Twelve hikers left the meeting place at 6:08, and at 7:00 we were hiking.

Bill had been to the panel towers on two previous occasions and wanted to share with the group. Following the dashed blue line (see National Geographic plot) was the plan.

Well, plans change. Following the easy contour, we soon were too far east. Changing direction and heading north, we entered a road at “RX6”. Once on the road, it was hard to get hikers to leave it and return to the bush.

The road was new for Bill. All was good. We had great view of the towers. The road led to a massive electrical substation. We followed the fence surrounding the station. When the road split, we headed west. The road connects with Queen Creak Canyon Road at “RX4”.

At “LR”, Bill and four hikers left the road for the bush. Instructions to the other seven who continued on the road were to pick a route they felt safe with and meet us at the towers.

After the towers, Bill’s instructions were to follow his lead and stay together. The weather was good. It was windy and comfortable. Bill decided to extend the adventure and head farther north to “N1”. From there, following n52-n50-n48 route (see dashed red) appeared an easy descent. Wrong. Vegetation changes everything. Bushes with hands. They managed to tangle Bill’s radio to his hat strap and GPS. Bill placed his radio in a pocket after untangling. Pickpocket bushes. Radio lost.

David T. found clearing and a route down. We were farther north than planned. At a scree-covered saddle we regrouped and made plans to traverse the hill.

Soon we spotted a road. Most followed an animal trail leading to the road. After brief break in the shade at “RX” we started walking the road back to our cars.

Eight hikers stopped at Dos Hermos for grub before returning to the valley.

Thanks to the other drivers, Dave M. and Chris A.

Distance 9.5 miles, +-2080 feet, 7.75 hours.