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From finding Fool’s Gold to unofficially naming a junction, the
Black Mesa Loop hike was fine and fun.
We started with eight hikers and ended with seven.
Nothing eventful happened.
One hiker only wanted to hike to the top of Black Mesa then turned
back as planned.
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Ajay, Cyd, Hely, David, Wendy, Eileen, Debbie [photo by Ted Tenny]
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The junction of Second Water Trail and Dutchman’s trail has
been unofficially named as the “Van Hagar Junction”.
When our book, Boots, Blisters, and Blunders: Misadventures on
Arizona Trails is published, you can read Cyd’s story of
“Van Hagar and the Dash up Boulder Canyon” to find the
significance of this unofficial naming.
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Matzatzals in the distance (Cyd Cassel photo)
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Ted scouting Weaver’s Needle (Ajay Kak photo)
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The day was perfect for hiking.
It was overcast and cloudy mixed with occasional sun and in the sixties.
If I had one complaint, it would be that it was humid (how we people
from back east do NOT miss humidity is often overlooked).
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The group stopped for lunch at a newly discovered Picnic Palace
overlooking Palomino Mountain with Weaver’s Needle in the distance.
The view was phenomenal.
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Black Top Mesa and Palomino Mountain (Ted Tenny photo)
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Fool’s Gold Mining Stake (Cyd)
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While we were there, Cyd found some Fool’s gold and placed her
claim with her hiking stick.
After lunch, we met several backpackers and hikers down in Boulder
Basin then we proceeded back to the trailhead.
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We crossed First Water Creek five times, West Boulder Canyon once and
then two tributaries.
The desert was blessed with much water and many water crossings.
Some of us could not resist playing in the water.
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A tranquil pool marks our First Water Creek crossing (Ted)
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Wendy at Creek (Ajay Kak photo)
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Eileen at Creek (Wendy Rennert photo)
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Wagon Wheel Clouds (Wendy Rennert photo)
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Just as we left the trailhead, it started to sprinkle.
Our timing was just right.
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