Tales from the trails: Mojave Riverwalk

My hoodie would only last another few minutes, if that, under the quickly heating up late morning sun. My chihuahua Lupe and I were taking our time on the Mojave Riverwalk in Victorville as runners, bikers, and swift walkers passed us up.

Our prerogative was different on this hike. We weren't concerned with completing the whole trail or secretly racing unaware walkers, instead, Lupe was testing her fresh-out-of-surgery limits.

She was debuting a fresh stitch from her recent spaying and a fashionable plastic cone that bounced with each step like she was dancing to a song in her head.

"The cone of shame!" a drive-by insult pelted us as a biker pointed and laughed at the undesirable pup. He received a sympathy chuckle, but I gave him narrowed, if-looks-could-kill eyes as soon as he passed.

Lizards raced across the path and geese idled in the Excelsior High School soccer field as we began to sweat, confronted with a classic desert dilemma. Do I take my sweater off and relieve my overheating body or keep it on to prevent my still somewhat youthful skin from burning?

A close encounter with a bicycle changed the course of my contemplation. Next time, I'll do this 4.5-mile trail on bicycle, I thought. That way, I can cover more ground.

Backyard dogs of houses bordering the riverwalk barked as I wondered if I had a makeshift bike basket in my garage that Lupe could fit into. Perhaps a zip tie or two could do the trick.

The two-lane riverwalk is plenty spread out to avoid congestion but escaping people on the path who have a similar pace is out of the question. Lupe and I leapfrogged the entire time with an equally as slow lady on a phone call. At least her call was filled with gossip and entertaining to listen to over chirping Mojave Desert birds.

The Mojave Riverwalk extends from Victor Valley College on Bear Valley Road to the Mojave Narrows Regional Park on Yates Road. A 2017 ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed the 12-foot-wide concrete trail to the High Desert, a project that was years in the making.

The window for enjoying the Mojave Riverwalk is slowly closing as temperatures continue to rise in the High Desert. Other dogs on the trail Saturday, May 11 were panting by 11 a.m. and I had to carry Lupe well before that to protect her paws from cooking on the scolding concrete.

Sunrise and dusk bike rides and walks may be the only way to experience the riverwalk this summer, especially with pets.

McKenna Mobley is a Daily Press reporter and can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.