Fort Apache exploring.

For all of the exploring I've done all over AZ I haven't done much on the Apache Reservation besides a couple trips cutting through it. The Apache Rez has some of the most amazing fishing spots in AZ and so I was excited when my fishing buddy expert Westy asked if I wanted to go up and camp/fish for the weekend! I could only make it for a night, but I wasn't going to miss out. Plus, it was about time I took out the new truck to stretch it's legs... and find out where the breaks are. Up through Miami, Globe and to the Salt River Canyon we went. Fort Apache. This is the US base to protect the settlers and travelers of the area back in the 1800's. Now it's in the heart of Apache land. At this point we were about a mile high, but it was all great far reaching plains. Wild wild horses... A great looking ranch. I'm not sure what the story with it was since as far as I know there is no "private" land or land ownership on the reservation. Heading towards the secret spot. There were some serious bugs on this trip. This guy was just hitching a ride. The crew for this trip. Feeling a bit like we were in Africa for a moment. Yes, this is the "road." Talk about a seldom used track! We saw signs of mountain lions in the area evidenced by some bones pretty high up in a tree. Not too many animals can carry a cow into a tree. Almost there! There were a few spots where a lift and some good tires was important, but nothing too crazy. Jon navigating the toughest obstacle on this trail descending to the river. Just a little dusty. A nice shot from Westy of the new family truckster. We made it! Even though we were at somewhere around 6,000 feet it was still nice and warm out. Warm enough to enjoy the COLD snow runoff in the creek. Pretty good size crawdads. The next day after I'd left he did catch a nice sized small mouth bass. This was one of many great future spots. And that was that. Another great, albeit short for me, adventure in AZ. It's good to be back in AZ and it's good to have a truck again!