Today we head up Southerland wash in Catalina State Park.  The trail laces its way between the cactus studded desert and rugged peaks.  We trek past patches of lush green grass and crisscross a rivulet of water that zig-zags across the wide wash.  Near the three-mile mark we encounter the main flow of a cool clear creek originating from patches of white high in the peaks above.  It is perfect place for a lunch break.

We could back track but we can’t resist the loop route.  The map says it will only add couple miles.  It is messy and rocky underfoot as we wind down slope but the view up the wash is beautiful.  We trek on; 7 miles, 8 miles, 9…10 miles.  I am still not sure if it was the map or my map reading skills but the loop totals 10.4 miles and our dogs are barking by the time we get back to the car.   The upside, the long route took us through the turf of a couple of the fattest, sleekest coated coyotes we have ever seen.  They eyed us long enough for Kent to get a couple pictures.