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.