Getting to Basecamp

Alpha Team prepares to depart for a hike down the Towab Trail and eventually to base camp. Pictured from left to right are: Belvedere, Kramer, Vic, West, Chipmunk, Chappy, Magellan, Wapiti, Red Squirrel and Recondo. Alpha Team will rendezvous with Bravo Team at base camp around 1400 hours the next day. Photo by Papa.

Black Burnt Pool, captured by Andy "Magellan" Kursch, Alpha Team's navigator.

Wapiti and Belvedere taking a break on the Towab Trail. Photo by Magellan.

Looking out into the beginning of Agawa Canyon from the top of the Agawa Falls. Alpha Team bivouacked at the top of the falls. Photo by Magellan.

Alpha Team's bivouac. Photo by Magellan.

Bravo team set up just off Frater Road. Bravo team explored an abandoned uranium mine, "downtown" Frater, trails near Frater, Montreal River Harbor.

Alpha team mapped a trail from the Towab Trail to the railroad. Then hiked to basecamp by way of the tracks. (Photo by Magellan).

During the hike on the tracks, Alpha Team found and investigate a tunnel under the tracks. Apparently, these tunnels were constructed to allow water to flow under the tracks when there is a canyon wall on the uphill side of the tracks. Last year, two were discovered and more are assumed to be under the tracks. The tunnel was marked and recorded. Note the heating element (cable) running through the tunnel, probably to melt ice. Pretty cool, eh? (Photo by Magellan).

Bravo Team disembarks train at basecamp site to a welcoming Alpha Team. Base camp was constructed, with 3 sections, the American Quarter, the U. P. Quarter and Chappy's Quarter. Basecamp was a perfect location with the tracks, the Agawa River, a picnic table, counter, seating, fire pit, firewood and many tent sites. Rendezvous complete! Photo by Magellan.