Chip, Peter, Ted, Debbie and Cyd postponed the hustle and bustle of gift hunting to join Bill and partake in the great gift of the Arizona outdoor wilderness.

The weather was a little brisk under bright sun that gave way to comfortable hiking temperatures and thinning clouds.

The group started our off trail adventure as we picked our way uphill through the rocks to the top of Black Mesa.

The view of Second Water Canyon that awaited us at the top was awesome.

Our mission to find a lost hike stick was underway. The group drifted downhill making our way through the prickly pear and cholla. As we approached “Camp Bill” (the resting spot
12 Jan 09, where hiking companion Jack and I waited for helicopter with my severed my quad tendon) we scoured three or four flat areas suitable for helicopter landing.

No luck.

Desert 1, Recovery Party 0.

We continued northwest. The route we took was gradual but slow as we picked our way through black rocks, many partially covered with dried grasses. Great views of Battleship Mountain and Geronimo Head.

Peter and Bill spotted a fleeting glimpse on some black animal.

We stopped for trail snacks near the stone circle (a ruin?).

Our bushwhacking finally connected us with Second Water Trail.

We the returned to the trailhead varying slightly to see the cracked mud remains of water tank near Garden Valley.

Oh yes, a cold beer from the jeep.

Photos by Bill Zimmermann and Ted Tenny.