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Although we don't start out on the AZ Trail, we will link up to it briefly later on the Hope Camp Trail

You can see there are several trails branching off of this one.  

And this is the typical terrain.  There has been no rain for weeks and even the prickly pear cacti look desiccated. It might look a little boring, however, when it's a new adventure and you don't know what lies around the next bend, it is fun!  Plus, when you're out with friends on a balmy day, what could be better?! 

Nonetheless, the trail takes us on some twists and turns plus plenty of rather steep hills

And it isn't long before we encounter the fragments of the first cattle camp, Deer Camp.  The vane on the windmill says "Aeromotor" Chicago, IL

We hike on toward Hope Camp.

This was a nice, shady portion of the trail.  Those are Dean's poles in the frame.

Kathi and Stan navigate the rough trail.  Downhill on rocky rubble can be a little difficult.

And there is Hope Camp and the turn-around end of our hike.

There are low benches waiting for us to enjoy our lunch.  As we are chatting and enjoying the breeze and bird calls, we can hear crunchy footsteps coming along the trail.

Meet Mercury--his trail name.  He'd been hiking for several days from another old camp, known as Kentucky camp about 50 miles south on the AZT.  We had a delightful chat with him, then---

---said good by and he got back on the trail.

We can take a little more time to enjoy this unique spot, then we'll get back on the trail, too.