Trailblazers at Trailhead. [photo by Lin]

Ron, Chris, Peggy, Scot, Neil, Terry, Jane, Li, Robert, Peggy, Lin, Bruce, Michael, Tom and Lisa.

Hiking the Picket Post Perimeter on Black Friday has become an AZTHC tradition. While others rush to the stores, we head to the trails. While some search for deals online, we search for new paths. Others burn their wallets — we burn off the Thanksgiving turkey calories. This year’s hike was especially beautiful. Ten of us met at Home Depot at 7:20 a.m., with four more joining us at the trailhead. We arrived around 8 a.m. to find the parking lot already filling up — clearly, enjoying nature on Black Friday wasn’t just our idea.

Jane, Tom, Li Li, Lisa, Scot, Neil, Ron, Terry, Peggy, Robert, Chris, Michael, Bruce.

Green Desert.

Time to take a layer of cloth off.

It was wonderful to reconnect with hikers I hadn’t seen in a long time. Everyone looked great and ready for an adventure. I was especially glad Bruce joined — not only did he guide us to the mine, but he also helped set the perfect pace for the group. The trail itself showed the week’s storms: plenty of water in the creek, flood debris everywhere, and several washed-out sections. It was definitely more challenging than in past years. But the rain also brought changes — new paths, flowing creeks, and plenty of water-filled pockets along the way. The fall colors were glowing, adding even more beauty to the day.

Since we are going the counterclock direction, we need to work on hard first.

After too much rain in a short time.

The overwhelm flood debris.

A highlight for many of us was visiting the mine, where we found lots of Apache tears — thanks to Robert for pointing them out! Did Lin say, Since parts of the trail are washed out, let’s stay together? Haha… well, that didn’t exactly happen. We ended up in four groups! But I’m proud of how everyone supported each other when needed. Different leaders stepped up to help, guide, and make the hike fun and memorable.

Big thanks to Bruce, Robert, Michael, Li, and Tom for helping gather everyone and making sure we all returned to the trailhead safely. And extra thanks to Bruce for sharing Picket Post history and fascinating photos. It was another great Black Friday on the trail. Let’s keep the tradition alive — see you next year!

Flood damage.

Break time.

Group photo at mine - Bruce, Robert, Peggy, Lisa, Lin, Debbie, Chris, Terry, Li Li, Neil, Tom, Scot.

After a break.

Beautiful reflection.