July 27, 2012: Today we started out returning to Big Lake, exploring the western side of the lake this time. The highlight was a group of Pickerelweed with their bright pink flowers cresting above the water’s surface. Once back on firm ground, we drove southwest to the Black River, home to the threatened Apache Trout, and where the a portion of the prior year’s Wallow Fire had burned. In spite of such a recent wildfire, the forest was already bouncing back with lots of green and new seedlings taking root. We hiked downriver for a few miles, then returned to the truck and did some more driving along the back roads, not finding anything of interest. Unfortunately sunset was not to be thanks to many clouds; however relaxing at camp was a very welcome alternative.