Looking for an excuse to climb in Arizona, Dinah and I found it in Mount Wilson, a mountain just minutes from the Nevada-Arizona border. For this trip, we met with Shin. Shin had Wilson on his “bucket list,” but he didn't have a high-clearance vehicle required to get to the trailhead. Following Branch Whitney's instructions for Wilson, we drove our rented SUV up Black Joe Mine Road and after much jolting and bouncing arrived at the trailhead. After determining the correct ridge to start up, the way to the summit was obvious and we soon dispensed with the route description. We stuck to the ridgeline and steadily drew closer to the summit.

The hike was more beautiful than we expected. Each section of ridge held its own delights whether they were unusual rock colours or tall yuccas. We also saw an assortment of lizards and one snake, but except for the sluggish horned lizards, all wildlife quickly disappeared into rocks or bushes. Along with the eye-catching desert scenery, twists, turns and ridge undulations kept us engaged the entire time.

Two hours and 45 minutes after starting out we reached the summit. As we relaxed, a pair of swallows soared and swooped about the peak. They were so swift and flew so close to us – as close as two or three feet – we could hear the “swoosh” of air.

We spent a delightful 45 minutes on top before heading back. The return trip was uneventful until we reached the last section of ridge above the trailhead. There two swallows suddenly appeared and sped towards us. They zipped so close to our heads that we flinched. And then they were gone. It was as if the birds were giving us a farewell flyby as we left the mountain.

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