Ten hikers left the valley in two cars at 6:05, ahead of the scheduled 6:15 start. Two more hikers joined us at the Camp Verde rest stop. We drove to the Marshall Lake turnoff from Lake Mary road where we met four more hikers.

It was an early start to beat the heat with Flagstaff forecast highs in the upper 80s.

After brief introductions and a group photo sixteen hikers were on our way. The plan was to hike as a group to the tank where the creek crosses FR128. After food break eleven hikes would head to the point “Y4” and five would return via a shorter loop on FR128.

Close to Little Dry Lake we all had a chance to practice our barbed wire fence crossing skills. We enjoyed and easy down hill stroll picking our way thru the pines following a pre planned GPS coordinates. Somewhere near “R2” Rudy found elk bugle that some hunter left behind.

Near “R3” we came across what looked like remains of a sawmill. At this point we encountered a defined trail. On occasion the trail would cross the creek. The creek was bone dry. No pools. As we got closer to the tank the trail became overgrown. A whistle blew and voices over the walkie-talkie informed all of a hiker down.

Kathy on her maiden trip with the group had tripped and impaled her left shin on a fallen tree branch. Kadeen provided a knee bench for Kathy as we pondered the next step. Dave Weber readied his first aid clot pack and tape. After removal we bandaged up the leg and hiked another 100 yards for lunch close to FR128. Kathy remained remarkably calm throughout ... one tough cookie with Wisconsin roots.

Dave and Kadeen hiked back to get high clearance vehicles for the evacuation.

Mike stayed with Kathy, and the rest of us hiked back following the road. Rudy and George were the last to leave and first back. A bushwhack cut short.

Kadeen said he saw a bear on his return drive to get Kathy. The two vehicles bought back Kathy, Mike, Ted, and Susan.

Susan and Bill swapped cars. After brief good-byes, Bill joined Ted and Mike to take Kathy to Flagstaff ER for wound cleaning and a tetanus shot. Andy drove Bill’s van and hikers back to the Valley.

Thanks to all for your supportive efforts and on behalf of all the trailblazers we wish Kathy a speedy recovery. By the way, she got to keep the stick.