Dangerous climb

After repeated warnings of dire peril from the river guide, our journey down the San Simon River commences. We marvel as we pass the San Simon Indian cliff dwellings on our left, which were almost certainly inspired by the Montezuma Castle ruins in the Verde Valley. We then notice a hapless soldier attempting to climb the steep rock formation. Note the Indian at cliff's edge, high above the climber. It is difficult to see in the photo, but the Indian brave is taking a knife to the climber's rope in an attempt to drop the soldier into the raging river below. You may click on each of the figures for a closer view.