How I spent my spring vacation:
Part Three: a lucky hike for Friday the 13th
I'd been interested in checking out Martin Canyon ever since I drove out to the top of it in 2003, after hiking out to photograph Woodchute Falls earlier that day. Now my opportunity had arrived.
I started up the Woodchute Trail under lingering storm clouds and a cold breeze, and soon arrived at the Rick Tank Trail. I got side tracked on a false trail (that started going uphill)on the west side of Rick Tank saddle, but back-tracking and cairn hunting finally showed the correct way down. By now, the clouds had parted, and warm sunlight lit up the golden, grassy meadows along the trail. Hiking up the Martin Canyon Trail* was a relaxing experience. I got to see three deer along the way. Turkey Tank was actually kind of pretty. I came across a few cows as I hiked out, and one truck on #106D; that was the only company I had all day. The last stretch along road #106D yielded nice scenery in the form of a meadow (Hickey Tanks), and a mountain (Woodchute). A great hike, and one I'm sure I'll do again

*Although the Martin Canyon Trail is open to some motor vehicles, I can't picture anyone who likes their vehicle in one piece actually driving it!