Jack Pomeroy is a 79 year old hiking leader who has taken at least 4,5000 people with him on hikes since 1989. Despite his age, he showed great energy and enthusiasm clambering over slippery boulders or scrambling on all fours up a steep granite boulder.

Many men half his age wouldn’t able to do what he did on that hike he did with a group of North County hikers on the way to the Bottle Peak Summit near Lake Wohlford. What’s special about this hike is that he only does it once a year and you need to have special permission because it’s on private land. Mr Pomeroy led 84 hikes to Bottle Peak and Bernardo Mountain. He also led 80 hikes with the Caballeros de Aventuras.

Pomeroy is a legend because he knows the place where he hikes really well. It’s like having a walking encyclopedia with you when he’s around. He is a U.S. Geological Survey retiree and spent most of his career mapping and spent 15 years making maps of potential landslide areas in the Appalachian Mountains.

While a lot of people in his age group would struggle going to the bathroom, Pomeroy is leading young men up mountains through the woods. He doesn’t believe in going the gym. Hiking is probably one of the best workouts you can do. When you get into the rhythm, you’d go further than you ever thought you could. The use of hydration packs like the Camelbak Mule can help you keep the rhythm while keeping you hydrated.

The old legend  is also a big promoter of protecting the environment.

Mary McMullen, Town Trails and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator has scheduled three recreational opportunities that she says she will definitely accomplish.

The event, which would attract a lot of families and outdoor enthusiasts, includes and three-mile hike, urban biking and wildlife viewing.

Hiking Event

The hiking event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on January 24 at the Boulders Trailhead located 3.7 miles east of Highway 260 on Granite Dells Road.

The hike, which will be led by McMullen herself, is rated as moderate but there will be some slopes, loose granite and water that must be traversed.

You will enjoy the fantastic views along the trail, which are of Granite Dells and riparian areas.

It is advised that you bring you use good quality hiking boots, drinking water and walking sticks.

It will be a free hiking event and anyone can join but be sure to sign-up. It is recommended that you pre-register at the P&R offices even though sign-up can be completed prior to the event.

Urban Biking

Aspiring mountain bikers and those wanting to learn about the sport will appreciate the urban biking event. There will be a $15 charge for the event which includes a two-hour clinic and ride.

Participants are expected  to bring along their own mountain bikes, helmet, tire repair kit and pump.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., January 31st at Ramada No.1 in Rumsey Park.

The longtime local mountain hiking guru himself, Dan Basinski will conduct the event which will cover bike setup, maintenance and repair, and practice in mountain biking techniques.

The wrap-up will be a trail ride near Payson, which promises to be a fun and exciting event.

Wildlife Watching

The final event is  a  wildlife-watching seminar which be held from 6 to 7 p.m., February 18 at the Green Valley Park P&R office.

The main purpose of this event is to learn to view wildlife responsibly with minimum impact on the animals and habitat.“It will include a slide show and hints on where to go to get good views of wildlife,” McMullen said.

Arizona Game and Fish Urban and Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Joe Yarchin will host the clinic.

For more information about any of the three events, call McMullen at (928) 474-5242, ext. 7.