We got brave enough to try another of the primitive desert trails and got off to a bit of a frustrating start bushwhacking through creosote and thorns of all kinds. After a couple consults with the compass we found the wash we were to follow and were on our way finding just enough cairns to keep us on track.

The canyon was cool and quiet and just as advertised, slickrock.   Thousands of years and millions of gallons of water do a remarkable polishing job.  A few wrens and a ravens made their presence known, otherwise we had the lovely place all to ourselves.

There is standing water in the canyon and there were javelina footprints everywhere…but no actual javelina to be found.

We started back and the day was heating up. We stopped whenever we found a bit of shade.  What’s that?  I hear geese.  Out here?  It was puzzling until we looked up, way up.  A large vee of snow geese cruised by overhead.  Fun find.  We worked our way on down the wash.  Really?  Sand Hill Cranes?  Once again, high in the sky a flock was making its way across the desert.  They slowed their forward progress to take advantage of a desert ridge thermal then disappeared from view.

Marboro Man

Cool landmark that gave us guidance to return to the car when we wandered across the desert to Slickrock canyon.

We returned to camp having logged just under 10 miles and watch the sun set.. We heard the call of the coyotes.  Black tailed jack rabbits dashed around the hillsides.  Perhaps they are why the coyotes are near?

It was a lovely day and a cool peaceful evening.