It was 39 degrees when ten hikers left First Water Trailhead. No wind and blue skies accompanied our 8:50 start. What would be in store for us after a rainy week?

The write up had us hiking Black Mesa Trail to waypoint “WX2” then following the Yellow Peak Wash “C1-C8” to the Boulder Canyon Trail. Water everywhere. We rock-hopped across First Water Creek. At “WX” we left the trail and headed southeast, negotiating through and around water-filled washes. At point “E” we headed up Bill’s favorite rock canyon. Pools and flowing waterfalls made the passage somewhat more difficult. We worked our way up to a saddle at point “B3”. With views of Black Mesa in front of us, Bill announced we would stay high and abandon our attempt at the Yellow Peak Wash.

We connected with the Black Mesa Trail at point “FT”. Easy walking, however it did not last long. We left the trail at “LT” and headed up to the sounds of a squawking raven perched high on a saguaro. Second Water Ridgeline, here we come!

The going was slow. Trail treat: Bruce found some bones. Herm gave Christina a comb of her own to use on her next cholla encounter. We took our lunch break on top of high point 2675. We continued following pre-programmed waypoints down the ridgeline. It was an open lattice pattern of big black rocks Volcanic? I am not a rock guy. At “R4” Bruce spotted a fresh human footprint. No sight of another hiker. Bigfoot? At “R5” we found fresh orange peels. Cleanup, we did.

We did more cleanup at “R6” of camp stuff that was left behind. So exhausting was the cleanup, Bill needed a rest. No takers on hauling out the metal shovel head or lounge frame.

At “R7” we connected with the Second Water Trail. We returned to the trailhead and said our goodbyes.

8.1 miles; +-1250'; 6 hours 10 minutes. Thanks to Nancy A. and Michael H. for driving.

We welcome Nancy Hunter and Carol Lin as new members!