Fantastic, easy-going backpack into the lush oasis. It's amazing how much vegetation has come back since the flood a couple of years ago! So many cottonwood, sycamore and walnut saplings sprouting up - not to mention seas of willow. As always, it's a spectacular trip.

Began by spending Friday night at the Brandenburg Ranger station "camping" lot (hardly a campground). Star filled night with plenty of meteors. Hiked in, and though it was quite warm, the cool water kept us from overheating. We camped near the mouth of Horse Camp Canyon in a beautiful area full of old mesquites. Day hiked further up and explored what we suspect was Booger Canyon - fun scrambling and playing in rocks, mud and puddles. Definitely a grownups playground! Ran out of water, though, so we turned back short of our destination at Paisano. I've yet to explore that area - oh well, another reason to return.

Company was fantastic, and the campfire was quite the celebration of mixed drinks and tall tales. Angela seems to have a peculiar connection with coati... something I think I'll continue to explore

Ah - nothing better than a weekend spent outside with good friends!