Payson Area Trail System

According to PaysonRimCountry.com, “the Payson Area Trails System (PATS) is an in-progress, interconnecting trail system utilizing detached pathways, existing sidewalks, and bike lanes in Payson to form an interior trail network.  These interior trails will connect to specific Forest Service roads and trails on Payson’s periphery providing a more rustic trail-user experience.”

In more simple terms it provides a basic network of trails around the edge of Payson with some trails not entirely completed at this point in time. 

This trail system has really neat parts to it and adds to the appeal of living in Payson. Many parts of this trail system tie in with Tonto Natural Forest trails.

See a map of the trails here. 

The value of a home in the Payson area

I always find it interesting when buyers speak of future values of properties that they are looking at. Certainly, everybody wants to feel like they're getting a good deal. But I think in the Payson area, particularly for folks looking for a second home, folks often miss the broader point. In my opinion, just by buying here, they are getting a good deal.

I grew up coming to the Payson area out of the valley. I was a flatlander/weekender/cityfolk, whatever you want to call me. My parents bought land east of Payson in 80 or 81 and my Dad regularly came up on weekends. They built a small little cabin on an acre of land backing the forest, gradually adding more modern conveniences to it.

My parents had three different houses in the valley, the last of which purchased while I was in college. The one constant through all of those years? The place east of Payson. It was where we went to relax, often bringing friends along with us. It was a place that created incredibly fond memories and ultimately made me want to be in the Payson area. I know of plenty of others who have had the same experience. Often times if folks consider selling their family place in the Payson area, it's the kids who will make them think twice about it.

So why is the Payson area special? The Rim for one. It towers in the background as you drive through Payson, sitting quietly in the background, yet always providing a comforting presence. The weather is another. Don't get me wrong, it's a bit dry right now. But it's still beautiful outside. Even in the summer, you have your windows open most of the time. Try doing that this time of year in Phoenix.

The area trails are something to behold and I think one of the most underrated items of this area. I try to hike at least once a week and my list of trails to-do is still plenty long. Because the thing is, I'm always coming across trails that I want to re-visit, often at different times of the year.The Highline Trail is a terrific base trail. While 50 miles long, there are plenty of ways to cut it up into a shorter hike. And there really are so many other trails. Plus you can always freelance a little mountain here or there and sometimes come upon something phenomenal.

Going for a drive up here can be pretty neat. You never know what wildlife you're going to see - elk, deer, ringtail cat. There's even something relaxing about seeing some of the free range cattle that grazes throughout the region during the summer. Going up on top of the Rim can be a great day trip, as the Rim Road offers a ton of views. 

That's all just the tip of the iceberg. Folks are friendly here with a down home, yet still plenty educated, style about them. This is where you learn about life from people who have truly lived it. Characters abound, with real life stories that are powerful.

So remember, it's not all about numbers. Just by getting a place in the Payson area, you're getting a good deal.

The East Verde River

Running through the heart of Rim Country is the East Verde River, which is the area’s equivalent of a water park. There are numerous swimming and fishing holes along this vast river.

Some of the most popular spots are between the Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines subdivision, which  has now become a fee area. This area has deep pools and some neat cliffs.

Further north is the Rim Trail/Washington Park area which features a trailhead from which you can hike to an old partially completed railroad tunnel. You can also get to the top of the Rim in this section.

Southward is the Flowing Springs and East Verde Park area. The East Verde Park turn off is a perfect spot for a brief stop to play in the creek and let a dog run some. Further west of this subdivision is an area accessible the often very rugged Crackerjack Mine Road. The river darts in and out in this area and has some interesting scenery.

January 2012 Zane Grey Country Times

Lots of cool data in the latest issue of Zane Grey Country Times. I went through 2011 sales in the Central Arizona Board of Realtors and compared it to the previous 4 years. Check it out at: http://conta.cc/zYXpjt

2012 Baseball Hall of Fame: If I had a vote…

Election results for the Baseball Writers Association of America ballot for the Hall of Fame will be released on January 9. We’re coming into a time where a lot of the candidates played while I was growing up. With that in mind, here’s who I would vote for.

Jeff Bagwell – As a Cubs fan I remember the “Killer B’s” of Houston all too well and Bagwell was a huge part of it. I don’t believe he was a steroid user (perspective on his stats) and he was just a standout at first base. As I go through old baseball cards, he’s one I pull out. Totally feels like a Hall of Famer to me.

Barry Larkin – Ozzie got the notoriety at Shortstop because of his splash, but Larkin was as good, if not better in Cincinnati. A no brainer to me, I can’t believe he didn’t make it in last year when he got just 62.1% of the vote, short of the 75% needed.

Fred McGriff – Another guy who wasn’t flashy, and I must admit, probably my most debatable selection. 493 home runs, a .284 batting average, nearly 2,500 hits. Here’s an example of someone hurt by the steroid era because those numbers would look a lot better if not for the prodigious output of the times.

Tim Raines – I love the base stealers and I think Rock Raines gets forgotten about that since stolen base output has diminished. 808 steals are a lot and don’t forget that this man was an all-star every year from 1981 to 1987, while playing on some horrible Astroturf up in Montreal. He deserves more love and deserves not to be forgotten.

The leave offs…

There is going to be a time to vote some of the steroid guys in, but I’m just not ready yet. McGwire, Palmeiro, they’re going to have to go in, but I’m not ready to give them my kiss yet. (From the looks of it, neither are writers as McGwire received just 19.8% of the vote and Palmeiro just 11.0% of the vote last year.) Give it say five years or so and we can put them in.

Bernie Williams is an interesting case. He was a very strong player for the Yankees and merits some consideration. But upon closer review, you can’t put this guy in anywhere close to before Tim Raines. Williams was a five time all-star, Raines a seven timer. Both have multiple rings, both a career average in the .290s, but Raines had those steals, and those extra couple of all-star appearances matter as it shows he was elite for nearly a decade, instead of just hall of one.

Alan Trammell is another tough case. He anchored that Detroit infield for a decade and a half and was a six time all-star. Very close call and I think I’m ThisClose to giving him my vote, but I just can’t. 

The Good

Happy New Year to everyone. A few days ago I went with my Festivus wishes and now it’s time to end the holiday season on a happier note with mentions of those and those things that are good things this year. Let’s get to it…

The Ricketts Family – You went out and got THE guy in Theo Epstein. That’s awesome. You’ve also invited ASU into your Spring Training ballpark (and yes, that’s not totally sitting well with ASU traditionalists, but heck I love it) and that’s cool. So the team stunk this last year. You’re making moves to improve it going forward. So far so good.

Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee – Better late than never when it comes to putting Ron Santo into the Hall of Fame. Good job and I’ll make sure I have some Kleenex nearby when I watch his family give his Hall of Fame speech.

Carolyn Stanley – We have ups and our downs but she really is a terrific real estate partner to have. I feel that we work very well together and I think it was a good year that will lead to an even better 2012.

The Landmark – Great job with the rebuild. I love the patio, the food is good. I can’t wait to see the progress that I’m sure you’ll continue to make over the next year.

Diamond Point Shadows – Same great steaks and great bar chat as always. They’ll be turning 50 in 2012, all 50 years operated by the same family. I always love stopping by.

Mark Paliscak, lender – Did a great job for my parents when they bought up here. Very good on communication. Quality lender.

The Scenery of the Payson area – It never gets old, it never gets old. Absolutely beautiful and it never ceases to amaze.

Traditional music at Mount Cross – Victoria Harris does a great job making it easy for me to enjoy playing Trumpet there. Great Christmas musical selection. All the folks in the program are terrific as well.

Brad Cesmat – Very, very glad to hear him back on the radio from 12-2 on 910 AM. Hands down the best local sports show. Also has been a pro-football at Tontozona person.

Scott Peters – Insightful opinions from this ex-player have been a rare bright spot in a year filled with ASU lowlights. And yes, he’s another pro Tontozona person.

Mike Watkiss – I really enjoy seeing his posts on Facebook and it’s made me really realize just how great of an investigative reporter this man is. We’re very lucky to have him on the Phoenix case beat.

Sara Ganim – Gutsy journalism in covering the Sandusky Penn State case. Gotta give props.

The League – Dirty as all get out, but as someone who plays Fantasy Football, fittingly hilarious. Lots of gutbusting laughs for me.

Sons of Anarchy – Truly one of the best shows on TV.

Rest of friends and family – You know who you are. 

Tim's Festivus Greetings

Happy Festivus everyone! Screw the “naughty or nice” list of Christmas. It’s time for me to rip on a bunch of people for disappointing me this year. The “good” list will be released on Christmas. Let’s get started…

Vontaze Burfict – Oh ‘taze. Sun Devil Nation had such high hopes for you this year. We saw the talent, we recognized the youth, and thought that this was surely the year you’d break out. Our bad. Maybe, just maybe you’ll grow up in the NFL. If not, no I would not like to large size my meal.

Carlos Zambrano – I feel for you Z. I really do. I have anger management issues just like you and I’d like to think I have the enormous upside that you’ve had. But sadly you’ve become Example No. 1 in wasting talent. I know you’ve got heart, I know you’ve got skill, but dang it, why can’t you put the two together consistently? It looks like Cubs fans will be stuck with you to start 2012, but let’s face it, we both know the truth. It’s just a matter of time before you stink up the joint and blow up again, and this time Theo will kiss you buh-bye.

ASU Administration – Thanks for making all of us alums look like total jerks while you butchered our coaching search. You’ve taken our traditions and trashed them, are out of touch with fan base and ex-players, and seem to have egos the size of Rush Limbaugh. Don’t be offended when we celebrate your departures over the next few years – you got a few too years too long as it is ruining our program.

Dennis Erickson – You’ve already been fired, and I leaned towards leaving you off this list. But the Vegas Bowl performance changed my mind. Couldn’t you have stayed off Valley golf courses for a couple weeks and at least feigned an effort? Heck, if ASU had even sort of showed up maybe some idiots would’ve hired you. No discipline, no heart, no soul. Dude, you are an example of how some “successful” people aren’t worth a crap and have simply gotten lucky.

Organizations in Payson – I could name names here and create a lot of heat…so I won’t. (As tempting is it may be.) But let’s face it, we have a lot of non-governmental organizations who are not carrying their weight in this region. What the heck, are y’all looking to Dennis Erickson for inspiration?! Get off your butts, show some heart, pretend to actually give a darn about others instead of your own pathetic ego. Stop putting your hands on your hips and acting like a college will make everything better – if you guys still suck this bad even once we get it, it won’t matter all that much, we’ll still be going backwards. We can do so much better. Think. Ponder. Innovate.

ESPN/Craig James – Really, you kept this douchebag on air all season long? For one, the guy is very tough to listen to. 2nd, he clearly has no credibility (see his AP voting), and 3rd the character of him is a serious doubt. Naturally of course he has now stepped away to run for office. Foolish.

Any identifying feature withheld – You never want to have to switch horses, but this person pretty much forced it. Just as Dennis Erickson is someone who has gotten perpetually lucky, I think this person is the same. Pathetic.

Robert Sarver – I’m old enough to have grown up somewhat in the era of Phoenix where you had two teams growing up: either ASU or UA and the Phoenix Suns. But this guy has absolutely ruined it. Instead of blowing up the team this year, he’s trying to contend for the 8^th seed of the playoffs because that’s the best thing for his pocketbook, never mind that it’s in the best long term interests of the franchise. Sadly, I suspect this’ll be the modus operandi for the franchise in the near to mid-term future. Just look at the exodus of talent from that organization over the past few years. D’Antoni, Kerr, and Rick Welts. It speaks volumes and it all goes back to this man. In the meantime, go Thunder!

Cracks about the Occupy Protesters – Occupy a job? Um, not that easy with the current unemployment rate. Show a little more respect for these folks.

Occupy Protesters – Remember, I’m an equal opportunity ripper. Look, you can’t expect to stay in a city park for weeks on end. You just can’t. I don’t agree with some of the cracks about you, but you aren’t always helping those who defend you.

The Media – Long ago has sold its soul and often has no guts. Tools of the elite and powerful many times at its worst. Mind you, there are exceptions, look for them on my Christmas Day list.

Myself – I rip on others, but make no bones about it, there are some things I can do a lot better. It’s been a good year, but I too have to improve and be more consistent. There’s more I could go into, but I won’t here. Let’s go kick some butt.