Big Spenser Flat

The road to Big Spenser Flat was snow-packed, but firm.  It was overcast the whole way out there and when we stopped at the end to pick up a few clinkers, the light was flat and there was a cold wind.  Fortunately, it was clearing even then, and, by the time we got back to the west side, the sun was breaking through.  We stopped for a short hike while VSO made a painting.  After lunch, we started down Big Horn Wash.  I've been in there before, but it was when EDO was fairly small and the going was slow.  Now, we can move more quickly and it ought to be possible to walk down to Harris Wash.  It is a very nice hike, not at all difficult.  In any case, we had given ourselves only an hour or two, so we had to turn around well short of Harris.  We drove up to the little ridge above Little Spenser Flat, and VSO got out the paints again.  It was late in the day, but EDO and I started down another small, unremarkable draw on the Harris Wash side.  It turned into a very nice little canyon—buttery 60 to 80 foot walls, with a sandy bottom, and more yucca than I've seen anywhere.  We had to turn around after half an hour, but it was well worth the exploration.  VSO was frozen nearly solid at her easel by the time we returned, but we were able to lever her into the Chev and get back on the oil before the sun set.