We enjoyed Picacho the first time so much, we figured we mine as well head back before 1, Arnold shuts it down 2, the crowds come and 3 the heat arrives. Well, we avoided the first two, but the heat we did not. It was hot!
This time we had some friends with us that made the trip that much better. They had never been to Picacho and one of the people joining us, never had been off road. That made it all the much funner.
This time we chose to take Indian Pass Road into the camp instead of Picacho Rd. It's a little faster when coming from the west California side.
This is the only sign when entering the park from the west end. If you don't see this, then your lost.
We pulled up to camp and didn't see one sole. It was great. Exactly why we come to this place. The entire beach was ours once again.
I think everyone was ready for a cold one!
Doesn't get much better than this. Talk about relaxing.
The water level was extremely high this trip out. I talked with the ranger and they said it has been like this for the last month or so.
After a quick dinner, the sun dropped and it was time for a campfire. We didn't see any racoons on this trip. That was a plus.
The next morning it was time for some fishing. Shot of James brother in law Jamie starting his day off with a few bites. He enjoyed his time away from work with a well deserved weekend break.
Bryan waking from his truck cave. It's actually a really cool tent. Tons of room inside too. Easy setup and break down.
Getting my pole prepped for the 'big one' - yeah right
It's a rough life, but someone has to do it.
Dixie enjoying laying in the dirt and soaking up the sun as always.
Did i mention already that it was hot?
She was getting pretty warm so i figured it would be a good time to test out her new life vest. She swam immediately back to shore as soon as i dipped her in.
The rangers came by and were nice enough to shoot a group shot of us.
After lunch we headed out for some 4 wheeling and exploring. We headed to north camp and down to Taylor Lake.
We found this grave on top of Picacho Point over looking the Colorado river.
RIP Lonsome, there were notebooks to sign, coins, photos and even news paper clippings at the site. We left everything just as we found it.
One heck of a nice view if you ask me.
Group shot at the site. Great background.
Heading through Black Bear canyon and up over the pass into Taylor Lake area.
Entering the Taylor lake area, the recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles only.
Taylor Lake
A shot from high at top the pass above Black Bear canyon.
After the run, we started on the pot luck. Everyone brought something amazing.
Even Dixie was spoiled with some dog treats.
After dinner we enjoyed a nice campfire. The weather was perfect at night. The temps dropped down to just the right level. About 65-70 degrees.
The next day is was all about relaxing. It was about 105 degrees out and the river felt mighty good.
My plan of attack was to make my way up to North Camp via Kayak. It would be longest run on the kayak so far. Fighting the current up stream the whole way. Took about 1 hour of nonstop paddling.
I made it successfully to north camp and enjoyed the reward of coming back with the current.
After i got back i decided to let Dixie try out the Kayak. This was the whole reason why i bought the life jacket for her. She wasn't excited at all.
I even got Yosh out in the water to try it. Talk about a lucky day! She actually liked it and felt very secure.
After a full weekend of playing, relaxing and eating like kings.. we headed for home. But not before stopping at our new favorite spot whenever we are in Arizona. Cracker Barrel. With our bellies full once again, i struggled driving home without falling asleep.
Until the next duo adventure, cheers!