Initial plans called for an ultra-light, move-fast, overnight backpack up Chinle Wash. No tent or stove but cliff bars and hope for springs up the side canyons. We wimped. Camp was comfortable and there is something endearing about a cold drink out of the cooler. So we loaded up with water and winged it with no firm plan. Climbing Mule Ear on the list, but knew my bad knee had all but written that one off. An easy trail up led to great views both from the front and the back of the notch. None of us had been beyond this point.