After an alarm clock’s mechanical failure (hmmm), fifty minutes later, four hikers left the meeting place on our way to to plan "B" which was Arizona Trail passage 31 at Sandy’s Canyon. A few miles up the road we had to turn back because one hiker took ill.

Off again, we stopped at Dave’s place in Munds Park to clean the windshield and pick up a trail map.

The sun was high and breezes welcomed us as we hiked the canyon. After an initial downhill in tree-covered switchbacks we reached the wide canyon bottom. Black-eyed Susans were one of several wildflowers that filled the canyon.

As the canyon narrowed we came upon a large cave. We drew straws as to who would lead. After Eileen replaced the batteries in her headlamp we found Bill stuck in the escape route.

The canyon had pines, firs, oak and box elder or similar trees.

After lunch we headed back then climbed up to check out Fisher Point. Bill and Eileen continued as Dave stopped to rest his knee.

Returning to the trailhead, we completed 10 miles with +-1100' elevation change. On the way home we drove to Munds Park where we met Dave’s wife Barb for dinner.