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FIRST WATER Trailhead

The two major hikes we did involving parking at the First Water Trailhead were Boulder Canyon -> Second Water and the Second Water/Black Mesa/Dutchman loop.

Boulder Canyon was our first-ever experience with routefinding, as well as John's first-ever experience with routelosing, lostbeing, and helicopterriding. The northern part of Boulder Canyon is a beautiful trail, climbing to spectacular views of both the wilderness and Canyon Lake, then dropping back down to meet LeBarge Creek at the base of Battleship Mountain.

Anne battling the Jumping Chollas
on the Black Mesa Trail

After losing sight (and sound) of John, we hurled ourselves up the Second Water trail, barely stopping to look at the scenery. Numerous creekbed crossings befuddled us from time to time, but we managed to find our way by staring blankly at our map and plodding relentlessly toward the West... Got out just before dark, we did

The Second Water/Black Mesa loop involved much less stress and copious cloud cover for most of our hike. In the cholla forest, 'Jumping Chollas' were plentiful and ever eager to attack the non-vigilant. We all got mauled... (what that says about our vigilance is a bit embarrassing). Using our WanderWomen! Mind Control Powers to make the clouds obscure the sun worked very well but we do not recommend this method for the uninitiated and suggest that all Non-Wander Women wear protective clothing... and gobs of sunblock.

Photo Gallery
Very Cloudy Pictures

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The very coolest site this side of Apache Junction

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