Trailblazers checking out the water in the Superstitions. [photo by Li]

Ron, Anna, Li, Tamar, Michael, Bruce.

7 adventurous Trailblazers assembled on a Sunday ( after avoiding a Saturday rain) and drove in one car to the Canyon Lake Marina to park in one of the 10 allotted hiking parking spots. We set off in perfect morning weather and headed on the trail. There were some muddy and slippery spots on the initial climb, but we were soon treated to snow capped views of Four Peaks in one direction and the Superstition Ridgeline with a dusting of snow in another.

Snow on Four Peaks. [photo by Li]

Waterfall in the Superstitions. [photo by Michael]

Further down the trail we encountered small waterfalls and pools that we rarely get to see. We continued on the trail until we could look down and see La Barge wash completely filled water as far as the eye could see. We headed down towards the water and at the bottom, were greeted by a ranging river of water all the way across. A lone backpacker and her pooch let us know that she had done the crossings without incident but that a lot of "Shwacking" was required to circumnavigate the Battleship.

Small waterfalls. [photo by Michael]

La Barge running bank to bank. [photo by Tamar]

Lower La Barge in flood stage. [photo by Michael]

Although several of our members were champing at the bit to cross La Barge and Boulder Creek for funzies, we decided to head back as we didn't want too much excitement on a Sunday before a work week and we didn't have our water gear. We reversed direction and made the slog back up the hill and made our way back to the trailhead. While we usually would have capped off the hike with lunch at the marina, sadly, the restaurant is closed. It will be missed by the Trailblazers.

Snow on the peaks. [photo by Tamar]

La Barge creek, anyone for getting wet? [photo by Tamar]