After meeting joe and preston in globe we drove out to the government trailhead and then escudilla to set up a shuttle. i found both trails to be excellent and the aspen were in peak color. the government trail has an hint of "enchanted forest" feel to it in the upper stretches. the way down escudilla offers up a fabulous view during one of the short clear sections, though afternoon light is bad for the photo ops it affords.

afterwards we drove around looking for a campsite, ultimately finding one off some FSR up on a mesa. i spent most of the freezing night telling joe he is a " crazy bleeper for making me do this" and listening to the elk bugle nearby. what a great day & night!