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| Bushwack and Crawling, AZ | |
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| | Bushwack and Crawling, AZ | | | |
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Bushwack and Crawling, AZ
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| no partners | | Really tired right now. Road into the backcountry pretty muddy from melted snow then finally climbed a snowy chute and although not deep I was not sure of the nature of the road so parked and hoofed it. Broke out to great views deep into the forbidden zone of the Res. I spied a large tailings pile in a canyon below and thru the telephoto knew it was a significant mine. Had I been there before? I think yes. So of course I had no map with me and decided to off trail it to the mine area. Off trail in here is brutal and today was no different, except I am older now and not quite as sturdy.
catclaw , manzanita, agave, holly type bushes, and lots of I think it's called bear grass. The icy snow in the shadows made for some slippery going. Some animal trail sections that I took advantage off. Some sitting and sliding on my backside in the snow. Most of the sunny areas were dry. I finally got to the mine and then explored around there a bit. An old road was perhaps in the wash but no sign of it now. I will be back because now I have studied the map for a much more friendly way in.
Up and out a slightly different way, not better. Crawling, lost my hat, and a trekking pole and put my hand in a big pile of bear poo. My only thought is I wish these bears were taller. Then solid catclaw for a bit, I can do that but the masses of agave were a no go and had to find a go around for that. However I will say if you grab the agave fronds properly they are very strong to help pull yourself up. Following an opening in the vegetation found some incredible shattered needle type crystals. I took a well deserved break and examined them all. Also some large intact solo crystals.
Back to the jeep, driving out a little iffy due to part of the road very slippery. I feel bad that I littered but when I noted the items missing I turned around and since not in my line of sight I was not retracing my route. I was pretty much pushed to my limit on this one. |
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