Catching up with New Wendys

It's catching on all over.

This is Hell's Half Acre Canyon, a tight side canyon just off the narrowest part of Aravaipa Canyon in southeastern Arizona. These are all members of the Arizona Backpacking Club who were brave enough to wander into this most wild and wonderful spot with me. A special shout-out to Tiffani, whose BAGP (Big Arse Gorilla Pod) was kind enough to support the photo.

In photo (left to right): Mike Stivers, Me ;), Linda, Mike Eichinger, Tiffani Allen, Sarae Hoff, Carrie Vande Burg, Angela Romain, Anne, Cherie Clements

Aravaipa Canyon, AZ 9-2009

Here I am on another ABC trip, this time to the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon. This is the moment where, after having searched the canyon for nearly an hour fearing I had dropped and lost my camera, I realized it was just in another side pocket. Nothing is quite as relieving as realizing you're just a little bit of an idiot, rather than a huge idiot without a camera!

West Fork Oak Creek, AZ - 8-2009

And now for some awesome submissions from trips I missed:

This is Kat, aka 'Snakemarks', on her first visit to the Chiricahua National Monument. Another hikearizona buddy, she was overwhelmed with the spectacular scenery and amazing rock formations that are found on the Echo Canyon/Wilderness of Rocks hike. I think it looks like she's holding up the whole of the mountain range all on her own!

Kat - Chiricahua National Monument, AZ - 8-2009

Randy sent me this one from his backpacking trip to Mt. Baldy in eastern Arizona. I have a feeling that Baldy's are found in just about every state - sometimes more than one. See a peak with a rocky top and amazing views - call it Baldy. You've got a greater than 50% chance of being right!

Randy - Mt. Baldy Wilderness, AZ - 9-2009

Brian visited Multnomah Falls in Oregon - one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world. You can just see the jubilation that adventure brings!

Multnomah Falls, OR 8-2009

More crazy backpackers visiting Havasu Falls. Denny (above) and Bob (below) had a great trip - though poor Bob had a photography mishap and wounded his big toe. I guess there's no goin' to the market for that lil' piddie for a while! I certainly appreciate his efforts with the floatie - even if you can read some of the pain in that victory in his face.

Denny and Bob, Havasu Falls, AZ - 9-2009

And last but by no means least, we have what was termed a "premature Wendy" by Tim on his way up to Mazatzal Peak...a tough trail by any account. Sure, it's usually best to throw the pose on top of a peak or in a moment of unique victory. But maybe just being alive, outside and lovin' what you're doin' is victory enough! I definitely give it high marks!

Tim , Mazatzal Peak, AZ - 9-2009