Great overnighter on the Rim north of Payson with Dara, Troy and McKenna Marino. The night was the coldest i’ve camped, and even 2 squirming meat blankets did not keep me warm. We still has so much fun in only 24 hrs, we’ll be doing more family camping trips and day trips to the high country, as soon as I order some proper chaco’s for the girls.

Saturday warmed up nicely for a sequel to last year.

The trail was very different, more steep switchbacks and slick rock faces, instead of down a tumbled drainage.

lots of downed trees made for fun balance challenges

Troy looking for something to climb

McKenna is only 4, and she hiked almost the entire trail. WOW!

G at the high point on the log, almost 10 feet down from here.   She was incredible about listening to instructions and controlling her fear. I also taught her how to fall into the slope instead of down it.

Last nekkid child in the woods

Kila!

Sazi!

Troy and i bushwhacked about a mile downstream trying to find the Tramway Trail. We found what I think is a bird’s spot to drop and smash open crawdads

Not sure how much of this is old vs. new, but Troy made up hysterical narratives for both

Who’s hunting who?

lurking

I’ll gnaw your leg off!

The Rare & Wild Kila stalks the creek side

who’s hunting who?

quick dip to keep cool on the climb out

The Rare & Wild Kila, sighting #2

the whole climb up, G talked about showing Mommy how she crossed the tree trunk. I got out ahead to spot her.

Kids were still up for a short ride

zzzzzzzzzzz……..

sleepy copilot view

awww, drat. Goodbye old friend, you died well. I need to ride another 65 miles to get a replacement