Sixteen trailblazers joined in a third Trailblazer visit to the Swing Set Mine.

Three Subaru Foresters handled FR 177 without problems, but Kevin’s vehicle needed some rock rearranging on the way to the trailhead.

The sky was mostly clear. At 8:30 we were walking. Start on FR191, which soon turns into a trail. The trail was somewhat over-grown but quite manageable. Someone cleaned up the catclaw section. We could hear the roar of water flowing in Gold Creek in the canyon below us to the north. We had some shade, formed by the mountain ridge to our south. At “tx3” we left FR191 and headed up a hill to the mine. The road, loaded with manzanita, becomes less distinguishable each visit.

The mine pit was still open. One of the timbers had fallen in. We posed for a group picture with the extended shovel. After checking out the relic of a burnt-out trailer, we headed for the swing set.

Hooray! It was still intact! Vegetation had not over-grown the site from Bill’s last visit. We enjoyed the swings and the climbing bar. However, a failed weld had rendered the glider inoperable. Next time, self-appointed park superintendent Bill promised to bring hose clamps and heavy wire.

After lunch we enjoyed one last view of Roosevelt Lake before heading back down. At 1:30 we were back at the vehicles. We left for our 50-mile trip back to the valley and a mid-day food fest at the All American Grill in Fountain Hills.

I estimate 9.0 miles, +-1930 feet vertical gain.

Thanks to the other three drivers: Dave, Ann, and Kevin