AZGS geologists are mapping the geology along the Verde River for use in adjudication of water rights. But as they got into deeper water, more remote areas, and denser brush, it was clear that different tactics were necessary. Last week, Joe 
Cook and Ann Youberg carried out their mapping from kayaks along the river through the Mazatzal Wilderness. Rangers from the US Forest Service provided the gear and accompanied our folks, carrying out some of their own work along the way.
[Top, view of the Verde River. Right, Ann Youberg marking boundaries of terrace gravels along the river, bundled up in the rain. Left, Joe Cook rows his way downriver during a sunny period. All photos from Ann Youberg]