Buckskin Flat Camp. The canyon was at such an angle that the sun was able to reach the floor, bringing some much welcome warmth.

Hiding Camp. Someone had moved the picnic table over to the fire circle. (This table has also seen better days, but is holding together for the moment). Stopped to wring the water out of my socks, refill my water bottle, and have a bite to eat.

One last crossing leading out of Hiding Camp. Was *very* sick of river crossings by this point.

Nice view of Uncle Sam Mountain and the Puerto Suello Gap from the trail. Elephant Mountain (not in this shot) was also visible off to the right. 2 switchbacks of the Puerto Suello trail are visible in the shadows.

The trail climbed up off the river bottom and into this exposed, chamise lined, and tick infested section. I had picked up only a single tick thus far today, but brushed away dozens from this section of the trail.

The trail for next mile was probably the worst of the day. Dipping back down to the Hiding Canyon floor, the path was heavily overgrown with very wet vegetation.

Update: This section of trail was reportedly cleared in early 2005.

Gonna be some hungry Acorn Woodpeckers this winter. (Compare this with the same tree at this time last year.

Gate at the top of Hiding Canyon marking the entrance to Pine Valley. Downhill here for a bit as the trail decended into Pine Valley.

Heading across Pine Valley as last of the sunlight slips away. Starting to get quite chilly.