.

After finishing we head back to Payson. Carly is glad she came, tired but it was fun to revisit and discuss all aspects of our lives in fun conversation. She may have been tired but I know she loved every minute of it.

Carly headed back to Phoenix, and Carolyn’s mom, Carol and I head off to El Rancho for some fun and frolic plus a drink and dinner. Carolyn visits her friend Ashley and stops by El Rancho on her way home. We had a fun time visiting with multiple people we haven’t seen in awhile and by the way El Rancho is the only place I know of in Arizona that you can purchase Honey Hips Strong Ale from Latitude 33, a fabulous craft beer.

The following day, Carol, Carolyn, and I head out on a road trip to the Rim area just leisurely viewing multiple areas but we stop back at the See Canyon Trailhead to do the remaining See Spring Trail #185 hike. It is about 2.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of close to 500 feet. Lots of water and shaded and an enjoyable time back in the forest. Once again no hikers on our trail or tail.

If you like to get away from it all and have few folks around and don’t care about summiting some mountain top, See Canyon trails are really good for just clearing your head, and getting in a workout. Great hike to unwind and just be outdoors. Good times were had by all and back to the grind I headed. With the trip to forest I can honestly say, I can see clearly now.