Fun Time in Tanque Verde Canyon

When the water flows, this canyon is beyond spectacular.  This picture fails to demonstrate  what I think is the strongest flow of water I've experienced, while moving upstream.  

The mylonitic gneiss and limestone make for a colorful surface as my hiking friend and I continue the experience. 

At this time, there are several falls, each being enjoyed by fellow hikers.  I kept us out of the water but it was challenging and I envied those who simply sloshed upstream.

Many giant boulders have fallen from the canyon walls.

The final significant obstacle, which is about 20' high but I knew of a workaround that took us well above and than down to.....

...the 70' falls.  As we stood watching people leap into the pool, a woman yelled, "hey, man in the blue shirt. Take our picture" so I did and forwarded them later.

I took the pics a little early, thinking that's better than too late.

My friend leaped in too but I declined. On our way back, I reached a large pool that had no convenient way forward.  I knew I could climb up the canyon wall and poke around as I did coming in but it was a pain so I jumped in.  Only then did I realize the stone walls were too steep and slippery for me to immediately climb out so I walked forward, eventually having water up to my neck.  Finally got out!