This is as far as I got during my first exploration of Jackson Butte (October 2006). I was afraid to squeeze past the thick gray bush behind me because I thought there was poison ivy in it. When I got back home I learned that the vine was harmless. So today I boldly passed by it, being touched by its inert leaves.

Joe Tripod, who normally shows no emotion, was thrilled
by the chance to hold my camera in new terrain.