The A-7 Ranch

The A-7 Ranch is locate on the north side of the Catalina Mountains and consists of about 42,000 acres. Don has been working on a fire management plan for the area (what to do in case of a wildfire, where the structures and accelerants are located, where the wells are, which roads can be used by personnel, where the helicopters can scoop up water, etc.). We went hiking in the area so that I could see what he has been working on. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I even remembered to take the camera!

This is one of the old corral fences near one of the ranch houses.


There were some horses grazing in the area where they grow the hay.



I was amazed at how many of the cacti are still blooming. We've had a great monsoon season, and all of the plants seem happy.



The birds looked happy too. It was such a beautiful day.



There were several varieties of wildflowers blooming...

...and the cattle were shading themselves under the trees.

On top of a bluff there were the ruins of an ancient village. Some of the wall work is still intact.

There was a cable cart that went from bank to bank over the San Pedro River. I had a fun time pulling myself along, letting go, and zipping back to the other side.

It was a beautiful day on a beautiful ranch. Thanks for taking me, Don!