The Gila Wilderness is so magnificent, I just want to go right back. It is an artists' dream world. The scenery was spectacular and around each bend the beauty increased as the canyon walls rose higher. We ultimately camped on Canyon Creek then rode the Middle Fork every day. It was lush, cool, green, beautiful, magnificent, far better than I imagined. Peppermint grew lavishly along the creek and wildflowers were blooming all over. The rich, red amber bark of the Ponderosa pine trees would glow as the light reached that magic time late in the day. The soil is deep, rich, black and luscious. It was perfect sleeping weather, never too cold or too hot. In the mornings the cliffs were shrouded in mist and the trees on the top of the canyon would slowly appear out of the fog as the sun banished it for the day. We could never get enough of that ethereal blue mist as it mingled with the sun's first golden rays, nor could we capture it in photos. Perhaps a painter could come close. Birds were plentiful and I saw new ones for me including a bright-faced little Verdin. On one ride we surprised a Zone-tailed Hawk with its youngster.

We saw a bear one day while riding which was exciting. Jim has dogs that he takes with him on these trips. They are part of his family just as the horses are. Wolves are also in that area and he has encountered them before. There are mountain lions too but they are not so bold and tend to keep away from people.

One day he took us to an ancient cliff dwelling that he discovered and very few people have seen.

We rode about 10 miles a day -- the horses were amazing athletes and conducted us safely. My mount was Cowboy and it turned out he was very fond of dried kiwi, as was Mr. Black, Sue's horse, so I will take more next time. One day we rode up to the canyon rim and looked down into the awesome beauty of our temporary home. What glorious sculpture! This canyon, so incomparable, alluring and grand, it even seems to create its own weather.

On each ride we went to a different part of the canyon and got to see some of its secrets. Riding out from camp the trail quickly became familiar, like an old friend. Trees, cliff faces, rock formations, river crossings and meadows that we traveled through coming and going were like family and home. Then all of a sudden we would be on a new trail and a whole new land of discovery would open up.

When we finally had to say goodbye to the canyon and head out it was with sadness. None of us wanted to leave. We climbed out of the canyon and landed on top, then made our way out through the high country. The best part about that was at one point, being able to look back and see the grin of this massive, awesome canyon far in the distance that we had just called home. No matter how far away, its beauty is not diminished. I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

We made it back to the trailhead safe and sound and then came the awful business of saying goodbye, packing the car and leaving it all behind.

I have some good pictures, however, the truth is that pictures do little justice to the majesty of this area and they can't capture the admirable nature of the people I was with or express the beauty of the connection made with people and place on such a grand adventure. They can't show the vastness, depth and purity of the canyon or the smell of the air when the rain starts to fall on alluvial soil and pine duff. They can't convey the essence of the mint as the horses step on it and release it's magic scent. They don't show the time and hard work that Jim must spend to prepare for a trip like this, and the definitely cannot capture the heart and soul of the animals; the horses, mules, birds, bears, dogs, lizards, insects, that make it all so beautiful, so real, they make you think deeper and purer than you are use to. Anyone that may consider taking a trip like this, I strongly suggest contacting Jim Mater and do it with him. Jim also does trips in the Blue Wilderness in Arizona. You can count on it that I will be going on one of those.