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...Still at the obstacle, John is smiling probably because three went before and three came out ok.  In hind sight, the rock scrambling really wasn't all that bad.  In fact, we all agreed that it would be fun to do it again because we think we could do it better the second time.

Note also in this picture the density of the underbrush, much of which has thorns.  It's this brush in combination with the creek that makes it less than attractive to head straight down the center of Carrizo Gorge itself.  As a result, I'll bet we nearly doubled the length of the plotted trail by zigzagging to avoid difficulties.

Also, notice that everyone is wearing gloves even though none of us are fans of Michael Jackson.  No.  The gloves are a REALLY good idea in such dense desert flora.   Score one for planning.