After meeting at the Park and Ride on Power, eleven trailblazers packed into two vehicles. We were on our way to Cottonwood Basin in the foothills of Mt Ord.

The pull-off spot for parking was in the shade. It was cold. It was windy. It was sort of a short gun start as hikers sprinted up the road into the sunshine. We left the road at “C.” A sunny spot out of the wind would be a good place for introductions. That spot was tough to find. We made like Empire Penguins keeping our backs to the wind. Mission accomplished.

We bushwhacked up and down a few valleys until we connected with a road at “RX”. The road was not muddy. Near point “Z” we came upon a tank. We had a great view of Iron Dike and the overpass we would later cross under. It was a good place for a group picture.

Soon we left the road looking for any signs of mining activity at point “2” and “3” None found. Vegetation got some what thick before we entered a wash near point“3”. Nice, we were out of the wind. Water in the wash was frozen solid.

Sun was higher. Wind subsided. We headed up a ridgeline. Why? Why not? We are trailblazers. It looked like the remnants of an old road. It wasn’t. At “E2” we turned around.

We trudged up another high point for more views. Upon returning Eileen spotted an old refrigerator with bullet holes. Of course, if the beer gets warm you shoot the fridge.

We came across a cabin. Either it was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early prototype or some builder didn’t own a saw. It was a good place for lunch.

The next uphill, the Indian ruins of Iron Dike. We had to navigate a few fence crossings. How often to people get to see the underside of SR 87? We did.

The hike up to the road was easy. We regrouped at “RXP”. Bill suggested that each should pick a route up that works for them, take your time, and hike with someone. See you at the top.

All that choose to hike it made it. At the top each wandered about doing their own exploring and picture taking. Bill said good-bye to his rag-torn friend, his Bucky Badger shirt.

After a slow and careful return down, eight hikers followed the road north to its end point. Turning around, we all hiked the road down to SR 87. It was soft black rock-free dirt. A couple of quick sprints across the highway and we were back at the vehicles.

Back in the valley six hikers extended the New Year’s Day experience with lunch at Red-White and Brew. Happy New Year!

Thanks to Eileen for being the second driver.