ventured but not gained

On Saturday, the three of us went to Pritchett Canyon, hoping to find some petroglyphs that we thought were in the area.  We didn't find them but we had a nice hike anyway.  There were a couple of tour vans parked near the entrance with a canyoneering group headed in; later we saw five jeeps and about eight hikers - not nearly the traffic this canyon can get sometimes.

September showers bring fall flowers

There were still lingering puddles from the rain earlier in the week and the desert had gotten very green again.  There were even flowers blooming, which is unusual for September.  We also noticed itty-bitty tiny toads (dime-sized) hopping around - the recent damp must have brought them out as I don't recall ever seeing them before.  The sky was the clearest we've seen in weeks, without a trace of blown-in wildfire smoke.  I found that to be an incredible mood-booster - although just being out in the desert helps too.

Down canyon view

We took a side canyon, climbing up the rockfall so as to leave no trace in the fragile desert soil, and poking around under the cliff walls.  We didn't find what we were looking for but that was really okay.  Milton, who roams far and wide when we are walking on a trail, stuck very close to us the whole time we were off-trail.  Because he's a good boy.

Wonder what that arch is called?

H and Milton got ahead of me on the walk out as I was taking my time, watching lizards and toads, noticing flowers and reveling in the haze-free skies.  But they waited for me to join them before cracking open a beer as Milton finally ate his breakfast in the shade under the truck.  We didn't find what we thought we'd find but we still found a good day.

Hike stats: 7.45 miles; moving 2:41 hours / 2.8 m.p.h.; overall 3;12 / 2.3 m.p.h.; 1,130' elevation