If the Dutchman is lost, then let's find him.

Apache Junction, AZ.  After their early morning walk to the Human Bean for coffee and hiking advice from the resident 

human being barista, Foo and her Papa went for a 6-plus mile run up a canal north of town.

After returning to the motel, they scarfed down some waffle, then headed east for the mountains. Stopping at the old ghost mining town of Gold Hill for a sandwich they made the final destination: Lost Dutchman State Park.

Foo pored over the map before pointing paw then firmly announcing, "Siphon Draw!": a 4-mile climb up and into the canyon.

 

Low desert scrub land gave way to steeper paths and close canyon walls as they rose into the mountain, finding themselves in a deep steep wash. After 2 miles, all semblance of trail was gone and our heroes were rock scrambling toward Flatiron peak—desperately following spray 

painted dots which marked the trail on occassion; a poor substitute for cairns. 

The way was eerily reminiscent of a hike Papa Foo had taken in Red Rocks Canyon where he and two buddies went off piste and into one big mess trying to extricate themselves from a similar steep canyon. But up and up they climbed till it was obvious that the peak was farther than daylight was likely to afford visibility; so they turned back. A scrambling scale down the mountain ended one stellar hike.

And with lots of advice from the ranger they are well set up for more and steeper climbs tomorrow.