tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35698088972580873112024-03-19T01:48:37.930-07:00Mamma Quail Hiking California Here I'll be sharing my trail experiences. By myself or with Papa Quail and the chikas, or with friends. Mostly in California, the East Bay in particular, and sometimes in other states. I am loving the Earth through my feet and I'm telling the world about it!Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.comBlogger479125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-12064328718377500172024-03-14T22:23:00.000-07:002024-03-14T22:32:42.923-07:00Old Faithful and Its Geothermal Community of Wonders: Hiking Yellowstone's Top Must See. <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaFRnRjlQY182_6zizLDoZUTDMPnJwG8YjFj2mH8Gl3kY-jENxsHCWf9ytDR89ml1ngJjs6gnOwYFSZ1PG764f-0FHubHtRlbWGubfl0vd7OP5xfYKJLywpRptlYCsgvwsIFmG5r-PsDNsu8vgRiY8Ok-T6j-nD6FsnrTYkRP6MRE7oslworxHfP1lIs/s1803/Old%20Faithfull.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaFRnRjlQY182_6zizLDoZUTDMPnJwG8YjFj2mH8Gl3kY-jENxsHCWf9ytDR89ml1ngJjs6gnOwYFSZ1PG764f-0FHubHtRlbWGubfl0vd7OP5xfYKJLywpRptlYCsgvwsIFmG5r-PsDNsu8vgRiY8Ok-T6j-nD6FsnrTYkRP6MRE7oslworxHfP1lIs/w640-h426/Old%20Faithfull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Faithful, September 29, 2023<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 17, 2020</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 44.460143, -110.830148</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2.1 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy plus</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Old Faithful is the poster geyser of Yellowstone National Park, and probably universally too. It is certainly the most famous and most visited geyser in the world. A big part of its popularity is its fairly regular eruption schedule, making it convenient to fit the eruption event into a busy day of sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park. Most visitors observe the eruption, then move on to other places, but a good number also go on the hike of the Old Faithful Basin to see the other natural treasures this place has on display. When I arrived in Yellowstone with my youth companions on <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/jenny-lake-twice-and-once-around.html">our July of 2020 impromptu road trip </a>it was clear that we'll visit Old Faithful. We came there in the afternoon, driving north from the Grand Teton National Park, arriving at a perfect time - a few minutes before the geyser erupted. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tpODKBYUCG1GL9a2oBYmBxYoHtOCs7Y5b88PABd_1cjexoXdL-5Q58p_ctPsZK3DQfnrw0e6pD6GfjWfAiEpg92kABXSsg4bwYKttNzP47ZYki01hNpX2iYJF_2iU8arpdIQEZW5SPRs71MaaNcC2MH55tjnUj2sQbC4oFnUA7-SxwotMuvdy7q034/s2005/wu%20old%20faithful.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tpODKBYUCG1GL9a2oBYmBxYoHtOCs7Y5b88PABd_1cjexoXdL-5Q58p_ctPsZK3DQfnrw0e6pD6GfjWfAiEpg92kABXSsg4bwYKttNzP47ZYki01hNpX2iYJF_2iU8arpdIQEZW5SPRs71MaaNcC2MH55tjnUj2sQbC4oFnUA7-SxwotMuvdy7q034/w640-h428/wu%20old%20faithful.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Faithful<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">A geyser's eruption is a very impressive sight, especially one as big as Old Faithful. The Old Faithful Basin however, is a large and very active geothermal area that has numerous geysers, springs and pools, and also a hillside trail to a view point where Old Faithful Basin can be observed from above. After seeing Old Faithful's eruption from ground level we went on a sight-seeing hike up the hillside and around the basin. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8urZwaA4a9joy6PSo21vLWCApgNjtT1USuEeaNipRa-rE4m1lrUoBPGoe1bVYvVxE50XUoHnMAa7S5wyXHbCaxYgS271W5Zjvr3jJacfo2mlzUgmCq1V3boJQyQgcDKhx26uD8i_mQec2rxG1YVUpSZ_zD7tD_X5kUsHhjNBWbzD-oL-n1CDaBGXCuk/s1177/2.1%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1177" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8urZwaA4a9joy6PSo21vLWCApgNjtT1USuEeaNipRa-rE4m1lrUoBPGoe1bVYvVxE50XUoHnMAa7S5wyXHbCaxYgS271W5Zjvr3jJacfo2mlzUgmCq1V3boJQyQgcDKhx26uD8i_mQec2rxG1YVUpSZ_zD7tD_X5kUsHhjNBWbzD-oL-n1CDaBGXCuk/w640-h632/2.1%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">At first we wanted to go up the hill and observe Old Faithfull's next eruption from the higher point of view. On our way we crossed Firehole River, which runs through Old Faithful Basin and collects all the hot water that springs from the earth there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl2lR9jv2w_cw8ORqiTgXUHPzAfKStKUWIJ0EHm8bqaXaQLrTq7DcpU4MluI5RiZVF8qlUFL-E5jzgoR-LbspYZ_KwK_3g5iLnu3t-8XW50Tr5CmccQS5grPJ2d-4ilCZbGEQ0DoiwcaNQ-Hnn5zqj3kdvch-q2tZu7DM30v3cE02kYvY9KeYcFBGe8M/s2005/ww%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl2lR9jv2w_cw8ORqiTgXUHPzAfKStKUWIJ0EHm8bqaXaQLrTq7DcpU4MluI5RiZVF8qlUFL-E5jzgoR-LbspYZ_KwK_3g5iLnu3t-8XW50Tr5CmccQS5grPJ2d-4ilCZbGEQ0DoiwcaNQ-Hnn5zqj3kdvch-q2tZu7DM30v3cE02kYvY9KeYcFBGe8M/w640-h428/ww%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firehole River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hillside trail is just outside the basin and the plant and wild life there isn't directly impacted by the geothermal phenomenon. On this part of the hike the immediate surrounding was like just like a forest hike with standard plants. Many of the plants were blooming at the time, too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoykD6eG62jJpbTmodaSp0dKSAiKHK81KIg-NMMKtM8nsdYUE1P-KpY1o1A13oqBnoNWFr0tOIyKM1RZutaleN3M16ThzZj-wv3etQ2cPX-VudzqDQcSeHNp_DDUvaLO3Og0SL-DzgcXtQLbBprumizKlcpPbw2I6K7a7nyeVbZUYRhUmRNTa9TEAmhQ/s2291/wy%20rose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2291" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoykD6eG62jJpbTmodaSp0dKSAiKHK81KIg-NMMKtM8nsdYUE1P-KpY1o1A13oqBnoNWFr0tOIyKM1RZutaleN3M16ThzZj-wv3etQ2cPX-VudzqDQcSeHNp_DDUvaLO3Og0SL-DzgcXtQLbBprumizKlcpPbw2I6K7a7nyeVbZUYRhUmRNTa9TEAmhQ/w640-h464/wy%20rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Rose, Rosa sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were birds there too, and the elder chika, which had her special birding camera by then, was eagerly clicking away at them. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOhsC711pSW6_6sCNnQ4rBZmna5Ms1WbT9pT-wWp-DETA94Q6Lu5E0vqSI5LeWVaRaT2InTmWJRhQdJXKJm9aSTHHaCn7f2sY4RECl92FA8_NzLTgNX-d1P74zXHO_OUJV5VqkHLCmJCjqkB5aOg17xFqzGJB051UvEiw3E1_1w2ANw3TJL_Iz6xCsoY/s2298/wp%20swallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="2298" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOhsC711pSW6_6sCNnQ4rBZmna5Ms1WbT9pT-wWp-DETA94Q6Lu5E0vqSI5LeWVaRaT2InTmWJRhQdJXKJm9aSTHHaCn7f2sY4RECl92FA8_NzLTgNX-d1P74zXHO_OUJV5VqkHLCmJCjqkB5aOg17xFqzGJB051UvEiw3E1_1w2ANw3TJL_Iz6xCsoY/w640-h446/wp%20swallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet Green Swallow</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I left the birds to my chika and focused on the wildflowers, of which there were many. I include here only a small sample of what I saw on that short little stretch of trail along the boundary of Old Faithful's basin. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc6rsBcBQ5pwy0xx3l1o4gFirEOvAdFjFjJYArLeb9WKUxLHBwHkpMfYhFKI5B0Pa935b0aWvq7jiEHj-xcfP1ydd1mhsvi8tvf2Eucun7X3t9DrNSCwSMwTmpUb1wQ8EMI39NbFFJ8WF1LLejpjKZmuN49eia5MUco-ywKhe9MFtjcqIH1Mvzy7D1I0/s2271/xc%20geranium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="2271" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc6rsBcBQ5pwy0xx3l1o4gFirEOvAdFjFjJYArLeb9WKUxLHBwHkpMfYhFKI5B0Pa935b0aWvq7jiEHj-xcfP1ydd1mhsvi8tvf2Eucun7X3t9DrNSCwSMwTmpUb1wQ8EMI39NbFFJ8WF1LLejpjKZmuN49eia5MUco-ywKhe9MFtjcqIH1Mvzy7D1I0/w640-h452/xc%20geranium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richardson's Geranium, Geranium richardsonii </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Focusing on wildflowers doesn't mean that I pass on opportunities to observe wildlife, especially when I see them engaged in interesting activities. This wasp in the photo below is carrying a caterpillar. She'll stuff it inside her nest and lay her egg on it. The caterpillar isn't dead (yet), only stunned, and it'll be the food of the growing wasp larva after it hatches. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FZgK236pPgqirE-Ek7KV7eCK6pI1PU9js4pYVN_OJnuij6A9QFzlOIF5fTsJxL8FGywrSpB9dPHzGUZckfSd_Bd0YwpA61FbSfXXJSl8s8y9JyGMP7BXy6JYfXrDupToNKw62lylu2emYYH-DHh7F-raId23uFOhOvpyAtrx_lLhhCFvWgbIIn6jSxE/s2505/xb%20wasp%20and%20caterpilar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2505" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FZgK236pPgqirE-Ek7KV7eCK6pI1PU9js4pYVN_OJnuij6A9QFzlOIF5fTsJxL8FGywrSpB9dPHzGUZckfSd_Bd0YwpA61FbSfXXJSl8s8y9JyGMP7BXy6JYfXrDupToNKw62lylu2emYYH-DHh7F-raId23uFOhOvpyAtrx_lLhhCFvWgbIIn6jSxE/w640-h460/xb%20wasp%20and%20caterpilar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wasp with her catch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wasp flew slowly away, heavy and low with her load, and I continued up the trail, looking for more wildflowers and trying to keep up with the youth who were already far ahead on their way to the view point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg089yGT4BknaH6Cj0pZdih-48LDNEhlbML53Yl0CO34wGQB3NPFWHCnnaaxTg-64CFqpspuKpjpSkuVu2u5Si5PrS4jvLGPu2fh3k5XE-ND7G0z8IoKvE_if3t63tVjUeZ92_XdCGoHPmvK_P7XtxEgqMDAMGuOxjBCvYdNzfb2gkw_wCnITcHH7KTjz0/s1657/xd%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1657" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg089yGT4BknaH6Cj0pZdih-48LDNEhlbML53Yl0CO34wGQB3NPFWHCnnaaxTg-64CFqpspuKpjpSkuVu2u5Si5PrS4jvLGPu2fh3k5XE-ND7G0z8IoKvE_if3t63tVjUeZ92_XdCGoHPmvK_P7XtxEgqMDAMGuOxjBCvYdNzfb2gkw_wCnITcHH7KTjz0/w640-h446/xd%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a short distance the trail was almost level. Then it was sloping up, mildly at first, following that with steeper switchbacks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi21IlQX-VsmKac10_Ow_pJ3J2nBy_ploTI_R3Xm1jlPESzHPvLQGq5zigGgcb5qzJw5ZMAHBsVHwNe280bDL5M1pnAB0lB7doBQj1MHYedtXoLZucln-9YBCUnbMHNsSVStjhyphenhyphenuOh7ZOprgGlvr4G4zf8JWk79tGpLwe0qfjkdvDpwlL-GKKXlNWw7IU/s1504/xf%20umbels.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1504" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi21IlQX-VsmKac10_Ow_pJ3J2nBy_ploTI_R3Xm1jlPESzHPvLQGq5zigGgcb5qzJw5ZMAHBsVHwNe280bDL5M1pnAB0lB7doBQj1MHYedtXoLZucln-9YBCUnbMHNsSVStjhyphenhyphenuOh7ZOprgGlvr4G4zf8JWk79tGpLwe0qfjkdvDpwlL-GKKXlNWw7IU/w640-h458/xf%20umbels.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hillside was mostly forested, but even above the Firehole River, there were small clearings that were exposed to the sun and had small patches of grass and herbaceous wildflowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3QcK6pL-SHXGxIA8etHvXBRKKsIsNXSU_69EZFiCCZkLYrwdzCOSxBptSUmMkL_9UDFIcLZNhKvcKUaRNjhtmAh1SJUxc0ZXEpYBHsGt90tqmcE1kB2UvH5FNiExDtkpxXmDcx8SHjGV4tpPtpzE3gTd1MXIS1k3PppQUFc9qX3KMe1DEbf5PAQbyj4/s1727/xh%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1727" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3QcK6pL-SHXGxIA8etHvXBRKKsIsNXSU_69EZFiCCZkLYrwdzCOSxBptSUmMkL_9UDFIcLZNhKvcKUaRNjhtmAh1SJUxc0ZXEpYBHsGt90tqmcE1kB2UvH5FNiExDtkpxXmDcx8SHjGV4tpPtpzE3gTd1MXIS1k3PppQUFc9qX3KMe1DEbf5PAQbyj4/w640-h452/xh%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Daisy, Erigeron speciosus</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a wetter spot in what might have been a running brook a bt earlier in season, bloomed bog orchid. That sighting made me very happy indeed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhxmZHKhzKhKqFa9BYXUUBOmWVbO9tCMwUV2HqoTwyxcm2rRfCzym6Hehb1j3xZ0r2UEAvPWnlJan3iAUSzYjPaempbTaQJOTvQYvsKUK-0XrqxqUEJG5daT_bDuGXJaoH4DQDMeIKH4n6eieLHVuMiTjMW8pxanj-aOmJnfdOltTDDPAFm-HxLL21M4/s1669/xj%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1669" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhxmZHKhzKhKqFa9BYXUUBOmWVbO9tCMwUV2HqoTwyxcm2rRfCzym6Hehb1j3xZ0r2UEAvPWnlJan3iAUSzYjPaempbTaQJOTvQYvsKUK-0XrqxqUEJG5daT_bDuGXJaoH4DQDMeIKH4n6eieLHVuMiTjMW8pxanj-aOmJnfdOltTDDPAFm-HxLL21M4/w640-h454/xj%20orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Bog Orchid, Platanthera dilatata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The youth were far ahead up the trail. I found it difficult to detach myself from all the growing plant beauty around me but I was liable for these kids s I hurried up after them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5rwHLwuxPpOwrwn5mSxxd0rRFGmmFzpo1wQHmyOKTMfkTISYHUb0G8lVJvJ2sSahale4X03RZuPm3tWDPcsqXEs0nsmNcw5ZsGJJAUjjTI_40whVc5XM8FsHl2TiUiQ1XH4QAlFXseuVnamxVeZsq7jSt-l2q8f36Q2TRzkHkgQhM8S9aV50KqwfucY/s2259/xm%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="2259" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5rwHLwuxPpOwrwn5mSxxd0rRFGmmFzpo1wQHmyOKTMfkTISYHUb0G8lVJvJ2sSahale4X03RZuPm3tWDPcsqXEs0nsmNcw5ZsGJJAUjjTI_40whVc5XM8FsHl2TiUiQ1XH4QAlFXseuVnamxVeZsq7jSt-l2q8f36Q2TRzkHkgQhM8S9aV50KqwfucY/w640-h474/xm%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penstemon sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where the slope was rocky it was also clearer of vegetation, and the volcanic nature of the rocks was revealed, colorful and ruggedly beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKhVRng391QNR6qgEGAcfCu5EEviWcSDYT0f-XivoPi8TiIfsR1UMXdkl1kfMhJ48Kv0DqV0i34vJMIW5aebkOpdjC1SP-HRIvckR0PVtqINdX9DbNtH-j4Bo4hZfnfLfIHsnf0TxJOjyoWkP6PYakvitaPV88AlaEmo5sID9Ie6fPYEk7ntu6hWuyJs/s2005/xn%20geology.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKhVRng391QNR6qgEGAcfCu5EEviWcSDYT0f-XivoPi8TiIfsR1UMXdkl1kfMhJ48Kv0DqV0i34vJMIW5aebkOpdjC1SP-HRIvckR0PVtqINdX9DbNtH-j4Bo4hZfnfLfIHsnf0TxJOjyoWkP6PYakvitaPV88AlaEmo5sID9Ie6fPYEk7ntu6hWuyJs/w640-h428/xn%20geology.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even in the drier parts of the trail, at the higher elevation, were wildflowers blooming. I didn't slow down too much at that time. By now I was concerned with not missing Old Faithful's next eruption. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r1nHZHmcUQFYT0miMGGp4Nj9VO1rm5fRvKd-a53RN18y5u0VmChDudJcWCflXqD1klAtPqZuzPLmygJ0tFxD_mjYaQ_JtU2RgejYC_tJhN6UHWmCQi-JOjNZulwkoG6Lebu1cG81wF5qQOz4f9OiMVeBbB3kwfgn8uTFJXrfPsPsYvhfgg00VW3jZxI/s1703/xp%20cool%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1703" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r1nHZHmcUQFYT0miMGGp4Nj9VO1rm5fRvKd-a53RN18y5u0VmChDudJcWCflXqD1klAtPqZuzPLmygJ0tFxD_mjYaQ_JtU2RgejYC_tJhN6UHWmCQi-JOjNZulwkoG6Lebu1cG81wF5qQOz4f9OiMVeBbB3kwfgn8uTFJXrfPsPsYvhfgg00VW3jZxI/w640-h448/xp%20cool%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trees seemed smaller, higher up the trail. They were all pines there, and they looked nice and healthy. Where the trees opened up enough I could see the forest extended far and wide below, around and beyond the Old Faithful Basin. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LkJnV02MYt1qhsKOLOORQijV_eDMTyM1VRo8wb8F6jyf86r7qok1HAjNI0bEbHUrVvy6IoeP7HqCsnuHCtSSNCuWUkvhryk424lL4VYJmb7Helec507a-HSP1Apb8PDSYZlm_vMfhymNn32eH8L1t1jjDuH2mkTLOIta-PJ5S9lovYQTZxF6fbSKbWI/s2005/xq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LkJnV02MYt1qhsKOLOORQijV_eDMTyM1VRo8wb8F6jyf86r7qok1HAjNI0bEbHUrVvy6IoeP7HqCsnuHCtSSNCuWUkvhryk424lL4VYJmb7Helec507a-HSP1Apb8PDSYZlm_vMfhymNn32eH8L1t1jjDuH2mkTLOIta-PJ5S9lovYQTZxF6fbSKbWI/w640-h428/xq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The youth had reached the view point and settled there to observe the basin below while I kept clambering uphill, stopping almost every other step for one wildflower or another. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7UgyKWKHRjuwvs0nHPyqdGlQhwS-k7upGnVqrZ7zL_-MKgFcXNMMkxfBmpooQViZlseEH3Vl4pWvZGYsP3mIvrm89kVifd1r-v-OpBDEXVWvhyphenhyphenRWPcVV1FVA-eADHVN3xzhl-c0YdCFYONg7m7ynEwi5gLRfXIVc61kAGouyczCOnvjSJgf5mbRMeBU/s2261/xr%20dudleya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2261" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7UgyKWKHRjuwvs0nHPyqdGlQhwS-k7upGnVqrZ7zL_-MKgFcXNMMkxfBmpooQViZlseEH3Vl4pWvZGYsP3mIvrm89kVifd1r-v-OpBDEXVWvhyphenhyphenRWPcVV1FVA-eADHVN3xzhl-c0YdCFYONg7m7ynEwi5gLRfXIVc61kAGouyczCOnvjSJgf5mbRMeBU/w640-h462/xr%20dudleya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonecrop</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I too reached the viewing area. There is a large barricade of logs at the front, meant to stop people from sitting all the way at the edge of the rocks. Some venturing souls ignored the barricade and did go to sit at the very edge. Most people who were there however, simply sat on the logs. Some wildflowers bloomed right between those logs. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAAxE5WZgnPtdlGNTYSRbXnLEa9v1z_De088MQXHcr2S7Or8wDt5Byfwb4K6hAjQ7iIyGpkGQ839jSg8iHKTCMZSVuRGYudBE_e8uG3fmtduPZEWiMZ2GSo945zoDKuE9ofSwsFbZvQOdk7qYoqnSgAKmiK3BuAiwD_0gzLS6mgmh_DSES5AheVn0j_c/s2054/xs%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2054" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAAxE5WZgnPtdlGNTYSRbXnLEa9v1z_De088MQXHcr2S7Or8wDt5Byfwb4K6hAjQ7iIyGpkGQ839jSg8iHKTCMZSVuRGYudBE_e8uG3fmtduPZEWiMZ2GSo945zoDKuE9ofSwsFbZvQOdk7qYoqnSgAKmiK3BuAiwD_0gzLS6mgmh_DSES5AheVn0j_c/w640-h480/xs%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penstemon sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We sat and waited. It was a hot day and the viewing area was exposed, and people were shifting in their places. Some got impatient and left to go downhill, and others were coming up and sitting next to us. Not too close - it was the height of COVID time after all. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNv7h-n2k-3ZWtB16y-rjh04sJMCroQkwxiay_pIzTs9zR7qpdxHh6oC6dOhxj4_XtfL1Kh8zgPlmtUve3_J0spPvjiwzULHWXhGdJ9cK0SulhreMDC07AgycOQcLnnOArdu7LLvHZwi4pRgmQyvxdIb8ZwWAUrjFnEBfnV_ELJw1BISOPs31_lVQrS4/s2005/xt%20old%20unfaithful.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNv7h-n2k-3ZWtB16y-rjh04sJMCroQkwxiay_pIzTs9zR7qpdxHh6oC6dOhxj4_XtfL1Kh8zgPlmtUve3_J0spPvjiwzULHWXhGdJ9cK0SulhreMDC07AgycOQcLnnOArdu7LLvHZwi4pRgmQyvxdIb8ZwWAUrjFnEBfnV_ELJw1BISOPs31_lVQrS4/w640-h428/xt%20old%20unfaithful.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Faithful, July 17, 2020<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Old Faithful is named thus because of its usually reliable eruption schedule. Sometimes it does skip, however, and it had skipped one while we were there up at the viewing area. We waited for a long time, and when nothing happened that was bigger than a few puffs of steam, we gave up and got up to continue the rest of the hike. When I revisited Old Faithful last fall with my sister we also went up to the higher view point, after first viewing Old Faithful from ground level, and we did get to see Old Faithful erupting again from above. I chose one of the photos from this recent trip to head this blogpost. My sister and I did not go on the full hike that day. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmr9W_7P3dGt1C41T_ZJKYHoYC1OPJIiWMuCZM0DAG9GiCJ8SKUEKRSHxONmcOnXETaML_cFXeelHBJUTHR5Y0FqE8KhFqpnKb1ekufIVE6yURVPpB9MrTJbe30JtQ451JqeanbfdcfMYWRfIsjZxFV5C52Id2Hp4kWqmAjrQg3yx4VBjQ0Y7wEFhtns/s1686/xu%20honeysuckle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1686" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmr9W_7P3dGt1C41T_ZJKYHoYC1OPJIiWMuCZM0DAG9GiCJ8SKUEKRSHxONmcOnXETaML_cFXeelHBJUTHR5Y0FqE8KhFqpnKb1ekufIVE6yURVPpB9MrTJbe30JtQ451JqeanbfdcfMYWRfIsjZxFV5C52Id2Hp4kWqmAjrQg3yx4VBjQ0Y7wEFhtns/w640-h444/xu%20honeysuckle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowberry</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the view point we descended north, returning to the basin from its farthest end. The trail down was nicely shaded by the pine trees, giving us some relief from the heat. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyipHyO4AjsQ5U3xrLvxQc0mwT2FBnDgF8jC5a9o5C1BAcUB9QAiV-3rMJUGR8x0Kb1NumgAIG_oV9iJilzY1F5xF1Go3fGt2wcZIs499AhuxOnYidgJP0LkY8pSbZxgyHO8s99s0Mn7YGHlzQdrjCYkMbC6WmJvZZH_wpAy3OGGCCOXbib0tMGK1d30/s2005/xw%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyipHyO4AjsQ5U3xrLvxQc0mwT2FBnDgF8jC5a9o5C1BAcUB9QAiV-3rMJUGR8x0Kb1NumgAIG_oV9iJilzY1F5xF1Go3fGt2wcZIs499AhuxOnYidgJP0LkY8pSbZxgyHO8s99s0Mn7YGHlzQdrjCYkMbC6WmJvZZH_wpAy3OGGCCOXbib0tMGK1d30/w640-h428/xw%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were more wildflowers along this part of the trail as well. Trying to keep up with the youth in my charge, I practiced the 'photo on the move' approach. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9eryZyVuQGML225kqZFrufj2Vm8sW6LHoWQ7-Nr2gbnK4lPZjNA4Jy1haTT6wFEBXx8hQ1cKMQir0hAQ7sHFl5LXetBOtmeJe_P0Zjs0PHMs8wrk1aYpqaZMBWpTjW0n1LM9tEYLtACWpFJJ5piVsyYIxsENZ2bot4JB1HumgvsP6bpi_7ZuuKOtdA0/s2126/xx%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="2126" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9eryZyVuQGML225kqZFrufj2Vm8sW6LHoWQ7-Nr2gbnK4lPZjNA4Jy1haTT6wFEBXx8hQ1cKMQir0hAQ7sHFl5LXetBOtmeJe_P0Zjs0PHMs8wrk1aYpqaZMBWpTjW0n1LM9tEYLtACWpFJJ5piVsyYIxsENZ2bot4JB1HumgvsP6bpi_7ZuuKOtdA0/w640-h492/xx%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnica sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This approach doesn't yield the best, most artistic photos ever, but it does keep a good documentation and memoire of life's richness in this very special place at the time of our visit. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYipLeTIQVuDjh8Lmlw_BX-e27f3g_AvPtSG8P0l5hM0TVtpoHOBcIPO-tqePZd4VHsc08HttjXpEESi0PLjsDiW8Z4ZnthTSt-MnqDft13cw42gjAohslC3XOx2rnwxrkhr6oMMtv6gvEaaftH3PVhvbtUtfNimuIPf08CjxB4L36gfhgGDGK6aWcbiQ/s2121/xz%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2121" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYipLeTIQVuDjh8Lmlw_BX-e27f3g_AvPtSG8P0l5hM0TVtpoHOBcIPO-tqePZd4VHsc08HttjXpEESi0PLjsDiW8Z4ZnthTSt-MnqDft13cw42gjAohslC3XOx2rnwxrkhr6oMMtv6gvEaaftH3PVhvbtUtfNimuIPf08CjxB4L36gfhgGDGK6aWcbiQ/w640-h450/xz%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then again, some sights definitely merit stopping and huddling over. I called my companions to come back a few steps and appreciate the gorgeous columbine that was blooming in our path. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoyeX781ozE0C7bEy1kY5_jF5DGjoT946OujtirWiv6dlFYUee9p5WaOJebBQSUfsUgDKcLYfaCF0PI2P_fCFN5PROd1xgJMGbezqMiYGcawn4y4KRAL4NCROFE9w7tDvA307d7x8ysMk1kx_xPU9JoThE51MGnjP-69OL7-MqM9mSpo6BD14gmKqBZI/s1646/xy%20columbine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1646" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoyeX781ozE0C7bEy1kY5_jF5DGjoT946OujtirWiv6dlFYUee9p5WaOJebBQSUfsUgDKcLYfaCF0PI2P_fCFN5PROd1xgJMGbezqMiYGcawn4y4KRAL4NCROFE9w7tDvA307d7x8ysMk1kx_xPU9JoThE51MGnjP-69OL7-MqM9mSpo6BD14gmKqBZI/w640-h464/xy%20columbine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Columbine, Aquilegia elegantula</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where there are wildflowers there would be butterflies. The butterflies we saw were all very hyperactive, and I got very few photos, mostly blurry, of them. The elder chika had better luck than me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-2B9EAbHNGIN_skvjR39oCGuqxNGhYWoDzlJa6-VyMo3IbBRIfPYVXiuzkE0qw2C_z37iXLzaYTR25A5e33Uv3oTSlswX8YHWyf4YIhkaWaICF69sO-_BVKYPLGtei2a6UIiA8w_6LpLywU7HArPSjmhY2we-NRwnivH7uJTTb8XFT8YlIr9LVp5pUQ/s2193/wq%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="2193" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-2B9EAbHNGIN_skvjR39oCGuqxNGhYWoDzlJa6-VyMo3IbBRIfPYVXiuzkE0qw2C_z37iXLzaYTR25A5e33Uv3oTSlswX8YHWyf4YIhkaWaICF69sO-_BVKYPLGtei2a6UIiA8w_6LpLywU7HArPSjmhY2we-NRwnivH7uJTTb8XFT8YlIr9LVp5pUQ/w640-h462/wq%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached down to the basin and exited the forest right by Solitary Geyser, which apparently, is a man-induced geyser. According to the explanation plaque it used to be a calm thermal pool, and it was an attempt of humans to channel the water to make a hot bath that messed up its internal balance, starting a geyser activity there. This activity isn't very big but it is fairly regular, even a century after the tampering. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqjxTFk0yF84jy2SvRrKbyeihW1WkmkuDAdOLVEzw2j93P12Y23qUs1wSBwMq4ToGqzZe7EuNj7uBMFgsXOh_MmtyWIuvYo-YWkGiAjjoREJp0gpyFMlBfUdCopdiqTo2muOYoH41cdMqnQQF2_w4SJkRQtKmtmgJz8_rfEBHx89cAVTOxvtHJwRfzKg/s2005/yc%20corner%20geyzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqjxTFk0yF84jy2SvRrKbyeihW1WkmkuDAdOLVEzw2j93P12Y23qUs1wSBwMq4ToGqzZe7EuNj7uBMFgsXOh_MmtyWIuvYo-YWkGiAjjoREJp0gpyFMlBfUdCopdiqTo2muOYoH41cdMqnQQF2_w4SJkRQtKmtmgJz8_rfEBHx89cAVTOxvtHJwRfzKg/w640-h428/yc%20corner%20geyzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we reached it, Solitary Geyser looked indeed like a calm pool. The sign said that this geyser erupts every few minutes so we waited and saw the bubbles push through the surface, stirring it up, then receding back to calmness. The eruption was indeed very small, but fascinating to see. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNCKvJaNAmmaPnxC6oqtxj1zNur9GzdYBl9PrsHhwd0S09hdGrTDFUz0JudVEUvGmyMqy9LsuBax32fzL5taJx-iz4K0a-dYTWVeVbio_A566akckNG3f_u2mCZKqNHO6N9bN6j9N-zGe4z47cr_kdBSTxliVWCvTnu5dGcvRHKpOqhcUOwRsbSEvuQ4/s2005/yd%20corner%20geyzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNCKvJaNAmmaPnxC6oqtxj1zNur9GzdYBl9PrsHhwd0S09hdGrTDFUz0JudVEUvGmyMqy9LsuBax32fzL5taJx-iz4K0a-dYTWVeVbio_A566akckNG3f_u2mCZKqNHO6N9bN6j9N-zGe4z47cr_kdBSTxliVWCvTnu5dGcvRHKpOqhcUOwRsbSEvuQ4/w640-h428/yd%20corner%20geyzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary Geyser, erupting</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Solitary Geyser is very isolated from the rest of the geothermal activity in the Old Faithful Basin. The trail leading back to the center of action had also some cool wildflowers blooming along side. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4zAwOXISlTkVLGwgeuC8DU6CfZ9ChtBsDYOu1S_4GSx_4qXaLfbTIPeLHRnVdV7RRYq_tsGMFHDtOm429hgx0HN5UehxUtob9xCmo52DWUtdw-Pl9pau4YBD2uATWyAz8jq13uUk_oKNIdj_LFAX_F9XuMTHn8EImLudMobSnK2ng7b9YGsh8EWxYdA/s1339/ye%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4zAwOXISlTkVLGwgeuC8DU6CfZ9ChtBsDYOu1S_4GSx_4qXaLfbTIPeLHRnVdV7RRYq_tsGMFHDtOm429hgx0HN5UehxUtob9xCmo52DWUtdw-Pl9pau4YBD2uATWyAz8jq13uUk_oKNIdj_LFAX_F9XuMTHn8EImLudMobSnK2ng7b9YGsh8EWxYdA/w508-h640/ye%20orchid.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rein Orchid, Piperia sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the variety that I saw within the boundaries of the basin itself. Because of the very unique conditions there I had expected to see a narrower range of species, but the local plant community seemed pretty diverse to me.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUD-1NiktVkOjwruSVMTvwAEV0R4RC8XX2kgUerIlbpkROLq7eRHAPNmr4_rkXlhj6so8TmzYSXUuwFOqoHQ01KS-ofVXtDc1OovuAl0huntFKcRl9KgOft3lBXCwlqWPrPrusEHqmtJmueH-pvVF06o2bdH1ualqHvz4wfPLfUgau-IHCwGLBdk9veQ/s1790/yf%20allium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1790" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUD-1NiktVkOjwruSVMTvwAEV0R4RC8XX2kgUerIlbpkROLq7eRHAPNmr4_rkXlhj6so8TmzYSXUuwFOqoHQ01KS-ofVXtDc1OovuAl0huntFKcRl9KgOft3lBXCwlqWPrPrusEHqmtJmueH-pvVF06o2bdH1ualqHvz4wfPLfUgau-IHCwGLBdk9veQ/w640-h446/yf%20allium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allium sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we made our way into the basin the trail rose onto a boardwalk. The boardwalk of course, was put in place to protect the visitors and allow closer view of the geysers and thermal pools safely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DEukkBtpj3CQgtCTnJtn7khrHTwgNVUFKjPt7MrrXSaaZOVrcIbkSW3ICFok28fW3JFN-YYBDOPz9eUbFPxrnxoE_e3u-DS76Cp87GDrAV7LRKfKuHIEa3ZftfuLgOs9SaV2jwSITaTRGc_GDsRyJsxuGUOAfDtCFGzOUQ7ww5UazppHK39IEP83R6k/s2005/yg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DEukkBtpj3CQgtCTnJtn7khrHTwgNVUFKjPt7MrrXSaaZOVrcIbkSW3ICFok28fW3JFN-YYBDOPz9eUbFPxrnxoE_e3u-DS76Cp87GDrAV7LRKfKuHIEa3ZftfuLgOs9SaV2jwSITaTRGc_GDsRyJsxuGUOAfDtCFGzOUQ7ww5UazppHK39IEP83R6k/w640-h428/yg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The top crust surrounding the thermal pools is thin and can collapse under the weight of a human. Still there are the daredevils who step off the safe path and venture close to the heat. Almost every year there is that someone who falls through and perish. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVi9OkvKad2TZNI-C8JIpOgu71ufdypesfeQxF1jBM-43uvDoM5NgHia6PchjnGC68OksAqxinBzPFuQP6ydQiKA0aGlNHYIfdLUVKJgPMIGLVZDNBqJM1ftvJxesxxvmziNN6D973fp_uUTm0zA32fo5MAKsXkmoLsffFXUMv_98AQYd9-Y8aNQ-Heo/s2005/yh%20hole.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVi9OkvKad2TZNI-C8JIpOgu71ufdypesfeQxF1jBM-43uvDoM5NgHia6PchjnGC68OksAqxinBzPFuQP6ydQiKA0aGlNHYIfdLUVKJgPMIGLVZDNBqJM1ftvJxesxxvmziNN6D973fp_uUTm0zA32fo5MAKsXkmoLsffFXUMv_98AQYd9-Y8aNQ-Heo/w640-h428/yh%20hole.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermal Pool</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On my first visit to Yellowstone the elder chika was 4 years old and a runner, and I feared that she might give us a slip and go to one of those beautiful geothermal pools. Me and Pappa Quail kept a tight hand on her the entire visit, and I remember not enjoying as much because of my maternal stress. In 2020 all the youth in my charge were mature enough and knew the potential danger. This time I could enjoy myself and pay attention to the lovely nature all around. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy7ueZ7o7dqhdSRqcIKobI06yTJ6dznZBudqZtAD5YvwayfZAYj_MoKBKmvQECa_9FaRDksRfrpv2iPejXf-NBLg0FOJ_VYb2Riag7ZubRMb-haY1W6K7d4X8xAgfPML2dSz_dEfuKBAnrfXDG9Z_u9nc5Ng23GhER2L8kV9oICEcwEHwyaI-_gRFOi8/s2600/yj%20gentian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1979" data-original-width="2600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy7ueZ7o7dqhdSRqcIKobI06yTJ6dznZBudqZtAD5YvwayfZAYj_MoKBKmvQECa_9FaRDksRfrpv2iPejXf-NBLg0FOJ_VYb2Riag7ZubRMb-haY1W6K7d4X8xAgfPML2dSz_dEfuKBAnrfXDG9Z_u9nc5Ng23GhER2L8kV9oICEcwEHwyaI-_gRFOi8/w640-h488/yj%20gentian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentian sp.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other geysers in the basin are much closer to one another than Solitary Geyser. Once we came closer to the cluster we were able to go quickly from one to the other. Some of them were quiet, only a sign revealing their geyserous nature. Others erupted as we observed, giving a nice display of their activity. When the trail came close to a geyser we could tell the eruption wouldn't be a large one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGe3LL0Sca4Yo51ygEPLa0YILCqyCQQx24D07rRF4Vi_e1tZW9C_OLmO6ovqWJPRmzMBUqzixLwyxCdgJgegMFwYeYYDG7LIIP5R0N-hxuOMePfrlKRUywBqZ7oGLvSSnbKSTXMnmlgXipKOy6FtClcrMujdY8i-aEcdq5YyiaFbLBYCLTFQwDuu19-c/s2005/yn%20geyzer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGe3LL0Sca4Yo51ygEPLa0YILCqyCQQx24D07rRF4Vi_e1tZW9C_OLmO6ovqWJPRmzMBUqzixLwyxCdgJgegMFwYeYYDG7LIIP5R0N-hxuOMePfrlKRUywBqZ7oGLvSSnbKSTXMnmlgXipKOy6FtClcrMujdY8i-aEcdq5YyiaFbLBYCLTFQwDuu19-c/w640-h428/yn%20geyzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The immediate area surrounding the geysers and thermal pools isn't very hospitable for plants. The plants that grow nearest to the geothermal features are best suited for the extreme conditions within that belt of special niche. One of these plants is the arrow grass, that I see around natural hot springs in other places as well. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJMSyeI_rkuUaT5t20a_Lj_BBqirQRXhGlY2h80Tw7Gz567M3uDlMCstYdMmiQ2P4JFrAN9k1pYItbT1p0Bw713YvqxC1nrma9UVFm0JyvgpMCbvkE6d3aurdnQeGkbynWJrRkaQbEJL_3tsl4BLTGFcgjCFfwaSmB5qYT2L85aYIYwaIGrbK8Hu_6PA/s2005/yo%20plants.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJMSyeI_rkuUaT5t20a_Lj_BBqirQRXhGlY2h80Tw7Gz567M3uDlMCstYdMmiQ2P4JFrAN9k1pYItbT1p0Bw713YvqxC1nrma9UVFm0JyvgpMCbvkE6d3aurdnQeGkbynWJrRkaQbEJL_3tsl4BLTGFcgjCFfwaSmB5qYT2L85aYIYwaIGrbK8Hu_6PA/w640-h428/yo%20plants.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow Grass, Triglochin concinna</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the geysers in the basin had built up a large mound of sediments deposited by the eruptions. During the short hike we had there, I could nt see any correlation between the size f the mound and the size of the erruption. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42vmJBPqDiVgJN4NP206rBxKl00OvAOve1oFfABE0Oga0lFFRwXBPInE5gmMXAWJu7TTMneWx715vIODmrvtWFoeBbPkMlEeYeiyImHbbPI9FGyf0PT3kOICUShtRXFcqq7oe5AMdhOA86rH2rm4cmVz6TpvkcCluwdGVUr7BSUh_Oco8SOkTLTQxZJc/s2005/yq%20spurt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42vmJBPqDiVgJN4NP206rBxKl00OvAOve1oFfABE0Oga0lFFRwXBPInE5gmMXAWJu7TTMneWx715vIODmrvtWFoeBbPkMlEeYeiyImHbbPI9FGyf0PT3kOICUShtRXFcqq7oe5AMdhOA86rH2rm4cmVz6TpvkcCluwdGVUr7BSUh_Oco8SOkTLTQxZJc/w640-h428/yq%20spurt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While we were waiting at the high viewing area for Old Faithful to go again I kept my eye on a far away geyser that seemed to erupt much more frequently. That was the Castle Geyser, an impressive one that wasn't on the loop trail we were hiking on. I observed it erupt again and again from the center lop trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8k-gQm7aVWe811q7Mm7R3WyryFyUefnfSY8MpxE8ZYdGBILNfYZ_FhYwWVjHuC6ss3hlb6H9BSXZRQpEME3oaRAUHFHEC5q7iKpfr4a15GiW7fzJ9YJ8VXPlVZ5HAH4_OoXf4rAPFheq3qTGLzNDdKziM7RlMc2Eiy3publDslcFPex4Rrdhe0Xry7w/s2005/yr%20geyser.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8k-gQm7aVWe811q7Mm7R3WyryFyUefnfSY8MpxE8ZYdGBILNfYZ_FhYwWVjHuC6ss3hlb6H9BSXZRQpEME3oaRAUHFHEC5q7iKpfr4a15GiW7fzJ9YJ8VXPlVZ5HAH4_OoXf4rAPFheq3qTGLzNDdKziM7RlMc2Eiy3publDslcFPex4Rrdhe0Xry7w/w640-h428/yr%20geyser.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In fact, the Castle Geyser looked much more impressive than most of the geysers near Old Faithful, except of course, for Old Faithful itself. I would settle for the far view point of that geyser because I wanted to check out other geothermal basins after we'd finish the Old Faithful hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium4FtTVYeFpKAy6qiN8gpRcLPMJp2JhQhiLp2Bd-sa9NS463XIQnxgdwm0waK151xT2OSNl5YCLhDSKvuwoqJklx0NRY89PkXQ50-dbXMQnYh2kvCPLBQRLG6kiKia7KfGdZpR85Fdh0nfbxhQXIUqB-i_rK8SI-LIOgVG4ddg2j5kYHR6M8O44FtFG0/s2005/ys%20blue%20hole.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium4FtTVYeFpKAy6qiN8gpRcLPMJp2JhQhiLp2Bd-sa9NS463XIQnxgdwm0waK151xT2OSNl5YCLhDSKvuwoqJklx0NRY89PkXQ50-dbXMQnYh2kvCPLBQRLG6kiKia7KfGdZpR85Fdh0nfbxhQXIUqB-i_rK8SI-LIOgVG4ddg2j5kYHR6M8O44FtFG0/w640-h428/ys%20blue%20hole.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermal Pool, and the Castle Geyser in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The quiet thermal pools were also a magnificent sight. These pools can be very deluding in their calm - they are extremely dangerous. On my first visit in Yellowstone with my family, 16 years ago, I noticed that many of the signs warning people to remain on trail and keep their distance from the thermal pools were paid for by a couple who lost their adolescent boy who jumped into one of these pools. There is no surviving such a dip - its pretty much an instant death. Moreover - in most cases where a person had fallen into such a pool, there was also no body left to recover - the organic matter falls apart very quickly. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXmu6Re5Ejj5jTVbLazn5SJ-gx0kFaU1vT8QFnN4RyFf2zB71rYRo84N0VgBWkAPjK1pfTIrfTjdSUOlaLi0EQIlbJiJOa5UrjH8friQvOVZQQC00lRh4JqL9S0peTgYHpS8qXSnyMG2Yo6d8cCukqH_DL7EB-wLoN13c6CR8B-MOoDsfatI6wLK3FoQ/s2005/yx%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXmu6Re5Ejj5jTVbLazn5SJ-gx0kFaU1vT8QFnN4RyFf2zB71rYRo84N0VgBWkAPjK1pfTIrfTjdSUOlaLi0EQIlbJiJOa5UrjH8friQvOVZQQC00lRh4JqL9S0peTgYHpS8qXSnyMG2Yo6d8cCukqH_DL7EB-wLoN13c6CR8B-MOoDsfatI6wLK3FoQ/w640-h427/yx%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Depression Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of the thermal pools and the small brooks and streams that flow out of the geysers are very colorful. These colors come from a plethora of thermophilic microorganisms, bacteria mostly, that evolved and thrive in the unique conditions in the geothermal pools. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZwoD7TZ-Yw2BQW2HOrzws58e2dqARWR1nPfIMNHjv4aP4j6MQ2yHIkSYLGocweg__yMpxxfPsjIYxwrP3O4v5cJiTbrJwM1dbZizgrRzEPCH_zacNbdzp-0nKP4ZQg0rXof6aZWskGS_wu7HB2uO3sbLCgxmovRhRiw1ltc7mxCwD32BCK3VOTqkxP8/s2005/yz%20flow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZwoD7TZ-Yw2BQW2HOrzws58e2dqARWR1nPfIMNHjv4aP4j6MQ2yHIkSYLGocweg__yMpxxfPsjIYxwrP3O4v5cJiTbrJwM1dbZizgrRzEPCH_zacNbdzp-0nKP4ZQg0rXof6aZWskGS_wu7HB2uO3sbLCgxmovRhRiw1ltc7mxCwD32BCK3VOTqkxP8/w640-h428/yz%20flow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each of the geothermal pools is a singular niche with specific temperature and mineral composition, and each has its on community of microorganisms giving it its individual color and/or whiff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aruMyWSeECsxG9Dnkp6LaLTkPFp32yv04eGaOSo3KQdVuGEimBSE_VUzbL10dVjrnoC-qwT_qDLDf8YR0ytt9gQCFqy_RtelYqoGjTmBzZDx8KXGLTHJLKi8Fa-B9s3dHdqH3XgmbLTj5T5Aeye-ufCV9tgaT-ztukdeIW2tjQRiinmh8JUdWAax3gw/s2005/za%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aruMyWSeECsxG9Dnkp6LaLTkPFp32yv04eGaOSo3KQdVuGEimBSE_VUzbL10dVjrnoC-qwT_qDLDf8YR0ytt9gQCFqy_RtelYqoGjTmBzZDx8KXGLTHJLKi8Fa-B9s3dHdqH3XgmbLTj5T5Aeye-ufCV9tgaT-ztukdeIW2tjQRiinmh8JUdWAax3gw/w640-h428/za%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of these microorganisms also take an active part in depositing the sediments that give the geothermal feature not only its color and smell, but also its texture. The thermal pools in Yellowstone National Park are truly Nature's top art work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFa6u5jOkJj_M1-x8OLGk-L6yZSNpHTnGYax8EmVDU34egTT_i_6RImp2xEIyvQ5BSDEGAtCiw0sbunbTvpIzdQWyWxMw8o-6pus0GwDF0FOKKRoM6duAu2dAqOmu2U0XcLEIHvrcNrO_A0_qFpw8tA4W2RSl7NXq4BLSupeHiEbVUG3MXCUS_1v28qs/s2005/zb%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFa6u5jOkJj_M1-x8OLGk-L6yZSNpHTnGYax8EmVDU34egTT_i_6RImp2xEIyvQ5BSDEGAtCiw0sbunbTvpIzdQWyWxMw8o-6pus0GwDF0FOKKRoM6duAu2dAqOmu2U0XcLEIHvrcNrO_A0_qFpw8tA4W2RSl7NXq4BLSupeHiEbVUG3MXCUS_1v28qs/w640-h428/zb%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the less predictable geysers in the Old Faithful Basin is the Beehive Geyser. There was a nice information plaque near it, explaining the mechanism of geyser eruption. Basically, a geyser is a fissure reaching deep into the earth in an area where magma is relatively close to the surface, as it is in volcanic places such as Yellowstone. Precipitation water that seeps down the fissure heats up and pressurizes. When the heat and pressure of the water lowest in the column overcomes the weight of the water at the top of the column, the geyser erupts, pushing the top water up into the air and steaming outside with it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLzcqHbp76kP6TRLHuzALa1elX3S5N3fquVa_tC7cEhpMElh93soRKb_eZt7RPhb78a85F82KvahfXvCHk8-G2rGjNItadzp-0lyy9OdKHGRSpNnVNWa9gS6SdeiAXZVNAX9IciOlVMi-4G_Pb2axD-2ypMiD25u0VkBgtZBQp16dGXstmz2O7_nHx80/s2005/zg%20beehive%20geyzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLzcqHbp76kP6TRLHuzALa1elX3S5N3fquVa_tC7cEhpMElh93soRKb_eZt7RPhb78a85F82KvahfXvCHk8-G2rGjNItadzp-0lyy9OdKHGRSpNnVNWa9gS6SdeiAXZVNAX9IciOlVMi-4G_Pb2axD-2ypMiD25u0VkBgtZBQp16dGXstmz2O7_nHx80/w640-h428/zg%20beehive%20geyzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beehive Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We moved slowly between the geothermal features of the basin. There were many other visitors on the path with us, and it was difficult to get photos sans people. Despite it being the height of the pandemic fright and the travel restrictions placed in many parts of USA, including California, Yellowstone was bustling. In fact, it made it very difficult for us to find campsites within the park for the duration of our stay there. Every day started with looking for cancellations, breaking up camp and moving to a new, recently cancelled site. That was the main problem with having an unplanned impromptu trip. Except for that first night at the Grand Teton National park, we were fortunate though, to find a vacant campsite each night while visiting the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5t6KtzDRT8I8ZpCUCxebmgjo-luqQ4Tyea-GzlhyphenhyphenJTxWRuiQsmFTThuSEJ1MjI94kNm4sQpFtZp67s5DtpGMTvYDFyS-IOXR6HAvA8ldkLkGr60dEw5QeqTBYOUwZ5WeDsrNJdkh94X12vKDhTGSugFYeHqO1h590CbZIfLIx_pj_vMHK3C7-CfnB0/s2005/zi%20geyzer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5t6KtzDRT8I8ZpCUCxebmgjo-luqQ4Tyea-GzlhyphenhyphenJTxWRuiQsmFTThuSEJ1MjI94kNm4sQpFtZp67s5DtpGMTvYDFyS-IOXR6HAvA8ldkLkGr60dEw5QeqTBYOUwZ5WeDsrNJdkh94X12vKDhTGSugFYeHqO1h590CbZIfLIx_pj_vMHK3C7-CfnB0/w640-h428/zi%20geyzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The youth were very impressed with the geothermal features of Yellowstone, as was I. I loved watching the thin bacterial filaments swaying in the gentle flow of the hot water. Microbiologists study an entire world of life within the Yellowstone geothermals. Some of the thermophilic bacteria studies resulted in ground-breaking research and diagnostic techniques such as the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) which utilizes the heat-resistant DNA Polymerase enzyme taken from these bacteria. The PCR technique which was then so well used to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in exposed people was possible because of the bacteria that created these pretty Nature's tapestry in the thermal water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JmoqEBw9H6ScfivaLjwNFfl4Wo68S3hcpvxutgtMQ3bSPlStztJZQkPUYfK9lqNNeVhVjxs9VbtW4CwKIhHL50Ma9ybvQyrP2xi2ReSV2SwF6H2dcJaKkcGZ7-DvM64jVhSEtnG-yIuFOdO5GPxcaPl7zLRl0jzBMLFuWBAJI46_nU_8mmzMYY-e5XQ/s2005/zj%20microbs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JmoqEBw9H6ScfivaLjwNFfl4Wo68S3hcpvxutgtMQ3bSPlStztJZQkPUYfK9lqNNeVhVjxs9VbtW4CwKIhHL50Ma9ybvQyrP2xi2ReSV2SwF6H2dcJaKkcGZ7-DvM64jVhSEtnG-yIuFOdO5GPxcaPl7zLRl0jzBMLFuWBAJI46_nU_8mmzMYY-e5XQ/w640-h428/zj%20microbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermophilic Microorganisms</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As slow as we were walking, we still eventually got to round the hike and slowly circle back in the direction of the Old Faithful Geyser, and the lodge where we were parked. As we turned the corner I caught the Castle Geyser erupt again behind us, like a beautiful farewell. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mTAl6U2aG5oAOjMx6ltFBd5fnKbSgH87PqtAyHzWBKdo_6aWROMsM5QzZOCmIKQUzcAEEBrEYGkCZvWZLEIchum_Ip7jmjd3cmvT30sX_6b9oqQHoiqCmqMFywji8aqKE9ycKyJTvVGj6XgMa1UFU0gi2US1MVAof9PBEulERXc7PqqC0vVm_bwcrPs/s2005/zk%20geyser.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mTAl6U2aG5oAOjMx6ltFBd5fnKbSgH87PqtAyHzWBKdo_6aWROMsM5QzZOCmIKQUzcAEEBrEYGkCZvWZLEIchum_Ip7jmjd3cmvT30sX_6b9oqQHoiqCmqMFywji8aqKE9ycKyJTvVGj6XgMa1UFU0gi2US1MVAof9PBEulERXc7PqqC0vVm_bwcrPs/w640-h428/zk%20geyser.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the slow walk around the trail I paused again and again to enjoy the colorful tapestry laid out by Nature's tiniest creatures. It has been 12 years since my first and only visit in Yellowstone before this one, and I had no foreseeable plans to visit there again soon. As far as I knew at the time, there could be a wait of another 12 years, or more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8EZWp5IcAFdUYs8e1NHdQqe4JZ3A4v8-svMXY5wptY_8ai0x1j2n56D6anC3mUnDLes_WMPTxOLsE_S-p8q_0AX6ZR8zw-tF4VZzC8VSGmfnK1utq0ZyPJPltBMmCqtkRqsASU0pmNhdaOEdPDHjPF3QZZPPGyyRUTfIfC2ucwX6tzNimtJECMCnuh4/s2005/zl%20microbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8EZWp5IcAFdUYs8e1NHdQqe4JZ3A4v8-svMXY5wptY_8ai0x1j2n56D6anC3mUnDLes_WMPTxOLsE_S-p8q_0AX6ZR8zw-tF4VZzC8VSGmfnK1utq0ZyPJPltBMmCqtkRqsASU0pmNhdaOEdPDHjPF3QZZPPGyyRUTfIfC2ucwX6tzNimtJECMCnuh4/w640-h428/zl%20microbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was fortunate to have my sister visit me last fall, and we were fortunate that the weather had altered our original plan to visit Oregon and Washington. It took me less than a minute to switch direction to Yellowstone, giving my sister the opportunity to see this wonderful place for the first time, and myself to enjoy it again, for the third time now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yuLIQPNBFfH-hfYa8jICngGS_VF0h26RvQ1kDcrwEyGdaXO7_J7nOM0hVT-ZMLue78_XyuuKE6Pq9WC3aTfxbNndyAT1DoGh8Uwr_QseLGutuGRL8w_LEC4Un071v03yRm9FTtHX7l9Vv9VAWyQm50f0c0Gf9-_BKB-KG_bJOc2xreWrnrOP9LK2azc/s2005/zn%20sediments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yuLIQPNBFfH-hfYa8jICngGS_VF0h26RvQ1kDcrwEyGdaXO7_J7nOM0hVT-ZMLue78_XyuuKE6Pq9WC3aTfxbNndyAT1DoGh8Uwr_QseLGutuGRL8w_LEC4Un071v03yRm9FTtHX7l9Vv9VAWyQm50f0c0Gf9-_BKB-KG_bJOc2xreWrnrOP9LK2azc/w640-h428/zn%20sediments.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope to not wait many more years before my next visit to Yellowstone - after all Pappa Quail would love seeing it again, it has been 16 years for him now, and he had only seen it once.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVVDHhJ4NOGBQJT0c2wX7qtqfoOezUM_L2PFuO_RYIDs4EUe3Pc83omvqhKPMd7ztsMurafKrQXNFj6mEdzkmhCfoOSSoKei4CdUPj5A5K9bN7syrJaVpDHVfmbiF3_LhJtZ3xBewsKNj6x66jk1IcAKaMrVCGfMo2zG87h2PtHu0k3xAj9uFYiAZ53w/s2005/zo%20hot%20sediments.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVVDHhJ4NOGBQJT0c2wX7qtqfoOezUM_L2PFuO_RYIDs4EUe3Pc83omvqhKPMd7ztsMurafKrQXNFj6mEdzkmhCfoOSSoKei4CdUPj5A5K9bN7syrJaVpDHVfmbiF3_LhJtZ3xBewsKNj6x66jk1IcAKaMrVCGfMo2zG87h2PtHu0k3xAj9uFYiAZ53w/w640-h428/zo%20hot%20sediments.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geothermal Sediments Art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed another small geyser on our way back to Old Faithful. After seeing the grand eruptions of the larger geyser, this one looked like a cute baby. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2AzjXlUXlL5MrqVOIOBdJ3ikfFU46uIgOmGUle0-of8VfJaMCMh-JohUIsvUcE1F2yDOiUXoxMBGdvoOAcSASH8JqTuT5uR_AWfulnSVGLL0RTUqtH7hBxj7q9JOJjNw6vXiZfqxtJkBt1ALei5tBEWEDGGQYbh9da1JojPBz2iIVPeF5p_ZXWhQyrs/s2005/zr%20bubbling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2AzjXlUXlL5MrqVOIOBdJ3ikfFU46uIgOmGUle0-of8VfJaMCMh-JohUIsvUcE1F2yDOiUXoxMBGdvoOAcSASH8JqTuT5uR_AWfulnSVGLL0RTUqtH7hBxj7q9JOJjNw6vXiZfqxtJkBt1ALei5tBEWEDGGQYbh9da1JojPBz2iIVPeF5p_ZXWhQyrs/w640-h428/zr%20bubbling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plants were actually growing quite close to the baby geyser, and not only the arrow grass, but also some monkeyflowers which, although tolerant enough to grow this close to the geyser, they were still pretty stunted. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9qMXhJaPgm8iaT5qcWr1W1SuybaaBQFuASrtRNoXmNPqLnlZ_qGqINpihvGtifVfUWCZ-fwIP7_tqe0goPvheI-oPBID-z733fPYTP4uANf_ulwilycVf8RTuMgpe-G7VdRMEL_vcbCikHLVPZHpkrzoeujSoPTHATiz50KqCbK62ypm8t0fvJRZRq8/s2327/zt%20monkeyflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2327" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9qMXhJaPgm8iaT5qcWr1W1SuybaaBQFuASrtRNoXmNPqLnlZ_qGqINpihvGtifVfUWCZ-fwIP7_tqe0goPvheI-oPBID-z733fPYTP4uANf_ulwilycVf8RTuMgpe-G7VdRMEL_vcbCikHLVPZHpkrzoeujSoPTHATiz50KqCbK62ypm8t0fvJRZRq8/w640-h464/zt%20monkeyflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeyflower, Erythranthe sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The blue thermal pools looked very inviting. Not seeing steam coming out of them, I assumed that some of the people who were lured by the pristine beauty of these pools did not think they were dangerous, not more than your regular hot spring, anyway. These pools are way too hot, however. Diving into any of them means instant death. Sadly, people falling or jumping into the thermal pools is one of the most common causes of death in yellwstone National Park, at least according to the book, 'Death in Yellowstone', which I bought at the visitor center and the youth had an exciting time reading out loud in turns during our drives. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ID6TOOSPfkpokYBf9s8cqF-0Re78O54FYO5zYN6Sdff_MHtlp6Wm0Zbe0MFyroxiWHnOCqNLNWXKFvxQMpCTykCD4cZmFBDto0yJwdu0mlxrYupnAvfmilKZJzTC9qWtj2hb70jzR5owms07hsct82K29liOWwBxKhrgtCOpU7LmJu-43xYxuQZerc/s2005/zu%20hot%20pool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ID6TOOSPfkpokYBf9s8cqF-0Re78O54FYO5zYN6Sdff_MHtlp6Wm0Zbe0MFyroxiWHnOCqNLNWXKFvxQMpCTykCD4cZmFBDto0yJwdu0mlxrYupnAvfmilKZJzTC9qWtj2hb70jzR5owms07hsct82K29liOWwBxKhrgtCOpU7LmJu-43xYxuQZerc/w640-h428/zu%20hot%20pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geothermal Pool</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Standard brooks would have vegetation growing right inside the water flow. The little brooks coming out of the geysers had only thermophile microorganisms growing in them. For standard plants this water was off limits, at least until it reached the distance where it cooled off enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMtV87iM5RoY4n2T3isIrmbX7DaNlBJAzbAgc-2PIsgJ9xv2TcFXdiPl66vvp6PyFyE1_mtX15ODCUb1uoj1exDZ-vHmx9BD3PkcoGEvfQEI0JFeyF5d_bAeIbbnVwRVVktdxbKqVUSTI67to6eqtuxMoZQ-gzUV2-SsrQwgG4Khqm5LCF446YesLHBk/s2005/zv%20hot%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMtV87iM5RoY4n2T3isIrmbX7DaNlBJAzbAgc-2PIsgJ9xv2TcFXdiPl66vvp6PyFyE1_mtX15ODCUb1uoj1exDZ-vHmx9BD3PkcoGEvfQEI0JFeyF5d_bAeIbbnVwRVVktdxbKqVUSTI67to6eqtuxMoZQ-gzUV2-SsrQwgG4Khqm5LCF446YesLHBk/w640-h428/zv%20hot%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Distant enough from the geological heat the plants could grow to their optimal size, as the monkeyflowers I saw. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cs_5Wd17NleAlFfuRBZwGt8niQT6BsjqT4qDZQFt1aqIHv-FlpSyvHkg5XuLZncljQVd1hkDkJOi6F3IaqF0_IwSEtKY_YguDBCmyWzXHU47LqT1CQwEfRRfYmWZrPSSNVPoDp_Nvd46gJfBJvejhIkZ2SIq8nH_t3j7jRx2Z0oZ9Ahh4do0GamZyO4/s2437/zw%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2437" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cs_5Wd17NleAlFfuRBZwGt8niQT6BsjqT4qDZQFt1aqIHv-FlpSyvHkg5XuLZncljQVd1hkDkJOi6F3IaqF0_IwSEtKY_YguDBCmyWzXHU47LqT1CQwEfRRfYmWZrPSSNVPoDp_Nvd46gJfBJvejhIkZ2SIq8nH_t3j7jRx2Z0oZ9Ahh4do0GamZyO4/w640-h462/zw%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeyflower, Erythranthe sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again we were walking in the outskirts of the basin, and the natural scenery looked more like a familiar forest clearing with the wildflowers I anticipated seeing in such a place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX206vIgrpF8-RUkCAYDyB38Jc91h9VOj6ZzAPb_3gifMmSAOyl0s04J_nS-s4LrUI84zaK4jGFnxBTIVUsRpckwEKX6XHKVu0fM5W3T6pNtq_2V3np-1RLmqXmUwLmjdxJtXkneXFXd1WBwEYej-HOPIwoP-9cdxog4ZM9tlmHDvaJTfSZlSswPddsM/s1770/zx%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1770" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX206vIgrpF8-RUkCAYDyB38Jc91h9VOj6ZzAPb_3gifMmSAOyl0s04J_nS-s4LrUI84zaK4jGFnxBTIVUsRpckwEKX6XHKVu0fM5W3T6pNtq_2V3np-1RLmqXmUwLmjdxJtXkneXFXd1WBwEYej-HOPIwoP-9cdxog4ZM9tlmHDvaJTfSZlSswPddsM/w640-h450/zx%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> About to complete the loop within the Old Faithful Basin, I was eager to get going to our next stop. Not that this eagerness stopped me from pausing for wildflowers when I saw them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpt2h5X4CZb5s4vysXe00P2bkQ2JLG8DWb0duPz1I7LT8VgdtXYrUi2G6zYgccM1GEsSFUtb5BgKFdw2iFkQPJrmQIqSLgiraGRk6LuKCwgyjUAgvU7V18YZEyPn74L17iZFf2Lm0bDoNyaE5d22FDzYr9ZWdKgdt0rcO7SAqqGwCbTHMHFmVGYFxuxo/s1822/zy%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1822" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpt2h5X4CZb5s4vysXe00P2bkQ2JLG8DWb0duPz1I7LT8VgdtXYrUi2G6zYgccM1GEsSFUtb5BgKFdw2iFkQPJrmQIqSLgiraGRk6LuKCwgyjUAgvU7V18YZEyPn74L17iZFf2Lm0bDoNyaE5d22FDzYr9ZWdKgdt0rcO7SAqqGwCbTHMHFmVGYFxuxo/w640-h454/zy%20thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thistle, Cirsium sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our first visit to Old Faithful Basin in 2007 we saw a large bull elk walking nonchalantly between the geysers, not paying any heed to the warning signs. This visit we didn't see any elk inside the basin, but birds were plenty, and the elder chika got very excited about them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP-swDTi3Kv4DAXHXtHnBi82tVhDro8v0oEiQ0eN7pWiuJ-pnp4vxnxxLAWdthzOZh48_Kq4rIXmVBozfmSWbuw5IU0wpxqMdn_OA0Eabk0q7Y3EovGcdvDEmGRA6n_RnONtuxOJWO3L6Cbf5uLZAxp6wrNWaetX-oz9LXt22tErKZQrQ9qrquF5H4qU/s2000/wr%20dark%20eyed%20junco.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP-swDTi3Kv4DAXHXtHnBi82tVhDro8v0oEiQ0eN7pWiuJ-pnp4vxnxxLAWdthzOZh48_Kq4rIXmVBozfmSWbuw5IU0wpxqMdn_OA0Eabk0q7Y3EovGcdvDEmGRA6n_RnONtuxOJWO3L6Cbf5uLZAxp6wrNWaetX-oz9LXt22tErKZQrQ9qrquF5H4qU/w640-h480/wr%20dark%20eyed%20junco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink-sided Dark-eyed Junco</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She was excited even about the most common birds - they were different variants or morphs of the same species in California. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UaidUnlJJEjaab0B2bmvUVAWOc6FA3lqsbTHfnmhUT6HJTvVNGCYxItMgIDQm_AMps4e7_3GcjA5GNY3C7VZS_EYALStnp2POM4_LUzo6oDhlF20ANmX9M60xWUav7VBH5G9k78enMR31CKnyTKbWJrebplzsufUse_5Sq3zal0FvuPjqv9MsXXhQhM/s2374/ws%20yellow%20rumped%20warbler.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2374" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UaidUnlJJEjaab0B2bmvUVAWOc6FA3lqsbTHfnmhUT6HJTvVNGCYxItMgIDQm_AMps4e7_3GcjA5GNY3C7VZS_EYALStnp2POM4_LUzo6oDhlF20ANmX9M60xWUav7VBH5G9k78enMR31CKnyTKbWJrebplzsufUse_5Sq3zal0FvuPjqv9MsXXhQhM/w640-h478/ws%20yellow%20rumped%20warbler.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audubon Yellow-rumped Warbler </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the very end of the hike we saw a cute little female chipmunk, bulging at her belly, collecting nesting materials. Late in July, it might have been her second pregnancy of the season. She wasn't concerned with all the human visitors and my chika got a nice photo of her. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiMH5do88dXkfbhyvCGlNc8s81KEnBZqQ2Ql95DgVfFjkZ5uO8Efm_pYjIpesAFs42ksWl6rKAPdK5w4yX9cJ9zwiuGHXwCWoOU3FETERGq0QWrYl1zqCHLLugP9Tsvfg5dkXdsRBSFq9c0s2weM598h4wkdRAdqzeCsEfjCAdMqGxZzpYmHhIAlQaqE/s1602/wt%20yellow%20pine%20chipmunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1602" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiMH5do88dXkfbhyvCGlNc8s81KEnBZqQ2Ql95DgVfFjkZ5uO8Efm_pYjIpesAFs42ksWl6rKAPdK5w4yX9cJ9zwiuGHXwCWoOU3FETERGq0QWrYl1zqCHLLugP9Tsvfg5dkXdsRBSFq9c0s2weM598h4wkdRAdqzeCsEfjCAdMqGxZzpYmHhIAlQaqE/w640-h464/wt%20yellow%20pine%20chipmunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Pine Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Old Faithful is considered a must see when visiting Yellowstone, and it is indeed an amazing sight. The Old Faithful Basin however, is only one of numerous such geothermal basins within Yellowstone National Park, and each of these basins has its own unique features and atmosphere. After completing our Old Faithful hike, which by no means covered all there was to see there, we continued to the campsite I managed to reserve for that night, but on the morrow we'd keep exploring the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, starting at the Norris Geyser Basin north of Old Faithful. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-54654439040275947202024-03-08T22:35:00.001-08:002024-03-08T22:35:41.354-08:00A Quiet Birding Hike Sans Birds: The Delta Meadows River Park Trail<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oMqUuEL8AApn-kNvLkH_RLii_0eNyfSDAlJhfxbSAOotkEdeJO7opPAPffi0igIZ__nJibZa4ugFJr0q9yHbEPjZ3sQbbFne0tMD6TIU4wSQx7ufygRedLp3BZT_lL0IW3o8DG8vTLjqXWoISdqfg8SNqRYFR34O7KXGT0MgnQRB-RqUU8yeiEqo0eU/s1803/zr%20slough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oMqUuEL8AApn-kNvLkH_RLii_0eNyfSDAlJhfxbSAOotkEdeJO7opPAPffi0igIZ__nJibZa4ugFJr0q9yHbEPjZ3sQbbFne0tMD6TIU4wSQx7ufygRedLp3BZT_lL0IW3o8DG8vTLjqXWoISdqfg8SNqRYFR34O7KXGT0MgnQRB-RqUU8yeiEqo0eU/w640-h426/zr%20slough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: October 28, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Walnut Grove, California<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 38.246931, -121.509139<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2.7 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Sacramento River delta is a maze of sloughs and canals that separate a multitude of islands, all flat and invisible as such from ground level. It is only from the air that that maze is visible in its full, impressive magnitude. When Pappa Quail asked me where I planned to go nest after <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/03/in-search-of-cranes-again-rewarding.html">our walk at the Cosumnes River Preserve</a> earlier that day I directed us to the Delta Meadows River Park, where I saw a short and easy hike along an offshoot of the Snodgrass Slough that was listed on the local Audubon Chapter as a good birding site. We found the trailhead with no problems and went on the hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02UWaLzgP1dOVXKuABR2vKnwWCXiUGRpbJW_YcX5IC9ag9g-znDBSJ5jJQ0BvwHepZkVUEfR410O6d1v79VdY9Qf7sY3N-2_tTfGCHsqwYpEPMyJaezswCodgicxEJgBGMBekqCHaN-3v-REnyagVlz-LACqIVIIr1nXhqCiOJylbU0FaLZP1J4lnz7I/s1803/zk%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02UWaLzgP1dOVXKuABR2vKnwWCXiUGRpbJW_YcX5IC9ag9g-znDBSJ5jJQ0BvwHepZkVUEfR410O6d1v79VdY9Qf7sY3N-2_tTfGCHsqwYpEPMyJaezswCodgicxEJgBGMBekqCHaN-3v-REnyagVlz-LACqIVIIr1nXhqCiOJylbU0FaLZP1J4lnz7I/w640-h426/zk%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was straight in and out. No ups and downs either. By the time we got there the morning chill was gone and the day got much warmer, and we welcomed the shade of the oak trees that grew on both sides of the path. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6CRiHlzhzrI72-kiN-wHFrmb9bCUO6yGItFKmz4Gs88er5Jw8zW9nxASMQLdpI4YDlrSB6AU7hmzWr-b2X3Tw2VsWNATU9dJhptMvfPLDFv-UfMptJNR5zGkqv8wAG74o8w9CafmHvkc5klyRRZOGfBJzasVYvjxXF-e_bT0ht6-Mg1zySFIkvMwapQ/s1779/2.7%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1779" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6CRiHlzhzrI72-kiN-wHFrmb9bCUO6yGItFKmz4Gs88er5Jw8zW9nxASMQLdpI4YDlrSB6AU7hmzWr-b2X3Tw2VsWNATU9dJhptMvfPLDFv-UfMptJNR5zGkqv8wAG74o8w9CafmHvkc5klyRRZOGfBJzasVYvjxXF-e_bT0ht6-Mg1zySFIkvMwapQ/w640-h571/2.7%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A short distance into the hike the slough came int view, so we headed t the edge of the trail to check out what was on the water. There were a couple of anglers standing below us, trying their luck with the fish, but we didn't see much else there that belonged within the animal kingdon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7WSaeoL73vw6p5birDLQjqOxxrh5jf70Gr42ZLTmqpljcl9X5iMh8hBsXWXlrkBkbCqwHDaU-o-rXMOeNR1hyphenhyphenSEFBED7w2r0oUwhT_5X0Wd4a7qYzjpxclsFQBAE9HR2Pd_cdAskQEtdbj3le2TPGSl6H5Rf9JVSyCMyRU8FR_9BSBeEz9QQmJ_3wU/s1803/zm%20slough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7WSaeoL73vw6p5birDLQjqOxxrh5jf70Gr42ZLTmqpljcl9X5iMh8hBsXWXlrkBkbCqwHDaU-o-rXMOeNR1hyphenhyphenSEFBED7w2r0oUwhT_5X0Wd4a7qYzjpxclsFQBAE9HR2Pd_cdAskQEtdbj3le2TPGSl6H5Rf9JVSyCMyRU8FR_9BSBeEz9QQmJ_3wU/w640-h426/zm%20slough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or at least, I didn't. Pappa Quail detected a small gray spot on the other end of the slough and identified it as a great blue heron. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOjQODRYebJ9o7MzkeV4DM-F2G0F16LFtIyJuU8AW8THsvPtp1RkMhtHFI5P2goEmfJXAJz4tTK_RpSIY0n-i4nxxZIOuxmWdqkgMwSYl_LwfBtPNMZeJBhsTOpC7NgYs-m60uxyVtStNnvwrI1cRap5aBoXwaGNie_jfknMSOnrpDZ2x4rQdlucBwEQ/s1856/zw%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOjQODRYebJ9o7MzkeV4DM-F2G0F16LFtIyJuU8AW8THsvPtp1RkMhtHFI5P2goEmfJXAJz4tTK_RpSIY0n-i4nxxZIOuxmWdqkgMwSYl_LwfBtPNMZeJBhsTOpC7NgYs-m60uxyVtStNnvwrI1cRap5aBoXwaGNie_jfknMSOnrpDZ2x4rQdlucBwEQ/w640-h426/zw%20heron.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The slough itself was pretty and I loved looking at the trees that grew along its banks. Oak trees that are not too close to one another tend to grow in unique shapes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdpPfJg0ZyOR8PhPMpBUKFPHqLGCWLxHsNVBMEnTGtldsWjjl_z5QyGQIEs10RIcwQ16L6EdklXaV3xuzmhYRYnY-djvOCl4U2DzeKVG1hKObJuwAra_WDsJdHKI1wRUQ_ORBD2Xyy2q_aebK2F0T4No3FOefE-oyUjQfIuYE2ceEsCmW8QNmeOCcWN0/s1803/zn%20slough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdpPfJg0ZyOR8PhPMpBUKFPHqLGCWLxHsNVBMEnTGtldsWjjl_z5QyGQIEs10RIcwQ16L6EdklXaV3xuzmhYRYnY-djvOCl4U2DzeKVG1hKObJuwAra_WDsJdHKI1wRUQ_ORBD2Xyy2q_aebK2F0T4No3FOefE-oyUjQfIuYE2ceEsCmW8QNmeOCcWN0/w640-h426/zn%20slough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something that looked like a nest on a dead sycamore tree attracted my eye. It wasn't nesting season, and I'm not sure this thing was even a nest, but in lieu of wildlife and wildflowers on this trail, plant oddities filled my interest. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gtHUG3k0b_MHSyBl7HuonIsS7weKz2JzbXpbyyUvoLG1w3bMZOwR_cH7ghxFIzjOTh6KuFWELtOJj_3dNcr_wl7O6nOxx_6SR7_0e6JQhs_hJKZDvbZnfePjSlcLvhzeIhZ8zGsrzazBP9c5Kas5-Os3llfuGJpyx9meAS8_tAqvGXY04I7PUNJxOs8/s1803/zo%20bare%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gtHUG3k0b_MHSyBl7HuonIsS7weKz2JzbXpbyyUvoLG1w3bMZOwR_cH7ghxFIzjOTh6KuFWELtOJj_3dNcr_wl7O6nOxx_6SR7_0e6JQhs_hJKZDvbZnfePjSlcLvhzeIhZ8zGsrzazBP9c5Kas5-Os3llfuGJpyx9meAS8_tAqvGXY04I7PUNJxOs8/w640-h426/zo%20bare%20tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Another thing that kept me busy was collecting acorns. The oaks along the trail were a mixture of interior live oaks whose acorns are long and narrow, and valley oaks whose acorns are long and thick. Many of them were holed, indicating larvae infestation. I collected acorns that looked whole but later I found out that they all were infested. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAPRAFUd5Naaodfja5R6EnlJfyoq-yCbIvQBrgLSDQVTyCqYIkm_184y8QXpVFPMyv9nnktUkXX7rWqN7cm2Ym57otR7C5JE2sF06tgLZjPvn8Zt40n6_Kwd9OZSSiVWLwTuqvyhowH5TSJNLPKDNIzzuK4BPQdDaegU5wtHCe69BmWM6AzMsXVs0FYE/s1803/zl%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAPRAFUd5Naaodfja5R6EnlJfyoq-yCbIvQBrgLSDQVTyCqYIkm_184y8QXpVFPMyv9nnktUkXX7rWqN7cm2Ym57otR7C5JE2sF06tgLZjPvn8Zt40n6_Kwd9OZSSiVWLwTuqvyhowH5TSJNLPKDNIzzuK4BPQdDaegU5wtHCe69BmWM6AzMsXVs0FYE/w640-h426/zl%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta Meadows River Park Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The valley oaks had another infestation to deal with - that of galls. We were there in the fall so all the galls were already dry and empty of their inhabitants. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzLxEBPlnb1lG6YPhuYUJDiK7Bwkqz7YKCzmwNwv-NSMDAqZDcSUsFsEFEONG0Tyb2Qik4wUHamQ1ENgm8Ovs5kBCaa5pWqsV8YQaKoOLTcapy8IeNbhMEnJ5AiEkR5nUKHVuYap7AhpSh_FBOcOkPc1rbt-6j6vOH9Qzs7leX7p_AJYJZo2oXE9DS14/s1803/zq%20galls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzLxEBPlnb1lG6YPhuYUJDiK7Bwkqz7YKCzmwNwv-NSMDAqZDcSUsFsEFEONG0Tyb2Qik4wUHamQ1ENgm8Ovs5kBCaa5pWqsV8YQaKoOLTcapy8IeNbhMEnJ5AiEkR5nUKHVuYap7AhpSh_FBOcOkPc1rbt-6j6vOH9Qzs7leX7p_AJYJZo2oXE9DS14/w640-h426/zq%20galls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Almost without noticing we reached the end of the trail. There was a narrow path to the water through the vegetation and we descended to take a closer look. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpRa9H0TaToKiKnRf4Ua9J5nyk5eKVl3FoRgQSw7t3K7tK-G9YtLyPQEYzU99deMZHq4ghqYTwj4hCI1QrXkxVEA2nPFphYyVPs3e2hx2cBlXP6A7NeC-pZW1fAM3myvtM3NOQOiipO3CQL3ueBZHGOXwffMiCtHhzp4PQLveptLLJcjSUE9h1yRjQxo/s1803/zs%20slough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpRa9H0TaToKiKnRf4Ua9J5nyk5eKVl3FoRgQSw7t3K7tK-G9YtLyPQEYzU99deMZHq4ghqYTwj4hCI1QrXkxVEA2nPFphYyVPs3e2hx2cBlXP6A7NeC-pZW1fAM3myvtM3NOQOiipO3CQL3ueBZHGOXwffMiCtHhzp4PQLveptLLJcjSUE9h1yRjQxo/w640-h426/zs%20slough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again, I could see nothing in the water, but Pappa Quail did see some mergansers swimming far away. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0c-Ec_PW-xE_5puhMbx_v49jsojivSDbulmuXsqbqKNMt2NxV7TuGDX3Vtxbxv7AYOZUSRRR6sfpPg3zrFMedu4eVNF7aibz04aQZeXj_0lUuXlKkqmhCEdSS5vsnAB_4j641MNdkWsATYV2CLNng3X5H43xuWDoZ_k7cgkftbr12k8M1ndAPop7FOg/s1856/zx%20mergansers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0c-Ec_PW-xE_5puhMbx_v49jsojivSDbulmuXsqbqKNMt2NxV7TuGDX3Vtxbxv7AYOZUSRRR6sfpPg3zrFMedu4eVNF7aibz04aQZeXj_0lUuXlKkqmhCEdSS5vsnAB_4j641MNdkWsATYV2CLNng3X5H43xuWDoZ_k7cgkftbr12k8M1ndAPop7FOg/w640-h426/zx%20mergansers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mergansers </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stayed there for a short time, then ascended back to the main trail and started walking back toward the trailhead. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJhzLh-V4fKwiBCceSEzFqa-ibN-JEK7SwWxayNltYh5etd9bzkT-5ay44iOuNvTPABzb9PC-6HfueGQwph7_3uZ-0BO51ZMm_hJ07blQoaHw1p-yP4fLfGguXoy2OoVqGj9P9aO02_9SpRs-8Q_dN2kppH9XDJWlwZ9LLRBvab-CvX22vFL_9Qk2fVs/s1803/zt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJhzLh-V4fKwiBCceSEzFqa-ibN-JEK7SwWxayNltYh5etd9bzkT-5ay44iOuNvTPABzb9PC-6HfueGQwph7_3uZ-0BO51ZMm_hJ07blQoaHw1p-yP4fLfGguXoy2OoVqGj9P9aO02_9SpRs-8Q_dN2kppH9XDJWlwZ9LLRBvab-CvX22vFL_9Qk2fVs/w640-h426/zt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta Meadows River Park Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We planned to finish the day watching the cranes' fly-in at the preserve on Woodridge Road in Lodi, a place we learned about during the Sandhill Crane Festival a few years ago. We had some time before sunset though, and on our way back we discussed our options. We didn't have enough time for another hike so we decided to do some site-seeing in the historic town of Locke. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS904gILl_fWQsFPF1BduTuxCfOVkm_FssVkdUGeI7QU6-bGABGxrnwsTMzzdn-FgKOgCDv0JhTM417GWY6A_SNZIusVI68TLsNw0PnQD0IreSrKHpuT2mD6Zaq9Yhb6kAAauDkd7EvHvlFHBBTDAL24ROub4lC_yGtJ0I5k5ixOT65sPDAQ_AkC5NIc/s1803/zu%20slough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS904gILl_fWQsFPF1BduTuxCfOVkm_FssVkdUGeI7QU6-bGABGxrnwsTMzzdn-FgKOgCDv0JhTM417GWY6A_SNZIusVI68TLsNw0PnQD0IreSrKHpuT2mD6Zaq9Yhb6kAAauDkd7EvHvlFHBBTDAL24ROub4lC_yGtJ0I5k5ixOT65sPDAQ_AkC5NIc/w640-h426/zu%20slough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Delta Meadows Park didn't give us what was promised on that Audubon Society site I looked at. It's a nice trail, but would probably be nicer in spring time. We did see a turtle before leaving the slough behind - it was sunning itself on a log poking out of the water. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ny-imqMaL56c9JP93Dg8jHuWdXWDnuR8Z1RbSbAfhp_bMQt3Xxs-F5L_cFQvfvBf8_cUJNhxfO2mBkGM_fdtT-9_CujcKWNo0fZSGn9_ec60BcC7R_rKkVKh-zaGdthYePGqBdcNwJMbWwelDS708elEeO8gkuAL5sU9YbRRaDtSP-iyP4LDld9s3B8/s1856/zy%20turtle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ny-imqMaL56c9JP93Dg8jHuWdXWDnuR8Z1RbSbAfhp_bMQt3Xxs-F5L_cFQvfvBf8_cUJNhxfO2mBkGM_fdtT-9_CujcKWNo0fZSGn9_ec60BcC7R_rKkVKh-zaGdthYePGqBdcNwJMbWwelDS708elEeO8gkuAL5sU9YbRRaDtSP-iyP4LDld9s3B8/w640-h426/zy%20turtle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After this hike we passed a nice hour in Locke where we visited the local historic museum and strolled in the old downtown street. We then drove to Woodridge Road and settled alongside many other eager birders, anticipating the cranes' fly-in. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nv4Ne4UHt9DlntS4ti2wXhYGoLLuze-j8WYwd7tL6ScoRhXjMM1cY0LSmSw8UpaIEaX9D34AGqcGdS1-I_YBXMbLc3pmwYBYdQSuySiDMqnVV7UU2x5VIDMXTaeEs2IpBZGMQkUyDiKCgukDL_fpFVaxRYts0ASL0Kw3nNmklWz18PiI4UJybbSptDY/s1803/zv%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nv4Ne4UHt9DlntS4ti2wXhYGoLLuze-j8WYwd7tL6ScoRhXjMM1cY0LSmSw8UpaIEaX9D34AGqcGdS1-I_YBXMbLc3pmwYBYdQSuySiDMqnVV7UU2x5VIDMXTaeEs2IpBZGMQkUyDiKCgukDL_fpFVaxRYts0ASL0Kw3nNmklWz18PiI4UJybbSptDY/w640-h426/zv%20sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset and Mount Diablo</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've been there to see that <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2012/12/lodi-sandhill-crane-festival-2012.html">magnificent sight of many crane flocks coming in to roost</a> in the flooded fields there, alongside geese and tundra swans and ducks. The birds however, do change plans every now and then. We sat there in the chill of the evening, watching the sky grow dark and the flocks fly overhead one by one, on their way to another roosting place. The flooded fields at Woodridge Road remained eerily quiet. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1_leZhq7ZiDQoOt7oL-luffcO7omuXcVKCzPXaURh-5QGupzLMtgn1YFu5lng-ZW0FsCO15pP4_JAZ6qg_RtaVqD6hrB89u-jyLnMsQfpm7Kue8wY2dmycIFsZBiRQrirTw707NCkCnNhp6pnVGAoRaYwP03Y5MMQ35KLihjX1VmT7HFdpUjmMytoZA/s1856/zz%20cranes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1_leZhq7ZiDQoOt7oL-luffcO7omuXcVKCzPXaURh-5QGupzLMtgn1YFu5lng-ZW0FsCO15pP4_JAZ6qg_RtaVqD6hrB89u-jyLnMsQfpm7Kue8wY2dmycIFsZBiRQrirTw707NCkCnNhp6pnVGAoRaYwP03Y5MMQ35KLihjX1VmT7HFdpUjmMytoZA/w640-h426/zz%20cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranes in Sunset</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We did get to see the cranes this day - up close <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/03/in-search-of-cranes-again-rewarding.html">earlier at the Cosumnes River Preserve</a>, and flying overhead on their way to their roosting place. All and all, Pappa Quail and I had a very nice day out, getting once again acquainted with the birds of the area and with each other. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-63888707295563698712024-03-05T15:53:00.000-08:002024-03-05T15:53:52.957-08:00In Search of Cranes Again: A Rewarding Hike at the Cosumnes River Preserve <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt02euFr6KJA0KcB_1_-lfcIQoy-DIIDoqCmZz-jtVhwZyTJ4NJWGwAQzDX0Le080v3P4qLQJwriUu6qYCfLwPr_hQTWnMUNKAEhfarwibt-Nf5fKI8_81c3YkDAHkM340VTRyWQ6WC2sErICMW86DEggkhsveo_g6KNZJsIYKF9UTOJsLHZRXIgJPWMk/s1435/zq%20crane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1435" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt02euFr6KJA0KcB_1_-lfcIQoy-DIIDoqCmZz-jtVhwZyTJ4NJWGwAQzDX0Le080v3P4qLQJwriUu6qYCfLwPr_hQTWnMUNKAEhfarwibt-Nf5fKI8_81c3YkDAHkM340VTRyWQ6WC2sErICMW86DEggkhsveo_g6KNZJsIYKF9UTOJsLHZRXIgJPWMk/w640-h444/zq%20crane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhill Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: October 28, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, California<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 38.266138, -121.440513</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2.9 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Often when Pappa Quail and I go on a hike together we are going birding. Pappa Quail is an avid birder and I enjoy watching them too while getting quality time with my beloved spouse now that the chikas are big enough to stay by themselves and take care of everything at home. When Pappa Quail had the chance to go for a day together at the end of October I remembered having read reports of the sandhill cranes settling in the California central valley for the winter and I immediately suggested going to the Lodi area, were we attended birding trips organized by the Sandhill Crane Festival a few yeas ago. Pappa Quail agreed right away and on the morning of that Saturday we headed out east. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first stop was at the Cosumnes River Preserve. We've hiked and birded there numerous times before, always starting the hike on the east trail loop. This time we went the other way around - starting on the west side of the preserve, at the flooded fields and ponds. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfy6CgGxySt6Ajr4eQLa3FL0GDaI9Y2sT7D2amztOP7TWjS9TcA82Qqrgj84ldM-KY7EPEjiITZ4-JTFLVodfzOajNQ-HEBk-Z-DvrriEmsKLvjvymJoiRLPb7Bey5Ut4q8cptj1LPAXr4Gw7wfMPq3FgM6tDGtDYBO0oBN1PL8Ez5fVAFnh9iNUmKM8/s1847/2.9%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1847" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfy6CgGxySt6Ajr4eQLa3FL0GDaI9Y2sT7D2amztOP7TWjS9TcA82Qqrgj84ldM-KY7EPEjiITZ4-JTFLVodfzOajNQ-HEBk-Z-DvrriEmsKLvjvymJoiRLPb7Bey5Ut4q8cptj1LPAXr4Gw7wfMPq3FgM6tDGtDYBO0oBN1PL8Ez5fVAFnh9iNUmKM8/w640-h510/2.9%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ponds are across the road from the visitor center (which was closed at the time).At first we passed a flooded field. I couldn't see and bird there, but Pappa Quail has better eyes and he did see some shorebirds wading in the shallows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmpc6jNypvOxuVOgX7zDps7KgJ8Tw1V8slos4jCPqKuUjeMemDKOWizy8gVV1AD6g40-00iKtvGpFMc96nD7S2gjYkp1_GwAp8IXFW4ABOUzVLwT6BNiEtdxA8qiVD762cETJr1yjLPIG9t7bCBgE0r88OUKT8XAnrgPzR_mf5ZjazWOlq2dTU94eCc4/s1803/yu%20flooded%20field.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmpc6jNypvOxuVOgX7zDps7KgJ8Tw1V8slos4jCPqKuUjeMemDKOWizy8gVV1AD6g40-00iKtvGpFMc96nD7S2gjYkp1_GwAp8IXFW4ABOUzVLwT6BNiEtdxA8qiVD762cETJr1yjLPIG9t7bCBgE0r88OUKT8XAnrgPzR_mf5ZjazWOlq2dTU94eCc4/w640-h426/yu%20flooded%20field.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail also had a more powerful lens and was able to photograph what looked to me like tiny brown dots that moved little. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0Tb10NQz27g0id_SiK37B5pVeeRIDFFT4GfclMCruiQvFP76OQbvv_qRsMQW5eKd7FqanX43AxRsA0JkyJLHMFhv0bSY8loABxjroJg0gm5pNQ4sV2HtSuQFZEvkFtXWWnSp6MRjJgc0Z4XObqEYAZBoW9fv40odQKLKHs5W0YmS8PsVPtTiY9NLKCg/s1529/zi%20shorebirds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1529" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0Tb10NQz27g0id_SiK37B5pVeeRIDFFT4GfclMCruiQvFP76OQbvv_qRsMQW5eKd7FqanX43AxRsA0JkyJLHMFhv0bSY8loABxjroJg0gm5pNQ4sV2HtSuQFZEvkFtXWWnSp6MRjJgc0Z4XObqEYAZBoW9fv40odQKLKHs5W0YmS8PsVPtTiY9NLKCg/w640-h430/zi%20shorebirds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The vulture, on the other hand, I had no trouble seeing. My trouble was convincing Pappa Quail that the vulture counted as a bird, therefore he aught to take its photo as well. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NIgboLLzu4iQpx0u_udkob_c7WYB1bsbD9IYDREDptDfEjOfPUc9w2D2RptjgLBUfhJns4f3S_Fplwl7bWMmfToxHEqw4zRxmXmgNA2YheFNud89VbpID6ETWGj6zdXTjv7QYcOL1VvmyluEDnyFug8SH_Zbhyzl9tIf8096PkHbcEGVj1lNfiXEmAM/s1337/zj%20vulture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1337" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NIgboLLzu4iQpx0u_udkob_c7WYB1bsbD9IYDREDptDfEjOfPUc9w2D2RptjgLBUfhJns4f3S_Fplwl7bWMmfToxHEqw4zRxmXmgNA2YheFNud89VbpID6ETWGj6zdXTjv7QYcOL1VvmyluEDnyFug8SH_Zbhyzl9tIf8096PkHbcEGVj1lNfiXEmAM/w640-h460/zj%20vulture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Vulture</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The next flooded field looked more like a pond. The water was not deep, evident by the dry vegetation poking through the surface. It was deep enough however, for ducks to float on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83tM_-b58wizOlL9U2LbjY8MoOz_Jx0r1K1aBnML9K20y3gwcEpNgg9b84aRYjXOP4QaGuzWnAPAn0aNfSD4rR5fDUcAKVcnu-3WmFQ2IssXycB8LcMUZY9wAI-yPwJtFkDMERS5B4eS-V6vrmY3hmGbMaPbj4zZyBvGWjgsM5kCSdA45lvYx7Rt2fZo/s1803/yv%20buffleheads.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83tM_-b58wizOlL9U2LbjY8MoOz_Jx0r1K1aBnML9K20y3gwcEpNgg9b84aRYjXOP4QaGuzWnAPAn0aNfSD4rR5fDUcAKVcnu-3WmFQ2IssXycB8LcMUZY9wAI-yPwJtFkDMERS5B4eS-V6vrmY3hmGbMaPbj4zZyBvGWjgsM5kCSdA45lvYx7Rt2fZo/w640-h426/yv%20buffleheads.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail took a close up photo of these ducks - these were buffleheads. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktL9T_QQckpXTaLhdGmjuCwLX9IPHzmhVRdCQnAkWPsNflmeIl5SQIBz51_RbJ6j3sPbaxW-7X5m_L6TGj8sAR521FVToQyQlEPwevH5mMg5HmwrGHrGNOeN_pSDbOFCcQL01JFLHnGeRuo2ai2EbA8XL1ThJcCUpSnAFhNib1_Teu3_WN1DFaQ0Tk3M/s1856/zk%20buffleheads.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktL9T_QQckpXTaLhdGmjuCwLX9IPHzmhVRdCQnAkWPsNflmeIl5SQIBz51_RbJ6j3sPbaxW-7X5m_L6TGj8sAR521FVToQyQlEPwevH5mMg5HmwrGHrGNOeN_pSDbOFCcQL01JFLHnGeRuo2ai2EbA8XL1ThJcCUpSnAFhNib1_Teu3_WN1DFaQ0Tk3M/w640-h426/zk%20buffleheads.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bufflehead Ducks</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The flooded field was shallow enough for a group of black-necked stilt to stand, huddled together in the morning chill. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeEWx7rHFx9f3-MNThTHxYvZujyr1jwcS-fw_w_2XsVSxB287Vpgf-oUmaH3KlRcKmJYtzpaarJbOLaNwIHHFQ-EqbEBCxBYJPmIcQaOjApICM6LvxxNWcmMR6B60IwEdiQRlL-3kz2CgF7UxWFULRICJZok92mgEjk2rKbDQMOLsCETUj30m_H0fcHw/s1856/zl%20stilts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeEWx7rHFx9f3-MNThTHxYvZujyr1jwcS-fw_w_2XsVSxB287Vpgf-oUmaH3KlRcKmJYtzpaarJbOLaNwIHHFQ-EqbEBCxBYJPmIcQaOjApICM6LvxxNWcmMR6B60IwEdiQRlL-3kz2CgF7UxWFULRICJZok92mgEjk2rKbDQMOLsCETUj30m_H0fcHw/w640-h426/zl%20stilts.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-necked Stilt</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail that stretched along the east side of the flooded field had the road on its west side and behind it a ditch that appeared to be more long-termed flooded. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhFMpy7PGul3GlX_2myvTDs7yR1hS0Wf1dRz2hVvvpn0DcFs31JZueuJHb7O_Do6PtyFBMVCEa62cIY5rs8L5BXrhpTrImL8hnTQVbWg-ju5KhUOEgbwZv7aS7vg_-lAGBgESCBlKiiCqd0nLQTGlN_k_gLuWymtHYOgASWU95MRDDHAan7q1-OWr344/s1803/yw%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhFMpy7PGul3GlX_2myvTDs7yR1hS0Wf1dRz2hVvvpn0DcFs31JZueuJHb7O_Do6PtyFBMVCEa62cIY5rs8L5BXrhpTrImL8hnTQVbWg-ju5KhUOEgbwZv7aS7vg_-lAGBgESCBlKiiCqd0nLQTGlN_k_gLuWymtHYOgASWU95MRDDHAan7q1-OWr344/w640-h426/yw%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were no ducks in that flooded ditch but a sole great egret stood quiet in ambush near one of the edges. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudbWhtwvhU5ebXYoVxmCxPSzci3W5aXeZcvArbdn0s86a24r21FNo5-ReNLq5on1VmhKZZwvecYKUd2Y0zo8WDlPyq-l7vGxlt9vrhFvbBS2StX0YRYY49dtBV9FNaUlsTcMPbkXWFGlYB_JXGThXk-0ASIoLouZwQLRD3wDBpXnMvZJeifjS6kmNEIk/s1856/zm%20egret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudbWhtwvhU5ebXYoVxmCxPSzci3W5aXeZcvArbdn0s86a24r21FNo5-ReNLq5on1VmhKZZwvecYKUd2Y0zo8WDlPyq-l7vGxlt9vrhFvbBS2StX0YRYY49dtBV9FNaUlsTcMPbkXWFGlYB_JXGThXk-0ASIoLouZwQLRD3wDBpXnMvZJeifjS6kmNEIk/w640-h426/zm%20egret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I turned to look closer to the trail and found some morning glory in bloom. That was a nice bonus for me, seeing some wildflowers so late in season. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs_iFdtzEOyRXHFA1yj7bOOu-Jn8-DnTsdpAFviOa4XmUJbEwPrnHHc0Wyc6ao380jGZaL3zC7bcWMMGY4t4ezG7qATn2GDoKfc6KZzeWKR0CjfxRykhbdqoh4dr7iKaf-bPXSQ3JRxdDe77Lar2T_eR3Vam8ijcRXL5v8_1VgdgTVz0HYVnj5RoVxgk/s1549/yx%20bindweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1549" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs_iFdtzEOyRXHFA1yj7bOOu-Jn8-DnTsdpAFviOa4XmUJbEwPrnHHc0Wyc6ao380jGZaL3zC7bcWMMGY4t4ezG7qATn2GDoKfc6KZzeWKR0CjfxRykhbdqoh4dr7iKaf-bPXSQ3JRxdDe77Lar2T_eR3Vam8ijcRXL5v8_1VgdgTVz0HYVnj5RoVxgk/w640-h446/yx%20bindweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory, Calystegia sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From the trail along the road splits another trail spur that goes right into the pond on an elevated boardwalk. The pond north pf the boardwalk housed a number of good size flocks, most of them grouped by species but some more dispersed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgReF_BvwEionusoZVNWx0bhM4nPzKf8l9Bh8XP8tyK1KyT6KORhMz5HdacYp7A9jxWnYoE9hJ3KqatgYjo7jlzaZX9_KutAfrh7L5KEaRp-oyGHtuLrsy_ePK_KDj4_xoRu3ZCE-Kb2iAiiBpz7mWKvnf5OJTFCCSCz_Sy5eQqmx242FjuCGUPonQwgY/s1803/yz%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgReF_BvwEionusoZVNWx0bhM4nPzKf8l9Bh8XP8tyK1KyT6KORhMz5HdacYp7A9jxWnYoE9hJ3KqatgYjo7jlzaZX9_KutAfrh7L5KEaRp-oyGHtuLrsy_ePK_KDj4_xoRu3ZCE-Kb2iAiiBpz7mWKvnf5OJTFCCSCz_Sy5eQqmx242FjuCGUPonQwgY/w640-h426/yz%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Many of these ducks were northern pintail - a species that over winters in the California Central Valley. These ducks are also target for season duck hunting. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI1uWmTVy96Wsatd1KnsFoAQ1OfBGHS99REYmtmP_ezW5MINqnxGHonSeWseFiTSjH-j6shTO5D7VzRxJsp4EHRXsRg6Ag2j4z_OBHhpBkLh5AzO1ivdNaNRWd3gGwFyX1sar8xs36UeWnYhENfGkpg6NCgBQYeVCv6yRFXUaaW1IOCQ0SDI1Y7IdwZc/s1856/zo%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI1uWmTVy96Wsatd1KnsFoAQ1OfBGHS99REYmtmP_ezW5MINqnxGHonSeWseFiTSjH-j6shTO5D7VzRxJsp4EHRXsRg6Ag2j4z_OBHhpBkLh5AzO1ivdNaNRWd3gGwFyX1sar8xs36UeWnYhENfGkpg6NCgBQYeVCv6yRFXUaaW1IOCQ0SDI1Y7IdwZc/w640-h426/zo%20ducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Pintail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was on this boardwalk that we first noticed the tall, gray birds on the far end of the pond. They were so well camouflaged in the tall vegetation that it was mainly their movements that gave them away. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU2OH6fxmnL62AAehbmJWEoagIcfRc625gljo-sU4qgc0RPp_t5XX5mmu_b34lD6vdJVkjr2qInM9jejWKqToPJvQRTkegwIUG8hV49GIM0UHAlI1wwNcSpUXpfADz_p9k32Nerel_SQGJIh88zlMywIKEYlEDNHE7_SKDSjn3B7DRcSH5UYMd2MhHbY/s1803/zb%20ponds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU2OH6fxmnL62AAehbmJWEoagIcfRc625gljo-sU4qgc0RPp_t5XX5mmu_b34lD6vdJVkjr2qInM9jejWKqToPJvQRTkegwIUG8hV49GIM0UHAlI1wwNcSpUXpfADz_p9k32Nerel_SQGJIh88zlMywIKEYlEDNHE7_SKDSjn3B7DRcSH5UYMd2MhHbY/w640-h426/zb%20ponds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These birds were the sandhill cranes that we came over to see. These graceful birds also over winter in the California Central Valley. During their stay they enrich the area with their visual and vocal presence. No winter is complete for me without seeing sandhill cranes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw6dpVxaC3PEPF50RYZE9g9tlcxHktbchEG9I9n3jnZEu9BswwvvrZiZtl67H1uPIPzChyoItLilAhz_9LEzTsXLxi8bT_4sgXSGd9Tuc8MVkf18EkqhYpIBLbteWFUTmRHTK3SlTkiJ5aVJ9XTRgbn0W9BLWPbzPgZvAREl0Vd48NMcBsR7w3qlWlzo/s1362/zp%20crane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1362" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw6dpVxaC3PEPF50RYZE9g9tlcxHktbchEG9I9n3jnZEu9BswwvvrZiZtl67H1uPIPzChyoItLilAhz_9LEzTsXLxi8bT_4sgXSGd9Tuc8MVkf18EkqhYpIBLbteWFUTmRHTK3SlTkiJ5aVJ9XTRgbn0W9BLWPbzPgZvAREl0Vd48NMcBsR7w3qlWlzo/w640-h436/zp%20crane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhill Cranes</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Another bird species that over winters in California is the white-fronted goose. There was a good size gaggle of these geese near the end of the pond. Pappa Quail didn't give them much attention - he was busy trying to capture a northern harrier that flew overhead. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq4C77jTdtUWSH48qbAqeh99WM8xHwW1J7OtjlArCaeoi6IQDCwf0qi5K1Mu8ukjjTylxTcM8JjwaPBeow9p5v7D2eGI4za3vSaEweQmVbI-G-gUThKuXisbFNuPCYKaaxq4r9iHXI7Cn313-GipcscMVkf_nKwSOWYckbCQIrWcHguagISJGQmZD-24/s1803/zd%20geese.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq4C77jTdtUWSH48qbAqeh99WM8xHwW1J7OtjlArCaeoi6IQDCwf0qi5K1Mu8ukjjTylxTcM8JjwaPBeow9p5v7D2eGI4za3vSaEweQmVbI-G-gUThKuXisbFNuPCYKaaxq4r9iHXI7Cn313-GipcscMVkf_nKwSOWYckbCQIrWcHguagISJGQmZD-24/w640-h426/zd%20geese.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-fronted Geese<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I don't know if it was the harrier that spooked the geese but all of a sudden they all took to the air - only to land in the pond again a few seconds later. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMgQ_9IFHIg2fsCQcn6NG6OC9NVUnwTaa6S0VHT0kKbd5GhQWx9HqAJKJmpOYFVkJ3PD_FnqNXeUDzooggL7AjpZZo-2dFG_ff6H8q3rgBuJVCqH0JPAdEltp1TSWWnmZnpteNRkIWam-bah_jBsvQY1yoD2KIOxT-JCEY5xCphiSCACGHeDcWvfp8tE/s1803/zc%20wf%20geese.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMgQ_9IFHIg2fsCQcn6NG6OC9NVUnwTaa6S0VHT0kKbd5GhQWx9HqAJKJmpOYFVkJ3PD_FnqNXeUDzooggL7AjpZZo-2dFG_ff6H8q3rgBuJVCqH0JPAdEltp1TSWWnmZnpteNRkIWam-bah_jBsvQY1yoD2KIOxT-JCEY5xCphiSCACGHeDcWvfp8tE/w640-h426/zc%20wf%20geese.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-fronted Geese</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>The geese are too big of a prey for the harrier. These raptors usually go after rodents and reptiles, and maybe after smaller birds on the ground. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMczIbbDHve5GNR6YamIIDmiVDWAnLsnM7MHlEFeZR_L7LMZ71bFNMphlW5971iQeCz1OpZ77NQ3yqyzL3PhGSE_zTDMhossRUgDQn7Il7ly4TVBuztJGmu9ySSbJSA9cB_kgOeaFqojto4ZbdEemct3tS71RLBnyn4z8ovX-iMujQDni8HKreVmKl3R4/s1415/zr%20harrier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1415" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMczIbbDHve5GNR6YamIIDmiVDWAnLsnM7MHlEFeZR_L7LMZ71bFNMphlW5971iQeCz1OpZ77NQ3yqyzL3PhGSE_zTDMhossRUgDQn7Il7ly4TVBuztJGmu9ySSbJSA9cB_kgOeaFqojto4ZbdEemct3tS71RLBnyn4z8ovX-iMujQDni8HKreVmKl3R4/w640-h450/zr%20harrier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Harrier</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>The pintail ducks were not spooked by the harrier, or by whatever caused the geese to take flight. They kept their nonchalance cool at the edge of the water. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxSiDbA1iv_RDVSb_VDkHbvcOj_0kLUh9idvX84DqvZrYRx9aB2m8CszzpnOa7bAOYz60kllv9YHO-Rqh8UwLRu872ijCjGt9GkA5UjBWrBKC2jzx3iKgv5KTaJoLLTZHk1smLRC3fin3wPVN8QVEHEBIC8s893spf_xggd03ReF_RzhDaEWSxHSD2ys/s1856/zs%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxSiDbA1iv_RDVSb_VDkHbvcOj_0kLUh9idvX84DqvZrYRx9aB2m8CszzpnOa7bAOYz60kllv9YHO-Rqh8UwLRu872ijCjGt9GkA5UjBWrBKC2jzx3iKgv5KTaJoLLTZHk1smLRC3fin3wPVN8QVEHEBIC8s893spf_xggd03ReF_RzhDaEWSxHSD2ys/w640-h426/zs%20ducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Pintail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Geese, like cranes, are not silent birds. A flock of white tail geese crossed the sky overhead, and they were calling as they flew. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sSgUYPIpd9D4feLhS_aFe8hfEMbMb7fKGljf6psO_-QmxneM1FBenSzlxfQyTXf7foajd_hgVJru2jiGbvHq7oZ4S8eLZdbyzYevDbI4G1FC6in5ZeI3M2QiQhgZO5yCAejHYki5T91IYbEeXWUk_-vOgKI7IE0WHS63rMiPsjPR6cYVq0CivXVBZ4/s1856/zt%20wf%20geese.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sSgUYPIpd9D4feLhS_aFe8hfEMbMb7fKGljf6psO_-QmxneM1FBenSzlxfQyTXf7foajd_hgVJru2jiGbvHq7oZ4S8eLZdbyzYevDbI4G1FC6in5ZeI3M2QiQhgZO5yCAejHYki5T91IYbEeXWUk_-vOgKI7IE0WHS63rMiPsjPR6cYVq0CivXVBZ4/w640-h426/zt%20wf%20geese.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-fronted Geese<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We returned from the ponds and flooded fields and crossed the road to get to the eastern side of the preserve. A small bridge crossed the ditch that was on this side completely overgrown with vegetation, mainly horsetail. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHsu1UJFj1QpUun-9-oVfDamqWwnvTKN9ag3axXjHPihQ2L5lYq7KcpyNRXw9nweeK0ucO-FOKZSJoE5Hs_IlUSmooeWEFBLxvCZAAw99DEBO-Qk1Ri9x9NW86KQoYjwSwLoLwGK95XxmZTtgdUlKYTauEvFzrSXj_D-yCCzggI4EuWcK1JHW1AGT3Ts/s1650/ze%20cattails.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1650" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHsu1UJFj1QpUun-9-oVfDamqWwnvTKN9ag3axXjHPihQ2L5lYq7KcpyNRXw9nweeK0ucO-FOKZSJoE5Hs_IlUSmooeWEFBLxvCZAAw99DEBO-Qk1Ri9x9NW86KQoYjwSwLoLwGK95XxmZTtgdUlKYTauEvFzrSXj_D-yCCzggI4EuWcK1JHW1AGT3Ts/w640-h440/ze%20cattails.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsetail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The little sparrows in the bushes on the other side of the ditch kept Pappa Quail busy for some time. These were mainly sparrows of common species. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS7ozJnQchF3YkMruYdS6_wnq3ZokDmML_ZwqoMvfOdUxjPpmQ1UmWEQ1Jwjq8S3zjdouE0IXdCOU6wXkc2_26brp6-ybs_SiaoGiXn0-p1rSMIjG_t9hPYsUWmh_VJCGzvnLZFnlyKUMRLQ_tCgN8ZJeEm5orFw3ltDHN7tgTSjYCUqBTrMRhc8Sp7U/s1513/zu%20sparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1513" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS7ozJnQchF3YkMruYdS6_wnq3ZokDmML_ZwqoMvfOdUxjPpmQ1UmWEQ1Jwjq8S3zjdouE0IXdCOU6wXkc2_26brp6-ybs_SiaoGiXn0-p1rSMIjG_t9hPYsUWmh_VJCGzvnLZFnlyKUMRLQ_tCgN8ZJeEm5orFw3ltDHN7tgTSjYCUqBTrMRhc8Sp7U/w640-h466/zu%20sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-crowned Sparrow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail on the east side of the preserve goes through a short segment of rehabilitated oak forest and also surrounds a couple of low fields that become shallow ponds during winter. One of these ponds had a good number of birds standing or moving around in it. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN_EXyZcWTel9wKWzBxr9s-wG3T4DXx7tcwdFOju5mRJd5E7FDjckZ0WELGRV_esnoVTxbUQtFBfAaDRDK55Okr_8HKEl6U06-uFXrIsciAmCOnvqOcN7AITcaC2FtI1zouTuo2EPJdI7XHrCS_DFoTNkqjqnPfiz3PGnv2P83DUqexzTyzQOTLCCBAE/s1803/zf%20cranes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN_EXyZcWTel9wKWzBxr9s-wG3T4DXx7tcwdFOju5mRJd5E7FDjckZ0WELGRV_esnoVTxbUQtFBfAaDRDK55Okr_8HKEl6U06-uFXrIsciAmCOnvqOcN7AITcaC2FtI1zouTuo2EPJdI7XHrCS_DFoTNkqjqnPfiz3PGnv2P83DUqexzTyzQOTLCCBAE/w640-h426/zf%20cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The most noticeable of the birds in the pond were the sandhill cranes - a few of these magnificent birds stood peacefully in the middle of the flooded area, not bothered at all by the other birds around them, or by the human spectators that viewed them on either side of the pond. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RrGcQyhGB4jVFFUyM9KeXjuGaFyb6df_LqcuC0ceTJnYriJm2t_LKw6Ruo3-2ejTTaHD-Oi3NtjivbPNhErDCrqTWoiDVUJywQ4Slz_-sjciGj8oTI_DreOk-MNMG7GkSMg9fgxmpKt3C3igswq0W_9ZJ0N_P5SfYflusRPdgP11YSoKGF75oiZV4YI/s1803/zh%20cranes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RrGcQyhGB4jVFFUyM9KeXjuGaFyb6df_LqcuC0ceTJnYriJm2t_LKw6Ruo3-2ejTTaHD-Oi3NtjivbPNhErDCrqTWoiDVUJywQ4Slz_-sjciGj8oTI_DreOk-MNMG7GkSMg9fgxmpKt3C3igswq0W_9ZJ0N_P5SfYflusRPdgP11YSoKGF75oiZV4YI/w640-h426/zh%20cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A pair of the cranes stood separated from the others. Cranes are known for mating for life. they also have an intricate social life that includes complex interaction cues, both vocal and physical. I wonder if the cranes' location relative to one another was indicative of anything in this small group of birds. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18vA1LumSgngSJGo0v67L5D6W3QbgTwQ-tGLz4GpzZI3uRcKsIB3GVvxQnzX_qUtTG8t-iulFBnRQhof4zipBTxeN8W6KPsv9QF46bjrHGlCeFPBeVUCVkW9LZcXfDzRF2jl0RPerP4gKc12KRS0CdAjzclaUPgXtn0W0RK-G6Uo49v3ShXrwMqa3CMw/s1856/zx%20cranes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18vA1LumSgngSJGo0v67L5D6W3QbgTwQ-tGLz4GpzZI3uRcKsIB3GVvxQnzX_qUtTG8t-iulFBnRQhof4zipBTxeN8W6KPsv9QF46bjrHGlCeFPBeVUCVkW9LZcXfDzRF2jl0RPerP4gKc12KRS0CdAjzclaUPgXtn0W0RK-G6Uo49v3ShXrwMqa3CMw/w640-h426/zx%20cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhill Cranes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There were other wader birds there as well - a few greater yellowlegs were moving in the water, busy foraging. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0q5ssWrfZ5GG-DAMGY8ErObnWpPfQGZe1OjMQFd8fPMC2Mm4XJ65Yq6UKcn0WZUo6jMw9OUuu1VkJnlGXjniUSgkHsJ2AoBEPRA7Y46gm8VY5XEPXlAeZW2zwCDo4V2civ3kDDQJYtVC2MbDcRyuCLVm-kD5BiSuKy-fbSkof4-CUf01yisdTFLr2Fo/s1470/zy%20yellowlegs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1470" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0q5ssWrfZ5GG-DAMGY8ErObnWpPfQGZe1OjMQFd8fPMC2Mm4XJ65Yq6UKcn0WZUo6jMw9OUuu1VkJnlGXjniUSgkHsJ2AoBEPRA7Y46gm8VY5XEPXlAeZW2zwCDo4V2civ3kDDQJYtVC2MbDcRyuCLVm-kD5BiSuKy-fbSkof4-CUf01yisdTFLr2Fo/w640-h444/zy%20yellowlegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Yellowlegs</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail spotted a rusty spot moving around the water in a determination that gave it away as a living entity - it was a cinnamon teal duck. There might have been others of his kind there but without moving they were pretty much undetectable. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEEnF8VgYbOCVfm_I3bwidzVD5QS7gPfnmrJNYNYbXdVVPG-uB_k_mtWgkaAj4TYe2nOdAXpu6dTMFk2622QAE9T9vXh0upHvvoLByNR4PiVBc-lEuwoSMEYnnbWGgjx1EEBfhPhzKo1Id2D9vFSMuT9mn5JSxQ1OlAcHxP2U_AlHUe4Z4k3s4eYdZyg/s1494/zw%20cinnamon%20teal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1494" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEEnF8VgYbOCVfm_I3bwidzVD5QS7gPfnmrJNYNYbXdVVPG-uB_k_mtWgkaAj4TYe2nOdAXpu6dTMFk2622QAE9T9vXh0upHvvoLByNR4PiVBc-lEuwoSMEYnnbWGgjx1EEBfhPhzKo1Id2D9vFSMuT9mn5JSxQ1OlAcHxP2U_AlHUe4Z4k3s4eYdZyg/w640-h428/zw%20cinnamon%20teal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Teal</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We completed the hike around the eastern ponds and returned to the parking lot. This hike at the Cosumnes River Preserve is short and sweet - on a short and easy stretch of trail one can see a lot of wildlife. For birders - fall and winter are the seasons to be there. for sure. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qa0I0NppshHpBUmdyi-O0b9J9r0URHazBwLCWgTjFfnWfTVqeX7a6CwyK56YjnwxtYUQzs_dL4H7kH-bCmJ6QXfH6-IjjZ2vQpMqqQcKzLU_P3sbwjBvYF1FME0mryjcWqQti_aXVkCnitxOkUfJF88o-MA8mS3xZooSVaUMB4RaGw8X1veMhLKw7nk/s1856/zz%20cranes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qa0I0NppshHpBUmdyi-O0b9J9r0URHazBwLCWgTjFfnWfTVqeX7a6CwyK56YjnwxtYUQzs_dL4H7kH-bCmJ6QXfH6-IjjZ2vQpMqqQcKzLU_P3sbwjBvYF1FME0mryjcWqQti_aXVkCnitxOkUfJF88o-MA8mS3xZooSVaUMB4RaGw8X1veMhLKw7nk/w640-h426/zz%20cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When we returned to the parking area we found the visitor center open. Pappa Quail went inside to chat with the attendant while I got our picnic lunch from the car and arranged id on one of the tables outside. It was a bit chilly still and the wind had picked up, so we ate quickly and got going to our next destination for the day - the Delta Meadows River Park near Walnut Grove. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-92192302626343046342024-02-29T13:06:00.000-08:002024-02-29T13:06:35.008-08:00A Hikefull of Surprises at the Salinas River Unit of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52f9DDi6mGi86fCB_7g3Ev31jSCBVuDUOEokvTunx1x55myIPMd0mTwb8WCDR3zG5pYICy9NU2pLqUGDbtTcUId9O0s883lrfWvDFy5w-DdomgNRIHxukA2CNZ6fDi6UnjcxRdx9lzhzPQnHgQDrxjLotKucyGN0rp5-JpoVPluXvMM_6q0vrwqLmX-w/s1803/xf%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52f9DDi6mGi86fCB_7g3Ev31jSCBVuDUOEokvTunx1x55myIPMd0mTwb8WCDR3zG5pYICy9NU2pLqUGDbtTcUId9O0s883lrfWvDFy5w-DdomgNRIHxukA2CNZ6fDi6UnjcxRdx9lzhzPQnHgQDrxjLotKucyGN0rp5-JpoVPluXvMM_6q0vrwqLmX-w/w640-h426/xf%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: September 4, 2023<br />Place: Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, Salinas River Unit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.734849, -121.793873</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2.1 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Nearly a decade ago we visited Monterey in a full family format, including Grandma Quail. The Salinas River unit of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge was one of the places we wanted to hike at, but we couldn't get in. The access road from Highway 1 is packed dirt and our visit then was during a fairly wet winter, meaning the road was deep mud. We left our car near the hwy 1pavement and tried walking in, but the mud was so deep and sticky that we soon gave up - it was too much for us, with the two little chikas along. </div><div style="text-align: left;">On our latest visit in the Monterey area we were only Pappa Quail and me, and it was the end of summer, and very dry indeed. On Labor Day, en-route home, we drove into the refuge without any issues, and went on the hike we had wanted to do for years. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKbIWL36Cpq7N_bCBtt0GxAYPa4XnNS9SdWQpNWE-B6h85gt0mcjVH1J5vSARxB8Ja7owwth-Tx7VVvqOeWxGdStF6iA8H6eHaSJD3ncOBqS41DxWsSrtzapXJZXmsnFwxJAQil-8ZVttZXj8jvjTz4oYA7ARrBGxWGYkAYIUKszbK4pQZix1PA3Hhg/s1803/ws%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKbIWL36Cpq7N_bCBtt0GxAYPa4XnNS9SdWQpNWE-B6h85gt0mcjVH1J5vSARxB8Ja7owwth-Tx7VVvqOeWxGdStF6iA8H6eHaSJD3ncOBqS41DxWsSrtzapXJZXmsnFwxJAQil-8ZVttZXj8jvjTz4oYA7ARrBGxWGYkAYIUKszbK4pQZix1PA3Hhg/w640-h426/ws%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the trailhead<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The refuge is situated south of where the Salinas River spills into the ocean. Part of the trail is along the river itself, and part goes near a brackish water lagoon. It goes through high coastal scrub vegetation, and there's coastal access through the dunes. All and all, there are at least four different habitats in this fairly small refuge. We expected this habitat diversity to reflect in our sightings, and it sure did. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt5hax7Hy-0ibWIQBNT9z04FOtPQtwb3vOQr3gSCUjJh7ro1emTAugNFqjPfgEhgjQQK_-kf9z848WsYr7TKNTTUGlVAvKIkRXTrU4a7Y8Rzr5e9EOHkCH-2YbUa6iBGYw96cLdhdmOgD74mZ3QwU4Kch_YU1cx8Bo6LYBG1R6bcJWAI4IMM5SBbhcqw/s1899/2.1%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1899" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt5hax7Hy-0ibWIQBNT9z04FOtPQtwb3vOQr3gSCUjJh7ro1emTAugNFqjPfgEhgjQQK_-kf9z848WsYr7TKNTTUGlVAvKIkRXTrU4a7Y8Rzr5e9EOHkCH-2YbUa6iBGYw96cLdhdmOgD74mZ3QwU4Kch_YU1cx8Bo6LYBG1R6bcJWAI4IMM5SBbhcqw/w640-h434/2.1%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Birds were present right at the trailhead. Little, brown bush birds all of them. Pappa Quail can tell them apart, maybe one day I will, too. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVa4yJSN9JlBzoX6jrlGQOHKs4RidAxonWOSqVtIUDw2fY6JnQ6kizv4eRc51gs6rMeRAvZgfA690lgYKr8X24BuFJcBmWhcfQ6joxc38LGJ8rvw1uvyIBtxDrAXIg6mARxgd_I6Un8uljAfa9_Rup2i82oJXBMsB7ssoPiwRcF0qQAHfFEn8PYO_mQ/s1209/yw%20finch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1209" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvVa4yJSN9JlBzoX6jrlGQOHKs4RidAxonWOSqVtIUDw2fY6JnQ6kizv4eRc51gs6rMeRAvZgfA690lgYKr8X24BuFJcBmWhcfQ6joxc38LGJ8rvw1uvyIBtxDrAXIg6mARxgd_I6Un8uljAfa9_Rup2i82oJXBMsB7ssoPiwRcF0qQAHfFEn8PYO_mQ/w640-h450/yw%20finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Finch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was a dirt road flanked by either tall bushes or areas of dry grassland. We didn't see much along the first part of the trail, but before long the trail curved to follow the path of the Salinas River. I knew that from looking at my navigator because a belt of thickly growing tall vegetation blocked the river from our view. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUfebEUY8YohPN9uCMG8TDOX40P86a4L0t_Nd-uaSZGkuMCBAiOl3eoexAdYvCcn2YCQyXNmDFU8H3RhM5VPmi3UGsDar3m-7YbFfZSzDPir5Y1t9Z3fn5Cs9hp8NoaRESFXXcF1nEeKa6a8KyWk5KpaLbrf_UxjzqjhZTlXKopsyaI0Ikok10r7QueI/s1803/wv%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUfebEUY8YohPN9uCMG8TDOX40P86a4L0t_Nd-uaSZGkuMCBAiOl3eoexAdYvCcn2YCQyXNmDFU8H3RhM5VPmi3UGsDar3m-7YbFfZSzDPir5Y1t9Z3fn5Cs9hp8NoaRESFXXcF1nEeKa6a8KyWk5KpaLbrf_UxjzqjhZTlXKopsyaI0Ikok10r7QueI/w640-h426/wv%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As soon as we spotted a gap in the vegetation we stepped off the trail and walked over to check out the river. We couldn't get too close at first because although the low crowing vegetation wasn't blocking our view, it did block our access to the bank. We saw birds there, on the water, and wend back to the main trail hoping to find a place where the river was more approachable. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo9IbMSnIb_LK8_PPfDqTZXJASwqBC6YIRWdQlImyibrfe7JIRecWKq2l9BptW6uavO-ozGpF68755AO6lwL41mA9uYbcOYOzuCUS9BsyttWcCbwLkQLi6lMNUQnsSohSwV6bIvpaDKuJYtIJG5as99G_Wg5G2JYX0B9dkF7K5Z8ZTuHs9wYxwxZO4Fw/s1803/wu%20river%20birds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo9IbMSnIb_LK8_PPfDqTZXJASwqBC6YIRWdQlImyibrfe7JIRecWKq2l9BptW6uavO-ozGpF68755AO6lwL41mA9uYbcOYOzuCUS9BsyttWcCbwLkQLi6lMNUQnsSohSwV6bIvpaDKuJYtIJG5as99G_Wg5G2JYX0B9dkF7K5Z8ZTuHs9wYxwxZO4Fw/w640-h426/wu%20river%20birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That place was just a little further down the path.We walked all the way to the river bank and gazed on the river. A fallen log was stuck there long enough to have accumulated sediments and grow other plants. A number of birds were using it as a safe perch to rest upon - cormorants and gulls. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIS4nlqfvimaoK9vqgmzPlO3-WJVRBwqBrSV8-nX-cRkAYuxiEATg7GDuP_TANT_pbTSxl_2tWUjmdZFfT-ujoaa0r090GB9RdMpKg4xk5oiPdIEjcQxi2ZVkPjgLSZbHBGJAi5pMBctzZAstQld4VHbvUQ3wmY2WL145U1SQ7EtbcL_BqHPTH2o_nrk/s1856/yx%20bird%20island.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIS4nlqfvimaoK9vqgmzPlO3-WJVRBwqBrSV8-nX-cRkAYuxiEATg7GDuP_TANT_pbTSxl_2tWUjmdZFfT-ujoaa0r090GB9RdMpKg4xk5oiPdIEjcQxi2ZVkPjgLSZbHBGJAi5pMBctzZAstQld4VHbvUQ3wmY2WL145U1SQ7EtbcL_BqHPTH2o_nrk/w640-h426/yx%20bird%20island.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double-crested Cormorants<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The log might look close through the full strength on Pappa Quail's birding lens but it was actually quite far. The Salinas River is quite wide near the ocean, and that stuck log was closer to the north bank. My wide view lens couldn't capture the birds on that log, but it did capture very well the cloudy reflection on the river's surface. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1r0Q_I43C_ZcGID2dbbCPzfJolplGLP4MnLKD_Fzz6xOAbWFT5GLgJq-u-0BmVpjIyaCc9aTlJdTGxv7_vB_BsSFcj5UvZ7n8LmNnH2LancTHJuXol0BKdKPnYVkgZlvAOZpKte8Tg__zz4HD7HaoROharM_CQSh8mwpGA08M1sAkUt0IqCf8THoGwA/s1803/wx%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1r0Q_I43C_ZcGID2dbbCPzfJolplGLP4MnLKD_Fzz6xOAbWFT5GLgJq-u-0BmVpjIyaCc9aTlJdTGxv7_vB_BsSFcj5UvZ7n8LmNnH2LancTHJuXol0BKdKPnYVkgZlvAOZpKte8Tg__zz4HD7HaoROharM_CQSh8mwpGA08M1sAkUt0IqCf8THoGwA/w640-h426/wx%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a great egret wading in the shallows near the north bank of the river. I could barely see the white spot against the dark green tule, but Pappa Quail photographed it. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlqJt-6Ahw_UHrRTczO4NtvBjJ7c8MHZCscdMgcrQxeGlreIThoNzfrK_wdTHIJ0BpqwHxhP1lYoAUckjkofRGhKwK9eAuEnSnVuyyc-Auk-lT-YKWLTTdR-pv9czZMuDkyjTCli8BK14mecpLixX70yUzYCuUO0S1-lYZ7ZhKlUwxUNTM-jDQELDQ4M/s1856/yz%20great%20egret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlqJt-6Ahw_UHrRTczO4NtvBjJ7c8MHZCscdMgcrQxeGlreIThoNzfrK_wdTHIJ0BpqwHxhP1lYoAUckjkofRGhKwK9eAuEnSnVuyyc-Auk-lT-YKWLTTdR-pv9czZMuDkyjTCli8BK14mecpLixX70yUzYCuUO0S1-lYZ7ZhKlUwxUNTM-jDQELDQ4M/w640-h426/yz%20great%20egret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Pappa Quail kept searching the river, looking for birds. I returned my attention to where we stood. It hurt my eyes to see trash strewn in nature, and an ugly, blue face mask was stuck in my vision like a sore thumb. It took me a few seconds to realize that a snake was looking back at me right by that mask. I clicked a few photos and called Pappa Quail's attention to it. He had to step back in order to take his photos. This is one of the endemic garter snake subspecies that exist along the west coast. We were very fortunate to see it. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODCns1ZmFqiPWRHMa1zpFQDesLWiM7S39-NQDetFfqXPG0T616yZGA97HTdcoLzH8E7HNBbWiFvSfCMtpM3XSUZpq3dEBfbLvlDpCAUo9KuPPd1UivmoawGvLrp0O-tnOc3q_SMGXy90ZP4l9MXOCck_xwo6l8o4i06uEF9QCt-GUSsrepOsDoaPYOTc/s1856/za%20garter%20snake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODCns1ZmFqiPWRHMa1zpFQDesLWiM7S39-NQDetFfqXPG0T616yZGA97HTdcoLzH8E7HNBbWiFvSfCMtpM3XSUZpq3dEBfbLvlDpCAUo9KuPPd1UivmoawGvLrp0O-tnOc3q_SMGXy90ZP4l9MXOCck_xwo6l8o4i06uEF9QCt-GUSsrepOsDoaPYOTc/w640-h426/za%20garter%20snake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Terrestrial Garter Snake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another gap in the vegetation further down the trail gave us a view on another log where a small group of black-necked stilt huddled together, at a safe distance from the gull and the cormorant that shared the log with them. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKtJu2OUww1DXXHEM_9_wyT1YDACnxf9NcvDVp4znIhOGn6ttz5KN5VaHhFNrwy2gtw4t7Su_BEJn_j8ab7GyUTcS09BnNXkw1YTGd2eIIXr2ivQTY6MhkWza0ppppW6VUajBqavnwHGo8R7_YOlLrnApw-DR9XEWAFPNo2bejWROiHQKdPGcXlQ9AKQ/s1427/zc%20stilt%20and%20cormorant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1427" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKtJu2OUww1DXXHEM_9_wyT1YDACnxf9NcvDVp4znIhOGn6ttz5KN5VaHhFNrwy2gtw4t7Su_BEJn_j8ab7GyUTcS09BnNXkw1YTGd2eIIXr2ivQTY6MhkWza0ppppW6VUajBqavnwHGo8R7_YOlLrnApw-DR9XEWAFPNo2bejWROiHQKdPGcXlQ9AKQ/w640-h422/zc%20stilt%20and%20cormorant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-necked Stilt</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back on the trail we resumed our walk westward. I kept on the lookout for wildflowers, and I did see some, though not as many as I've seen the day before at Garrapata State Park. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxPsmC72QqRQ20alzEEk1sEKNCHUySujLO6cvEIcyaPN5cX_29hRxTigLG0NDwG5Ct77yJw0087xtGLgRShJsqLsOCDINrh7ELIum2wW5zUn3wMtT67jnfB7ScLCsfaGooc8nynIMOxctDogCBYTiW1qgfQvyVU8bS7U7tqL3e5ERILvSSE2pO7iMU9E/s1507/xc%20bull%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1507" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxPsmC72QqRQ20alzEEk1sEKNCHUySujLO6cvEIcyaPN5cX_29hRxTigLG0NDwG5Ct77yJw0087xtGLgRShJsqLsOCDINrh7ELIum2wW5zUn3wMtT67jnfB7ScLCsfaGooc8nynIMOxctDogCBYTiW1qgfQvyVU8bS7U7tqL3e5ERILvSSE2pO7iMU9E/w640-h446/xc%20bull%20thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Thistle, Cirsium vulgare, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As in the previous hikes we did on this trip - the aster family dominated the end of summer bloom scene in both numbers, and number of species. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TKNfq6J2VpgGCKES_5lhcwDit4NYFFDSf4cRuBtCuT-VjmzDA2LFr-5DKfOoMJBz8zhv4t5Ta47ygou9QeZMcmbA4ZJsN7b7RvP4Edx1s172OTTfvVB34XwhQlS1fCbkJYb0QOhttmFxNvPD8YSSqKNFJEKdKr-wBa1aMKmE3FoZSef7J2vmKhlwncI/s1699/xe%20goldenrod.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1699" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TKNfq6J2VpgGCKES_5lhcwDit4NYFFDSf4cRuBtCuT-VjmzDA2LFr-5DKfOoMJBz8zhv4t5Ta47ygou9QeZMcmbA4ZJsN7b7RvP4Edx1s172OTTfvVB34XwhQlS1fCbkJYb0QOhttmFxNvPD8YSSqKNFJEKdKr-wBa1aMKmE3FoZSef7J2vmKhlwncI/w640-h434/xe%20goldenrod.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Goldenrod, Euthamia occidentalis </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the tall vegetation remained behind us and we got an open, wide view on the Salinas River, all the way to the ocean. Above us the sky was partly cloudy, which gave the surrounding a patchy illumination pattern. A large gray cloud was hanging over the ocean on the horizon, but the river looked blue and the far away dunes glowed in the sun. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z6dDQMXZ7R6M5C8eGGc6-gQlzoNsqcSVyJMe5R-2Zjpxhji7JWXnCmlC-HZCdRUm6J3RExXmrCptIbUlhqZh3hj8nazFxLmQUB-VP6L9rEInW1AXcQ2w_q5n6sIqrJ8UHzpkKdFS3lfBUfMFlsb5fOIEe5X9DdN7tNrJuYboRTj_NMtS2rtx7Lly4Wc/s1803/xg%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z6dDQMXZ7R6M5C8eGGc6-gQlzoNsqcSVyJMe5R-2Zjpxhji7JWXnCmlC-HZCdRUm6J3RExXmrCptIbUlhqZh3hj8nazFxLmQUB-VP6L9rEInW1AXcQ2w_q5n6sIqrJ8UHzpkKdFS3lfBUfMFlsb5fOIEe5X9DdN7tNrJuYboRTj_NMtS2rtx7Lly4Wc/w640-h426/xg%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas River</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another opening in the vegetation gave us another access to the river bank. On the river (now looking gray again) floated a flock of slender birds. I didn't need the zoom lens to identify these birds - their silhouette was telling enough - these were phalaropes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboxGRjTIl3iWmyS9as8fQXufdWAr2wtJMRszg4PEpGI4ZgW_IMnI6XVYeW3lJUxbGCaRs6yOIMAzweAhdrXDtxTv54UIZVC0towt-ld-n8BPOiEPovJxWOFC2nnb-mvI5Zkz-67dP6ugnslDeNnGJX5xtPbIueDVq_wEG4EX79Bkrw8T6Z0Ji7ulAAB4/s1803/xh%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboxGRjTIl3iWmyS9as8fQXufdWAr2wtJMRszg4PEpGI4ZgW_IMnI6XVYeW3lJUxbGCaRs6yOIMAzweAhdrXDtxTv54UIZVC0towt-ld-n8BPOiEPovJxWOFC2nnb-mvI5Zkz-67dP6ugnslDeNnGJX5xtPbIueDVq_wEG4EX79Bkrw8T6Z0Ji7ulAAB4/w640-h426/xh%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-necked Phalaropes on the Salinas River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The close-up photos that Pappa Quail took identified the species though - these birds were red-necked phalaropes. These birds are unusual in the sense that when wearing their mating colors the females looks fancier than the males. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHDpG4Hqhp8J1hz-ugMmYz4tv0pFOb8ZJANOXMEVKl0Wu1k4M8o5-faQ4SyETcqOqfx5u8xde6Kdi0JX7_owE5V3E49StaXKHPsmyOHjd5VK2FNI6X0lnmgNNYdxwQrGv8JxqdCYuct0CJjj7dsY4huTHq62MU5fjGj3JoYmZ3iAXK5mh3ZgTkAAKUPQ/s1749/zg%20phalarope.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1749" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHDpG4Hqhp8J1hz-ugMmYz4tv0pFOb8ZJANOXMEVKl0Wu1k4M8o5-faQ4SyETcqOqfx5u8xde6Kdi0JX7_owE5V3E49StaXKHPsmyOHjd5VK2FNI6X0lnmgNNYdxwQrGv8JxqdCYuct0CJjj7dsY4huTHq62MU5fjGj3JoYmZ3iAXK5mh3ZgTkAAKUPQ/w640-h432/zg%20phalarope.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-necked Phalarope </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent some time looking at the phalaropes swimming gracefully, occasionally dipping their beaks in the water to catch something and swallow it. Eventually we returned to the main trail and resumed our hike due west. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFvdgX_zfF5KnrHE_RFiuSnMIOOFMXZaXL5uOUBYwe2s-dzTEdyQoOYz7gP6TkJsOK6Ur_xXue2nE4H1UyyTWyf6IA9bHSkajIsZ25idwtjg2Bp8zhyMK94TTn0YPqaSpAX1IumplQswI_FzOA2v0IjnE_3S_0p_XAs00XrMJmk5LAIPzmBwJyb295J4/s1495/xi%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1495" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFvdgX_zfF5KnrHE_RFiuSnMIOOFMXZaXL5uOUBYwe2s-dzTEdyQoOYz7gP6TkJsOK6Ur_xXue2nE4H1UyyTWyf6IA9bHSkajIsZ25idwtjg2Bp8zhyMK94TTn0YPqaSpAX1IumplQswI_FzOA2v0IjnE_3S_0p_XAs00XrMJmk5LAIPzmBwJyb295J4/w640-h428/xi%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Aster, Symphyotrichum chilense</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail curved sharply southwest and the river continued northwest toward the ocean. This stretch of trail was flanked by much lower vegetation and different wildflowers bloomed alongside it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQvx8Dwbk2MyLXVOnKzXHyelaADqKB1jFEyJ6Z-Du3ZzLTY9ibugHqXEwkhNr4uyoaB6KfFQhowKRSnkJZqVpjB4bUcR21IZl00RlQ-EwC9W2YYuiMyJp4BfQPapTHoM6mLSDSOIPLdrjNKAa0Db7HyWv6ygDyDMDW2cHyG6BlobsaQitX0ObiDl_eDc/s1803/xl%20gumweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQvx8Dwbk2MyLXVOnKzXHyelaADqKB1jFEyJ6Z-Du3ZzLTY9ibugHqXEwkhNr4uyoaB6KfFQhowKRSnkJZqVpjB4bUcR21IZl00RlQ-EwC9W2YYuiMyJp4BfQPapTHoM6mLSDSOIPLdrjNKAa0Db7HyWv6ygDyDMDW2cHyG6BlobsaQitX0ObiDl_eDc/w640-h426/xl%20gumweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gumplant, Grindelia stricta </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We started seeing butterflies too. Not in huge numbers like in spring time, but enough to give an air of spring to this late summer hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlqtrw-2te-0AeYeKd7_7VA8kLMySwApBokAk1GXDKpuIA-XF0uNxDkdR34keHNKNGtdz6VlbgCd9NK2xilhEvCsi5L2fOU7g0F2CC0kCTOQ8w58_AXps77AeXhJFohbNUGqFXqMDqfnVHSrLSJ8dE_BCaKYIOYo7PLAAttmySkgoL974XjxZt-P_KTc/s1483/xm%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1483" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlqtrw-2te-0AeYeKd7_7VA8kLMySwApBokAk1GXDKpuIA-XF0uNxDkdR34keHNKNGtdz6VlbgCd9NK2xilhEvCsi5L2fOU7g0F2CC0kCTOQ8w58_AXps77AeXhJFohbNUGqFXqMDqfnVHSrLSJ8dE_BCaKYIOYo7PLAAttmySkgoL974XjxZt-P_KTc/w640-h424/xm%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Cabbage Butterfly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail didn't pay attention to the butterflies. He had noticed the lagoon ahead of us, on the way to the beach. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFdn865uivmZuzAPUBZbhcV_hL7vTS2okqcHpsIHqRh600KgDD7PQLwGYRbxDqpuvdiVhtOhnq7tI89RtwAO7rPNq0FVVwA9So8keJQkmRWLr1WBYcaSQbgD6grvSHZlDzB8MEuni6b0CwPXgHtaSLPcvRW05p9hlYsHaQDlKWKFfSGfN59eermNPnB0/s1725/xn%20checkerspot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1725" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFdn865uivmZuzAPUBZbhcV_hL7vTS2okqcHpsIHqRh600KgDD7PQLwGYRbxDqpuvdiVhtOhnq7tI89RtwAO7rPNq0FVVwA9So8keJQkmRWLr1WBYcaSQbgD6grvSHZlDzB8MEuni6b0CwPXgHtaSLPcvRW05p9hlYsHaQDlKWKFfSGfN59eermNPnB0/w640-h424/xn%20checkerspot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkerspot Butterfly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lagoon wasn't connected to the river, not above ground, anyway. Even from afar we could see that there was a large group of birds huddled at the lagoon's inland side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor_50ekKMZxhmPQgXrAYEvJ6tMtoTitZZkkFFV7DuZRcUoVgAzr_RN6OouJHczq4le2Bh4bkc2pRK_R4SQg9e5YEitRSnkYeSbiRBpo0xLjQd3wSOSZJ-CAvBJuLgaz7H53J45UHgSt0cKWMUCjNPG0wgxC2WZCZVAYpEf9OHoMBRr7-0SxfyW1ZVAPE/s1803/xo%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor_50ekKMZxhmPQgXrAYEvJ6tMtoTitZZkkFFV7DuZRcUoVgAzr_RN6OouJHczq4le2Bh4bkc2pRK_R4SQg9e5YEitRSnkYeSbiRBpo0xLjQd3wSOSZJ-CAvBJuLgaz7H53J45UHgSt0cKWMUCjNPG0wgxC2WZCZVAYpEf9OHoMBRr7-0SxfyW1ZVAPE/w640-h426/xo%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail leading to the lagoon was the beach access trail. When we begun the hike we didn't know if we'd go all the way to the beach. Now there was n doubt anymore. We left the lop trail and turned right on the beach access trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YspXUOGbzgsbiVe1w4rVVBY02NqllEPpKrK4MfDmSl_Pa__tHHONLst9p00uts1ACYgQdtZLWJ5nrY65dh0zzR1KDlEz-ARTunK5QMAUtWROQj0SzlN9lZ0NohHct52NS3iZngvKiIOYz8PFiB1Wz6RdbqMe6Sl5jSoH47OClesUNqa002YFVozuBvY/s1803/xp%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YspXUOGbzgsbiVe1w4rVVBY02NqllEPpKrK4MfDmSl_Pa__tHHONLst9p00uts1ACYgQdtZLWJ5nrY65dh0zzR1KDlEz-ARTunK5QMAUtWROQj0SzlN9lZ0NohHct52NS3iZngvKiIOYz8PFiB1Wz6RdbqMe6Sl5jSoH47OClesUNqa002YFVozuBvY/w640-h426/xp%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Access Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail hurried ahead. I lingered a bit behind, looking at the butterflies that were fluttering by. I encountered more butterfly species as I moved along the trail, including this beautiful swallowtail in the photo below.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FbzmqVNqqoiG9l8CzHtKutvpM5ATilhW0hksRHMGM3L6GdwRJu15LDAAUjZhqM45JT0BZ0_zF97CJNyTGvdfHmXYjHGRcp9T507k5ii6-IfinTzdQ32j_oUty5sI5SHV9qcSTQQ3MpNClHFzJZo-09cxENdT67w3HeTEcgrY6xTcSqNjXeoGRNuKZqo/s1585/xq%20swallowtail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1585" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FbzmqVNqqoiG9l8CzHtKutvpM5ATilhW0hksRHMGM3L6GdwRJu15LDAAUjZhqM45JT0BZ0_zF97CJNyTGvdfHmXYjHGRcp9T507k5ii6-IfinTzdQ32j_oUty5sI5SHV9qcSTQQ3MpNClHFzJZo-09cxENdT67w3HeTEcgrY6xTcSqNjXeoGRNuKZqo/w640-h476/xq%20swallowtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anise Swallowtail Butterfly </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail wasn't very close to the lagoon. There was a narrow path in the vegetation that connected the trail to the lagoon's shore but we didn't go there. We didn't want to disturb the birds. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkXo7jG5mvBGoHLW2YPdFQtUhpOEuUIJhBNk-F0jhKZDy7FPCwzYmNZyYdU3Ed3HixK05WbACVbJGtzbPipd3v8x56jkIylYKoXu9ssIa4lGztC8j-hWaLWtSZcnHsyf4FXe7n1qQwbwYl1F6rRtJQpu1vlYWNklBWfpswbby80e5bPjln99cqVXrVSA/s1803/xr%20lagoon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkXo7jG5mvBGoHLW2YPdFQtUhpOEuUIJhBNk-F0jhKZDy7FPCwzYmNZyYdU3Ed3HixK05WbACVbJGtzbPipd3v8x56jkIylYKoXu9ssIa4lGztC8j-hWaLWtSZcnHsyf4FXe7n1qQwbwYl1F6rRtJQpu1vlYWNklBWfpswbby80e5bPjln99cqVXrVSA/w640-h426/xr%20lagoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagoon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail could get good photos using the strongest zoom settings. Even from afar we could tell that most of the birds there were gulls, but only at maximal magnification the gull species could be identified. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4OWU2p9ngzOf_ibYlWwDEh2h6PVkRAD0meuK0pZOqxGYQGRBnEaaKj53PeI0EhFvDb_q9-LjiVZSHPtqu7_iEyBHSjSrTXnj5HDPR78Mp2hr9BhA6r7UrBZgMJRy60XruVQxfpNRMB8uwMLekcBinHLlJdQja94evYW59UYgnz5cE7chs4jUWHnWq-U/s1856/zi%20gulls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4OWU2p9ngzOf_ibYlWwDEh2h6PVkRAD0meuK0pZOqxGYQGRBnEaaKj53PeI0EhFvDb_q9-LjiVZSHPtqu7_iEyBHSjSrTXnj5HDPR78Mp2hr9BhA6r7UrBZgMJRy60XruVQxfpNRMB8uwMLekcBinHLlJdQja94evYW59UYgnz5cE7chs4jUWHnWq-U/w640-h426/zi%20gulls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the gulls was sitting apart from the rest, and although still far away, it was the closest to us. It looked young, and perhaps it was alone because of some infliction. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZBauerLHtEaJodDnqqxBt-9pvBzDAsjMMNy8mq9p7JQAgwJad1zqx83DaJxAyT13_2wHxdMqb9IfbRazUGPZ53bKKsWIqJr1cQr-JonqVjwqSWPblpgTeUz0YNLuuyURSKe0PhHzW4vxpymitDj9hStb12MBba1wSVIMFNcNg54QItgkUUzs64z81S0/s1423/zh%20gull.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1423" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZBauerLHtEaJodDnqqxBt-9pvBzDAsjMMNy8mq9p7JQAgwJad1zqx83DaJxAyT13_2wHxdMqb9IfbRazUGPZ53bKKsWIqJr1cQr-JonqVjwqSWPblpgTeUz0YNLuuyURSKe0PhHzW4vxpymitDj9hStb12MBba1wSVIMFNcNg54QItgkUUzs64z81S0/w640-h440/zh%20gull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Gull<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apart from the gulls was a group of terns. Caspian terns, as identified through the maximal zoom. The terns stayed clear of the gulls, remaining in their own small and aloof clique. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOrr_1m2YtN1LcFMZn_WDazlOXG_01Y1Gv45P7_Qy4wI_Nj9N6sXLDik-ynspe3GHPnZmHQ77V6hw-ARrCAfQPXaELxFi575gyG_ccLqL85f_a5_Ax1lAzIK13WZFBtNvlma5PaqwrREjOWGMUUEUa5ZbWzYVCsBgtwdxilQ6AyyQIMi97bpQii_YqGA/s1856/zj%20terns.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOrr_1m2YtN1LcFMZn_WDazlOXG_01Y1Gv45P7_Qy4wI_Nj9N6sXLDik-ynspe3GHPnZmHQ77V6hw-ARrCAfQPXaELxFi575gyG_ccLqL85f_a5_Ax1lAzIK13WZFBtNvlma5PaqwrREjOWGMUUEUa5ZbWzYVCsBgtwdxilQ6AyyQIMi97bpQii_YqGA/w640-h426/zj%20terns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caspian Tern<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A line of dunes separated the lagoon and us from the beach. The dirt road came to an end and from the end of road sign extended a narrow foot path through a low gap in the dunes all the way to the beach. We got this far, so certainly we would go to the ocean now. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh3-r1uqlLdU5G3kFCfa5O5fCqLCAtGtzkMcbTALbMzzjIFFJcHYxEK6dl47OmlHcBXlYAI94K4WiNIxab5JaqGeEuFKNdPcieGxNwJR7Z7Gez7c8MIrZdce_vuJ6uAzYUEusvpi5AQZfApD1mLCYdVzuXuecwkt5zBoviHAYKA6sJgi5OU5rzZ6h3Zk/s1803/xs%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh3-r1uqlLdU5G3kFCfa5O5fCqLCAtGtzkMcbTALbMzzjIFFJcHYxEK6dl47OmlHcBXlYAI94K4WiNIxab5JaqGeEuFKNdPcieGxNwJR7Z7Gez7c8MIrZdce_vuJ6uAzYUEusvpi5AQZfApD1mLCYdVzuXuecwkt5zBoviHAYKA6sJgi5OU5rzZ6h3Zk/w640-h426/xs%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Access Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dunes were all bound by vegetation, most of it coastal scrub. There were little birds active in the bushes and Pappa Quail focused on them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLgAt4AWRvZX_XJc0WXG-fSHS9RoZ3JHdhSQ26GatPkaKJUUWjFiU80lw48BCDmZ7DzQfOz7kKinYo0Gjvre5K2dWE8ab9uElJrpkEoL_7o4HSzti_-TzgzsBsMPGpVlYhIeLGW6BpNrxoxG_uVN3ikkEGlusTVc-tpMPCoE39HLXZh1buClqw-NPiAQ/s1148/zk%20sparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1148" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLgAt4AWRvZX_XJc0WXG-fSHS9RoZ3JHdhSQ26GatPkaKJUUWjFiU80lw48BCDmZ7DzQfOz7kKinYo0Gjvre5K2dWE8ab9uElJrpkEoL_7o4HSzti_-TzgzsBsMPGpVlYhIeLGW6BpNrxoxG_uVN3ikkEGlusTVc-tpMPCoE39HLXZh1buClqw-NPiAQ/w640-h468/zk%20sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-crowned Sparrow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the base of the beach access trail grew a large, very lush green bush that looked familiar to me. I got near it to take a closer look, identified it, and kept safe distance from then on - it was poison oak. I'm not used to seeing poison oak as a thick mass like this. It is however, a competent plant shape-shifter that can assume many, many forms, even a thick massive bush on the dunes near the ocean beach. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFMDieD3sui8NWw31wib00dkZIXKlH8Gy5RXRpcLIs3YP8q_tInDE8fKbV9mUbisYpBE9BsjDq7xX32LjzzUqVTPJRo6jxgypddzeRDrR3P8gmx-p7lqhhF2PJLelCmofuevQwXKXF94CmadfXYMSNiHU7_A9WM9qdEVTE-slLKZbasr2guyU7tllZpY/s1803/xt%20poison%20oak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFMDieD3sui8NWw31wib00dkZIXKlH8Gy5RXRpcLIs3YP8q_tInDE8fKbV9mUbisYpBE9BsjDq7xX32LjzzUqVTPJRo6jxgypddzeRDrR3P8gmx-p7lqhhF2PJLelCmofuevQwXKXF94CmadfXYMSNiHU7_A9WM9qdEVTE-slLKZbasr2guyU7tllZpY/w640-h426/xt%20poison%20oak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were other familiar plants growing on the dunes, of species more expected to grow there as part of the coastal scrub community. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjZmtapQtXzC_pyJyIkuD3HlQrx6mOrrISZ4if_dsyOboBIBWI5ROhTo8yHX6q8H24u2XJO9_kwQNTTjnQc6OUbSFDdTxYyBQBxTY_laxEuc0Wd5MTJz8geWIho4yi96ciffRIKYqUKWxn1WrEjZ2QY6hEMvYLhfz3oPa3F3NgAdUA-4JWcnoE0_X_7M/s1569/xv%20seaside%20rocket.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1569" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjZmtapQtXzC_pyJyIkuD3HlQrx6mOrrISZ4if_dsyOboBIBWI5ROhTo8yHX6q8H24u2XJO9_kwQNTTjnQc6OUbSFDdTxYyBQBxTY_laxEuc0Wd5MTJz8geWIho4yi96ciffRIKYqUKWxn1WrEjZ2QY6hEMvYLhfz3oPa3F3NgAdUA-4JWcnoE0_X_7M/w640-h450/xv%20seaside%20rocket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Searocket, Cakile maritima, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was in my element now. Many of the dune plants were blooming, and although most of them I've seen on our hikes the day before, I was still happy to see them again. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTL2OFa_GaVnfzaejwy41GwSp5KM7Cccn-5O5UbtimpfZS6f0cug6JddZyZE_x-hwOVxR9BluBRx3Ls8vDP0oG3d8TOmLQ1RnmjuiIaCoEgAAHW8tI9k19E_sjDvgf_ADCVNnWGewXEHFQuOM8DspzbbF2MF2sKdblbdW8KM0XyeQbsrjJ5ZzHShi8Rg/s1803/xw%20ericameria.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTL2OFa_GaVnfzaejwy41GwSp5KM7Cccn-5O5UbtimpfZS6f0cug6JddZyZE_x-hwOVxR9BluBRx3Ls8vDP0oG3d8TOmLQ1RnmjuiIaCoEgAAHW8tI9k19E_sjDvgf_ADCVNnWGewXEHFQuOM8DspzbbF2MF2sKdblbdW8KM0XyeQbsrjJ5ZzHShi8Rg/w640-h426/xw%20ericameria.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock Heather, Ericameria ericoides</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Curled around the mock heather bush was the yellow sand verbena, and it too, was blooming. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzsK1LIuhR8m4Nyhbt-YRyIzWXmmvyd5NpolAEnYEm3BlcUbzMjN98VbChHhv6k4AYRAJJ0aY7va8O6G9dUErrxdD4Q-xzaBAxo1JqxBUirD7824TsJRR-goNGRdqXpIPir_y0cdRP3-MqmT835whEVxBvjqHgLLw51PVI_t_2Dc8r7Xbq6jkAK9T8dA/s1483/xy%20sand%20verbena.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1483" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzsK1LIuhR8m4Nyhbt-YRyIzWXmmvyd5NpolAEnYEm3BlcUbzMjN98VbChHhv6k4AYRAJJ0aY7va8O6G9dUErrxdD4Q-xzaBAxo1JqxBUirD7824TsJRR-goNGRdqXpIPir_y0cdRP3-MqmT835whEVxBvjqHgLLw51PVI_t_2Dc8r7Xbq6jkAK9T8dA/w640-h438/xy%20sand%20verbena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Sand Verbena, Abronia latifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were other wildflowers that I haven't seen earlier on this trip, such as the California golden poppy - the California state flower. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUCfkHCAtlifuXjWvv32JzCVcvBb96jpoGU-AlQT2OqtGC0AnPCF8hm-2zlK4jG4bGcUN_bYxxmiObyvb1QfQIpl85xnGsTaNLn2P4KnpYinN7lowXr0402JwZuD0BjFfpPTJu6nIpTQhNevh4broftX5CK4v1t_83X_rzotQB_z0G_gkb82cUUba2sA/s1369/xx%20poppy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1369" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUCfkHCAtlifuXjWvv32JzCVcvBb96jpoGU-AlQT2OqtGC0AnPCF8hm-2zlK4jG4bGcUN_bYxxmiObyvb1QfQIpl85xnGsTaNLn2P4KnpYinN7lowXr0402JwZuD0BjFfpPTJu6nIpTQhNevh4broftX5CK4v1t_83X_rzotQB_z0G_gkb82cUUba2sA/w640-h450/xx%20poppy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The beach access trail is the shortest trail segment on this hike, yet it took me the longest to hike, and it's nt the sand that's to blame. It is very difficult for me to speed walk past so many cool plantlife, especially when so many of them were in bloom in a season that's expected to be a bloom downtime. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m0u-uHbpPw9VvzxB5Xx1GBBtQgSOSVAeB2JDdbqOIoOey4Ndmrz2ig7GaQGXvtPvbfDURH-0usiezW6y7i1dj5KthCGaWGc-yDHIpTVx3BGppQtAzgmJvJGQszkfBDDmXJWRUNZmNBnvAt6z0L-OgC5btfej277gRvNMe4VWAXQNwomiBPjIsV2OBfA/s1611/ya%20Coastal%20Buckwheat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1611" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m0u-uHbpPw9VvzxB5Xx1GBBtQgSOSVAeB2JDdbqOIoOey4Ndmrz2ig7GaQGXvtPvbfDURH-0usiezW6y7i1dj5KthCGaWGc-yDHIpTVx3BGppQtAzgmJvJGQszkfBDDmXJWRUNZmNBnvAt6z0L-OgC5btfej277gRvNMe4VWAXQNwomiBPjIsV2OBfA/w640-h434/ya%20Coastal%20Buckwheat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast Buckwheat, Eriogonum latifolium </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the sand terrain is to blame after all, because this interesting plant community is special for coastal dunes. The few dudleyas that I saw there did surprise me. None were right by the trail so I had to ask Pappa Quail t photograph them for me. None of them were blooming either, but their leaf rosette is as beauitiful as a flower. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAMcq2HwgR-EWlLERj3IcjzHVoGk9QrboRAs5yHP08XRD4LyoP02QO-bfpV_hei6IpXCBChY1Qhml8U9UkhJZzhFwR17OidKQ9cnFzyarJU8dsBF66QtE2TkJYNbkMTq394hJl8pblXjn-wKs7WvPRr3kAuy9efuLXFWxej-njgXk92KEKqshysJ2-x8/s1177/zl%20dudleya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1177" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAMcq2HwgR-EWlLERj3IcjzHVoGk9QrboRAs5yHP08XRD4LyoP02QO-bfpV_hei6IpXCBChY1Qhml8U9UkhJZzhFwR17OidKQ9cnFzyarJU8dsBF66QtE2TkJYNbkMTq394hJl8pblXjn-wKs7WvPRr3kAuy9efuLXFWxej-njgXk92KEKqshysJ2-x8/w640-h464/zl%20dudleya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dudleya sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last part of the beach access trail is adjacent to a small creek on the north, one that never reaches the ocean above ground. The presence of fresh water close to the surface was very apparent, however, even if `i didn't see the water directly. The vegetation along that tiny creek was clearly different from that growing on the dunes, closer to riparian vegetation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRS2Y40wjDRS1VsZwFB4JRxrjy1UHADBLNPRabdJCnn1Rfhnve34rXIY0X7wQmY4oEo_frjwH3Qgmc-o_A1jwckqBM3r3aXmdiNzwEZY4CmXISpWIiaKdom8itixVfgFcN9jvjcgW6j8nu2y1-MU3_FCvC9DUVm_yOgWO8bmALxU4WOJoXgueB93Lh-0/s1803/yb%20dunes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRS2Y40wjDRS1VsZwFB4JRxrjy1UHADBLNPRabdJCnn1Rfhnve34rXIY0X7wQmY4oEo_frjwH3Qgmc-o_A1jwckqBM3r3aXmdiNzwEZY4CmXISpWIiaKdom8itixVfgFcN9jvjcgW6j8nu2y1-MU3_FCvC9DUVm_yOgWO8bmALxU4WOJoXgueB93Lh-0/w640-h426/yb%20dunes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the south side f the trail the dune rose to its highest. Any blooming plants were visible only from a close distance. From a wider point of view the dune vegetation looked like it had transitioned to autumn already, which was abut the right time of year to do so. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YZXW6aVL6quBwfMOR7eL_Uma5Ppi9R6buKyW_EhYNRhp9rNqlNEATQjJvAJr5NNmWiTqsa8StQytlwVhxXqDYE9J_U2jurOBTPZT8Cq_Y1RJQPP6_k5PLYtU399Nhi5yjezp83y-lrFgqhyovm4pJ5R33OQtmWEx6FEe5N13oSG66mI7-Sr5VcAXBDY/s1803/yd%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YZXW6aVL6quBwfMOR7eL_Uma5Ppi9R6buKyW_EhYNRhp9rNqlNEATQjJvAJr5NNmWiTqsa8StQytlwVhxXqDYE9J_U2jurOBTPZT8Cq_Y1RJQPP6_k5PLYtU399Nhi5yjezp83y-lrFgqhyovm4pJ5R33OQtmWEx6FEe5N13oSG66mI7-Sr5VcAXBDY/w640-h426/yd%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach access trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed the last crest of the sand trail and the ocean view opened up before us. The dark cloud mass that we saw hanging over the water earlier on the hike was completely gone by the time we made it to the beach. The sky was clear and blue, and the Pacific Ocean wore shiny blue as well. There were shorebirds walking to and fro along the strand line, and Pappa Quail immediately got busy documenting them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Y22qWakw8ZTVZCgafigbPkZhMSEP_KgzIapJO9ATO2l4rjp1zS6QJQ-xfVdwBsGRxTTbcpTmNKB4gb-YPTkYdvzuwEVsOcAuo38o3y3WCL0BDJaGgz4AsZDWZAAdrqm3_HO836T-LUf4R_YRZ5FthT5zhXsT0_dn6b0EK-NBE3COymQ42fw35yYEA0/s1739/yj%20ocean.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1739" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Y22qWakw8ZTVZCgafigbPkZhMSEP_KgzIapJO9ATO2l4rjp1zS6QJQ-xfVdwBsGRxTTbcpTmNKB4gb-YPTkYdvzuwEVsOcAuo38o3y3WCL0BDJaGgz4AsZDWZAAdrqm3_HO836T-LUf4R_YRZ5FthT5zhXsT0_dn6b0EK-NBE3COymQ42fw35yYEA0/w640-h414/yj%20ocean.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Ocean</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That it was very early autumn I could tell also by the low amount of kelp swept on the beach. Later in the fall California beaches get covered with drift kelp that piles up on the sand and rots there. The fall time aroma of California beaches is unmistakable and carries far inland as well. This decomposing algal biomass provides sustenance to many microorganisms, insects, and crustaceans. These small animals in turn, feed numerous larger crustaceans, insects, and birds. This way the kelp, is an essential component of the California coastal ecosystem not only in the ocean underwater, but on the shoreline, on land as well. The strong aroma of this process might be to pungent to some, but it is the sign of a healthy coastal ecosystem here in California. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9X-28w_j0wbq7VbZ2qKtnNt5uJpm6vsf3FBeE7004kBZGEXPfr4IPHzpm35CXx-6KmHQGMCSfyBI-mKKQCPCogvI9ZwHvfPNKFVaeIyqpKSjktHLm2ScTQsv-WrgPf0fQq2loentvuBadnkm51D0yY7K1IggGr7n-fwuPp9mOR35JpxcVhhPLTyR5O8/s1803/yh%20kelp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9X-28w_j0wbq7VbZ2qKtnNt5uJpm6vsf3FBeE7004kBZGEXPfr4IPHzpm35CXx-6KmHQGMCSfyBI-mKKQCPCogvI9ZwHvfPNKFVaeIyqpKSjktHLm2ScTQsv-WrgPf0fQq2loentvuBadnkm51D0yY7K1IggGr7n-fwuPp9mOR35JpxcVhhPLTyR5O8/w640-h426/yh%20kelp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drift Kelp</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was always fascinated by the movement of water, and of sea waves in particular. That something can be in constant motion yet retaining consistent shape and form is very inspiring to me. Needless to say, while Pappa Queil was busy looking at the shore birds, I was busy gazing at the waves crashing on the sand. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycTEbPtWwtJWYBrhwHYj5FrUk6l-wCm7gxpS0VzKXaVAXHcXzh9-3jAgwq4_0l_jNy1CyEJoVgYT5gzP0a0G0m8ew0qxwN1UJ7IAWkqoAYrQ1mGEgwdL_UlIMmsnVbAZ0SINXsj4F19yXymDtexP5qfYjWWhnYw89E-s1a1UhTm4Azq0sEhNkGKZe4g/s1803/yi%20waves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycTEbPtWwtJWYBrhwHYj5FrUk6l-wCm7gxpS0VzKXaVAXHcXzh9-3jAgwq4_0l_jNy1CyEJoVgYT5gzP0a0G0m8ew0qxwN1UJ7IAWkqoAYrQ1mGEgwdL_UlIMmsnVbAZ0SINXsj4F19yXymDtexP5qfYjWWhnYw89E-s1a1UhTm4Azq0sEhNkGKZe4g/w640-h426/yi%20waves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes a shore bird would come into my camera frame and I got a nice size scale for the waves. Today the Pacific Ocean was peacful indeed - the waves were not very high. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk_OE3hR096oi6Opubfwd7E3De3z8Z08uzG1XlljZPuCc0MHfFgRLS0OIv4YnLIQTDNUJQCFsaXMwpl2ebZl931ibQc81i27DdvepKSCPprBjCLnmbTJD4_chIPskIOFkaIKdDjigG0dO0R2Jw_dgmemsDmLFu9Gcd1-fevF6ZJTXMlsDTrUhECowT9M/s1803/yl%20waves%20and%20godwit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk_OE3hR096oi6Opubfwd7E3De3z8Z08uzG1XlljZPuCc0MHfFgRLS0OIv4YnLIQTDNUJQCFsaXMwpl2ebZl931ibQc81i27DdvepKSCPprBjCLnmbTJD4_chIPskIOFkaIKdDjigG0dO0R2Jw_dgmemsDmLFu9Gcd1-fevF6ZJTXMlsDTrUhECowT9M/w640-h426/yl%20waves%20and%20godwit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The shorebirds have evolved a precision of spilt seconds in their routine dance with the waves. They walk in as the wave recedes and rush back out when the next wave comes to shore, and they never wet anything but their legs. It is very rarely that I see a shore bird having to take flight because it was being outrun by a wave, and I have never seen a shire bird ever taken down by a wave, not even on stormy days. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlhuogAH7Q_lSL2lSa6zMeXesZLlUvpi2uINkHJh-DfULzNBXm2Gq9gCCodoUeuuOQomgrQcYtgDFgC8z1MTSn3lc95pkRoC9Q6LcMJsRRMUZy-x-H8FGyH2c7vqt6AAQTWTB59fb6jSoNoUhA1QVPZjGJfX7Md18ZFjuG2WZeJGWod8UYt9kQwaSp8M/s1803/ym%20waves%20and%20shorebirds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlhuogAH7Q_lSL2lSa6zMeXesZLlUvpi2uINkHJh-DfULzNBXm2Gq9gCCodoUeuuOQomgrQcYtgDFgC8z1MTSn3lc95pkRoC9Q6LcMJsRRMUZy-x-H8FGyH2c7vqt6AAQTWTB59fb6jSoNoUhA1QVPZjGJfX7Md18ZFjuG2WZeJGWod8UYt9kQwaSp8M/w640-h426/ym%20waves%20and%20shorebirds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marbled Godwits</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The birds aren't doing this for their on good fun, of course. I mean, they might be enjoying it, I don't know, but they do it to feed. The ocean strand line is very rich in small animals, and the shore birds are feeding to their fill on them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uh23Jearn6ICWIGCH-zkvMjZzmRg-UlwL728UCOETfIG0qVMlviustGl0sAxnmYJwtoE523o2MSi_Db53gwB-RS5pzYfvEF2ZbnE29RSSXu3Mw9QZ5QKafyarq2ODnTr6JG9irHRk2bmdLDo2WMztUbuZo1hvU-W_7JPk26WmQHJkYJI_262bW4ljFY/s1637/zn%20godwit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1637" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uh23Jearn6ICWIGCH-zkvMjZzmRg-UlwL728UCOETfIG0qVMlviustGl0sAxnmYJwtoE523o2MSi_Db53gwB-RS5pzYfvEF2ZbnE29RSSXu3Mw9QZ5QKafyarq2ODnTr6JG9irHRk2bmdLDo2WMztUbuZo1hvU-W_7JPk26WmQHJkYJI_262bW4ljFY/w640-h432/zn%20godwit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marbled Godwit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">How deep they allow themselves to wade and how deep they poke in the sand depends on the size of their legs and bills, of course. In this way, many different species of shore birds can share the same feeding grounds with minimal competition - each species optimized to search for food at different depths, and their food range doesn't fully overlap. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiT9Fs5wlSJwD9vq12_JcKwZoJ5nR7pGO5EaMdSucNcop1fdcwjb6GXpoS3V1TIRDySlA9MO7NN4lThLkteDcK9NVeDiPaAI3-idNkrkfrFIspEBrnaVWh10dyvWjSIjRsh3uo61nhaNYZRLAy1O5ynmUWXBLl363MFraZcPrpRmkfeTDWl07JybWqgY/s1856/zr%20wollet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiT9Fs5wlSJwD9vq12_JcKwZoJ5nR7pGO5EaMdSucNcop1fdcwjb6GXpoS3V1TIRDySlA9MO7NN4lThLkteDcK9NVeDiPaAI3-idNkrkfrFIspEBrnaVWh10dyvWjSIjRsh3uo61nhaNYZRLAy1O5ynmUWXBLl363MFraZcPrpRmkfeTDWl07JybWqgY/w640-h426/zr%20wollet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willet</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail took many photographs that day on the beach, and in some he caught on camera the successful catches of the the shorebirds. Sanderlings, like the one in the photo below, are of the smaller shorebirds along the California coast, and they were definitely the smallest we've seen on the beach that day. They are also the quickest - the speed in which they move in and out of the waves is unbelievable. When they are in a group they also do it in unison, making it look like an ethereal flashmob dance. The bird in the photo below had caught a sand digger - a common crustacean in California's beaches. When they were little girls, <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-marvellous-surprise-oso-flaco-lake.html">my chikas loved playing with them</a>, but for the shore birds, these are staple food. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5V6zBlua4G6N2cnPsD2HfTqo1GZTmtOj7_rkswEHFF3qa4kCjyOH76neE1B_sMFTqZmXeZ8kZznrPq91vWiHv98NCuiEBgc8LaZFLewgsJEFVhCSVgptdWopdqAOdHPHM2Pzn-tNKHOVLB0mXEFHrOXdGAuZyFFo0NPHswriui2yxeDAzRnW0hSyTw8/s1357/zq%20sanderling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1357" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5V6zBlua4G6N2cnPsD2HfTqo1GZTmtOj7_rkswEHFF3qa4kCjyOH76neE1B_sMFTqZmXeZ8kZznrPq91vWiHv98NCuiEBgc8LaZFLewgsJEFVhCSVgptdWopdqAOdHPHM2Pzn-tNKHOVLB0mXEFHrOXdGAuZyFFo0NPHswriui2yxeDAzRnW0hSyTw8/w640-h440/zq%20sanderling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanderling with a sand digger </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sand diggers were plentiful on that beach, and the larger birds were catching them too. And they could catch them at deeper water as well. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIIf2uqr2aeEwAt19_iVGUn7oqPiR78PE_Jy6GqSEiYUu4jsOTSr-hLlv3gWexrhrf04eOWnHGDj-cO7yXniSOlmko5E0SSe13TbC-Lf3MRTXMI7hdn9fLkR0ubgLMBeZLGmpfIFOf7Hsyb7f-7Qwxv2Cfj61Js7-hK-any1KJhnPfrKFG4HHGl8qBgo/s1856/zs%20wimbrel%20eating%20crab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIIf2uqr2aeEwAt19_iVGUn7oqPiR78PE_Jy6GqSEiYUu4jsOTSr-hLlv3gWexrhrf04eOWnHGDj-cO7yXniSOlmko5E0SSe13TbC-Lf3MRTXMI7hdn9fLkR0ubgLMBeZLGmpfIFOf7Hsyb7f-7Qwxv2Cfj61Js7-hK-any1KJhnPfrKFG4HHGl8qBgo/w640-h427/zs%20wimbrel%20eating%20crab.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-billed Curlew with a sand digger<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a driftwood log and sand on it, enjoying the breeze and the sights and sounds of the ocean. After some time Pappa Quail joined me on the log. We ate our snack and talked. We had originally planned to stop at another place on our way home but this hike was taking longer than we had expected, seeing there was so much to see in this wildlife refuge. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9FITMh7bE09BooGni357jqAVZwZWRh_1qPGfrGEW1vWjX3iMRk_n0bhqMtxt4qUHMdCgMXBy8wM9SFY48o4hSVNfNmb2VqLMujNTeZFcKZc1INdNOr8C2eqFMUz08aFvfedTd_x9Y7NftNhJotlHN-kSP9HEWDbfbzk_Td3dUYGc0uE9mbJBxTSXCgE/s1856/zt%20shorebirds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9FITMh7bE09BooGni357jqAVZwZWRh_1qPGfrGEW1vWjX3iMRk_n0bhqMtxt4qUHMdCgMXBy8wM9SFY48o4hSVNfNmb2VqLMujNTeZFcKZc1INdNOr8C2eqFMUz08aFvfedTd_x9Y7NftNhJotlHN-kSP9HEWDbfbzk_Td3dUYGc0uE9mbJBxTSXCgE/w640-h426/zt%20shorebirds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-billed Curlew and Whimbrel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>We decided to return home directly after finishing this hike, but that made me all the more reluctant to leave. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrPoUpHKTd3yO1qSMROJrhGEb0_LbI2GscItKzlrsaV5hviQMh5QZnJTrrnopTVyqnVqTZD-WXXu17-L3LGUSi7TQyxtB1eNuJc3MhDKSWDM3ZQRuW1lcjz3dhDtV89xPESQG4NzA_1iJz7UHwy-qY07pRte8_EVAvrPdpVVAVm7rd5QnH8Qosx9lw-w/s1803/yn%20beach%20view%20south.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrPoUpHKTd3yO1qSMROJrhGEb0_LbI2GscItKzlrsaV5hviQMh5QZnJTrrnopTVyqnVqTZD-WXXu17-L3LGUSi7TQyxtB1eNuJc3MhDKSWDM3ZQRuW1lcjz3dhDtV89xPESQG4NzA_1iJz7UHwy-qY07pRte8_EVAvrPdpVVAVm7rd5QnH8Qosx9lw-w/w640-h426/yn%20beach%20view%20south.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach - view south</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually though, we had to go. I heaved myself off the log and followed Pappa Quail up the dunes to where the beach access trail was. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr6rKIqWFEvNfqhdpl5K6wJAHRFZxcVLOabBSm5AxdQJDqfqgCZmCnZdRqD1Vnl7oTsTbQ57mmm-xx2hQbxspIIeueMTj5Lo9igjJOzRZBiQtcp3BeJ0R6nAdeJS3nsypn3P1ldPIQKu1SRHP2-Ov2CMf8mFOZ-DXrhrOrWfGsGNInuuxUvQ58rfdBPs/s1803/yo%20sand%20grass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr6rKIqWFEvNfqhdpl5K6wJAHRFZxcVLOabBSm5AxdQJDqfqgCZmCnZdRqD1Vnl7oTsTbQ57mmm-xx2hQbxspIIeueMTj5Lo9igjJOzRZBiQtcp3BeJ0R6nAdeJS3nsypn3P1ldPIQKu1SRHP2-Ov2CMf8mFOZ-DXrhrOrWfGsGNInuuxUvQ58rfdBPs/w640-h426/yo%20sand%20grass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Beachgrass, Ammophila arenaria, non-native, invasive. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The way back through the sand dunes was faster now, because most of the plants there I have already looked at. Still there were more that got a second look on our way back. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O4ID7o-mPX_DciAZARSDcB2ElyMwcTaoqRQ3XoB291PLdhrVzGVa5z4U53OyqESB3PuyAtGFRTcD7n-BsaBOXeXsz6cGELDHjyU97kgQgyE3loRhuwZbKXYn31Lzfp52azFURvAOY8NvymJhfCZYSnixsGKQRW12uRJspRvW5AZ7XINAj8ekRjD56nk/s1803/yp%20ambrosia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O4ID7o-mPX_DciAZARSDcB2ElyMwcTaoqRQ3XoB291PLdhrVzGVa5z4U53OyqESB3PuyAtGFRTcD7n-BsaBOXeXsz6cGELDHjyU97kgQgyE3loRhuwZbKXYn31Lzfp52azFURvAOY8NvymJhfCZYSnixsGKQRW12uRJspRvW5AZ7XINAj8ekRjD56nk/w640-h426/yp%20ambrosia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Beachweed, Ambrosia chamissonis</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lizards were out now that it was sunny and warm. We got to see a few of them, but most just darted off as soon as they noticed us approaching. One of them did grant us a few seconds of posing to the camera. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUIq0miPpLzfuJ2czVRSU1S-7TajT_V2f0JmMqzut1fHMJWNaPutH8Am7cNWou-twDYooeUa0KnZ1Fq-mnglSrSbKMjzn9TW6BeJjvr7kAxeHFxWHSY5f9eZaYOJpl2lESAmfzJx2ENdjxBAFJOa6W-Ylnisf4MJdKT9_2z-xlKirTYqYdmc9vb33tF4/s1856/zu%20western%20fence%20lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUIq0miPpLzfuJ2czVRSU1S-7TajT_V2f0JmMqzut1fHMJWNaPutH8Am7cNWou-twDYooeUa0KnZ1Fq-mnglSrSbKMjzn9TW6BeJjvr7kAxeHFxWHSY5f9eZaYOJpl2lESAmfzJx2ENdjxBAFJOa6W-Ylnisf4MJdKT9_2z-xlKirTYqYdmc9vb33tF4/w640-h426/zu%20western%20fence%20lizard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Fence Lizard</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked quicker by the lagoon as well, now that we were on our return. Pappa Quail did pause to search for any birds he might have missed on our way in, but it was still the same assortment of species: California gulls and Caspian terns. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBDNp5K-F6BVHJ8Hkc4T9zF0CyyYlIaDckEucuyj2PvCAj-fU1WjdZ7aWyqbG-lbCqEUeatrNfQZTQ0eYsWF_kqqd7O2CkBRI-bJ0rJHNsYZ3I4jOmH_ESeYWp8EC0GJqk5wtoJn6Kh0UMmVEdBXi1Zm1E4xqP3ykECjrpnimLopmwsejIDEBvAh0H2g/s1803/yr%20lagoon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBDNp5K-F6BVHJ8Hkc4T9zF0CyyYlIaDckEucuyj2PvCAj-fU1WjdZ7aWyqbG-lbCqEUeatrNfQZTQ0eYsWF_kqqd7O2CkBRI-bJ0rJHNsYZ3I4jOmH_ESeYWp8EC0GJqk5wtoJn6Kh0UMmVEdBXi1Zm1E4xqP3ykECjrpnimLopmwsejIDEBvAh0H2g/w640-h426/yr%20lagoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagoon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The birds did appear more active now. More of them were flying in and out of the lagoon area. Pappa Quail caught a tern coming back after a successful hunt. As soon as it landed it had to take off again and land in a more secluded area because its associates had coveted its catch. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQTQbviUFWWoa7pCWJkbCUOSzvBO6uHw6mzUsPC3lzWgNKV4Hu9hYD8C4EYlvtgSZjAQU6PTEDD5tqzeccCvENY4rweKVk9MVTeXx9TVDpbr_BYrChjQHTOdEbXrrAApa3UtEgTPYCaHj99bVK9Z6IIfE5ju-zJ-DzM4IeFqu-L8b4o4Qku03t-KQXvo/s1301/zw%20caspian%20tern.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1301" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQTQbviUFWWoa7pCWJkbCUOSzvBO6uHw6mzUsPC3lzWgNKV4Hu9hYD8C4EYlvtgSZjAQU6PTEDD5tqzeccCvENY4rweKVk9MVTeXx9TVDpbr_BYrChjQHTOdEbXrrAApa3UtEgTPYCaHj99bVK9Z6IIfE5ju-zJ-DzM4IeFqu-L8b4o4Qku03t-KQXvo/w640-h464/zw%20caspian%20tern.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caspian Tern <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the trail junction with the main loop trail of the refuge. There we met a couple of other birders, and Pappa Quail got into a long discussion with them. Meanwhile I meandered a bit off, looking for things that were't birds to talk about, such as the pretty gibbous moon that hang in the sky in broad day light. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCycg3LExeMXptZV-Dv1dNDZX8V4V1O0ks8lIegphyGlg-6PMehpQvpfheVuIki1B0ujKIx2efIGENMQ0CouLMSLOjo1UsbW-psTwE5QP2nNsTfQj3rrS-bRRzEWsjxLuUUgS5XkfJK0_pRF091egMCr6jf7up84lKSQLyPf5SHw9OqGKbgVkhxGB4mms/s1803/yt%20moon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCycg3LExeMXptZV-Dv1dNDZX8V4V1O0ks8lIegphyGlg-6PMehpQvpfheVuIki1B0ujKIx2efIGENMQ0CouLMSLOjo1UsbW-psTwE5QP2nNsTfQj3rrS-bRRzEWsjxLuUUgS5XkfJK0_pRF091egMCr6jf7up84lKSQLyPf5SHw9OqGKbgVkhxGB4mms/w640-h426/yt%20moon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">None f the others felt like talking about the moon though, so I started slowly down the trail, hoping that at some point Pappa Quail would catch up with me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6A3Nbs7ZcY6hASW1mpEzgPGtpKF9BNXVnGgtPPZ7UDeAkjbPwAusvdvNZWteNlM3fwxUptNok9ZYY5yZNYfZClbQJ0ehXEdzIr-PedMrsa_xPtPKi8CUYN2PmsZPGwqrwNBrw-7TAexEfmThkGlOU1eBze31WEgGSOPXJTjfDL2bG5JM_GopiXXmjzE/s1803/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6A3Nbs7ZcY6hASW1mpEzgPGtpKF9BNXVnGgtPPZ7UDeAkjbPwAusvdvNZWteNlM3fwxUptNok9ZYY5yZNYfZClbQJ0ehXEdzIr-PedMrsa_xPtPKi8CUYN2PmsZPGwqrwNBrw-7TAexEfmThkGlOU1eBze31WEgGSOPXJTjfDL2bG5JM_GopiXXmjzE/w640-h426/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What convinced him eventually to say goodby to the others was the chirping of birds from the bushes. The other birders continued to the beach and Pappa Quaik focused on photographing the house finches in the vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2221Ow2QSyokElpRvl6Bb4pZxcUH7zNZhNAsSAYS9vmMDyomPVFFm3GjgIh6MeJtGAWh08nvfRSUQL0237qtOldZIuE6A3ZnR2YPUrUIj6gR-OXF4DpJb4Tv1SnuYqPhB1oZ6XwGLmFowkBp5pT5lmUqqe0cWj55olKZZRBEYEC3AM-7pWyHVHrK_4vw/s1111/zy%20house%20finch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1111" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2221Ow2QSyokElpRvl6Bb4pZxcUH7zNZhNAsSAYS9vmMDyomPVFFm3GjgIh6MeJtGAWh08nvfRSUQL0237qtOldZIuE6A3ZnR2YPUrUIj6gR-OXF4DpJb4Tv1SnuYqPhB1oZ6XwGLmFowkBp5pT5lmUqqe0cWj55olKZZRBEYEC3AM-7pWyHVHrK_4vw/w640-h454/zy%20house%20finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Finch</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were going on the southwestern side of the loop now, which was distant from the Salinas River. There were fewer wildlife there in general, but the bush birds that we did see there, were much more active. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvm13R2bklK9qjMgy73BTIGcv9R5OSz2BxeVwzgFvJZeOFmBxxiz_3VyxUMOy142CgNQAnaZhxCsQQIiuhOcY3fzSKJrw2Nrz-fjYuJ_RvFcc7n5t1m5AYjhlmuf2a8mAHcaj7BcCKwHw4fSmw8NM56mNiTx8xI73HX6Z_ebAxEY-zMmAG-ew9BX3Big/s1371/zx%20American%20Goldfinch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1371" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvm13R2bklK9qjMgy73BTIGcv9R5OSz2BxeVwzgFvJZeOFmBxxiz_3VyxUMOy142CgNQAnaZhxCsQQIiuhOcY3fzSKJrw2Nrz-fjYuJ_RvFcc7n5t1m5AYjhlmuf2a8mAHcaj7BcCKwHw4fSmw8NM56mNiTx8xI73HX6Z_ebAxEY-zMmAG-ew9BX3Big/w640-h432/zx%20American%20Goldfinch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Goldfinch</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The spiders too were more active. Usually I don't get to see the castle spiders outside their home structure. It was interesting to see some of them fully exposed, outside of their hiding. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXljYyfKVoDv4phBegHmYK_tXCMCHztglOLNKWElaHaqVMYrBfvavs1LDgpFR23B8ZNN1xXMI_SafJHFB53SlBZEtcZ5OQoh5sjNKDYK_A0EXmI3eElYDvFmD_x-59fF1aUCoVIhdgB0Hvvo1buHuUWjAiOBYavpjipMz-xpUYIakEe3cu7z_crIfM3iI/s1803/yu%20spider.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXljYyfKVoDv4phBegHmYK_tXCMCHztglOLNKWElaHaqVMYrBfvavs1LDgpFR23B8ZNN1xXMI_SafJHFB53SlBZEtcZ5OQoh5sjNKDYK_A0EXmI3eElYDvFmD_x-59fF1aUCoVIhdgB0Hvvo1buHuUWjAiOBYavpjipMz-xpUYIakEe3cu7z_crIfM3iI/w640-h426/yu%20spider.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There wasn't much else to see after we rounded the last curve, on the final stretch of the trail. Or so it appeared at first. Pappa Quail was ahead of me, but when I caught a glimpse of movement below me, right in the middle of the dirt road, I called him over. There was a hole in the ground, and from the hole poked three tiny gray heads of mice. What I thought at first to be plain field mice turned out to be and endemic and endangered animal species, the second we've seen on this hike (first being the snake).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7iCPbp8SQ_uJnEGX_T7TQL4dFEpqq83QrjgRf5SISKIaYFIpN6VhB2WfkipthiweEUz7_cipfgwGVACInKCkMRzHc3F0uaTWuWvnLt-uPftNdTk-2SztcET4qfcg0eBzycCQYgEwK8vvdlyF68GxmutE4Clxv1WQD_Baa03dvTunqKnOPM5k66SXsnI/s1468/zz%20mice.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1468" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7iCPbp8SQ_uJnEGX_T7TQL4dFEpqq83QrjgRf5SISKIaYFIpN6VhB2WfkipthiweEUz7_cipfgwGVACInKCkMRzHc3F0uaTWuWvnLt-uPftNdTk-2SztcET4qfcg0eBzycCQYgEwK8vvdlyF68GxmutE4Clxv1WQD_Baa03dvTunqKnOPM5k66SXsnI/w640-h474/zz%20mice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas Pocket Mouse, a mammal species of special concern</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mice were the last gift that the wildlife refuge offered us. We completed our hike and drove home right after that. I do hope to go there again someday soon. Perhaps now would be an excellent time for wildlife viewing, and wildflowers should boom bloom in about a month, but first I'd have to wait until that dirt access road dries out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-80823089293904058432024-02-26T18:41:00.000-08:002024-02-27T22:40:12.165-08:00Hiking the Glorious Coastline of Garrapata State Park<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqO7eSXEc6K3uaVxWPxfoQQMKidX3hVwnbqa-xnv73EZ_kbzK49JCwDOksYisR-ksEQvWIQ0e-b1uKn-0v_kOdmF8V7tmrLbR87IC6ueej6WgM0Z1QirncOB2qPMf-JW2rLMhtyNOyHzwIsbpGkuytfNMY9AjM-Xuz12XXahCemMZztAygqLu_O87OycI/s1803/yi%20coastline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqO7eSXEc6K3uaVxWPxfoQQMKidX3hVwnbqa-xnv73EZ_kbzK49JCwDOksYisR-ksEQvWIQ0e-b1uKn-0v_kOdmF8V7tmrLbR87IC6ueej6WgM0Z1QirncOB2qPMf-JW2rLMhtyNOyHzwIsbpGkuytfNMY9AjM-Xuz12XXahCemMZztAygqLu_O87OycI/w640-h426/yi%20coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: September 3, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Garrapata State Park, Big Sur, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.452108, -121.925669</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy plus</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nearing the end of a very busy day Pappa Quail and I made the time to squeeze yet another activity - a short hike at Garrapata State Park. The second day of our Labor Day weekend outing started with a whale watching cruise and continued with a hike to the <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/02/late-summer-exploration-at-andrew.html">beach and on the hills of Andrew Molera State Park</a> at the north end of the Big Sur. On our drive back north we stopped at the south parking area of Garrapata State Park, right below Soberanes Point and went on a hike. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9ntw_PhmevCVPq-DID3YqTLf6iMK4YXi3tr5Q5NOvTKM4lgutleNi7Fqx98B8x1rEugO9mUaeVsyBHT_ZZhvB8IvQkvWoP0ywryCDivfPUowb4zfNVg0u1ogfJtheymhwaNZij3Z3XQqxkXPG-KgqWDMP5Ie9AelVeGvRDfXDoQv60AGyRI0FxhLPAM/s1988/1.7%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1988" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9ntw_PhmevCVPq-DID3YqTLf6iMK4YXi3tr5Q5NOvTKM4lgutleNi7Fqx98B8x1rEugO9mUaeVsyBHT_ZZhvB8IvQkvWoP0ywryCDivfPUowb4zfNVg0u1ogfJtheymhwaNZij3Z3XQqxkXPG-KgqWDMP5Ie9AelVeGvRDfXDoQv60AGyRI0FxhLPAM/w640-h522/1.7%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS. The GPS started recording about a third of a mile into the trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A low cypress near the trailhead provided a perch for our first sighted wildlife on the hike, and Pappa Quail captured it beautifully. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ctPkLWWz7s_eGUt4ROY4_0i9xNnOBfo2kRYKcAEQk4_39ZqhMNFmYXCil4cX_0DuyClCOye_BSPPq-9FLuRjy95wkjcecDh8McINVZj_YdLaITEBMNCmfZZm-1ymRe4TJU36r4IChzKDfR7R2psaeEXw4nzLcGPgdUkgRb0fVdlnb304ayRJ-mwRkFo/s1544/zp%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1544" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ctPkLWWz7s_eGUt4ROY4_0i9xNnOBfo2kRYKcAEQk4_39ZqhMNFmYXCil4cX_0DuyClCOye_BSPPq-9FLuRjy95wkjcecDh8McINVZj_YdLaITEBMNCmfZZm-1ymRe4TJU36r4IChzKDfR7R2psaeEXw4nzLcGPgdUkgRb0fVdlnb304ayRJ-mwRkFo/w640-h468/zp%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> What grabbed my attention immediately was the magnificent view of the coastline. By the time we arrived at Garrapata State Park only a handful hints of clouds remained and both sky and ocean were brilliant blue. The coastal cliffs formed coves and points, and an ocean band off shore was strewn with jagged rocks, pinnacles, and islets. It looked both wild an beautiful, inviting and dangerous at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ5JC4qPHqDbKI6O9M_TqnJmD1J1nbFPVkUeaKZjqzlHHSF5Xl-9LHfqlP82_98qcBtkYSV-G_mkXO4NfPVthYmEXo0Aq3fUQr84YSzmaDjHSz3xJ1yqgkPDNxb-pOB_UsPHpDy-uRO_NA3s4NTvxR5VfzMD_977sVCvG7p-qdDEe-RXDyTLA0qMsrGU/s1803/xs%20coastline.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ5JC4qPHqDbKI6O9M_TqnJmD1J1nbFPVkUeaKZjqzlHHSF5Xl-9LHfqlP82_98qcBtkYSV-G_mkXO4NfPVthYmEXo0Aq3fUQr84YSzmaDjHSz3xJ1yqgkPDNxb-pOB_UsPHpDy-uRO_NA3s4NTvxR5VfzMD_977sVCvG7p-qdDEe-RXDyTLA0qMsrGU/w640-h426/xs%20coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrapata Coast line, view north</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the south loomed Soberanes Point - a cone-shaped hill covered with chaparral, between Highway 1 and the ocean. My navigator showed a trail surrounding the hill and we debated whether to hike around the hill on that trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5Xlw7t1GTfWaojQTgryqeSBwLK9fv2c8Uqs3StnGW47gSbOEpZloMBpEAto_JCHspc9wuBbexHSiO-HlrMy9yPpEV1sM-VkpyChozRIuFrJEM8v3JPfSn4MqWm36yedax5pDbHaQxRDAGJ562a9dEovbhEKrTV-IODHsN65UJYZk3P9giUZl2CYbUQU/s1803/xt%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5Xlw7t1GTfWaojQTgryqeSBwLK9fv2c8Uqs3StnGW47gSbOEpZloMBpEAto_JCHspc9wuBbexHSiO-HlrMy9yPpEV1sM-VkpyChozRIuFrJEM8v3JPfSn4MqWm36yedax5pDbHaQxRDAGJ562a9dEovbhEKrTV-IODHsN65UJYZk3P9giUZl2CYbUQU/w640-h426/xt%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Soberanes Point </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other option was to go on an in-and-out trail to the north side of the park. After a short conversation we decided on the best option - we'll hike both. Starting with the north trail spur we turned right and started moving northward. As always, I turned my attention to the local vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGmqMsyk_iUerA3hiDKu4lnE9EA0zt3dPALQr-xavRCQ_tOmQD-4wkcyvaAnznLv_RGnnOihu8OIuKkWKssNI_3J-jF6Hoczd15JuTZBmllbirWoD4PHb0LfqKP6J9ZguG_AIr03071iDIaszcttqZMOK8WQ4xengh5MCse0_aPQbZejQN8wR5N-oFvs/s1294/xu%20blackberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1294" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGmqMsyk_iUerA3hiDKu4lnE9EA0zt3dPALQr-xavRCQ_tOmQD-4wkcyvaAnznLv_RGnnOihu8OIuKkWKssNI_3J-jF6Hoczd15JuTZBmllbirWoD4PHb0LfqKP6J9ZguG_AIr03071iDIaszcttqZMOK8WQ4xengh5MCse0_aPQbZejQN8wR5N-oFvs/w640-h422/xu%20blackberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Blackberry, Rubus ursinus </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To see off season bloom the coastal area is the best bet. There weren't lots of wildflowers, but there in Garrapata we saw more bloom than on any of the other places we've visited that weekend. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_gfuSauibv3LmtBzmOi1lwOyfXpIM3Rm1zAMhHiK53dwm7URx29Jes9GdfyBbvd7Rkh22sXEMnkniidpFutt-DwsZWmpMZq0FDn66UFDVblLjVossR24OmwFU17ob3UJI0_7YA8RjPYYo-pOk8jHAjnsMfrf9F71pKVi7MMb2RYKcLjcBic1B2_PwaY/s1595/xv%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1595" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_gfuSauibv3LmtBzmOi1lwOyfXpIM3Rm1zAMhHiK53dwm7URx29Jes9GdfyBbvd7Rkh22sXEMnkniidpFutt-DwsZWmpMZq0FDn66UFDVblLjVossR24OmwFU17ob3UJI0_7YA8RjPYYo-pOk8jHAjnsMfrf9F71pKVi7MMb2RYKcLjcBic1B2_PwaY/w640-h428/xv%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Monkeyflower, Diplacus aurantiacus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the lip of the cliffs we had a great view down below, and it looked beautiful and scary. The ocean danced between rock pillars that protruded from the surface. I love being in the waves but I don't think I could have survived even 5 minutes in these currents (not even considering the water temperature).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GPKSJ_3iSDRkdTXiKIWj9GrORRUcU6A6QtzrVLK3DAv-b9PYxXkBWheSbTHnIsXyqA7BZYtkn2wm5eIl80m4RrfPHHf1PPSt1c94DwrALgzz3O2pIND9PzMhogdkPezDWO7N-Hd8P32OF3AZ5R8iFDMRo9CVHmcZtCcvKD83sz2wvcafhrtTsK4Jvbg/s1803/xy%20eddies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GPKSJ_3iSDRkdTXiKIWj9GrORRUcU6A6QtzrVLK3DAv-b9PYxXkBWheSbTHnIsXyqA7BZYtkn2wm5eIl80m4RrfPHHf1PPSt1c94DwrALgzz3O2pIND9PzMhogdkPezDWO7N-Hd8P32OF3AZ5R8iFDMRo9CVHmcZtCcvKD83sz2wvcafhrtTsK4Jvbg/w640-h426/xy%20eddies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whirlpools</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rock pillars were a calm and perfect sanctuary for the sea-faring birds. Pappa Quail quickly found what he was looking for, and started photographing. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngKFN7vvqSXSgO1UUKfPiJD5_g7lq1kmwx7AWqAIqwNBUpoLdKMrpQ7YGZ4MpgDcI_CREZTYOSGuKVArR4HC0cq6ZFW4lH6hfep_cfT8UzQblfx3FdQnSl4vnhMF1nCKTTiSpQr7jJMabjiAoZdFpviN_G8WxN-UkFPWP4cjy3ffc1mscD-JXqvRaxPY/s1856/zq%20rocks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngKFN7vvqSXSgO1UUKfPiJD5_g7lq1kmwx7AWqAIqwNBUpoLdKMrpQ7YGZ4MpgDcI_CREZTYOSGuKVArR4HC0cq6ZFW4lH6hfep_cfT8UzQblfx3FdQnSl4vnhMF1nCKTTiSpQr7jJMabjiAoZdFpviN_G8WxN-UkFPWP4cjy3ffc1mscD-JXqvRaxPY/w640-h426/zq%20rocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandt Cormorants and Western Gulls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Outside the off-shore rock islet area the water was much calmer. I was lulled into a near hypnosis by the movement of the the slow incoming waves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPN-8P_O7jcs0u9ANzCvSTbatGmrcljX_jnOEbCQdu4pcRTU1Pq2tnzsXKlmaYlRkrS5pzqkQ4-zHAkVNvWJN7UfYJ8D5nJG9ueA_sW7OkL5FStXSp81tq2f67OYhWI1oRdAxO2AWU0tGWHUF3xkgXLQLhc9Cn4ECdOaSpbzVpX3FPZlwddqgQvERKVo/s1803/yc%20islands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPN-8P_O7jcs0u9ANzCvSTbatGmrcljX_jnOEbCQdu4pcRTU1Pq2tnzsXKlmaYlRkrS5pzqkQ4-zHAkVNvWJN7UfYJ8D5nJG9ueA_sW7OkL5FStXSp81tq2f67OYhWI1oRdAxO2AWU0tGWHUF3xkgXLQLhc9Cn4ECdOaSpbzVpX3FPZlwddqgQvERKVo/w640-h426/yc%20islands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoying the rise and fall of the ocean pulse were a few sea birds, and Pappa Quail soon focused his attention on them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4DOKmV2EmHHppHSnGwRP4P-wwjqcCKRfIAhZI_Rr4wcmZn77i6TmbTC8OE9vBg9lWZt0yOYjIrItPrt04z6RLXdSp1oEiol2WDe_pd-zzlePDI2EpcYAQn5JKiMY5skky1znmP-4PANvgwZzBzitLs29Eoa-9hrr-fm1AdeJqsdQ7mWOQ6ME5Oayq9w/s1856/zr%20gull.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4DOKmV2EmHHppHSnGwRP4P-wwjqcCKRfIAhZI_Rr4wcmZn77i6TmbTC8OE9vBg9lWZt0yOYjIrItPrt04z6RLXdSp1oEiol2WDe_pd-zzlePDI2EpcYAQn5JKiMY5skky1znmP-4PANvgwZzBzitLs29Eoa-9hrr-fm1AdeJqsdQ7mWOQ6ME5Oayq9w/w640-h426/zr%20gull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The swimming gulls remained afloat the entire time. The cormorants in the water would take a plunge every now and then, to go hunt for fish. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5HP3y5rFa1PGsSeVeExRON6F8m-Nj6Bmjopgv0I0IbI3AdSIcpf9wEUhwBeNYwBuGGD5ye08C4DUGKPjMTVKBPJyEBXOiQkqVsfcpWO1FtSSLu0IETh3h-vBtkKd2Q1EKCI_FqzIAiPz-272Sr9YAq-8dSz-DkMm2zBregiqqroCNt5TVp9Gcl7nIHU/s1281/zs%20Brandt's%20Cormorant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1281" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5HP3y5rFa1PGsSeVeExRON6F8m-Nj6Bmjopgv0I0IbI3AdSIcpf9wEUhwBeNYwBuGGD5ye08C4DUGKPjMTVKBPJyEBXOiQkqVsfcpWO1FtSSLu0IETh3h-vBtkKd2Q1EKCI_FqzIAiPz-272Sr9YAq-8dSz-DkMm2zBregiqqroCNt5TVp9Gcl7nIHU/w640-h428/zs%20Brandt's%20Cormorant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandt Cormorant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail took us away from the cliff and near Highway 1 where the north parking area of the park was, hidden behind a grove of dark Monterey cypresses. The path was flanked by California buckwheat shrubs, and they were in bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzOXg4MSyqwZiF1tstrehnLysea_9gp4KCOXaVk9L6HF5i-ATgtiXt81lHwDKr5BIehVZMFY4j1FC5cUQ3gSCSe0Q6Sm6uxTq7-Ve5MoFj0sECONrVgRY-yE_nGcvP7UjT0fmGaR4adJlmEWiu7rTmpMGDvBIvq3IlKoWaVk8r4HosNqXrQ4O7izIx5M/s1803/yb%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzOXg4MSyqwZiF1tstrehnLysea_9gp4KCOXaVk9L6HF5i-ATgtiXt81lHwDKr5BIehVZMFY4j1FC5cUQ3gSCSe0Q6Sm6uxTq7-Ve5MoFj0sECONrVgRY-yE_nGcvP7UjT0fmGaR4adJlmEWiu7rTmpMGDvBIvq3IlKoWaVk8r4HosNqXrQ4O7izIx5M/w640-h426/yb%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The California buckwheat has a long bloom season. The pinkish-white flowers patterned nicely with the rusty post-bloom fruiting heads. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VWEHX1NsWHg9I4ERcXM8UZ2pru7W5WK-FcMNhJmeJKrwGFjswpfOt457P0sWoCTSUax2poN0MFGYH8cFhKe5R3JjOitgw_ii_mf_sq_LfFjVFdJSESFic9sUgCTowuBWrqFIWRQ5lg3pVCuco-eQAa0yWWHOZVT81WgNnJb-28n0VNUzzyZRFjPiAEM/s1803/yd%20Eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VWEHX1NsWHg9I4ERcXM8UZ2pru7W5WK-FcMNhJmeJKrwGFjswpfOt457P0sWoCTSUax2poN0MFGYH8cFhKe5R3JjOitgw_ii_mf_sq_LfFjVFdJSESFic9sUgCTowuBWrqFIWRQ5lg3pVCuco-eQAa0yWWHOZVT81WgNnJb-28n0VNUzzyZRFjPiAEM/w640-h426/yd%20Eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past the north entrance of the park we walked down to the cliffs again. The view of the coastline north of the park was no short of stunning. The beauty of the rugged, sharp rocks, both connected and off the shoreline gave the entire coastal strip a wild, outlandish look. The Pacific Ocean was reasonably peaceful but I could see the power of the waves gnawing constantly at the land, forming this marvelous landscape. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29jHK0TboBO6RkSY1Zww6Y60vZB-tvRw3Z3I-EpBQmOR3M_33DSayyUwCsO6HST3WmeaYp0AE2AhEr-WZh2KzYIEGZO9EcvkR41EQhrMg9rt5PNrprAaHqcAgfdvWIgZ7WDAQFdokIF0c1ezbI6frmby52cp9N9IPAwner1H9bFKhUu0r5fJKJtt32lc/s1803/ye%20coastline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29jHK0TboBO6RkSY1Zww6Y60vZB-tvRw3Z3I-EpBQmOR3M_33DSayyUwCsO6HST3WmeaYp0AE2AhEr-WZh2KzYIEGZO9EcvkR41EQhrMg9rt5PNrprAaHqcAgfdvWIgZ7WDAQFdokIF0c1ezbI6frmby52cp9N9IPAwner1H9bFKhUu0r5fJKJtt32lc/w640-h426/ye%20coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the coastline view point we moved more t the north along the cliff. Pappa Quail was looking for birds but wasn't opposed to photographing other winged wildlife. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWArWYALiaiPbnW0Z-21-RMx3WnB_j0ZJT6GKqXsiEO9kppfZMow4d9GumvitoypeX99McGhaIYutdFciCdjal_hYMaDTvSTsc3kxYHY2HYNvvEnvxeNtuaqteMOWUfTDeLAzqO0OG-B5FKOBEv5t-mltUYuYU6LRNhkZvveGpkTY3i7YmLX3460F834/s1701/zt%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1701" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWArWYALiaiPbnW0Z-21-RMx3WnB_j0ZJT6GKqXsiEO9kppfZMow4d9GumvitoypeX99McGhaIYutdFciCdjal_hYMaDTvSTsc3kxYHY2HYNvvEnvxeNtuaqteMOWUfTDeLAzqO0OG-B5FKOBEv5t-mltUYuYU6LRNhkZvveGpkTY3i7YmLX3460F834/w640-h438/zt%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Butterfly on Seaside Golden Yarrow, Eriophyllum staechadifolium</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail also photographed for me some dudleya plants that were blooming far away from my camera's wide lens' reach. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYxRGnt0E4cIFO271FVHKC5VKwjK59TugT5-v-erO896AM82LmuBiyoriSSH6ZXDWKyP_dLHXAsGmu-WZAiV5q2MoaL7z_Lh5SpPqPp9sO8vHU63lvKx_jt6XOu-1zXzYZtuGpVstyDp1Zds1Xpl7KOFevkX97gRatu-YNe8SXo5Hh8Qkccs1Exi9Dzw/s1856/zu%20dudleya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYxRGnt0E4cIFO271FVHKC5VKwjK59TugT5-v-erO896AM82LmuBiyoriSSH6ZXDWKyP_dLHXAsGmu-WZAiV5q2MoaL7z_Lh5SpPqPp9sO8vHU63lvKx_jt6XOu-1zXzYZtuGpVstyDp1Zds1Xpl7KOFevkX97gRatu-YNe8SXo5Hh8Qkccs1Exi9Dzw/w640-h427/zu%20dudleya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Lettuce, Dudleya farinosa</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed through the cypress grove and reached the north end of the trail where we had a nice view f the cove below us. I was hypnotized by the motion of the kelp heads as they bobbed up and down in the waves. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0O_59I_OQz5ZfLqZceHhGUHsSezirJATuKqP9GJo7HTWt98sukOZUBfYTtw_GpoT67GII3ZjDpr7Dfs_5tfmhJzosMMvSeZBTfIld9jVCNX4KpT88GieaVcgrQIjyo6rHUKnNg1ZhXHBZAoWwejr354-8lcLlbPBTGb7s3TGrUE-4_SnFBxNNTZQV4o/s1803/yh%20cliff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0O_59I_OQz5ZfLqZceHhGUHsSezirJATuKqP9GJo7HTWt98sukOZUBfYTtw_GpoT67GII3ZjDpr7Dfs_5tfmhJzosMMvSeZBTfIld9jVCNX4KpT88GieaVcgrQIjyo6rHUKnNg1ZhXHBZAoWwejr354-8lcLlbPBTGb7s3TGrUE-4_SnFBxNNTZQV4o/w640-h426/yh%20cliff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As it turned out, not all the brown bumps bobbing up and down in the water were kelp. Pappa Quail identified one of them as a sea otter, and pointed it out to me. The otter dived every few minutes, then resurfaced and rolled on its back to eat what it brought from the bottom. That was an exciting sighting. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUzpyNGgy0Wlm-hXjxyXueQHEZweEEQU_ghoRvHk8UFGks1MK_-6V7ypLGeDgVZs5gFdcN_y0I4teye7ja0G7rjHpHhWVoIg0t_jItTjIICv5JAGD8Ok8E1Kux79xbfuFSz85xuWIuOuBy_OQorJbRse3A3ib2RL1a0INtws7Dnp__ukf1He02QN2Tp8/s1419/zv%20otter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1419" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUzpyNGgy0Wlm-hXjxyXueQHEZweEEQU_ghoRvHk8UFGks1MK_-6V7ypLGeDgVZs5gFdcN_y0I4teye7ja0G7rjHpHhWVoIg0t_jItTjIICv5JAGD8Ok8E1Kux79xbfuFSz85xuWIuOuBy_OQorJbRse3A3ib2RL1a0INtws7Dnp__ukf1He02QN2Tp8/w640-h414/zv%20otter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Otter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After some time we turned south and started back down the same trail we came on. Off shore along the south coastline were a few islet rocks, and the barks of sea lions carried over from them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu1-ysUD6VHeVPfZiVDrZxVxzfrYyMYzDsUTYn5yAjYuQFeWMiqUcJ0bsvaa5OiNGB4tz7B_MlTCo77Ck8KqPyaFoJaZ-K57ndh2HJrpl1iqzhlBc4994NjSCgf5YQ9_pye5f9sxy90xt5tMlteQF2cGZWb6eHVQK9UER-3zqu6GuawLIKvq8spzdZk0/s1803/yk%20coast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu1-ysUD6VHeVPfZiVDrZxVxzfrYyMYzDsUTYn5yAjYuQFeWMiqUcJ0bsvaa5OiNGB4tz7B_MlTCo77Ck8KqPyaFoJaZ-K57ndh2HJrpl1iqzhlBc4994NjSCgf5YQ9_pye5f9sxy90xt5tMlteQF2cGZWb6eHVQK9UER-3zqu6GuawLIKvq8spzdZk0/w640-h426/yk%20coast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again we passed through the cypress grove. My eyes took a few seconds to adjust and in those seconds the canopied path looked very dark, like a deep tunnel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1P_O5_BJUQQjyBax7Rc7pzaMp2gInL-iU-fuXwvBnaK-dYhrrHAK_cw_gS7Vuk3sLGfID5JvwPCdQ5So1tCBsKZHxkjY8_LLvSWOh4t_zrapkdaR6WTZsB33Xf9bG_xpy7Wb77y_jdCOqOnaCjvbzwuIEwYNcDWCk5LGGnlNubtZnOmujtveFi0ukiE/s1803/yl%20cyppress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1P_O5_BJUQQjyBax7Rc7pzaMp2gInL-iU-fuXwvBnaK-dYhrrHAK_cw_gS7Vuk3sLGfID5JvwPCdQ5So1tCBsKZHxkjY8_LLvSWOh4t_zrapkdaR6WTZsB33Xf9bG_xpy7Wb77y_jdCOqOnaCjvbzwuIEwYNcDWCk5LGGnlNubtZnOmujtveFi0ukiE/w640-h426/yl%20cyppress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without much verbal exchange, as if reading each other's mind, Pappa Quail and I continued straight away to the trail that surrounded Soberanes Point. We passed the trail junction and continued on the west, circumventing the hill counterclockwise. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSP3E8vSE_khDysXLEB13A2eTRYop8kOrKAE32xkVDIzma3TGO3J_-EItne6RyDAd1Io8Kr83TnlXmic6HZAKJ1yAqUIBei9dq0pivQGgH7_tVtB_SNF9YPukcpBiCdixEJarRkNIyDCFCJk8ckSGeACOP3asPObeSN1gH5rmSdadOB1yXkplElk-VoM/s1803/yn%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSP3E8vSE_khDysXLEB13A2eTRYop8kOrKAE32xkVDIzma3TGO3J_-EItne6RyDAd1Io8Kr83TnlXmic6HZAKJ1yAqUIBei9dq0pivQGgH7_tVtB_SNF9YPukcpBiCdixEJarRkNIyDCFCJk8ckSGeACOP3asPObeSN1gH5rmSdadOB1yXkplElk-VoM/w640-h426/yn%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Soberanes Point.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a while, the trail kept us very close to the cliff edge. From there we could look right down the coves below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AcihehZj-fiLBNG_dVkJ-vWEs2hXwYjAhPIO1lYz-4OEJuy6z0JdaQXEwgyj-cgTtedphP3-WrrvyESJjkratda4o2q66Ssu0lxbMcH40gEVqMZzfm50uMvx8DGW6s39PrlDbSzBFtX-JCTp-5v8zDQH-BLMJMzZnzVZ6QCnQ0MPvhyphenhyphenko_rMFVH4Ne8/s1803/yo%20cove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AcihehZj-fiLBNG_dVkJ-vWEs2hXwYjAhPIO1lYz-4OEJuy6z0JdaQXEwgyj-cgTtedphP3-WrrvyESJjkratda4o2q66Ssu0lxbMcH40gEVqMZzfm50uMvx8DGW6s39PrlDbSzBFtX-JCTp-5v8zDQH-BLMJMzZnzVZ6QCnQ0MPvhyphenhyphenko_rMFVH4Ne8/w640-h426/yo%20cove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On top of the cliff bloomed more wildflower species than I've seen on the north side of the park. Many of them were composites, like the California asters, which were numerous along that part of the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqNl3rI4K8LwtdItXdFKqLtLpFkMHyWHYtlAhubERsLOXQUcg2GaPmTkNfoiyOvL00hwn1P3O3muLHyHrcTv9J8SnnGej4LpJKAdEvtFM0lUsc2VavTF0EUux2QhpRNwOiaF_Njionpu7oaaUDOwbbiolPZM74ZLwGLHnVE9NccRcFJVkxiNIaj3viIY/s1676/yp%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1676" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqNl3rI4K8LwtdItXdFKqLtLpFkMHyWHYtlAhubERsLOXQUcg2GaPmTkNfoiyOvL00hwn1P3O3muLHyHrcTv9J8SnnGej4LpJKAdEvtFM0lUsc2VavTF0EUux2QhpRNwOiaF_Njionpu7oaaUDOwbbiolPZM74ZLwGLHnVE9NccRcFJVkxiNIaj3viIY/w640-h420/yp%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Aster, Symphyotrichum chilense</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seaside daisies were also a common sight along the Soberanes Point trail, at least on the west side of it, in reach of the ocean misty, salty spray. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMcohrqUTEb_p25fity0ejrT325n3eeM3zrzq7_Jh6ia85n3cVncwS7SV_g13o1YDJgAGJ-9h1oUK5Whv6el44u3iN131jaVyxyh5QpoeHIMdFUjFGtKGJMhR6tKLiEchUkx64bxlxJb5umTmkJ-ssnVRdE5rTcoyDhdK6kMZkNWVbs4L2QwexdeaLdQ/s1582/yq%20fleabane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1582" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMcohrqUTEb_p25fity0ejrT325n3eeM3zrzq7_Jh6ia85n3cVncwS7SV_g13o1YDJgAGJ-9h1oUK5Whv6el44u3iN131jaVyxyh5QpoeHIMdFUjFGtKGJMhR6tKLiEchUkx64bxlxJb5umTmkJ-ssnVRdE5rTcoyDhdK6kMZkNWVbs4L2QwexdeaLdQ/w640-h436/yq%20fleabane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside Daisy, Erigeron glaucus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the south side of the park we got as close as we could to the off shore islet rocks. I kept hearing the sea lions but I couldn't see them with my naked eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX3R8nq5Xqk4beh1vYjdUmRAaK45xoTFlwVUoY56TAEataj-3Qcnu74KznnL3YYrjSVNA7msp1AxZei7gS9NuJQn-luVgwUlyst3phg0Wx1uSAQ-8EKOXDHWKUHuIgmFYnEKtW9emevMHthyphenhyphenWYRk7F89XZm513GNk3CIeZO6KLmQPlmCU7i5wp-zNk5w/s1803/ys%20islands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX3R8nq5Xqk4beh1vYjdUmRAaK45xoTFlwVUoY56TAEataj-3Qcnu74KznnL3YYrjSVNA7msp1AxZei7gS9NuJQn-luVgwUlyst3phg0Wx1uSAQ-8EKOXDHWKUHuIgmFYnEKtW9emevMHthyphenhyphenWYRk7F89XZm513GNk3CIeZO6KLmQPlmCU7i5wp-zNk5w/w640-h426/ys%20islands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even with using the full strength of his birding lens, Pappa Quail got and image of only dark, sleek spots on the rock. These were the sea lions, calling in the wind during their siesta. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsC1cAFoKnMMFiDKcdyHU022X4Cp8jZuI20lcrhe6vg9f5KARryrljiJKgwIl3Y5U-4gIOjrOWi6gRwE5rc3iO4Q1PRvQx0LD5KfPcWIqW4pOcWqD5O6Y2XuFy_b34fNk35IXwRawIcokduWuNTfcAZmrVKIPv_HEpOjl9XTYKtc0cm1hJHKUw5qZCZg/s1811/zw%20island.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1811" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsC1cAFoKnMMFiDKcdyHU022X4Cp8jZuI20lcrhe6vg9f5KARryrljiJKgwIl3Y5U-4gIOjrOWi6gRwE5rc3iO4Q1PRvQx0LD5KfPcWIqW4pOcWqD5O6Y2XuFy_b34fNk35IXwRawIcokduWuNTfcAZmrVKIPv_HEpOjl9XTYKtc0cm1hJHKUw5qZCZg/w640-h422/zw%20island.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unable to see the sea lions without the air of powerful optics, I returned my attention to the vegetation at hand. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiscdQbg1v-g2JjbBS4J6nrLSlfHg5E09bz_nLIxjeyiLSpiqyDk2xC0fTlOK3Ri49lw1hPqgy3uOtFaWOUjvAEOvo5Q4rGGSJ8o2uygvf-B5mqRztlOjJHsmkG49yFen0W4oyde4rC320NTG7LFLu3mjfGQuroEMyrfbMNuo_MN6boMcD-XjUS77wEs8/s1562/yt%20bindweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1562" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiscdQbg1v-g2JjbBS4J6nrLSlfHg5E09bz_nLIxjeyiLSpiqyDk2xC0fTlOK3Ri49lw1hPqgy3uOtFaWOUjvAEOvo5Q4rGGSJ8o2uygvf-B5mqRztlOjJHsmkG49yFen0W4oyde4rC320NTG7LFLu3mjfGQuroEMyrfbMNuo_MN6boMcD-XjUS77wEs8/w640-h418/yt%20bindweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island Morning Glory, Calystegia macrostegia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ericameria bushes were blooming, forming large yellow patches on the hillside and on the cliff top extended from the hill. Butterflies and bees were active around these bushes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDUT-5WuX6yYqMwFMtq_nK37_CNhVoWoSliio69zA7lYMeFYh-BE9yNzp05JTmoC2C_0Lk1kt2JD_Nd79tYG7ZkmgH0HSAhZSJx90pYoTw1WQ9TyOsn3eT4ic0gkt_0nJKZfH8p_MYZLcS45j5T2sosFZubQFgB1FATs9RXB0T5DhSRSqaoVRK_Xc3Lw/s1803/yw%20rabbitbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDUT-5WuX6yYqMwFMtq_nK37_CNhVoWoSliio69zA7lYMeFYh-BE9yNzp05JTmoC2C_0Lk1kt2JD_Nd79tYG7ZkmgH0HSAhZSJx90pYoTw1WQ9TyOsn3eT4ic0gkt_0nJKZfH8p_MYZLcS45j5T2sosFZubQFgB1FATs9RXB0T5DhSRSqaoVRK_Xc3Lw/w640-h426/yw%20rabbitbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock Heather, Ericameria ericoides</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">less conspicuous were the wirelettuce plans, wearing their delicate, pink blossoms along nearly naked gray stems. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNDjucmCOcZPRzIw2QjlYgieaDfp88lVsprNmcNKnP3tPk0zfMOpH0TbooJy6VZwFFcY5EDhpYXtbMyMhaew_xODYQjXhkcGsABG0DlaSmMZ5cCExdtkrIa-Ryu_KgSM4E8pP6yz-KajpWrHvBWBWm4yuCw8WxtTehzxj_XBMbd1OU9rXjnwHdraleVw/s1354/yx%20wire%20lettuce.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1354" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNDjucmCOcZPRzIw2QjlYgieaDfp88lVsprNmcNKnP3tPk0zfMOpH0TbooJy6VZwFFcY5EDhpYXtbMyMhaew_xODYQjXhkcGsABG0DlaSmMZ5cCExdtkrIa-Ryu_KgSM4E8pP6yz-KajpWrHvBWBWm4yuCw8WxtTehzxj_XBMbd1OU9rXjnwHdraleVw/w640-h436/yx%20wire%20lettuce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rod Wirelettuce, Stephanomeria virgata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A flock of pelicans flew overhead. Pappa Quail didn't bother raising his camera, but I took a few photos. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsjmLYXORTRzlk5x_pNwMFh1gzsbl_y04n7DwISQRlG4To_JIE3XHnxWaBlCXNCJxxI-FA1vqZn6yDa648_XRj3D3GEdETxoiWNn-gnErQojYZFMuK79H1tUm8P9Yf_8vsd0pFkQ66ABX4Znfj4UF-7eKcS2_S97GuOwlXyNF4XAdXifOtkjvnSiC2k/s1803/yy%20pelicans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsjmLYXORTRzlk5x_pNwMFh1gzsbl_y04n7DwISQRlG4To_JIE3XHnxWaBlCXNCJxxI-FA1vqZn6yDa648_XRj3D3GEdETxoiWNn-gnErQojYZFMuK79H1tUm8P9Yf_8vsd0pFkQ66ABX4Znfj4UF-7eKcS2_S97GuOwlXyNF4XAdXifOtkjvnSiC2k/w640-h426/yy%20pelicans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Brown Pelican</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The coves on the south side of the park were much narrower, like channels cut into the rock. The waves crashed into the narrow gaps, splashing almost as hike as where we stood, then receded gently back, only to come in again in an endless rhythm. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRqGjarCr62i3zyxO6PQJMWnvwWgubER_jIQsqWLQKjzS95lLLI-DXvkB5Q9cQhlNUAFvuO_CvaMvFrY_qq9q-8joAn8eqZHFSK_nSo-R8na86sgcLtVS0Q0-ripX0bE5erJYu5bnro5dEI_Rk4VtvPYceaALLTTYKbVojDLv7iq1HFtcO4gp4VHbSw/s1803/yz%20cove.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRqGjarCr62i3zyxO6PQJMWnvwWgubER_jIQsqWLQKjzS95lLLI-DXvkB5Q9cQhlNUAFvuO_CvaMvFrY_qq9q-8joAn8eqZHFSK_nSo-R8na86sgcLtVS0Q0-ripX0bE5erJYu5bnro5dEI_Rk4VtvPYceaALLTTYKbVojDLv7iq1HFtcO4gp4VHbSw/w640-h426/yz%20cove.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cove</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As it turned out, Pappa Quail was interested in the pelicans after all. He simply focused on the birds that were sitting on a far away rock, not on those that were flying. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyrkI9e6T44jwU8OCbA7byU8KPCLdd4h9DXScPefUoe0ooAJC4OxEgcMqXm2crWlxn45sFlxOgVia3rvaAjI5w3l7HRso0PxhWGwLroKl3wlFz331OXcdFYbuEWr26VOO3c7H72COxPE3SudTX-VpIPuew1jlBKV7IZwwKOXoezCAhXYwf5HEVO-pFX0/s1631/zy%20pelicans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1631" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyrkI9e6T44jwU8OCbA7byU8KPCLdd4h9DXScPefUoe0ooAJC4OxEgcMqXm2crWlxn45sFlxOgVia3rvaAjI5w3l7HRso0PxhWGwLroKl3wlFz331OXcdFYbuEWr26VOO3c7H72COxPE3SudTX-VpIPuew1jlBKV7IZwwKOXoezCAhXYwf5HEVO-pFX0/w640-h402/zy%20pelicans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Brown Pelican</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above us to the east loomed Soberanes Point. The hill itself looked nicely green and on its summit grew what looked like a pine tree. We could see the main trail somewhat above us - that was the trail we needed to connect with in order to complete the loop around the hill. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58nWAtDb2TzGqMV8E5l6UJfUFsKs6m-p1bMEbYFx0jh0uiEXrmMx-WvC41Va-N1FwPDioraThHghZGWJGBekg-mnwter937_vXkbnM-WtX2DvyZ50qijG36n23cmMAKtwGJxNEuwMTZEnIh_lPztzjIaIkUgQfS5mz4ZC_4XG5K7OWyaHJnmyI9zSkBU/s1803/za%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58nWAtDb2TzGqMV8E5l6UJfUFsKs6m-p1bMEbYFx0jh0uiEXrmMx-WvC41Va-N1FwPDioraThHghZGWJGBekg-mnwter937_vXkbnM-WtX2DvyZ50qijG36n23cmMAKtwGJxNEuwMTZEnIh_lPztzjIaIkUgQfS5mz4ZC_4XG5K7OWyaHJnmyI9zSkBU/w640-h426/za%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Soberanes Point </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail wee were on continued for a bit longer along the cliff edge and from where we stood it looked like there would be a way to connect with the main around trail further on, so we resumed walking south along the coastline. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedXQ1Owr3hFHUp9Y5WtSjCwsm5z0MMy52_iKhOTsJUJUA9DM3pyx2ASxFT-7GeBoGMWMEP32GICQNjTS0JqBtlZnquAfY0S7lcPBzsPqnrAI1OJjlV3w2SM2YTxFvlNTjICe3mGsoNZ-MdX9N1ZwHdkMbDX8bKnQdcu1Zy4_qKpQxMQcCmoViURBCbPM/s1803/zd%20coast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedXQ1Owr3hFHUp9Y5WtSjCwsm5z0MMy52_iKhOTsJUJUA9DM3pyx2ASxFT-7GeBoGMWMEP32GICQNjTS0JqBtlZnquAfY0S7lcPBzsPqnrAI1OJjlV3w2SM2YTxFvlNTjICe3mGsoNZ-MdX9N1ZwHdkMbDX8bKnQdcu1Zy4_qKpQxMQcCmoViURBCbPM/w640-h426/zd%20coast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In that area I spotted a patch of milkvetch in bloom. Milkvetch plants can be very local in their range, and this ne was no exception. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyZKjKxwSvdV9wGf6QbDo2oGXI4AuweXVdheaIRgNAC3R-EdSWvOnmHJUOz38zF9sYniXKp0C9kZxffKmvr5s-6dJDBZG81Z0DpfTeh26G9-hxxIzivZqLJjhPRPJxQ_slTewIWN_BXZSCOlzXfp9ukx3QCYlYK19aXgyTFQ0kXMiUKWkWpDqFrx5RRo/s1511/zc%20milkvetch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1511" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyZKjKxwSvdV9wGf6QbDo2oGXI4AuweXVdheaIRgNAC3R-EdSWvOnmHJUOz38zF9sYniXKp0C9kZxffKmvr5s-6dJDBZG81Z0DpfTeh26G9-hxxIzivZqLJjhPRPJxQ_slTewIWN_BXZSCOlzXfp9ukx3QCYlYK19aXgyTFQ0kXMiUKWkWpDqFrx5RRo/w640-h438/zc%20milkvetch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loco Weed, Astragalus nuttallii</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">It looked like most of the milkvetch plants in that patch I saw were already past their peak bloom, and were well into their fruiting stage. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ9P5WeTN8x59IIKuXkvYMPUHIA-HIYIXte3W3zxP9YBPdQS21ghkEHIiDNUNhn-JpkYkuzFCTUEr_jHAoAO7xW-w2AkrLNRRisd67e4iioCKkeEoahRHJfx61KVAwppjC-JL2PAWzUOlZQzhqUlzXTUub9MESpthXmmkqK2z3GZ8c7R4pfKbBkd_b8A/s1494/zb%20pods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1494" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ9P5WeTN8x59IIKuXkvYMPUHIA-HIYIXte3W3zxP9YBPdQS21ghkEHIiDNUNhn-JpkYkuzFCTUEr_jHAoAO7xW-w2AkrLNRRisd67e4iioCKkeEoahRHJfx61KVAwppjC-JL2PAWzUOlZQzhqUlzXTUub9MESpthXmmkqK2z3GZ8c7R4pfKbBkd_b8A/w640-h452/zb%20pods.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loco Weed, Astragalus nuttallii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Further down the trail the view to the coastline on the south opened up more. It didn't look as rugged as the coastline on the north. The cliffs were not sheer and platforms of dark, sun-baked rocks extended from the bottom of the cliffs into the ocean. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8rytE4dqRKXEU8EMBbAiNl07_zH1joKyzy0_FnL1cpnxTC_WFE2zf7vJLX5LOU7BbD1aZCSSnE6_38qNtKPWXWRrIzMXA14jCx89VCFQZ_Acr6T1XVz_fvguOcZ2VnZ47qHmcWFDEqVcYG8IXm0EcQt2nrxUhBxP0LrAKRzFurR4hXX6jxUKuntpdM/s1803/ze%20coastline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8rytE4dqRKXEU8EMBbAiNl07_zH1joKyzy0_FnL1cpnxTC_WFE2zf7vJLX5LOU7BbD1aZCSSnE6_38qNtKPWXWRrIzMXA14jCx89VCFQZ_Acr6T1XVz_fvguOcZ2VnZ47qHmcWFDEqVcYG8IXm0EcQt2nrxUhBxP0LrAKRzFurR4hXX6jxUKuntpdM/w640-h426/ze%20coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail pointed out to me something on those dark rock platforms below. It took me a long while to see what he was pointing at - a small group of oystercatcher birds were standing there, perfectly camouflaged despite their bright red bills and their loud calls. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UqlfN5xCCHNcuz9iffaP4rvnnI5iAocQjHfMQ3TcmWoT3X8RabNUzOtZyqN7L497UO9WU_by1jKWdtPzUBNk8otNAMOJg60LVhh5Zmio7rBC5nK5chBVpYZLTvBKxN4v9pCs0__SoIn2ar3GApUBgaGhdxKWA3lIyb4nJNYsS6Bdat1-kaaDuNvUWx0/s1665/zz%20oistercatchers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1665" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UqlfN5xCCHNcuz9iffaP4rvnnI5iAocQjHfMQ3TcmWoT3X8RabNUzOtZyqN7L497UO9WU_by1jKWdtPzUBNk8otNAMOJg60LVhh5Zmio7rBC5nK5chBVpYZLTvBKxN4v9pCs0__SoIn2ar3GApUBgaGhdxKWA3lIyb4nJNYsS6Bdat1-kaaDuNvUWx0/w640-h418/zz%20oistercatchers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Oystercatcher</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the trail curved eastward and we followed it into the thick chaparral. The path narrowed considerably and soon we found ourselves rubbing and even pushing through the vegetation. That alone wouldn't have been too much of a challenge, but much of the vegetation we had to push through turned out to be poison oak. me, being sensitive to this plant, tried my best to around contact and failed miserably. One other problem we faced was that was that the place where the path we were ascending on had once connected with the hill surrounding trail had eroded and collapsed, and we had to push through an overgrown narrow makeshift path to reach the main Soberanes Point Trail. I did like the erosion pattern though, and I photographed a bigger one that was visible on the slope opposite of Soberanes Point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhQbYMn1SJAjh0QKXSoUkkvWSPFOV-LtwE6MEte_fKUK1K7M3ETDzpTB_GDMYus6TiXO-rd11AEfIyh8tZiWVlAoiJ7Oo82kB11ZBI9h_S-6u5fdzMq8AK3oLCv0UHBoj0eBcIjUaloXAViBlRc-tffXSP1VSNDu2yOpivI0Eueai0YmVjjn4d2qQ3Zw/s1803/zh%20erosion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhQbYMn1SJAjh0QKXSoUkkvWSPFOV-LtwE6MEte_fKUK1K7M3ETDzpTB_GDMYus6TiXO-rd11AEfIyh8tZiWVlAoiJ7Oo82kB11ZBI9h_S-6u5fdzMq8AK3oLCv0UHBoj0eBcIjUaloXAViBlRc-tffXSP1VSNDu2yOpivI0Eueai0YmVjjn4d2qQ3Zw/w640-h426/zh%20erosion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Soberanes Hill reminded me of a cinder cone. It isn't a volcano though, despite its almost perfect conical shape. I could detect a few people on the summit and wondered if we should go up there too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3kGSm8d_b5_SU5qFV2dPfZouNTcjqCaVZFEfnpHli61ktDfiHNO-SKI9IU-Wdfm97mHGAhO0TG__4OKlmjF7qiWzN6m4exiiFCRPKz5uNHHpkvhgZs3XHdPRF5LMUgIsAZMwjD6Pg6QhIujKRKL6DieDpXvWUmFDGSFU5_7pRSvKBKH9bKMPknvYcOY/s1803/zi%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3kGSm8d_b5_SU5qFV2dPfZouNTcjqCaVZFEfnpHli61ktDfiHNO-SKI9IU-Wdfm97mHGAhO0TG__4OKlmjF7qiWzN6m4exiiFCRPKz5uNHHpkvhgZs3XHdPRF5LMUgIsAZMwjD6Pg6QhIujKRKL6DieDpXvWUmFDGSFU5_7pRSvKBKH9bKMPknvYcOY/w640-h426/zi%20Sorbante%20Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Soberanes Point </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was hot though, and both Papa Quail and I were already tired. It has been a long day already. I did raise the suggestion but without much conviction, and Pappa Quail shook his head - it was getting late and he was ready to get back to our lodge. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPBOcdjOC7m4XHfUx6jEL13pWoj9BK7s30jWu0dgL0IjI3MHZdQhgDpJgz9CSnLc-wNNVkUQXEimx_wVoDYT5ei5BWyd35L9rVMwDq-exf_IWyDFXaQTLswhkSm1KJOk4i51VmvEkYMaLVl8oeNXur5qczIFmlFSGCRlFPDZ44u81J9mR2EP5fjbL5c/s1803/zj%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPBOcdjOC7m4XHfUx6jEL13pWoj9BK7s30jWu0dgL0IjI3MHZdQhgDpJgz9CSnLc-wNNVkUQXEimx_wVoDYT5ei5BWyd35L9rVMwDq-exf_IWyDFXaQTLswhkSm1KJOk4i51VmvEkYMaLVl8oeNXur5qczIFmlFSGCRlFPDZ44u81J9mR2EP5fjbL5c/w640-h426/zj%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We did slow down a bit, despite being close to the trailhead where we had parked. I kept on the lookout for any bloom and the yellow patches off the trail caught my attention. It looked nice and lively between the rusty and grayish appearance of the other chaparral species. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhdt8Sp2uX-r7vZvY7srfAz92pqmj7TSeqOTD_aFM4QTLKuxocvNoqX71AzwRw0KMujc9CYqP6Pt68Q7kKq7H5b-kukRTV0lkUYrr0UUcnv8d476drgF717FQCVYSpalRabI18_ycjG-avUy3YlrFM5ErZ60ncYFAmjb-dM_-1aHDChGzZmuW3nr4U-A/s1803/zl%20yellow%20bushes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhdt8Sp2uX-r7vZvY7srfAz92pqmj7TSeqOTD_aFM4QTLKuxocvNoqX71AzwRw0KMujc9CYqP6Pt68Q7kKq7H5b-kukRTV0lkUYrr0UUcnv8d476drgF717FQCVYSpalRabI18_ycjG-avUy3YlrFM5ErZ60ncYFAmjb-dM_-1aHDChGzZmuW3nr4U-A/w640-h426/zl%20yellow%20bushes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made it back to the first trail junction and I paused to take one more look at the beautiful coastline to the north. I would never get tired of seeing it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTtOLVRQYJaKBH2V9EhkSDC1qisljtTtxW-3xDkQaqFMvrlqNLUezZsjuRhkzLHzmeHUpIncqR9pWy6EPU9tqIpkILAY2T5vnmjrwJg3ro60LbDbwmcQs-6UB3mQbgT0crcQMjtFIrsFP1NEA5iYDH_FZvSzNiQMsUisEgbe5ayya3Z_r-3UdIUwInxo/s1803/zn%20coastline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTtOLVRQYJaKBH2V9EhkSDC1qisljtTtxW-3xDkQaqFMvrlqNLUezZsjuRhkzLHzmeHUpIncqR9pWy6EPU9tqIpkILAY2T5vnmjrwJg3ro60LbDbwmcQs-6UB3mQbgT0crcQMjtFIrsFP1NEA5iYDH_FZvSzNiQMsUisEgbe5ayya3Z_r-3UdIUwInxo/w640-h426/zn%20coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got one last bonus before closing the hike - a hedgenettle plant in bloom. The plant itself ooked very dusty, probably because of the many hikers that raise the dust on a regular basis there. the flowers however, looked bright and vibrant. There were many hedgenettle plants in that place, but only that individual was blooming, obtimistic on its chances of getting pollinated. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo7ns83NrkOE8RUWg8HTiiWtgAdYB8nVGjklKI5EhL4IIt53aCujKLsMIUE6-ck3SmwLrW-jUaaIrVcGKQ4diSl0mBw2OdMKRwrR42jBxOZBOoM7ul6cZbPDyfA-r564l_Y8I0xkKy7iU-SqPnLfo_Fk2L04ELRe-D7shDd95ZrMfZKTsDKA-aUY4-yQ/s1618/zo%20stachys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1618" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo7ns83NrkOE8RUWg8HTiiWtgAdYB8nVGjklKI5EhL4IIt53aCujKLsMIUE6-ck3SmwLrW-jUaaIrVcGKQ4diSl0mBw2OdMKRwrR42jBxOZBOoM7ul6cZbPDyfA-r564l_Y8I0xkKy7iU-SqPnLfo_Fk2L04ELRe-D7shDd95ZrMfZKTsDKA-aUY4-yQ/w640-h426/zo%20stachys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgenettle, Stachys sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This hike ended our very busy second day f our Labor Day weekend trip. Yesterday we hiked at <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/02/expanding-horizons-hiking-at-fort-ord.html">Fort Ord National Monument</a>, which was very dry. This day we opened with a very rewarding whale watching cruise and continued with at <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/02/late-summer-exploration-at-andrew.html">Andrew Molera State Park</a>. Tomorrow we would be driving home, but we had one more hike in planning before heading back to the Bay Area - the Salinas River unit of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-37943423423692575112024-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:002024-02-26T18:42:24.606-08:00Late Summer Exploration at Andrew Molera State Park<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdiBGZegMolAsU1BKwVuvjc5DNKkz7-eIQIyRzUfKFH93abcFN_cDWZu5F03avPRTxXiGgInpoZ8qFxCA-f2kJlD5sxxHDsK9GOsPEZA0tAH6PEk2IiopuhJ4KOkvhoGpv9J_7ErSaCQStGHZ-2JyHeJwD4RV05r23dMuuxcBsTcSpwUoq4aCtNlhTKA/s1803/ze%20view%20north.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdiBGZegMolAsU1BKwVuvjc5DNKkz7-eIQIyRzUfKFH93abcFN_cDWZu5F03avPRTxXiGgInpoZ8qFxCA-f2kJlD5sxxHDsK9GOsPEZA0tAH6PEk2IiopuhJ4KOkvhoGpv9J_7ErSaCQStGHZ-2JyHeJwD4RV05r23dMuuxcBsTcSpwUoq4aCtNlhTKA/w640-h426/ze%20view%20north.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">September 3, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 3.9 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.287166, -121.843549</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: easy plus <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the last Labor Day weekend Pappa Quail and I went on a romantic long weekend, just the two of us. It was Pappa Quail's idea to revisit the Monterey area and his main desire was to go on a whale-watching cruise. On the first day of our trip we hiked at Fort Ord National Monument, and on the morning of our second day we went on a 4-hours whale-watching cruise. The cruise was exceptionally successful. We got to see not only the humpback whales that were in the Monterey Bay that time, but also the resident pack of orcas, a huge pod of common dolphin, sea lions, flying fish, and many sea birds. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When we were done with the boat tour we still had much daytime left and we decided to drive a bit south to Andrew Molera State Park. We've been there many years ago, and hiked a little, but had only very view memories from that time. This time we wanted to hike a bit more. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56FaQeTUcPKG8l1UHByo993bpvvDJZVry9tQOTUpa8lZ4X30M_Z4juwbZt-ktIj-oIYyE7BHnJhyphenhyphenJiFf0hhvwIbjYwgtHq_m8oQYNvpyyZOJMXY6RHqlsYN5a2tOOkPsyFS0K3PqzJo_Jibxx-IUMUiD0DVJFwofie_u8lMbP8mDl-UuTv1b6r1KtagI/s1803/xp%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56FaQeTUcPKG8l1UHByo993bpvvDJZVry9tQOTUpa8lZ4X30M_Z4juwbZt-ktIj-oIYyE7BHnJhyphenhyphenJiFf0hhvwIbjYwgtHq_m8oQYNvpyyZOJMXY6RHqlsYN5a2tOOkPsyFS0K3PqzJo_Jibxx-IUMUiD0DVJFwofie_u8lMbP8mDl-UuTv1b6r1KtagI/w640-h426/xp%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> The parking area was full but we managed to find a space. After looking at the options we decided to walk down to the beach and maybe go on a loop hike on the hills overlooking the ocean. We didn't have any maps and the park attendant had none to give us. All we could do was to take a photo of the large map in the kiosk display, a map that had no size scale. We estimated roughly a mile to the beach and a five plus something miles loop up on the hill that we considered going on after the beach. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Finding the trailhead we wanted took some time too because the large kiosk map wasn't clear about that either. The dilemma was resolved with the help of the nice attendant in the entrance booth, and soon we were on our way to the beach. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeF1u621yPTRih7hudl96AKmTToYBcdMg1b770wE6lwupTslJSETSuFFr6hCxUUexGjdpyN-7-n-23g2PTE3PU-Ltoz0AHJQ4ZD7j_5OtuzHgQeXB612dseYOX_O9OuPPkaDRReaQvjIfYoMPf22Fkji0Bw-_1TlVjOC0KN9tEMMrOJoaeKiQbQBqK_s/s1999/3.9%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1999" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeF1u621yPTRih7hudl96AKmTToYBcdMg1b770wE6lwupTslJSETSuFFr6hCxUUexGjdpyN-7-n-23g2PTE3PU-Ltoz0AHJQ4ZD7j_5OtuzHgQeXB612dseYOX_O9OuPPkaDRReaQvjIfYoMPf22Fkji0Bw-_1TlVjOC0KN9tEMMrOJoaeKiQbQBqK_s/w640-h486/3.9%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following a short dirt road we reached the trailhead to the beach. The trail was another dirt road that was gated for vehicles and we passed around the gate post along with other beach goers. Almost immediately we came upon the Big Sur River and crossed it on a makeshift bridge of wood planks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U0UjIYgLujPQR7RkDMGpB1JWTsJwx3QX8Dtma8Z1coM33QDnninF2IIpWAkJWeUfx8MH2Y3oRtxguwsBwZMBzcwXtTYLkVfy7nRzyzGe5hTFqOvaaLH6JxyO89C7A_7n5FwyRieYFyrWbncUWJDJcbWn3W8rYxGBVlO7CCm6taIdltj7dK0Fj7HQuaM/s1803/xq%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U0UjIYgLujPQR7RkDMGpB1JWTsJwx3QX8Dtma8Z1coM33QDnninF2IIpWAkJWeUfx8MH2Y3oRtxguwsBwZMBzcwXtTYLkVfy7nRzyzGe5hTFqOvaaLH6JxyO89C7A_7n5FwyRieYFyrWbncUWJDJcbWn3W8rYxGBVlO7CCm6taIdltj7dK0Fj7HQuaM/w640-h426/xq%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sur River</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right after crossing the wet river we crossed a dry river bed. It looked to me as if the Big Sur River had an alternative route to flow when it overflows. Crossing with us were a few other individuals and family groups heading to the beach, many carrying heavy beach stuff such as folding chairs and shaders, and coolers. It appeared that not everyone was appreciative of the mile's walk just to get to the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx85tjnj1hg1bHcG8-jJypEIF6P5Jg2MTdGrXnK6_3udnwT51Lx59MjzVpawtuVJp4auKkuoRQkMs9n5qti3ywohYcA5M2uc_7w5k_7b5Ox7z1ZwoWwBVEg0mux1ngRHo5cwhc5Nx2Az7ZjYTTo6FEJSb3qSdJKXqTrNGeZdQLvPbpzcVu6IiyVEG6FE/s1803/xs%20dry%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx85tjnj1hg1bHcG8-jJypEIF6P5Jg2MTdGrXnK6_3udnwT51Lx59MjzVpawtuVJp4auKkuoRQkMs9n5qti3ywohYcA5M2uc_7w5k_7b5Ox7z1ZwoWwBVEg0mux1ngRHo5cwhc5Nx2Az7ZjYTTo6FEJSb3qSdJKXqTrNGeZdQLvPbpzcVu6IiyVEG6FE/w640-h426/xs%20dry%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail was already far ahead so I increased my pace, leaving all the stragglers behind. It didn't take long however, before I found myself slowing down again - this time to check out the bloom scene along the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVVbPxjD94twTiKfO4RKnaarfqvwSgHZPOdxLjC5Al5DocPxtHdO63mDRvWeztMAkDl4VJ3ukKoycS_K3QaqEEOe7K56jYSpUFrsxzczn67QSlLHnqMLiMOrxi1gx69eAhaQcb8ncIrXhqiY17EiXP4g-NHiiPgExgStQHATBs3rpXXSmC8OnmHf47Jg/s1611/xt%20solanum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1611" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVVbPxjD94twTiKfO4RKnaarfqvwSgHZPOdxLjC5Al5DocPxtHdO63mDRvWeztMAkDl4VJ3ukKoycS_K3QaqEEOe7K56jYSpUFrsxzczn67QSlLHnqMLiMOrxi1gx69eAhaQcb8ncIrXhqiY17EiXP4g-NHiiPgExgStQHATBs3rpXXSmC8OnmHf47Jg/w640-h425/xt%20solanum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whispering Bells, Emmenanthe penduliflora </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There wasn't a lot of bloom, but there was some. Generally, when looking for off season bloom in California, it is best to go to the coastal areas. The frequent fog supports plant life there throughout the year, even in the long absence of rain. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7O9QtWSoC9cKrQkOiKFwaUa845ir9ZKh5NNwvGrzIMYVVNTIhphUjn2B_RRsWvSBeJHywVLUSfGBxNWjUVd9gmU1XofCz0JlE1iHL3s6qtGW42n04Xku8FCRxBqSJfCQumVNTQ-Qf_P8ozlZ7czUiFuunA6k2LMhRIsjS1WFFSxF32lJFHIqzEieY1k/s1691/xu%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1691" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7O9QtWSoC9cKrQkOiKFwaUa845ir9ZKh5NNwvGrzIMYVVNTIhphUjn2B_RRsWvSBeJHywVLUSfGBxNWjUVd9gmU1XofCz0JlE1iHL3s6qtGW42n04Xku8FCRxBqSJfCQumVNTQ-Qf_P8ozlZ7czUiFuunA6k2LMhRIsjS1WFFSxF32lJFHIqzEieY1k/w640-h412/xu%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal Bush Lupine, Lupinus arboreus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Away from the river, other than the trees and bushes, most of the lower vegetation was fairly dry, as it was on the hills east of highway 1. The trees and bushes however, did make most of the trail side vegetation, and the dr patches were relatively small. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1G86a1XjBr4vabrEYGJ0j2Cn-JJkhy1NC-KdcIsd2md9ojjSZtnazwiRvnqpkUHALtboC9ePpVKxC-EkYA8GjXAUTggfK-cCDVGTD0xEWflG9TeUJ-idbA7PP_oq0aVBLk1jYChti6CGkRIAfHii0Y05z6QPPst-Jsnxn-De_p8LiXjRDp_rHf7XCic/s1803/xv%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1G86a1XjBr4vabrEYGJ0j2Cn-JJkhy1NC-KdcIsd2md9ojjSZtnazwiRvnqpkUHALtboC9ePpVKxC-EkYA8GjXAUTggfK-cCDVGTD0xEWflG9TeUJ-idbA7PP_oq0aVBLk1jYChti6CGkRIAfHii0Y05z6QPPst-Jsnxn-De_p8LiXjRDp_rHf7XCic/w640-h426/xv%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I caught up with Pappa Quail he was busy listening to calls that were coming from a mound of dry vegetation off the trail. When he spotted the caller, he pointed him out to me, and also to everyone else who happened to be nearby. The caller was a male California quail, standing guard over his covey, which was well hidden in the brush. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eWWwB-KU8pAIRusuLke9NJkXuDiAJwfwhs9C_Z_hj1qrd7tKmCvpsV1vlqOmA6ZhA1xUMHOcOckc4he2cb48S3WIx30nNHG1l5pp1Z0E0AIW8M-NqpsyOqM_pb5ez10XS2oIc1gdmPRO3c58Jxmzd3BGPNd5by2cMbWBvvjvrv1dZyDezhjLgljMUkk/s1786/zr%20pappa%20quail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1786" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eWWwB-KU8pAIRusuLke9NJkXuDiAJwfwhs9C_Z_hj1qrd7tKmCvpsV1vlqOmA6ZhA1xUMHOcOckc4he2cb48S3WIx30nNHG1l5pp1Z0E0AIW8M-NqpsyOqM_pb5ez10XS2oIc1gdmPRO3c58Jxmzd3BGPNd5by2cMbWBvvjvrv1dZyDezhjLgljMUkk/w640-h478/zr%20pappa%20quail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Quail, male</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few steps further down the trail Pappa Quail saw a turkey vulture circling the sky. He might have passed on photographing it but I convinced him that the vulture too deserved documentation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkrWM6UqbGdBCAQJKqdHcuiYOY9NhkHg6AaEVeFYGvHeOvLwgN9YhS3ptROrUpF7D_YQoOD2Lti7tsTRb0L8Sto1DjXrKcRMaIbZudM36xpVJlkvJR-S3VuQz1zdgCKSMbkVrKWo7rTMxOAsHSSk0FqWO-743e1C6zz5a3wHOC1MtJPneGtmcmwqYeZI/s1865/zs%20vulture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1865" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkrWM6UqbGdBCAQJKqdHcuiYOY9NhkHg6AaEVeFYGvHeOvLwgN9YhS3ptROrUpF7D_YQoOD2Lti7tsTRb0L8Sto1DjXrKcRMaIbZudM36xpVJlkvJR-S3VuQz1zdgCKSMbkVrKWo7rTMxOAsHSSk0FqWO-743e1C6zz5a3wHOC1MtJPneGtmcmwqYeZI/w640-h450/zs%20vulture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Vulture</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The vulture hanged in the air below the only blue patch of sky where the clouds were parted. Everywhere else the sky was overcast and gray. On the east, the clouds had touched the mountain top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rN_wKX6O0jwjI3NGnssUxEQOYFMPXVAqw9R8ZPi8NR884FiKmOvWYKTEfX3_-PSQPDgvigTtAEBpSGhDF3GFaWn-3bh9snhk7qATp2K0WARDTM-CB2R7n723mBcGp-Fh9haCsJbC6emGkJrP37SYerGp73tVlIdvvDZh7T76rF1RStUVIMJAQFFIXnM/s1803/xx%20big%20sur.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rN_wKX6O0jwjI3NGnssUxEQOYFMPXVAqw9R8ZPi8NR884FiKmOvWYKTEfX3_-PSQPDgvigTtAEBpSGhDF3GFaWn-3bh9snhk7qATp2K0WARDTM-CB2R7n723mBcGp-Fh9haCsJbC6emGkJrP37SYerGp73tVlIdvvDZh7T76rF1RStUVIMJAQFFIXnM/w640-h426/xx%20big%20sur.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we progressed along the trail the vegetation closed in on us, and we welcomed the shade and the protection from the wind. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CCmTB2YBAnf_seGI8cc3nwFHdIKBhbhaFn0I9CgEVt-szbAm9k6as9DjiWILF8t_nWEWow439WKqrTAN-D9cIVw8lRKT1cmY-WjTO1wjBwN7ZKDdQgv2oH7ewq91dyOJf6E1clg2fzI59mbyu1p2ny3GR1vEBDUGSTt4RQzeB8fDJYvX9gGiFfDMifk/s1803/yb%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CCmTB2YBAnf_seGI8cc3nwFHdIKBhbhaFn0I9CgEVt-szbAm9k6as9DjiWILF8t_nWEWow439WKqrTAN-D9cIVw8lRKT1cmY-WjTO1wjBwN7ZKDdQgv2oH7ewq91dyOJf6E1clg2fzI59mbyu1p2ny3GR1vEBDUGSTt4RQzeB8fDJYvX9gGiFfDMifk/w640-h426/yb%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were more wildflowers on bloom in the cover of the larger trees and bushes. The sticky monkeyflower is also one with an extended bloom season, and always nice to see. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqzvX1lEL-RQ2hx6qDVnKvw6oX4wve5V8ZGH8P0raKpTQ_ZJwmTNis-_23xMIJ8ol3ATwoxiwQo7Kj9SVlvf38cayW_ZmQfj1XQWOLy7Ns26Rd-9mKQlfq5XYyEr5bQVcNRFf3ZvjpqFTj-bq58Qq_b_1K-M7-tRDm8SoVZFxrQf7Hahwp_W3I9OZeJM/s1553/xz%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1553" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqzvX1lEL-RQ2hx6qDVnKvw6oX4wve5V8ZGH8P0raKpTQ_ZJwmTNis-_23xMIJ8ol3ATwoxiwQo7Kj9SVlvf38cayW_ZmQfj1XQWOLy7Ns26Rd-9mKQlfq5XYyEr5bQVcNRFf3ZvjpqFTj-bq58Qq_b_1K-M7-tRDm8SoVZFxrQf7Hahwp_W3I9OZeJM/w640-h414/xz%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Monkeyflower, Diplacus aurantiacus </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was also very happy to see the yerba buena in bloom. This unassuming native relative of the mint makes great infusion. I didn't pick any on this hike, but I loved seeing the tiny, almost unnoticeable flowers. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmT8P9QXGWqm1TTbUkWCeh8khiK2__Z5Pex2QsC8SbFKj4Gw4Qlcm47Ies1_qa6vR_vd99bVtGX2O3LYusDlnqKFaUIeDDj46iYowGZYmJwxaSKNetdKxu1bzpVy5oIZh5hBDPiIQ58niUA3TdrA4T4avqB1e8VS1kPPs9Zp9IpClyKgG0Pzc2ghcz4/s1620/ya%20yerba%20buena.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1620" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmT8P9QXGWqm1TTbUkWCeh8khiK2__Z5Pex2QsC8SbFKj4Gw4Qlcm47Ies1_qa6vR_vd99bVtGX2O3LYusDlnqKFaUIeDDj46iYowGZYmJwxaSKNetdKxu1bzpVy5oIZh5hBDPiIQ58niUA3TdrA4T4avqB1e8VS1kPPs9Zp9IpClyKgG0Pzc2ghcz4/w640-h430/ya%20yerba%20buena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yerba Buena, Clinopodium douglasii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most state park trails are not open to dogs. Some people get creative about that and find interesting ways of bringing their pooches along without literally breaking the rules. I thought it was really cute. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZZ8fMgMmNNPxDM232-_WnQ1LtciHyYrRL-j_829BqW_SmGF2YluQ_EzKCp225AbV7Bih5No9YiclmBVxLa8q5sqjmK_4WskXtPDQOUzz3Uunn2SNvPQwUJxXBgcdjLVmGzSgMdmz-NkcDdIbnpJiGLD89RlHsA0Jq2fMF8a9fViYXsxfL6-gM8nWAkU/s1803/yc%20puppy%20basket.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZZ8fMgMmNNPxDM232-_WnQ1LtciHyYrRL-j_829BqW_SmGF2YluQ_EzKCp225AbV7Bih5No9YiclmBVxLa8q5sqjmK_4WskXtPDQOUzz3Uunn2SNvPQwUJxXBgcdjLVmGzSgMdmz-NkcDdIbnpJiGLD89RlHsA0Jq2fMF8a9fViYXsxfL6-gM8nWAkU/w640-h426/yc%20puppy%20basket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pooch in a Pouch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Further down the trail the trees receded and two tall walls of willows encased in blackberry vines flanked the trail. I looked for any late season berries but found none. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWfC_3Dvl6CagjPMS9FmpZudad2WYjZ76Y3vlVT1Rh9j_Ux7O3RiY9fQaTHnP2D5K_LqJHGt77-bE7DXIwj6751LflnUN3r5EiQIOKn_QDbxTHneacNrydFgGyMfdXGcoKsq03aDSD868ClunlVBbBV8tzKeAG_HIKUqFM3mFVkI_5xpuXO7cQ1hKlCc/s1803/ye%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWfC_3Dvl6CagjPMS9FmpZudad2WYjZ76Y3vlVT1Rh9j_Ux7O3RiY9fQaTHnP2D5K_LqJHGt77-bE7DXIwj6751LflnUN3r5EiQIOKn_QDbxTHneacNrydFgGyMfdXGcoKsq03aDSD868ClunlVBbBV8tzKeAG_HIKUqFM3mFVkI_5xpuXO7cQ1hKlCc/w640-h426/ye%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not all the berry bushes were blackberry though. Here and there I identified the much less prickly thimbleberry, and I was surprised to see some of them blooming still. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADNDj3kTVKML48sw65ZrB5w0gEQNpxsoAnefS26wcRT8cnbzFzRCt0IBYBXqpg2dVPeLvH-wKiyU0ny54dJF1avaKecYCRGIh2BK_6OsEUypbH_54A2JchGQrYYzOdhzjz6LkD2smt-mIerDrR7HBQOWyyLwMX2X6lBD9SJd15TV3ieQHH8vzj2bgJkY/s1591/yf%20thimbleberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1591" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADNDj3kTVKML48sw65ZrB5w0gEQNpxsoAnefS26wcRT8cnbzFzRCt0IBYBXqpg2dVPeLvH-wKiyU0ny54dJF1avaKecYCRGIh2BK_6OsEUypbH_54A2JchGQrYYzOdhzjz6LkD2smt-mIerDrR7HBQOWyyLwMX2X6lBD9SJd15TV3ieQHH8vzj2bgJkY/w640-h414/yf%20thimbleberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Close to the beach the trees grew taller again and the blackberry vines dangled down from high branches. For a short distance it looked like we were walking through a jungle of a sort. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMBXeQmbd9fNADnJnjC6nhYSX9hTp_BpFbvQyHuF3XExzhnuceGizwNKdYAHxf6kCEDIyVKrjMpUqWAgjkiaquPeWoYu1eZVz5XPyr4KnAWmSDSn7lYE3pO8-fOw0VRkhJd8hidsLrS7DnEdSqSVg3Tw5iz8E3k_M6rD5LLEUsbPF_xqo9hwl6Uz2lRQ/s1803/yh%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMBXeQmbd9fNADnJnjC6nhYSX9hTp_BpFbvQyHuF3XExzhnuceGizwNKdYAHxf6kCEDIyVKrjMpUqWAgjkiaquPeWoYu1eZVz5XPyr4KnAWmSDSn7lYE3pO8-fOw0VRkhJd8hidsLrS7DnEdSqSVg3Tw5iz8E3k_M6rD5LLEUsbPF_xqo9hwl6Uz2lRQ/w640-h426/yh%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love seeing pretty spiderwebs. In the afternoon most of the delicate orb webs are damaged or gone to rags. The webs that I saw mostly intact were the cradle webs. Usually they are very dusty at this time of day, so I was surprised to see a few that were still beaded with dew drops, appearing like a piece of lace hanging from the vegetation. The spider itself was nowhere t be seen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h6_AMNtUsl-wSeqN6D4Soq4f9T9fV_l_0A2emWv0RlFvkdVT4fPtlXYHJQJqHp232GXkiDUWEKVUrv7LVSXft6QcJxWsaezpfH7rnKaVCPVRV6eK04s0-v4UsAWsd2hpBuRlESB5W0oTQlGoaftqw-C6xWVlMqlbN0uKukuEKQceLXbvDCCPbtHgUrM/s1803/yi%20dewy%20cobweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h6_AMNtUsl-wSeqN6D4Soq4f9T9fV_l_0A2emWv0RlFvkdVT4fPtlXYHJQJqHp232GXkiDUWEKVUrv7LVSXft6QcJxWsaezpfH7rnKaVCPVRV6eK04s0-v4UsAWsd2hpBuRlESB5W0oTQlGoaftqw-C6xWVlMqlbN0uKukuEKQceLXbvDCCPbtHgUrM/w640-h426/yi%20dewy%20cobweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In that same jungle-like area I found some black nightshade in bloom. Its small berries were still green - unripe. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDlRE3E4ScZP3I5KcjTYuPjp1whZQwH72DsGvdQqFeeIWKARwIaYQrCuG-DyS3MzfCjF_ghOaoOvJhlb5CRgaz9oWZNiAzreEGTHEkFajxoqteec38reydvNlVV0B_heiSC0uj_T27mZPXjRW52wA-X8WQwQggQjiEvaTdzPpdIoLjQaFN62UxREPDrk/s1541/yj%20nightshade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1541" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDlRE3E4ScZP3I5KcjTYuPjp1whZQwH72DsGvdQqFeeIWKARwIaYQrCuG-DyS3MzfCjF_ghOaoOvJhlb5CRgaz9oWZNiAzreEGTHEkFajxoqteec38reydvNlVV0B_heiSC0uj_T27mZPXjRW52wA-X8WQwQggQjiEvaTdzPpdIoLjQaFN62UxREPDrk/w640-h422/yj%20nightshade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Nightshade, Solanum nigrum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stepped through the vegetation and found ourselves on the beach. Much of the sand was covered with driftwood and rotting kelp. The pungent aroma of rotting kelp, so characteristic of the north California coast in the fall, filled my nostrils. Some people find this smell offensive, but I inhaled it as perfume. People who reached there ahead of us had moved to the north side of the beach which was more clean of that. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR5897c_-WB_vZcE8QUcvStfijPwFtrn6TAJF7YNtbjKBKfyKcSaHMx3ubRH0jGlhG0nrZo07sS4BvjhNAgGNhuLTCL6N854F7I-fBep_mVCms_4Db8TlBU69a6TJI1FhWHEqp6z9JVLtV6lVc9s_6U4VxGzxOx2qwaJS6QS1ttIb0s20Xw41yJeVr60/s1803/yn%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR5897c_-WB_vZcE8QUcvStfijPwFtrn6TAJF7YNtbjKBKfyKcSaHMx3ubRH0jGlhG0nrZo07sS4BvjhNAgGNhuLTCL6N854F7I-fBep_mVCms_4Db8TlBU69a6TJI1FhWHEqp6z9JVLtV6lVc9s_6U4VxGzxOx2qwaJS6QS1ttIb0s20Xw41yJeVr60/w640-h426/yn%20beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Molera Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of the coastal strand vegetation, the first thing that captured my I was the blooming sand verbena. The beautiful yellow orbs shone like little suns nestled in their salt-covered leaves. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0tCz920vUyH6M4_Gz5vGRb5cdFqMOD4wg_0SkcUzy-yIWOBBEAd5o8QvXWCYXQeeRoCsSLew3xpswq1UUoiNcFW1nF-DSHk8m0y8gmNg9TgsQbGv4dz0RRJx8lrl3Vw3BOF3gW4KlKXS8LAPSthJKYnhQh4PhY_e0YoUs5y-FYIDYdojVCRwIDd3qHQ/s1624/yl%20verbena.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1624" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0tCz920vUyH6M4_Gz5vGRb5cdFqMOD4wg_0SkcUzy-yIWOBBEAd5o8QvXWCYXQeeRoCsSLew3xpswq1UUoiNcFW1nF-DSHk8m0y8gmNg9TgsQbGv4dz0RRJx8lrl3Vw3BOF3gW4KlKXS8LAPSthJKYnhQh4PhY_e0YoUs5y-FYIDYdojVCRwIDd3qHQ/w640-h414/yl%20verbena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Sand Verbena, Abronia latifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adjacent to the verbena bloomed the silver beachweed. This one is wind-pollinated and its flowers are noticeable only by those who look for them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToJaptRZrl9oSDUQ1vUyvZYkwAMlwl1RA407Hf6IecfDI5D0xjgt7phv3oSQdAe9h2kAa5Oh0fYCRHNwZBIE9rAPkTHTiCt3csKQ6V5le-T37NnQ3PYljTjPKmYZs19cvOsFwuqSOvVQP9kQVfltQPI7HlfbfDLieIyLq1UWDX7zasNcr78zkopoH62A/s1501/ym%20ambrosia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1501" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToJaptRZrl9oSDUQ1vUyvZYkwAMlwl1RA407Hf6IecfDI5D0xjgt7phv3oSQdAe9h2kAa5Oh0fYCRHNwZBIE9rAPkTHTiCt3csKQ6V5le-T37NnQ3PYljTjPKmYZs19cvOsFwuqSOvVQP9kQVfltQPI7HlfbfDLieIyLq1UWDX7zasNcr78zkopoH62A/w640-h422/ym%20ambrosia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Beachweed, Ambrosia chamissonis</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above the north side of the beach was a large patch of blue sky. To the south however, the sky was still overcast and the scenery more gray. Much of the driftwood on the beach was piled by humans into pyramid-like structures, like ready to lit bone fires. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlJYMuW7klwu5dgmrH3mtqJEjpEbb2yi-qke7Sl1KfpFga_kb44w4Y8tDUutJ16uC8N88bfr-b_Kvp6MclzjE-FK0ZzEmK7gJdmNxuY-3aNKVdBZAWhtcMPpXfBiw8D9tbwEG0IJL775FD13yheOKeqoY_H5Un8_o9BfuZ0LZJD1T_AK9He_zrfcy9U/s1803/yo%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlJYMuW7klwu5dgmrH3mtqJEjpEbb2yi-qke7Sl1KfpFga_kb44w4Y8tDUutJ16uC8N88bfr-b_Kvp6MclzjE-FK0ZzEmK7gJdmNxuY-3aNKVdBZAWhtcMPpXfBiw8D9tbwEG0IJL775FD13yheOKeqoY_H5Un8_o9BfuZ0LZJD1T_AK9He_zrfcy9U/w640-h426/yo%20beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Molera Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As soon as he stepped on the beach Pappa Quail was scanning the water. There weren't very may birds around, but there were a few. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOo2HNEFmPOAoQpW5aeVdkfNEv2hacC6lahO5Ni163L8qxFvCfyyYeR_6wurSuA5zUXWH7_P8nWOqbc9nlMb4-hK66FJxofyp8SV7WO5sMMiaNHZXmKwgjHDRQ48BRvIKb1lLNPXAsFOUNTu7nJqQLoJwzeHThIAqkW6SIARqBKQeacCtEAkXzZGLiBA/s1525/zv%20cormorant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1525" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOo2HNEFmPOAoQpW5aeVdkfNEv2hacC6lahO5Ni163L8qxFvCfyyYeR_6wurSuA5zUXWH7_P8nWOqbc9nlMb4-hK66FJxofyp8SV7WO5sMMiaNHZXmKwgjHDRQ48BRvIKb1lLNPXAsFOUNTu7nJqQLoJwzeHThIAqkW6SIARqBKQeacCtEAkXzZGLiBA/w640-h426/zv%20cormorant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double-crested Cormorant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">None of the birds we saw that day were new, or particularly rare. Neither of them was also busy with anything, They simply floated gently on the surf. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9krQn-vqCgpDVEADFTx9xheOEF86T9uxfQ-8p6z4FxVFVDqVw19w8N1ajEKmt0lmcaPZsCR3WHRHgB5Vq2k7cD5L-KgxfgTXjsXct78D8H5DRu-_bH7yaTLJcgJAIZwRkr6PF8sMVN0dqlk4qfKMJmFXSRU2BCWxLusb9JLfrvN_OVfQN6kH9hPlq3PY/s1882/zx%20surf%20scotter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1882" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9krQn-vqCgpDVEADFTx9xheOEF86T9uxfQ-8p6z4FxVFVDqVw19w8N1ajEKmt0lmcaPZsCR3WHRHgB5Vq2k7cD5L-KgxfgTXjsXct78D8H5DRu-_bH7yaTLJcgJAIZwRkr6PF8sMVN0dqlk4qfKMJmFXSRU2BCWxLusb9JLfrvN_OVfQN6kH9hPlq3PY/w640-h441/zx%20surf%20scotter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surf Scoter, female</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even gulls, which we normally see in multitudes on the coast, were few, and the individuals we did see looked subdued. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk2pU-pvzXtwSCB-wzbj13VL6Jk5brvQE0Ml8bF2efcT-O8OQ8RPx7TS02_taT4mGn1jHlqvUJaTq1XQ9i-MURf-gDYyS7XTLD7tsDjTJ11IcXm4eUWeperJfzPx3hDTrNVCSokg7hur7EgIrzQ-ScV008qQlsUZT_rx8zn9kGzNtV6JKpRPraXeo3lU/s1747/zw%20gull.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1747" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk2pU-pvzXtwSCB-wzbj13VL6Jk5brvQE0Ml8bF2efcT-O8OQ8RPx7TS02_taT4mGn1jHlqvUJaTq1XQ9i-MURf-gDYyS7XTLD7tsDjTJ11IcXm4eUWeperJfzPx3hDTrNVCSokg7hur7EgIrzQ-ScV008qQlsUZT_rx8zn9kGzNtV6JKpRPraXeo3lU/w640-h430/zw%20gull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail was disheartened. He was disappointed with how few birds he saw on the beach. He didn't even look at the flock of pelicans that swooped in from the south, so I took their photos through my wide lens. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjyVc8PmpX9HTOp2BygpafauGZV71isSXFa4uSnHsYtewizaPy4lQASU-w7pvXhQxTtV3NJEZaj_YMLj2f47LfHJvsIPfeD7_H9GzrA3YO9hr-zpvWqoYo2kiAdUaYhqkuPgmMDpT8hfl2_QzNiXt6nccSqkkv3l00IIkeAeNTcx6Hm1kqjboYOkywbk/s1856/zu%20pelicans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjyVc8PmpX9HTOp2BygpafauGZV71isSXFa4uSnHsYtewizaPy4lQASU-w7pvXhQxTtV3NJEZaj_YMLj2f47LfHJvsIPfeD7_H9GzrA3YO9hr-zpvWqoYo2kiAdUaYhqkuPgmMDpT8hfl2_QzNiXt6nccSqkkv3l00IIkeAeNTcx6Hm1kqjboYOkywbk/w640-h426/zu%20pelicans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Brown Pelicans</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was another plant blooming on the outskirts of the beach, near the verbena and the beachweed. This one however, isn't native to California. It is quite interesting though, and has a nice bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPODM_vVvn6F3a2fg6rO3jWf7HbVijHMone4JgDqXOgVeYegI2AEpgYjCuT6yIt1Cw_ywRi6QUzFQPkSMeYbST_jRBxk3PCNR1H06wuBeZrBYQ6k7dUEoJCRfAXk84xIL6EFKOYYnfgvS6KgLAMcG5nZZXb9SsAqfW9hONSkljp19wXO1J1MTEDIcdenk/s1618/ys%20crucifer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1618" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPODM_vVvn6F3a2fg6rO3jWf7HbVijHMone4JgDqXOgVeYegI2AEpgYjCuT6yIt1Cw_ywRi6QUzFQPkSMeYbST_jRBxk3PCNR1H06wuBeZrBYQ6k7dUEoJCRfAXk84xIL6EFKOYYnfgvS6KgLAMcG5nZZXb9SsAqfW9hONSkljp19wXO1J1MTEDIcdenk/w640-h424/ys%20crucifer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Searocket, Cakile maritima, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the time we were on the beach the clouds slowly parted, and by the time we were heading back out, bright sunlight lit the trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddC358NH16iUYTwIU7VGvcdSEmKR31fA09U_NnMTlv7gtRBJp4SXg2C1m4ruGqoUBzZ_Q-HLxwxhgSb3Z0BquiSfWyYpbIrJuhZVY1huxD_UPMeE5EO16k5aw4DDPhpkMbVXZYB7dRJ_DAwhcMkHH28SvDqbkGanni0grW9zOpsrLZnlSiNpzVxTODQk/s1803/yt%20trail%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddC358NH16iUYTwIU7VGvcdSEmKR31fA09U_NnMTlv7gtRBJp4SXg2C1m4ruGqoUBzZ_Q-HLxwxhgSb3Z0BquiSfWyYpbIrJuhZVY1huxD_UPMeE5EO16k5aw4DDPhpkMbVXZYB7dRJ_DAwhcMkHH28SvDqbkGanni0grW9zOpsrLZnlSiNpzVxTODQk/w640-h426/yt%20trail%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made it back to the trail junction before the beach access, and started up the hill, intending to hike the loop trail, or at least part of it. Up on the hill the vegetation was mostly chaparral. There were no trees shading the path, and now that the sun was out, we got really hot really fast. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2drSaraNRP1OavTiq8Nc2JNwDMzofT3ti1Wwx1cPGWX-obld5jmE43zlgEE2Je-AVH2YdB-h1X0UgEzcmK5GluEP20eNMsoyptQRCRktuwiSFvmhTI4i276jSIpI15q7kIpDfqLjPTvWEFU0r864KdM4oQG2LaX2HUdSQIMRQ28eaeTho_0qqX5xrsE/s1803/yx%20view%20south.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2drSaraNRP1OavTiq8Nc2JNwDMzofT3ti1Wwx1cPGWX-obld5jmE43zlgEE2Je-AVH2YdB-h1X0UgEzcmK5GluEP20eNMsoyptQRCRktuwiSFvmhTI4i276jSIpI15q7kIpDfqLjPTvWEFU0r864KdM4oQG2LaX2HUdSQIMRQ28eaeTho_0qqX5xrsE/w640-h426/yx%20view%20south.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where the trail was close to the cliff we had a nice view of the ocean below. Without the clouds above, the Pacific Ocean was blue once again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzs5Z-zWceWqTjxBKDl9OA5aXXOR0rhCRt0L7rGQUS_GTAtidxa-f2sVJmmLz0dbA223tizXeFfFvDyP285zbtyx9n2XBjE7MGmMUL7RVb9G8LhY01jTpn3NnX4CF1-1nBoBj5gwYMlzs3VD5J8jAViYwo5Oyz-5oSlrKKei2daizyjZGe_8nJ139jViI/s1803/yw%20ocean%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzs5Z-zWceWqTjxBKDl9OA5aXXOR0rhCRt0L7rGQUS_GTAtidxa-f2sVJmmLz0dbA223tizXeFfFvDyP285zbtyx9n2XBjE7MGmMUL7RVb9G8LhY01jTpn3NnX4CF1-1nBoBj5gwYMlzs3VD5J8jAViYwo5Oyz-5oSlrKKei2daizyjZGe_8nJ139jViI/w640-h426/yw%20ocean%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail spotted a butterfly and took a photograph of it. When I approached the butterfly took off, circled around a little, then vanished in thin air. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1xZLaimjpPihDqZxbA0hI1oQvfOEbs5IYUIiZIQCGWe5RutfCUwV4pvfB-d3k-kSAuqXV9drFBJzjKpL-4UBED5iBA86lb9Os1L51Q0_xGBIyYOKWmrUfc7a0lFBTicAZvO44LWRT6w6LGt-SPmTQlDEEwiP81-c33FX5J9nqGYDGXfx_gW4M_rFmCc/s1164/zy%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1164" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1xZLaimjpPihDqZxbA0hI1oQvfOEbs5IYUIiZIQCGWe5RutfCUwV4pvfB-d3k-kSAuqXV9drFBJzjKpL-4UBED5iBA86lb9Os1L51Q0_xGBIyYOKWmrUfc7a0lFBTicAZvO44LWRT6w6LGt-SPmTQlDEEwiP81-c33FX5J9nqGYDGXfx_gW4M_rFmCc/w640-h440/zy%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I focused on less flighty things. Golden yarrow shrubs were blooming in small patches, glowing in yellow through the green and reddish chaparral. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCpw6_TSHboM82lc_ZgIq9t5jmekUur1BSmOd6I17n9vdT5IpD80rJG-pa3NXNP8qvWUnjw0UCKo82293NgYM9Ve1ppK8ENACJiHvKExVes_YqbzMu2gZRIFE9j8kocLLPIBQC6vRWonmSUAbWmjOOE4bjoarvxF7QsKF4kDCfHs-d8LVLifiQcuY9mM/s1564/za%20yellow%20yarrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1564" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCpw6_TSHboM82lc_ZgIq9t5jmekUur1BSmOd6I17n9vdT5IpD80rJG-pa3NXNP8qvWUnjw0UCKo82293NgYM9Ve1ppK8ENACJiHvKExVes_YqbzMu2gZRIFE9j8kocLLPIBQC6vRWonmSUAbWmjOOE4bjoarvxF7QsKF4kDCfHs-d8LVLifiQcuY9mM/w640-h420/za%20yellow%20yarrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside Golden Yarrow, Eriophyllum staechadifolium </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The asters were a bit harder to see. Their inflorescences were smaller and usually hanging low between other bushes. I did see those that bloomed right by the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2Ouz2qGHls-fcXdfWrb5qo7Vu8FSH_nfEOQrt7NhEahQwPIZYz5Aq2PztyAFUl6l6tYdA_Qs3DkqcGOirdEwDpdSzPsxTB63PaLzIl4PbIgHly_S5FoguXrFBOfWh1aOPmRhd4NrJAw5ywfD9Q7cK6ghkw1LRrRHIs-Y6MhiTLnGdZPCvl4JU0lC1z4/s1685/zc%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1685" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2Ouz2qGHls-fcXdfWrb5qo7Vu8FSH_nfEOQrt7NhEahQwPIZYz5Aq2PztyAFUl6l6tYdA_Qs3DkqcGOirdEwDpdSzPsxTB63PaLzIl4PbIgHly_S5FoguXrFBOfWh1aOPmRhd4NrJAw5ywfD9Q7cK6ghkw1LRrRHIs-Y6MhiTLnGdZPCvl4JU0lC1z4/w640-h410/zc%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Aster, Symphyotrichum chilense</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Morning glory was also blooming here and there. Not in large numbers, but a few open flowers were visible on the vines that outgrew the blackberry brambles. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjHgsXacgpDG0hCoR187-ozjLKw2RMRCeJAildIjhyphenhyphenzDgiTqs9vhETcYeVltq_3rn7IWJFD6FkBCS-Yn40GDBW7ANtLwOA_gDB8isM-gKMIHtlU4BtlXpNIDygBmnYZgPeaRaGyOC0EnRyxsOG56PxXKijNQCuDZizUcfrADfq3IUp9gV4XaRS3oqu-o/s1201/zd%20bindweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1201" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjHgsXacgpDG0hCoR187-ozjLKw2RMRCeJAildIjhyphenhyphenzDgiTqs9vhETcYeVltq_3rn7IWJFD6FkBCS-Yn40GDBW7ANtLwOA_gDB8isM-gKMIHtlU4BtlXpNIDygBmnYZgPeaRaGyOC0EnRyxsOG56PxXKijNQCuDZizUcfrADfq3IUp9gV4XaRS3oqu-o/w640-h438/zd%20bindweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth Western Morning Glory, Calystegia purpurata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail meandered along the coastal cliffs, going uphill in a steady, mild slope. Occasionally we stopped to hydrate and to assess our progress. It was clear by then that we wouldn't hike the entire loop but we still thought we might reach the far arch f the loop trail, where there supposedly was another beach access. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNA_Ik6_UvPV1XbkvWapUs071Br6Lzrk-E5yrWDHeVQPf6MjLS0U7CHtIubo5KdsVWwZz7wOU7tzfIm6KIi2e0r2DvI-R0xVaHU5TRzAI5Dmi5vXXot9gtM8a6V2k8hJkMkVnTMd80W1hbEBN5xDHKKoxkRXbBm4eyISOcFGFIcG0W1LOaZwFiWthaSk/s1803/zf%20view%20north.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNA_Ik6_UvPV1XbkvWapUs071Br6Lzrk-E5yrWDHeVQPf6MjLS0U7CHtIubo5KdsVWwZz7wOU7tzfIm6KIi2e0r2DvI-R0xVaHU5TRzAI5Dmi5vXXot9gtM8a6V2k8hJkMkVnTMd80W1hbEBN5xDHKKoxkRXbBm4eyISOcFGFIcG0W1LOaZwFiWthaSk/w640-h426/zf%20view%20north.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View north on the Andrew Molera cove</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The heat however, was building up more than we could tolerate. After a good hour of walking we took a break under the measly shade of some coffeeberry bushes that grew somewhat taller than the rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE97Smja-jUdc4pEhfcHSIdDrtYYKTvAVMP82SuFpqvNfiFigMHNWyl_UU7dYqpuGe6i0xfoRK0Hz-EOnhO3JwerCmWLlrdGMCnwp5S7SvPLyH5LC0GgHQjWjTkJyKO3yQNyBqhGbRS7nywY4MKwOToa2UPmANi6z7D0enEsFDaur9wkMgYx2SscMBLU/s1457/zk%20coffeeberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1457" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE97Smja-jUdc4pEhfcHSIdDrtYYKTvAVMP82SuFpqvNfiFigMHNWyl_UU7dYqpuGe6i0xfoRK0Hz-EOnhO3JwerCmWLlrdGMCnwp5S7SvPLyH5LC0GgHQjWjTkJyKO3yQNyBqhGbRS7nywY4MKwOToa2UPmANi6z7D0enEsFDaur9wkMgYx2SscMBLU/w640-h448/zk%20coffeeberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Coffeeberry, Frangula californica</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at the photo we took of the kiosk map we tried to estimate how long we had until we reached the next beach access., and came to the conclusion that we had between a mile and two to get there. Dripping sweat and tired we decided to turn back. As soon as we started heading back we came across a buckeye butterfly resting on the trail. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwG0GnQrJnHbz5dGdKuj1ME2D8b9pNxBNEuwXmNyvvNqrFdULP5AsgaHhU57O1SwUUCZAYbDKkV_hN_lhj5vkI70_2WpIDut9UiA_lR8DV8ubfZeyULLWMBW4L4TWKuj1i1zzaih1YwP0gJuLCrUvHTFRlhpCsej9CZxx6O3wd3-4n0Tr_wdA6DgHtHA/s1149/zh%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1149" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwG0GnQrJnHbz5dGdKuj1ME2D8b9pNxBNEuwXmNyvvNqrFdULP5AsgaHhU57O1SwUUCZAYbDKkV_hN_lhj5vkI70_2WpIDut9UiA_lR8DV8ubfZeyULLWMBW4L4TWKuj1i1zzaih1YwP0gJuLCrUvHTFRlhpCsej9CZxx6O3wd3-4n0Tr_wdA6DgHtHA/w640-h478/zh%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckeye Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail pointed out to me more flowers. When I approached I saw that these were no longer blooming. The plant was completely dry now. The bract leaves below the inflorescence harden and remain after the seeds are already dispersed, making the plant look as if it is still blooming. The plant's name reflects this appearance of continuous bloom - everlasting. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9AM9i7LgN9wvkiW0zZdoAQYzlPzqWpFSJQIziQKatL05KMbtvJXAEqzW_mrwgPfDjXCMPLs9O71kIG_5CRoiaKwLcgnlWmbps_IAXyQ0PpPsqM04HxeQW1k67jpthm2-ms2DRpo7rv_rf4HpcfCsf43k7xWk3RlaDjWqLQUdejdxLrcfSRXvFPHT6Mw/s1710/zg%20everlasting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1710" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9AM9i7LgN9wvkiW0zZdoAQYzlPzqWpFSJQIziQKatL05KMbtvJXAEqzW_mrwgPfDjXCMPLs9O71kIG_5CRoiaKwLcgnlWmbps_IAXyQ0PpPsqM04HxeQW1k67jpthm2-ms2DRpo7rv_rf4HpcfCsf43k7xWk3RlaDjWqLQUdejdxLrcfSRXvFPHT6Mw/w640-h406/zg%20everlasting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearly Everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacea </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next blossom Pappa Quail pointed out to me was truly blooming - a small bull thistle by the side of the trail.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh0PcWDwjGamOUT0Mlfxlrop2_s2peqd02VumKDsJcCB7MPcw8ypADRtgy0mG7LR9vHY_gNqm0vR9fglla1GAxA6BhBJa8wResrS1klxtLAfgfZEgdkVQNsG_Wq3lX7GRau4Dr1BkuL1jjLQKbFNI_Ohmh3lTYnO2VWbedWkHsZmQt1zSZjS3opmO8-g/s1439/zi%20bull%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1439" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh0PcWDwjGamOUT0Mlfxlrop2_s2peqd02VumKDsJcCB7MPcw8ypADRtgy0mG7LR9vHY_gNqm0vR9fglla1GAxA6BhBJa8wResrS1klxtLAfgfZEgdkVQNsG_Wq3lX7GRau4Dr1BkuL1jjLQKbFNI_Ohmh3lTYnO2VWbedWkHsZmQt1zSZjS3opmO8-g/w640-h452/zi%20bull%20thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Thistle, Cirsium Vulgare, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked faster on the way back, and not only because it was downhill. I looked at the ocean below again. It looked as if the chaparral flows over the cliff and spills into the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYrp16DV5sBJKwwuDse4mFa7DUlDxz5d9qd9LvTU47gXJ0sYuhYdsj7lWnQwH3FBQN-8wo1Hf3tulBIsVLGP1uZH5GZV6EIR9dVOyEOTq1rNX3j51_qVTijKZqxsN9j9mDe29htEe2z2TOCUWtSsxVjQSvHX5N21fKjpdAVWUn2wQY2_pfE7XkstSfAE/s1803/zj%20ocean.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYrp16DV5sBJKwwuDse4mFa7DUlDxz5d9qd9LvTU47gXJ0sYuhYdsj7lWnQwH3FBQN-8wo1Hf3tulBIsVLGP1uZH5GZV6EIR9dVOyEOTq1rNX3j51_qVTijKZqxsN9j9mDe29htEe2z2TOCUWtSsxVjQSvHX5N21fKjpdAVWUn2wQY2_pfE7XkstSfAE/w640-h426/zj%20ocean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On the inland side of the trail, the visible hills were covered with oak savanna vegetation. and they looked dry. The green chaparral grew lower, and closer to the ocean, as if springing from the bottom of the hill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvl0V-FGJrXmUWBwtpMUvlzyZi9BEoESfzDcssKQ77WZ3cEZDCB6pnNQyuO_zuebx7PzR2SzlePwJDydFiyGgtRLmEMJ11W2QlYGPTV7tVWa2tU9AswyycQvVlUyu0QOwWNFJn0q78egUgdhchXqQkgAn2luk9-5l47YVKUze0sOT5gyeLp-oy8GtNz0/s1803/zl%20hills.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvl0V-FGJrXmUWBwtpMUvlzyZi9BEoESfzDcssKQ77WZ3cEZDCB6pnNQyuO_zuebx7PzR2SzlePwJDydFiyGgtRLmEMJ11W2QlYGPTV7tVWa2tU9AswyycQvVlUyu0QOwWNFJn0q78egUgdhchXqQkgAn2luk9-5l47YVKUze0sOT5gyeLp-oy8GtNz0/w640-h426/zl%20hills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't take as many photos on the way back, but even going the second time on the same trail can yield new sights, and certainly new points of view. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hsRoKWrmbbAopjlPxcv5zoMjCTx1h6B5-1OpD7ejAeKwGgFwh2oLm88jqfooegob1kRS-u_bH-EvWFRxzHfTgq9OU02MAxVVmSlbjIQQVrNfpRarRt-hJI0rBYsxcDj2Bfkc2x4yhj9KhLq_AyY-ukLXTIYlj73NjyXoZu4MdL5GbNh8iB3u9z_IX7w/s1477/zz%20jay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1477" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hsRoKWrmbbAopjlPxcv5zoMjCTx1h6B5-1OpD7ejAeKwGgFwh2oLm88jqfooegob1kRS-u_bH-EvWFRxzHfTgq9OU02MAxVVmSlbjIQQVrNfpRarRt-hJI0rBYsxcDj2Bfkc2x4yhj9KhLq_AyY-ukLXTIYlj73NjyXoZu4MdL5GbNh8iB3u9z_IX7w/w640-h464/zz%20jay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Scrub Jay</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was only on the return path that I saw the blooming poppies near the trail before coming down to the Beach Trail. Somehow I missed them when we were heading out. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0_uNwFuqlGHahNfiGokqyhCUsI75v0hCFhBJuc2ALCcujQgBULzZDdpZ_wGQc8LJgzS2T18QvQnVEkSC7t2-MkY_DaYhNfT1Rb6uEuOr8Y7y8PLLFHFkYhJwmgEV1Z5X6FLTk-VthUUoEIJCrQZxad3MAV95H3ngcG3hoRXID3dAbxDPxViUIdZ6P3w/s1437/zm%20poppies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1437" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0_uNwFuqlGHahNfiGokqyhCUsI75v0hCFhBJuc2ALCcujQgBULzZDdpZ_wGQc8LJgzS2T18QvQnVEkSC7t2-MkY_DaYhNfT1Rb6uEuOr8Y7y8PLLFHFkYhJwmgEV1Z5X6FLTk-VthUUoEIJCrQZxad3MAV95H3ngcG3hoRXID3dAbxDPxViUIdZ6P3w/w640-h432/zm%20poppies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back on the Beach Trail we turned right away east in the direction of the trailhead. There were fewer people walking there now, as if the heat had settled the other hikers either on the beach or back in their vehicles. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt9ysNpAoQ4SYMEYMRqvXKkCkA7eD3zK1kTEemzF-MHzjQFG6ajLbMbbzKd7980BsK_iVRMj0c2bFmv1F_jAwm_rGvQESTIvR9uic8qhIfkRMZGPabKPuORwedBpDABwnsmoqDEeHTsQpqR0fAj76hHauXMg5IQEZdj6xZGMmPRaXPevcL6DBs5zghTY/s1803/zn%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt9ysNpAoQ4SYMEYMRqvXKkCkA7eD3zK1kTEemzF-MHzjQFG6ajLbMbbzKd7980BsK_iVRMj0c2bFmv1F_jAwm_rGvQESTIvR9uic8qhIfkRMZGPabKPuORwedBpDABwnsmoqDEeHTsQpqR0fAj76hHauXMg5IQEZdj6xZGMmPRaXPevcL6DBs5zghTY/w640-h426/zn%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back by the Big Sur River I stood and waited for a new group of hikers that were crossing on the wood planks bridge before taking the photograph that I didn't on our way in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EmXSE9VJlKjJLDoJ6wFYOX-Mmk6XdbldWMhxzeAfDRmUV2TqvMQxziOkdrSxKf_A0LwN121bkmbjd-RwlohZnLJi69AuqPSrXxL8plgHZSpJZKiPufqTQNti93To2hmEOFIwFKqCgAULyy31A_JhKLt6Nqz5gbHhpSvQSPK2cNrN8lxuq7qE-N04Ox4/s1803/zo%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EmXSE9VJlKjJLDoJ6wFYOX-Mmk6XdbldWMhxzeAfDRmUV2TqvMQxziOkdrSxKf_A0LwN121bkmbjd-RwlohZnLJi69AuqPSrXxL8plgHZSpJZKiPufqTQNti93To2hmEOFIwFKqCgAULyy31A_JhKLt6Nqz5gbHhpSvQSPK2cNrN8lxuq7qE-N04Ox4/w640-h426/zo%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again I paused in the middle of the bridge, balancing on the narrow plank, to take a photo of the creek, in the other direction, in sunnier illumination. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf6LAYxeRJjbzns8CiMaIRFsKZ-SF9kSAzfbKd02QmHiTZS9uBHoYijl2-oQ4ZOYco3vECX-BkIIDQ0RFMvlpR7o4frmoeaH334RmFN7KkZI1dvoUOktLIO1VCUnhGyxOgP_M80ICh5wDh6TPYj_f4n__QC0g4_qXHlTtsRa6EW92UgdaaaLa4ciObrs/s1803/zq%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf6LAYxeRJjbzns8CiMaIRFsKZ-SF9kSAzfbKd02QmHiTZS9uBHoYijl2-oQ4ZOYco3vECX-BkIIDQ0RFMvlpR7o4frmoeaH334RmFN7KkZI1dvoUOktLIO1VCUnhGyxOgP_M80ICh5wDh6TPYj_f4n__QC0g4_qXHlTtsRa6EW92UgdaaaLa4ciObrs/w640-h426/zq%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sur River</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We left Andrew Molera State Park and drove north on Highway 1, in the direction of Monterey. There was plenty of daytime left and still, so we looked for another place where we could to a short walk and sightseeing. I suggested a short walk at Garrapata State Park so there we went next. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-74943838029487360902024-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:002024-02-26T18:42:40.732-08:00Expanding the Horizons: Hiking at Fort Ord National Monument<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTc9cE8VmhiPvyhVWIgTASxbnOLSapHfocagn5lNm4zWPkyBdD51LkqmJy8lwScJkgu0ldkpSSbvFXBh9RvNkyt0dAJqB6KBXQFhcM-HuV_mlH3EamPPo-1a9E9rfw9VoZOtyUz_Xlw5tGOhi3jBA-ivs1z8ZCFFt2cYGQzGYAQPA7r7X3CFJxvw7vkE/s1803/zd%20hills.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTc9cE8VmhiPvyhVWIgTASxbnOLSapHfocagn5lNm4zWPkyBdD51LkqmJy8lwScJkgu0ldkpSSbvFXBh9RvNkyt0dAJqB6KBXQFhcM-HuV_mlH3EamPPo-1a9E9rfw9VoZOtyUz_Xlw5tGOhi3jBA-ivs1z8ZCFFt2cYGQzGYAQPA7r7X3CFJxvw7vkE/w640-h426/zd%20hills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: September 2, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Fort Ord National Monument, Marina, California </div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.585292, -121.713587</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 5.6 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the last Labor Day weekend Pappa Quail and I left the chikas in charge of our home and pets and went on a romantic trip to Monterey. Romantic for us is being just us on the outdoors. We already hiked numerous times at Point Lobos State Park, unarguably the most attractive park in the vicinity of Monterey, and we were looking to see some new places. I found Fort Ord National Monument and decided to go check it out. We arrived at Ford Ord's parking area first thing on Saturday morning, and it was overcast and cool, and other than the trees, it was very, very dry. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUY7maqwM8tZjSvMk005RSMT-u_uzxEts9_YdjG0rkSJ2dV8BBit4f1ynxUmbda9s0kvmijclTwiXoOSIZiFX4jkc_V8sPMFAyEjdATWtJGsYwHzMIeLHciN-BDcTuZQwp0F2mjerqtIXmhlDFn0vcPhFhRXLxhEAFfB0IU9r5uhxYghOqW7JUpJYxCo/s1803/xv%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUY7maqwM8tZjSvMk005RSMT-u_uzxEts9_YdjG0rkSJ2dV8BBit4f1ynxUmbda9s0kvmijclTwiXoOSIZiFX4jkc_V8sPMFAyEjdATWtJGsYwHzMIeLHciN-BDcTuZQwp0F2mjerqtIXmhlDFn0vcPhFhRXLxhEAFfB0IU9r5uhxYghOqW7JUpJYxCo/w640-h426/xv%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I chose the most reasonable loop trail that we could hike in the time we had. Starting southwest, we followed the dirt road beyond the gate of the parking lot. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflBUDrGoqPyBar-G2p6dqlKb5VSVEWM0dX6qW84uGxk4C9Hal56bBS82EGZH4dvV39Lptr6iuvBZKQRDz7nbx8qg9YLaGhHFqLulKATSuSi9kE3pHISKgnZIKLtkatOGRfNK_1c4Eni80PnKXWXdyurFLNqFsl2wywLVHaxRo4eaJjBlH5ctCr-yM7vo/s1971/5.6%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1971" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflBUDrGoqPyBar-G2p6dqlKb5VSVEWM0dX6qW84uGxk4C9Hal56bBS82EGZH4dvV39Lptr6iuvBZKQRDz7nbx8qg9YLaGhHFqLulKATSuSi9kE3pHISKgnZIKLtkatOGRfNK_1c4Eni80PnKXWXdyurFLNqFsl2wywLVHaxRo4eaJjBlH5ctCr-yM7vo/w640-h495/5.6%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Close to the trailhead there were a number of large sycamore trees. They were still in their late summer foliage, but the hems of their leaves were beginning to turn brown and many of the lower leaves displayed large, yellow blemishes. Fall was in its beginning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KhCqKNgQNXKTvZZ6GK1YwYbj2atCZ9tJP3BholfHnEySFHtrRXpqmymhoiGpfUD_t5326iULMzYFHtZ4q7GolZ6pR3VnKtcbTbH4Q1CrbOKCRUEymrELw9AiDrj1yj1EarUEizZBT6z77tvkB_ZCn34aZB5MJSsi_Ya5HIwvHr2WbM4q9pm6Uh7GDOs/s1803/xw%20sycamore.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KhCqKNgQNXKTvZZ6GK1YwYbj2atCZ9tJP3BholfHnEySFHtrRXpqmymhoiGpfUD_t5326iULMzYFHtZ4q7GolZ6pR3VnKtcbTbH4Q1CrbOKCRUEymrELw9AiDrj1yj1EarUEizZBT6z77tvkB_ZCn34aZB5MJSsi_Ya5HIwvHr2WbM4q9pm6Uh7GDOs/w640-h426/xw%20sycamore.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sycamore</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were more trees past the sycamores but they were mostly live oaks. A few bushes dotted the ground between the trees. I was surprised to see a wild rose blooming, way past its season. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vd0hT5UWPYS6D9Y1J6Q_wtfOdYk5Qvn0w_CGFfz2wDa49-8d6GQgsyUqkXVK874Yq_Ejoxc1gsL_vGodwpUk1uYkrcA0jIjqt0Di5C2UKIF1hueBbtpZqajYH6jpGh8z-0r0WSZe4NJv0qQKCiOMDhJmsa80NMKGG-rSv8WOPhGfCbSfQsfahy1ehmU/s1915/xy%20rose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1915" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vd0hT5UWPYS6D9Y1J6Q_wtfOdYk5Qvn0w_CGFfz2wDa49-8d6GQgsyUqkXVK874Yq_Ejoxc1gsL_vGodwpUk1uYkrcA0jIjqt0Di5C2UKIF1hueBbtpZqajYH6jpGh8z-0r0WSZe4NJv0qQKCiOMDhJmsa80NMKGG-rSv8WOPhGfCbSfQsfahy1ehmU/w640-h454/xy%20rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calirornia Wild Rose, Rosa californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We turned onto Guidotti Rd. and started ascending the hills. When we left the low ground we also left most of the trees behind. The hills were covered in dry grass, and looked very empty, same for a few, well separated from one another, oaks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimE007T-aaLXJvffDTHTsBapWsu3CozO95ZjfgUFWIT2SLhGSPrUoUuOxPqWWocO-vFmYvuJXVkYvsl9pPnDEq1D5hsNHrTLQwMD5AEMIBXjvuaV_pfyqiHPdTDThrquDIz7VZZT8-kdjUTC8U-XvHv6OfQ3tYRBjGf-rdSRUFTkQbHu4X0ZRj8ykoig/s1803/ya%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimE007T-aaLXJvffDTHTsBapWsu3CozO95ZjfgUFWIT2SLhGSPrUoUuOxPqWWocO-vFmYvuJXVkYvsl9pPnDEq1D5hsNHrTLQwMD5AEMIBXjvuaV_pfyqiHPdTDThrquDIz7VZZT8-kdjUTC8U-XvHv6OfQ3tYRBjGf-rdSRUFTkQbHu4X0ZRj8ykoig/w640-h426/ya%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guidotti Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is what is called and Oak Savanna plant community. Nearly the entire area was an open savanna grassland. The few oak trees were growing, one here, one there, or in narrow lines at the bottom of the dry gulches, where runoff water lasts the longest after a temporary post rainfall flow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mwzO8A5i12V28AslVMb3-VHH4NjvSSwAKzDfNUcGapRaAmjy2Unyg6zsRXQOlNi8IOK00L_tJiI2jyWoAnDC2C-yzCi96zH6PDYaGDGybfD_hRd9dc5fvIl6YtGUAH6d-8ksfL40FmAKLpfQ6PhKI2tnDUAqz_7H6Q6v5vCpLi9wHhGR3WC9e2yQkVw/s1803/yc%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mwzO8A5i12V28AslVMb3-VHH4NjvSSwAKzDfNUcGapRaAmjy2Unyg6zsRXQOlNi8IOK00L_tJiI2jyWoAnDC2C-yzCi96zH6PDYaGDGybfD_hRd9dc5fvIl6YtGUAH6d-8ksfL40FmAKLpfQ6PhKI2tnDUAqz_7H6Q6v5vCpLi9wHhGR3WC9e2yQkVw/w640-h426/yc%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Savanna</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a broad view everything but the trees looked bone dry. On a closer view however, there was green plant life. Amongst the tall, dry grasses snaked the long vines of morning glory plants. Their dark, heart-shaped leaves offset the golden brown of the dead grasses. Some of the morning glory were blooming too, a very lovely sight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8cNypIVt4ICwelcZb4wu1deWX6v1YraCL2qTq6NLDtnxXrx7iZhBx8DSB4wJdqXnZgBgyTu_aKKCD7cO1v_DCbNDHNEn6g2EsU43v-KdW_7SedYsUAg4mtMOHTzHCDumv3DkHjnKZk_Q89fWS_egh_Nc0l2MRprk_DMKtQ8KbzUePVgqBeZjYdg3wk4/s1343/yd%20bindweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1343" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8cNypIVt4ICwelcZb4wu1deWX6v1YraCL2qTq6NLDtnxXrx7iZhBx8DSB4wJdqXnZgBgyTu_aKKCD7cO1v_DCbNDHNEn6g2EsU43v-KdW_7SedYsUAg4mtMOHTzHCDumv3DkHjnKZk_Q89fWS_egh_Nc0l2MRprk_DMKtQ8KbzUePVgqBeZjYdg3wk4/w640-h454/yd%20bindweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Morning Glory, Calystegia purpurata </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While I was admiring the morning glory, Papa Quail spotted another thing to admire - a pair of American kestrels on coyote brush somewhat off the trail. One of them flew away almost immediately but the other stayed and posed for a while. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBuGdliqe0PM9kYzq2vGMvDEj10hyLk6yOAaLUHN5zu1SZKuqNzb6-IopRa8N8aiiYQdoCWlCQspFeVuQUCRK6gD-s6d58uv1ALr2Q2m5e2V_9HVUXNtxhMQFWNaEO2cRLP5kblo8srQjjDY00hY4x7Ea85VrcAKR1nYq7ys_1OlVCjNdR4NqL0iLmLI/s1520/zw%20kestrel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1520" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBuGdliqe0PM9kYzq2vGMvDEj10hyLk6yOAaLUHN5zu1SZKuqNzb6-IopRa8N8aiiYQdoCWlCQspFeVuQUCRK6gD-s6d58uv1ALr2Q2m5e2V_9HVUXNtxhMQFWNaEO2cRLP5kblo8srQjjDY00hY4x7Ea85VrcAKR1nYq7ys_1OlVCjNdR4NqL0iLmLI/w640-h444/zw%20kestrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Kestrel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We continued slowly uphill. The slope was mild enough but we kept pausing to look at things and to chat. Another hiker came up from behind us and passed us as a speedy pace. We were taking it slowly, matching the nature around us, a land laying in wait - waiting for the rains to spring back life. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqIftbE98elkdst1N298VrRrcHBMajdxlXsK0lUrzlu8eSNiDUPTejU7l5Iv9FLxTwSQ22Lh6q3rFVy0zqXw71OSh8PfNfgCWx7HKgL-rWtRercDpI19uN4OL1P3JxoYU6B7drAHoT7Fnon2Z-2mX9lEHDWbCrJGC0GGbndq47yFGXQyPL4hXK55KI4A/s1803/ye%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqIftbE98elkdst1N298VrRrcHBMajdxlXsK0lUrzlu8eSNiDUPTejU7l5Iv9FLxTwSQ22Lh6q3rFVy0zqXw71OSh8PfNfgCWx7HKgL-rWtRercDpI19uN4OL1P3JxoYU6B7drAHoT7Fnon2Z-2mX9lEHDWbCrJGC0GGbndq47yFGXQyPL4hXK55KI4A/w640-h426/ye%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guidotti Road </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although it felt to me that we were moving slow, we did in fact, get to the high ground pretty quickly. From the higher part of the trail we had a nice view down the creek. The creek was lined with riparian trees and bushes, and in one place where the trees were parted, we saw a small pond. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYBVJyXkeaWTqJMKRtZPduRjhTAksdkhDtHmvAHAKST7avOLv2hdbKojwzBcWXsZh-kh8VEak5QDg2c1OWGw9g96xKFe6eqQAQJGXVrPKVskXcJ7Ny-uDNkFl9GUTFZmHaVqRt0Nv-tnBetn30vJbFF_89df8ktl61g32Twpb-yMqoOUPdbpQBwW5f1s/s1803/yg%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYBVJyXkeaWTqJMKRtZPduRjhTAksdkhDtHmvAHAKST7avOLv2hdbKojwzBcWXsZh-kh8VEak5QDg2c1OWGw9g96xKFe6eqQAQJGXVrPKVskXcJ7Ny-uDNkFl9GUTFZmHaVqRt0Nv-tnBetn30vJbFF_89df8ktl61g32Twpb-yMqoOUPdbpQBwW5f1s/w640-h426/yg%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A bit higher up the creek I couldn't detect any water but I did see one huge eucalyptus towering from an island in the middle of the creek. Very likely that this island was formed by this very tree, which was holding the soil with its roots, slowing down the erosion. Eucalyptus trees are, of course, not native to California but are immigrants from Australia, brought here t drain wetlands and to provide cheep, fast-growing construction wood.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKBH6y4yF7tDaZgZEAWGLoRXR-Vonw4w_-irldvbD3gKb-YmnUrGzu-yNcKPWWmvbbF8LG9ANMA31BVnls4GNa9oACeKGt6iO_3KBGZzdZbq7GJuaDNg4cAAfHL_B6cYgf6gCrDaiTteLyaC5BDfN4F_BKeQRl3OJP_tKkCkZlPCfRwl39DjEjExyea0/s1803/yh%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKBH6y4yF7tDaZgZEAWGLoRXR-Vonw4w_-irldvbD3gKb-YmnUrGzu-yNcKPWWmvbbF8LG9ANMA31BVnls4GNa9oACeKGt6iO_3KBGZzdZbq7GJuaDNg4cAAfHL_B6cYgf6gCrDaiTteLyaC5BDfN4F_BKeQRl3OJP_tKkCkZlPCfRwl39DjEjExyea0/w640-h426/yh%20tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eucalyptus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The entire area around us was mountainous. The mountains on the southwest were all forested with dark live oak trees. It was quite a sharp contrast with the open grassland of the hills we were hiking on. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSXVvQRxHrHneWw6cn44pg-R6QZnU6bn1jH7EUhrs_9UazCjI8aQb8c2PZ39JUIMTY8jhS_-iuahVSZZqiUNko8t2rHSoh_228JVZrdfhZxArC553_vCASoqNoMOhLMmE-KT_NQIYNdcdG9aLFbVjhcX1UO9y7WzUnJdmo8SQ7sihosl7OKf1Zv6T7bU/s1803/yj%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSXVvQRxHrHneWw6cn44pg-R6QZnU6bn1jH7EUhrs_9UazCjI8aQb8c2PZ39JUIMTY8jhS_-iuahVSZZqiUNko8t2rHSoh_228JVZrdfhZxArC553_vCASoqNoMOhLMmE-KT_NQIYNdcdG9aLFbVjhcX1UO9y7WzUnJdmo8SQ7sihosl7OKf1Zv6T7bU/w640-h426/yj%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail pointed out a pretty thistle to me. It was a bull thistle - very pretty indeed, but a non-native, invasive species in California. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8igSX4e_YRK0LjeWQNf1K8EHbH8pDOzqd4G-B3feXOpkVP_f_udxh-l_RKjmx4i2j2s61XmP_8njRwhYWq1aWfe3lE9Z3J00TewwQ44uqAXj9oNP1DfadoiUvwsoESmFrJmUs9SgW_Ttpz2UW8KYuWZe6RSJGr0G1h14q6vTnwiCG_m6sPJvvfK6lT0/s1263/yk%20bumblebee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1263" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8igSX4e_YRK0LjeWQNf1K8EHbH8pDOzqd4G-B3feXOpkVP_f_udxh-l_RKjmx4i2j2s61XmP_8njRwhYWq1aWfe3lE9Z3J00TewwQ44uqAXj9oNP1DfadoiUvwsoESmFrJmUs9SgW_Ttpz2UW8KYuWZe6RSJGr0G1h14q6vTnwiCG_m6sPJvvfK6lT0/w640-h462/yk%20bumblebee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Thistle, Cirsium Vulgare, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tiny, white-flowered lotus was more interesting to me. It was also harder to see - I had to push away the dry grasses from over it in order to take a clear enough photo. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-sZ5SYzCbdqoSJPcF-OnPKbRqYlaVi7kVlh45UZN-f6DDpD8CzCgE-uoK2A7ozSlR9cuzWwTyty5UlFUxv_vIOxYZIWcx0oodN4wglxLs2HnbjFNqoPbIoWbiKaBIDKM1s_gc1bvV2BFST5kKlvOx8BmKO23T9uqPNNwWjzJM6oC1q6iONXqdboFJmE/s1439/yl%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1439" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-sZ5SYzCbdqoSJPcF-OnPKbRqYlaVi7kVlh45UZN-f6DDpD8CzCgE-uoK2A7ozSlR9cuzWwTyty5UlFUxv_vIOxYZIWcx0oodN4wglxLs2HnbjFNqoPbIoWbiKaBIDKM1s_gc1bvV2BFST5kKlvOx8BmKO23T9uqPNNwWjzJM6oC1q6iONXqdboFJmE/w640-h453/yl%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Bird's Foot Trefoil, Acmispon americanus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't see much wildlife on this hike. There were a few birds - Pappa Quail spotted them much quicker than me. I kept my eyes closer and found mostly insects, like this cool-looking velvet ant. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5VLpjhHEDEymgCAmfuCBQJZ2UhIc0x3jM1gDet1TiQjq4QzYXSWmnsQz2E3I40jMC_aXAUSSu3v3VbVuGtn1RfGSXl_WeMtmkN2oA-FVt-nfSFv3sfSYEZ6cvd290_FHimkgx69ISk34UolyyEle9RmdMTV_lep-eMQGsuMXGvQamDzitV1Hex3nIN0/s1225/ym%20ant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1225" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5VLpjhHEDEymgCAmfuCBQJZ2UhIc0x3jM1gDet1TiQjq4QzYXSWmnsQz2E3I40jMC_aXAUSSu3v3VbVuGtn1RfGSXl_WeMtmkN2oA-FVt-nfSFv3sfSYEZ6cvd290_FHimkgx69ISk34UolyyEle9RmdMTV_lep-eMQGsuMXGvQamDzitV1Hex3nIN0/w640-h448/ym%20ant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hills tapered off on the northeast, dropping down into Salinas Valley. Behind Salinas Valley however, rose the high ridge of the Diablo Range. A blanket of gray clouds stretched across the sky all the way to those mountains, but these were not the clouds of rain awaited for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug7qP5Fnb4MSzy7ZjW6HkQel1FGvHCvyOlpqFYmIhdTDwenh54qkTNog7rsDvsul1jANz4lNM4rbtDMNDVTqgvblB2wYSMbyoD-W31x2D831M0n93WD3PVgqKDMpuQT9zExX2iSg1gIiKXx2TFZZGqrJ9t1zu0cVwB1Nf3SJd2-iG0OTsQgOhhWU8o3Q/s1803/yn%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug7qP5Fnb4MSzy7ZjW6HkQel1FGvHCvyOlpqFYmIhdTDwenh54qkTNog7rsDvsul1jANz4lNM4rbtDMNDVTqgvblB2wYSMbyoD-W31x2D831M0n93WD3PVgqKDMpuQT9zExX2iSg1gIiKXx2TFZZGqrJ9t1zu0cVwB1Nf3SJd2-iG0OTsQgOhhWU8o3Q/w640-h426/yn%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A meadowlark raised its voice in song. It wasn't quite the courtship season, but a singing meadowlark is always a treat to listen to. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMykTWWnz3KnjTgpRJhE5pihXeR6GxwT7dPKDWRH9j78N1aSWVScalPk7oLLYxw_998yfSaoRp9vUPanGBLJpzD_gZ-U6-RJPb9G8qI_lqsJRG_SZ-ANtL9JAilpU0GvrDBO-cVkfPwMgrYlK0nKfKrFB2tc-BTpjpV2liTNPCc5RErpKQZPYTmiq1b0/s1566/zx%20meadowlark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1566" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMykTWWnz3KnjTgpRJhE5pihXeR6GxwT7dPKDWRH9j78N1aSWVScalPk7oLLYxw_998yfSaoRp9vUPanGBLJpzD_gZ-U6-RJPb9G8qI_lqsJRG_SZ-ANtL9JAilpU0GvrDBO-cVkfPwMgrYlK0nKfKrFB2tc-BTpjpV2liTNPCc5RErpKQZPYTmiq1b0/w640-h462/zx%20meadowlark.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadowlark</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We approached the ridge, and from that high place we could see into Salinas Valley. We didn't see much there - the air was very murky. I did like seeing that sole oak on top of the ridge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9USwP7L6NV6mNUASrQCZMQsSk1GAmeiTm2L0IJlQ3cB10XQQVotvdna6fhTzc7w2Nk-Ry52dcSqsuyd62H8slTHhISTJNzRmQkAjVr1mVApUhFrVVW8DqMZZgn5fpSpYQSljkFOSyttn733pHM8TUIRvEXPX2JgvDCK7u7PJB3apDeUuP676cV4TIh4/s1803/yq%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9USwP7L6NV6mNUASrQCZMQsSk1GAmeiTm2L0IJlQ3cB10XQQVotvdna6fhTzc7w2Nk-Ry52dcSqsuyd62H8slTHhISTJNzRmQkAjVr1mVApUhFrVVW8DqMZZgn5fpSpYQSljkFOSyttn733pHM8TUIRvEXPX2JgvDCK7u7PJB3apDeUuP676cV4TIh4/w640-h426/yq%20tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the ridge I found yet another fall wildflower - the heliotrope. Once again I was amazed by the liveliness and vigor of plants at the very end of the dry season, when most of the area plants were in suspension until the awakening kiss of winter rains. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Tbwnf7hbmGu41Tga7h4DDzOmdYiXu9Pmy3o80xQbFmby7gkWrsURKtJTO5fbyCjo_QOd9uzC5iSN8EGVBpY4ZsdNGloo_sqLw4_gEUiC9MGjbYjleH3L9paxwfyNRa6doT0xX5AJ9rzZP3oEzdOi7X-CkTRMEnsIXgCWwvNNz87zqpLMRJ33JqDevQ/s1803/yr%20heliotrope.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Tbwnf7hbmGu41Tga7h4DDzOmdYiXu9Pmy3o80xQbFmby7gkWrsURKtJTO5fbyCjo_QOd9uzC5iSN8EGVBpY4ZsdNGloo_sqLw4_gEUiC9MGjbYjleH3L9paxwfyNRa6doT0xX5AJ9rzZP3oEzdOi7X-CkTRMEnsIXgCWwvNNz87zqpLMRJ33JqDevQ/w640-h426/yr%20heliotrope.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heliotroph, Heliotropium curassavicum </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tarplants are also among the late summer and fall bloomers. There are a number of tarplant species, categorized into several genera. It is beyond my knowledge to tell them apart. I love seeing them, nonetheless. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuBida9L-PVJ8-1ZJri-bYg3JoC6h-shGvEqxsgq68K876X5OdihOBbk-yGeePhpnoUOJ6jzd_1mITFN7lGpXp40q0U_tC5zGemuSqcA1DGY8p8X2Kb-zRd__VnSxap2NvgbgWAwSC6b-eI_7HTLZDIVMtnIXDLpcJJmg1tmZLz-MlAU0GZbmh9za26Y/s1537/yt%20tarweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1537" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuBida9L-PVJ8-1ZJri-bYg3JoC6h-shGvEqxsgq68K876X5OdihOBbk-yGeePhpnoUOJ6jzd_1mITFN7lGpXp40q0U_tC5zGemuSqcA1DGY8p8X2Kb-zRd__VnSxap2NvgbgWAwSC6b-eI_7HTLZDIVMtnIXDLpcJJmg1tmZLz-MlAU0GZbmh9za26Y/w640-h446/yt%20tarweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarplant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a moment the clouds parted and the mountains on the south - the north end of the Big Sur, were lit up by a crown of sunlight. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-RNFGOtgyHMReLSCJDxc9qTWacl_iKx2tpMlN4reNPKb8F8nFgr1z9UFlzKIyuQYH7TnkXJmhoeCz50F7P_BbJQOD6NpMCJ_1xWjh8viUrjDDMEHQVwOaz5n4NMyAq_ZnF8s5fLw7f2WNS26LZlvzkou1NQ0O035pMTEzRixv8JgnJEj7Q7r9bvQdko/s1803/yu%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-RNFGOtgyHMReLSCJDxc9qTWacl_iKx2tpMlN4reNPKb8F8nFgr1z9UFlzKIyuQYH7TnkXJmhoeCz50F7P_BbJQOD6NpMCJ_1xWjh8viUrjDDMEHQVwOaz5n4NMyAq_ZnF8s5fLw7f2WNS26LZlvzkou1NQ0O035pMTEzRixv8JgnJEj7Q7r9bvQdko/w640-h426/yu%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We turned northeast on Skyline Rd, and started following the ridge line. The trail was mostly level, or undulated mildly up and down, but mostly downhill. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdvTNMGwRtno3ap61G0b8m04glPoB2L_ymNFk_w1Q8ZLqHkcQcpUJOfJoITYJ3CmiLUtS6KHbjwQYpSz9oHA8lvdAb2ZWLva5UasAge6hFE51fiRCO2owYDQYR1essQrHsUxmmJECpauJPsVZiz6_getRKjEzbSdERVbW_aNpiYAaLmwUjvnIWHq0Ex0/s1803/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdvTNMGwRtno3ap61G0b8m04glPoB2L_ymNFk_w1Q8ZLqHkcQcpUJOfJoITYJ3CmiLUtS6KHbjwQYpSz9oHA8lvdAb2ZWLva5UasAge6hFE51fiRCO2owYDQYR1essQrHsUxmmJECpauJPsVZiz6_getRKjEzbSdERVbW_aNpiYAaLmwUjvnIWHq0Ex0/w640-h426/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skyline Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">From Skyline Road we had good views in all directions. When the clouds parted we could even see Salinas better, despite the murky air. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTx95E7HGniZJnsYxt2LBoUeVu00i9ECLvCGwZJPVYSTUGEibC-Y0KneI8a3o8vzCabJw25X1vlsg3wqjvGYKBgk-lFuX2KkzusJ9J__G_VXh-4EACHpzCemT6vIjsAulF-_7QHx_RAoZkW8XIo5Pu4qIPSB92RzVU_wtHo4wpP4DkVerdbIy04twAr0/s1803/yw%20Salinas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTx95E7HGniZJnsYxt2LBoUeVu00i9ECLvCGwZJPVYSTUGEibC-Y0KneI8a3o8vzCabJw25X1vlsg3wqjvGYKBgk-lFuX2KkzusJ9J__G_VXh-4EACHpzCemT6vIjsAulF-_7QHx_RAoZkW8XIo5Pu4qIPSB92RzVU_wtHo4wpP4DkVerdbIy04twAr0/w640-h426/yw%20Salinas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salinas</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Skyline Rd curved north and we continued straight on what was now called Oilwell Rd., still along the ridge. From there we also had a nice view, a much closer one, at the creek below us and the beautiful erosion pattern of the creek banks. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqVmDlOyh1ewTO9waVR-DVWIeXwJ3hzABY7tCNseavxZkHF48_XNto943aed-LLp7nl7SmpIUJVgSjKi7c8Lg16iw8tsQusqq-HuEMganncD4-XHyB0PCpMz8ZvwKvNey_lGIAvsD8CGNpiPmfY3mJf30Zravi3w3PU7F-PuKVIbu6_R8RLVspzmrK-A/s1555/za%20wadi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1555" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqVmDlOyh1ewTO9waVR-DVWIeXwJ3hzABY7tCNseavxZkHF48_XNto943aed-LLp7nl7SmpIUJVgSjKi7c8Lg16iw8tsQusqq-HuEMganncD4-XHyB0PCpMz8ZvwKvNey_lGIAvsD8CGNpiPmfY3mJf30Zravi3w3PU7F-PuKVIbu6_R8RLVspzmrK-A/w640-h446/za%20wadi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed another trail junction and the trail splitting off to the north was named Three Sister's Rd. and I had to look twice because of the odd way the name was written. We continued east on Oilwell Rd. and it was all downhill from that point, mildly at first. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6B_9JbTzrV2h8eWdFHj99wJbLt7QL96eUxcppEjhHNLzyj1gZlkWMeFYK0l_vhsyoqma-piB17TgExsiuXoUYlQf0_p9ULR-xArHV4lGcNETKfBxGLgt2bROn_EKvMClZeEvejunXrWodlbJ27wJq-fVlSK7Pauv9_-NdueLxqBae51mZbAGoa2LubQ/s1803/zb%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6B_9JbTzrV2h8eWdFHj99wJbLt7QL96eUxcppEjhHNLzyj1gZlkWMeFYK0l_vhsyoqma-piB17TgExsiuXoUYlQf0_p9ULR-xArHV4lGcNETKfBxGLgt2bROn_EKvMClZeEvejunXrWodlbJ27wJq-fVlSK7Pauv9_-NdueLxqBae51mZbAGoa2LubQ/w640-h426/zb%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oilwell Rd.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mustard was introduced in California by the Spanish missionaries in the late 1700s. They sawed it all over the coastal range areas and, like many other Mediterranean annual and biennial plants, it took very well in California, establishing itself as one of the prominent plant species along the California coast. It is in spring time when vast yellow mustard fields bloom seemingly everywhere, but single plants here and there can grow and bloom around the year. I've seen a few mustard plants blooming along our Fort Ord hike. This one in the photo below was visited by another introduced species - the honey bee. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LvcIwDBcSCRIUnGxhAuis6bamQmBMqtLm1GIYDhYaUUMmapS2lQ4TrjYRu8gQc7z0On-f7P8asI-WpP1BqK7DNg6r66Eh_AqvFpNk-i1V-_wpASjcZi9Rlpzsr1wihckDbI2xjlOv7mUr644xXx9PY_0tXais7NyqoSCGmy1Kyrm9uYtUteuH_Y6W7U/s1194/zc%20bee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1194" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LvcIwDBcSCRIUnGxhAuis6bamQmBMqtLm1GIYDhYaUUMmapS2lQ4TrjYRu8gQc7z0On-f7P8asI-WpP1BqK7DNg6r66Eh_AqvFpNk-i1V-_wpASjcZi9Rlpzsr1wihckDbI2xjlOv7mUr644xXx9PY_0tXais7NyqoSCGmy1Kyrm9uYtUteuH_Y6W7U/w640-h454/zc%20bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Bee on Mustard </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw also some California asters that looked vigorous and were blooming in isolated spots along the trail. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcUAzBQ4mGNexPmWaC8HiSSb2XwVc_h_ZsWpU5xuFSyIr6ocVCbfWuPu_aNmAm5K2BtRXks2ovR7ErBQinJYL5J7agQ1n0E4_AjAwGFlsBe_R72WWQUpzws7Fz5yRw3LEz-1LypmvJUWW9jctsOZwz1oqcViXKZJ_ASc7FIq1M-VQqbSWWTESSbwng9U/s1535/zf%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1535" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcUAzBQ4mGNexPmWaC8HiSSb2XwVc_h_ZsWpU5xuFSyIr6ocVCbfWuPu_aNmAm5K2BtRXks2ovR7ErBQinJYL5J7agQ1n0E4_AjAwGFlsBe_R72WWQUpzws7Fz5yRw3LEz-1LypmvJUWW9jctsOZwz1oqcViXKZJ_ASc7FIq1M-VQqbSWWTESSbwng9U/w640-h442/zf%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Aster, Symphyotrichum chilense<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the next trail junction we turned southeast toward Creekside, the little town nearest to the Fort Ord trailhead we parked in. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt2-rQgaxMtcrJSQ5wmBXWPXwlYgh3IwtJrG5sTMfreaUDugEfhK7YnfmV1z2sI9DHYFYJkXRinHXAIF1yfwsSbll-a9phMGw2yCzxdSMEFiLEbfoYQ4nKNR3ikGn4OSyiluDwadvJFrwRnx0MSyxWJmba6op6qsnCEgVL_o6SIhCwRplxuM5MsaTcXQ/s1803/zh%20neighborhood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt2-rQgaxMtcrJSQ5wmBXWPXwlYgh3IwtJrG5sTMfreaUDugEfhK7YnfmV1z2sI9DHYFYJkXRinHXAIF1yfwsSbll-a9phMGw2yCzxdSMEFiLEbfoYQ4nKNR3ikGn4OSyiluDwadvJFrwRnx0MSyxWJmba6op6qsnCEgVL_o6SIhCwRplxuM5MsaTcXQ/w640-h426/zh%20neighborhood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creekside</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail, named on the map Trail 45, had no junction signs. It did however, go pretty much straight down to the town and the creek path that we expected would take us back to the trailhead. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDD3A79JladlsBiIpBMeqYhHw92myVtTnXvZo95XFWiRCkpUaXYxkDD4YSkIdJ2QJz1WEA8Npc7NgGQX5prG7qaAsVLWdJPK4SlAfjSjL82eyIqwrZcW3pleQX8tZjhjK04Gjr0xmfv4zjITE9uS6ZVwYCAXw07MHfDUbw-DjslPxapfD_ZdWBz2cA2M/s1803/zi%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDD3A79JladlsBiIpBMeqYhHw92myVtTnXvZo95XFWiRCkpUaXYxkDD4YSkIdJ2QJz1WEA8Npc7NgGQX5prG7qaAsVLWdJPK4SlAfjSjL82eyIqwrZcW3pleQX8tZjhjK04Gjr0xmfv4zjITE9uS6ZVwYCAXw07MHfDUbw-DjslPxapfD_ZdWBz2cA2M/w640-h426/zi%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail 45<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This Trail 45 was considerably steeper than Oilwell Rd. Pappa Quail went ahead fast but I took it slower, being careful on the loos gravel that rendered the path slippery. It also gave me the time to look at more plants along the way. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4yXHT8F7okfTppYiYiQX3qPQP0SSKHIjpvej8d7HnL8085vHCANVxtW78DeZq-8qwF_tE4UJaReZcyqKR5rlgMJs48z3RoH22DH9yVRQm4NIorXH9CDNnGw_aDp-l8xdhKCvSAcMhyphenhyphenewFCo_Qpq91ZFEj6KkBTEMvuw6VxPkGhO3XVvHNqjmz4Hl_pM/s1531/zj%20rabbitbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1531" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4yXHT8F7okfTppYiYiQX3qPQP0SSKHIjpvej8d7HnL8085vHCANVxtW78DeZq-8qwF_tE4UJaReZcyqKR5rlgMJs48z3RoH22DH9yVRQm4NIorXH9CDNnGw_aDp-l8xdhKCvSAcMhyphenhyphenewFCo_Qpq91ZFEj6KkBTEMvuw6VxPkGhO3XVvHNqjmz4Hl_pM/w640-h436/zj%20rabbitbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawtooth Goldenbush, Hazardia squarrosa<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail spotted a coyote, and run ahead to get a better viewpoint for a photograph. By the time I caught up with him' the coyote was already gone. Oh, well. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcejryfroAp4_sszGtKHK8NEB8Rmq6TELwJXUMSzSHQ6cL_gVSu2zCiGfskbnJOAlonhjhupPE1KSmPAJfgFoS5LlqVzhOmJh_GCKlw2TP-Ce170kNCMX2cZDcpLc3Pdp9Kuu83ddlu56AFB2jiA_zFAde64aYFS4ldqhaa6wCGPwCFtceYiAOnsbb0fs/s1214/zy%20coyote.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1214" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcejryfroAp4_sszGtKHK8NEB8Rmq6TELwJXUMSzSHQ6cL_gVSu2zCiGfskbnJOAlonhjhupPE1KSmPAJfgFoS5LlqVzhOmJh_GCKlw2TP-Ce170kNCMX2cZDcpLc3Pdp9Kuu83ddlu56AFB2jiA_zFAde64aYFS4ldqhaa6wCGPwCFtceYiAOnsbb0fs/w640-h432/zy%20coyote.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyote</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below us, at the bottom of Trail 45 was a little pond. We were hoping to see some more wildlife near the water, although from our point of view we couldn't see any waterfowl in the water. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrwLkHj21b5nAA3J-v8khENHtC86yjt9zY9btGZGTap_2sOZIvcg3p-r1eG_BOoH3FlE2-zgEfUHBNOG2Xx_dpZjdwQH-03_Pzh4UF7TqjpSHT89bF2EVnrrlbsLaf9SuICemnA_ZpRUBLeUZp_RW8Zchi_qVekSJBcQom4w4KFo0iPmV7mM6M7XbvRU/s1803/zk%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrwLkHj21b5nAA3J-v8khENHtC86yjt9zY9btGZGTap_2sOZIvcg3p-r1eG_BOoH3FlE2-zgEfUHBNOG2Xx_dpZjdwQH-03_Pzh4UF7TqjpSHT89bF2EVnrrlbsLaf9SuICemnA_ZpRUBLeUZp_RW8Zchi_qVekSJBcQom4w4KFo0iPmV7mM6M7XbvRU/w640-h426/zk%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Near the pond we confirmed no waterfowl anywhere in sight. There were no other animals were visible either, but we did see two other hikers who lingered for a bit near the water before continuing up Trail 45. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0brShyphenhyphen8PaVx_oLv5pe4YJj6a7ljVdNz4iMPX2dT938xFvpgqIAGdatTXh1T2CRuOHsDjz8YaLhFIphTnjio94tCpNuQY-oxHg8voRxhM-uKYaT2TtqUTjcrxEgdrzaHyc1uFbK-ai96u8G-hB_CztHpiPVpqVhioxMvf1q5UP90IRQmryYlsHtxZUWyo/s1803/zm%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0brShyphenhyphen8PaVx_oLv5pe4YJj6a7ljVdNz4iMPX2dT938xFvpgqIAGdatTXh1T2CRuOHsDjz8YaLhFIphTnjio94tCpNuQY-oxHg8voRxhM-uKYaT2TtqUTjcrxEgdrzaHyc1uFbK-ai96u8G-hB_CztHpiPVpqVhioxMvf1q5UP90IRQmryYlsHtxZUWyo/w640-h426/zm%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw a small flash of pink and approached the pond to see what that was. It was the fresh inflorescence of a spotted ladythumb - a non-native riparian vine. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcFm11NjgPrf8UAHtFypXn_JMk6NbZioVwB5amY5LW7rRAOIXgvxuTTvB6S36fAIfdO-SGUDBtvZlRrqoG3T4mKHsl3ANnp3Wjsn_HaZn1GSBUvYUGo4CusS9w0s31l7z-bLN32-yb56nald5s2kOhdVvz1kPX3miCazmHk7JFvTMoYFW5JN0kvfj3M4/s1325/zn%20plant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1325" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcFm11NjgPrf8UAHtFypXn_JMk6NbZioVwB5amY5LW7rRAOIXgvxuTTvB6S36fAIfdO-SGUDBtvZlRrqoG3T4mKHsl3ANnp3Wjsn_HaZn1GSBUvYUGo4CusS9w0s31l7z-bLN32-yb56nald5s2kOhdVvz1kPX3miCazmHk7JFvTMoYFW5JN0kvfj3M4/w640-h448/zn%20plant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Ladythumb, Pesicaria maculosa <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On another area of the shore bloomed a small, white mallow plant. Most mallow species I see in the Bay Area are also non-California native plants, but I did take some photos. It turned out that this one was a true local - a California native alkali mallow. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE4hYca1JOeRaMOJPmUPcqGX-yP5Xp0JMiFETgI9XwXBbbOu0UaAjuuw9YOJyMtJU7mJUtRHpe3P4TuLTjd1Ixp1QwksiNAsTpT50UPD6HhiMXdugwpi54YocsE7-PmyduRDU4HZuLY2SofFPh74sJnLAp5M8TGHOXj_OYLmIvlZmzriqz7cYVArNvYQ/s1361/zp%20mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1361" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE4hYca1JOeRaMOJPmUPcqGX-yP5Xp0JMiFETgI9XwXBbbOu0UaAjuuw9YOJyMtJU7mJUtRHpe3P4TuLTjd1Ixp1QwksiNAsTpT50UPD6HhiMXdugwpi54YocsE7-PmyduRDU4HZuLY2SofFPh74sJnLAp5M8TGHOXj_OYLmIvlZmzriqz7cYVArNvYQ/w640-h429/zp%20mallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alkali Mallow, Malvella leprosa<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the higher, dryer ground above the pond bloomed some lupine bushes. They too didn't care that it was the end of summer.<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhtECoEl8Z7fxXbKcu9Y2C0Zw_mJVGOCYUeG2-S7_RSYwDbMWElbAQRYMY7nSq8nfNUjFEheagFdDw6PFCWbcKmLpk2Cf_Pxu9Wc9SK4kZ1dx9I_JuJQgYqRuTmXtEKWfB58hBaE72qcIxyVX33xkGPpJpf2uyXqYlFJYpsr1dKmaofmiqYkg0TS-lLs/s1282/zq%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1282" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhtECoEl8Z7fxXbKcu9Y2C0Zw_mJVGOCYUeG2-S7_RSYwDbMWElbAQRYMY7nSq8nfNUjFEheagFdDw6PFCWbcKmLpk2Cf_Pxu9Wc9SK4kZ1dx9I_JuJQgYqRuTmXtEKWfB58hBaE72qcIxyVX33xkGPpJpf2uyXqYlFJYpsr1dKmaofmiqYkg0TS-lLs/w640-h462/zq%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Bush Lupine, Lupinus albifrons<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We crossed Torro Creek, which was bone dry. Pappa Quail could hear little bush birds in the brush, but none of them was in the open for more than a second or so. These birds did not cooperate. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6fB6TLee2himn5euYPnLMX_KW-rbQHzt4mge1TKy_6cHES_62VsOivo_cer0RYF-BG9o5lD-HgNXU3DeEkBy-ZvJqNRbxrh5UVinsEqFva5k1KUuJY0vKi7kxzc0KxnmPkYFu87b4JR0QmKwy1dmepra7tsQq3LSErwja6D9GSI30FXQA34X73qoPmY/s1803/zr%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6fB6TLee2himn5euYPnLMX_KW-rbQHzt4mge1TKy_6cHES_62VsOivo_cer0RYF-BG9o5lD-HgNXU3DeEkBy-ZvJqNRbxrh5UVinsEqFva5k1KUuJY0vKi7kxzc0KxnmPkYFu87b4JR0QmKwy1dmepra7tsQq3LSErwja6D9GSI30FXQA34X73qoPmY/w640-h426/zr%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torro Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We connected with Torro Creek Rd. and turned south. We had the very dry Torro Creek on the west and the fence walls of the outer Creekside houses on our right. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrkucusetsmnfGrI8a1wTtBNAJnelkYMfdpJYVJNi9aRhQeib4sCjMKUgU0WIohv0NS80UN983BPlsPlS9nHNZPhhYPyXTom1xCsaS6hLu8C5fFb-yM9Z3_OiUCmmD9Fz-ceJ11TmKS8_XYRSM1dVboAggVMf91DR-h-mn6ldOAywPfOlUroiUarg4q4/s1803/zs%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrkucusetsmnfGrI8a1wTtBNAJnelkYMfdpJYVJNi9aRhQeib4sCjMKUgU0WIohv0NS80UN983BPlsPlS9nHNZPhhYPyXTom1xCsaS6hLu8C5fFb-yM9Z3_OiUCmmD9Fz-ceJ11TmKS8_XYRSM1dVboAggVMf91DR-h-mn6ldOAywPfOlUroiUarg4q4/w640-h426/zs%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torro Creek Rd.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail kept trying to photograph the elusive bush birds in the brush along Torro Creek. I settled for a more cooperative subject - a cat that was sitting outside the yard fence and looked at use with apparent lack of enthusiasm. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7o2Ir4c5biOSNd61gsPM7nCiGlOAAy8zBxAbfxhYOBhpvVEDfs82ucndsTVpiM11Oh3zhmZtyY-LRqE5DzBuQwkxo-cIlTAt_qyWmNdAJWYRoV5STuHnL3naeV0FhSPGl8zMkMOytJ8bNiyEyy-83_R_mJTIpERXYggqHrt5qb2n8JHB9AeAguKAvRk/s1028/zt%20cat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1028" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7o2Ir4c5biOSNd61gsPM7nCiGlOAAy8zBxAbfxhYOBhpvVEDfs82ucndsTVpiM11Oh3zhmZtyY-LRqE5DzBuQwkxo-cIlTAt_qyWmNdAJWYRoV5STuHnL3naeV0FhSPGl8zMkMOytJ8bNiyEyy-83_R_mJTIpERXYggqHrt5qb2n8JHB9AeAguKAvRk/w640-h496/zt%20cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually Pappa Quail did get to photograph another bird. Not one of the little bush birds, but a red-tailed hawk that flew over our heads. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAWavQnMPLzerT7EFIKZRsvdIna4wep_r1YZ5BJFHGp0fLbB4nn4_f5EqOCUJcB6HjXUdi79PCNtOZAMa1EqcPU40bhAmFc3cZe7ck_gda1l9LBOXKPjUWwPjxSF-L2mYOqHxNOSQ2uBxUN5bgmrq9BrfBhu7Xita_Ek6m835c8_M06G-SWV3tDJcQEw/s1391/zz%20red%20tailed%20hawk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1391" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAWavQnMPLzerT7EFIKZRsvdIna4wep_r1YZ5BJFHGp0fLbB4nn4_f5EqOCUJcB6HjXUdi79PCNtOZAMa1EqcPU40bhAmFc3cZe7ck_gda1l9LBOXKPjUWwPjxSF-L2mYOqHxNOSQ2uBxUN5bgmrq9BrfBhu7Xita_Ek6m835c8_M06G-SWV3tDJcQEw/w640-h426/zz%20red%20tailed%20hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-tailed Hawk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was fascinated by a line of huge European walnut trees east of the trail. Clearly they were planted there, but it didn't look like anyone was taking care of them anymore. They were feral, with shoots of growing from the base of the stock part, which was American-native black walnut. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxnaStYVYYPmkxFhmlg_HYYchFBNMEzktitsBGw9EX5Pq6yjYUgwC1Tel4-szHPFnYZgwSMJGshbamOM6HA7i9NabHPd8eJhxdw58PtETKO9C65CGtpvnjyQ1VbSPXguIsRERAdgPqY2r7mkOb1WJJubVdCc6BhHLxfUFoLk5hFiNxVSzz9eemGO8gpQ/s1803/zu%20walnut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxnaStYVYYPmkxFhmlg_HYYchFBNMEzktitsBGw9EX5Pq6yjYUgwC1Tel4-szHPFnYZgwSMJGshbamOM6HA7i9NabHPd8eJhxdw58PtETKO9C65CGtpvnjyQ1VbSPXguIsRERAdgPqY2r7mkOb1WJJubVdCc6BhHLxfUFoLk5hFiNxVSzz9eemGO8gpQ/w640-h426/zu%20walnut.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut trees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before reaching the trailhead and completing our loop hike I took another look at the oak savanna hills of Fort Ord National Monument. It would be lovely to hike there in the spring time when the hills are green and the wildflowers abound. It would probably take a while though, before I return. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eGJY3UhGZvi0eI309XSYywqORLJorhmjCOKgMPm3rERijkK4B7HXMkgXJQL-wL2Diyn-bogsgWkLlTvvK-_EDCd4okrSdpVWcVbjZGqvc3lHddgs-9CK_nGqLzm_jF0oBFMNeZUfP0VKm5aKjo4e2kLL55l-_L97tSWXdCQplaBbWpa8H3SdK56SOo/s1803/zv%20hills.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eGJY3UhGZvi0eI309XSYywqORLJorhmjCOKgMPm3rERijkK4B7HXMkgXJQL-wL2Diyn-bogsgWkLlTvvK-_EDCd4okrSdpVWcVbjZGqvc3lHddgs-9CK_nGqLzm_jF0oBFMNeZUfP0VKm5aKjo4e2kLL55l-_L97tSWXdCQplaBbWpa8H3SdK56SOo/w640-h426/zv%20hills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-54366693216895017062024-02-02T23:26:00.000-08:002024-02-02T23:26:19.722-08:00No Longer Exclusive: Hiking at Foothills Regional Preserve<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKrBuxDuOAl-aWmIfMC2Bmqd6wOf-XlD71q5h-vhKelAjnUZnv5nNhK7wHyodsXa-KAf709WCldcJUL_r-kuN6PjTSEiO6AUXT7dMEb-yCAOxzCL-CcQCRoFXxD3Dp7OIUb0BvzAa3O6V8ieq2Ce_8w1-OkjcbIaKdVZVhpFVXyARTTFKFEH4dUe45sc/s1386/zu%20ruddy%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1386" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKrBuxDuOAl-aWmIfMC2Bmqd6wOf-XlD71q5h-vhKelAjnUZnv5nNhK7wHyodsXa-KAf709WCldcJUL_r-kuN6PjTSEiO6AUXT7dMEb-yCAOxzCL-CcQCRoFXxD3Dp7OIUb0BvzAa3O6V8ieq2Ce_8w1-OkjcbIaKdVZVhpFVXyARTTFKFEH4dUe45sc/w640-h416/zu%20ruddy%20ducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruddy Ducks</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: January 14, 2024<br />Place: Foothills Nature Preserve, Palo Alto, California<br />Coordinates: 37.365572, -122.180560<br />Length: 3.5 miles<br />Level: mildly moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Foothills Nature Preserve Is a lovely little park in the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peninsula, west of Palo Alto. This used to be an exclusive park, open only to residents of the City of Palo Alto. In recent years however, it was opened to the general public. Since its public opening I had the chance to hike there a few times, but a couple of weeks agoI had the opportunity to lead my family hiking group on a hike there. Pappa Quail joined me, and already in the parking lot at Vista Hill he took his first phot of a bird. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNnWU8s5LfTeUNxsXMwBVmOLG9lyFxDf5d5bW8TmuS1LZ1AI-EaBKFIPYAN2Xin0T4jyVSVVCZ_0R9bQBvejAKVsUAzWsTQ2e1SlAYF1Th18DUvkuQX7ohTj4wRWKBCHatyzPhFEgAIOe4o487OeU_5BL_cgEgmO46_9QtMWVK-Kg7zc2tZI4HlNfCCA/s1584/zq%20hummingbird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1584" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNnWU8s5LfTeUNxsXMwBVmOLG9lyFxDf5d5bW8TmuS1LZ1AI-EaBKFIPYAN2Xin0T4jyVSVVCZ_0R9bQBvejAKVsUAzWsTQ2e1SlAYF1Th18DUvkuQX7ohTj4wRWKBCHatyzPhFEgAIOe4o487OeU_5BL_cgEgmO46_9QtMWVK-Kg7zc2tZI4HlNfCCA/w640-h430/zq%20hummingbird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's Hummingbird, male</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> After a few minutes of looking at the views all around we hiked down from the parking lot on the north side, then looped around the Vista Hill Road south to the Chamise Trailhead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7H2IpqrlHHGQ5fbtprEoxFCGMNvQ4xtCCVfw64xFhc1lEFT1oRWSA6WyZDbp1JlNSMa2JFOffnShcCi0YCaYWHRWcO77twX_QDWGWv3Dz-JxRyOczVe-z7uyExauB4kYwx6Dgo4yphkUcZ_YAfI5P3xRUr3HGqd9O4WrRCY_t2UyFxSOxOk1nrD8o4U/s1531/3.3%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1531" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7H2IpqrlHHGQ5fbtprEoxFCGMNvQ4xtCCVfw64xFhc1lEFT1oRWSA6WyZDbp1JlNSMa2JFOffnShcCi0YCaYWHRWcO77twX_QDWGWv3Dz-JxRyOczVe-z7uyExauB4kYwx6Dgo4yphkUcZ_YAfI5P3xRUr3HGqd9O4WrRCY_t2UyFxSOxOk1nrD8o4U/w640-h522/3.3%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: left;">True to its name, Chamise Trail cut through high chaparral, most of which was composed of chamise bushes. A few large oaks and some laurels also thrived on that hill slope. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqhSPg7gOJ68Wa_zSKsinrzMIUbvc7QnQxjOL4TCdbB6bwSdYfVodIajVpmcjGuG1HTpvXIBZFBSaNi0ca1E5fWMPwNa7Z62rXWguQ5b7w0ryWYcMZ64WTKatzk3i8yfvasR5Ye2lQubh2A9BGKqo_Iriv9OrQmcvXBOMHbTow3E6yvCbAXJ5LbRGbs4/s1803/xy%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqhSPg7gOJ68Wa_zSKsinrzMIUbvc7QnQxjOL4TCdbB6bwSdYfVodIajVpmcjGuG1HTpvXIBZFBSaNi0ca1E5fWMPwNa7Z62rXWguQ5b7w0ryWYcMZ64WTKatzk3i8yfvasR5Ye2lQubh2A9BGKqo_Iriv9OrQmcvXBOMHbTow3E6yvCbAXJ5LbRGbs4/w640-h426/xy%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamise Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In a short distance down the trail we reached a trail junction, both of which were of Chamise Trail. We took the right arm of the trail, heading west. It was a gorgeous day and, after yesterday's rain the air was clear and the visibility great. There were also lots of mushrooms all over the place. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFHtRtcyICdnXTtSusA6Om4ByoCtMEsq9W2BBoCZaLH7Pm5o1IazPunNr9RXE8q3jC_0m0zcK3_0Rj7KlRLMaHQjkSKLD2xusie-QZ6jYU0qEOFzyk9ML0pErNLiepJam2o-Qa2Qi2dk0pnvhQjkv-nqGbCGolammcAPvOUerNk6nFJ9UIfQogUL64k/s1803/xz%20turkeytail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFHtRtcyICdnXTtSusA6Om4ByoCtMEsq9W2BBoCZaLH7Pm5o1IazPunNr9RXE8q3jC_0m0zcK3_0Rj7KlRLMaHQjkSKLD2xusie-QZ6jYU0qEOFzyk9ML0pErNLiepJam2o-Qa2Qi2dk0pnvhQjkv-nqGbCGolammcAPvOUerNk6nFJ9UIfQogUL64k/w640-h426/xz%20turkeytail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkeytail Fungus</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We turned on a short trail spur leading to a view point. What could be seen from that view point was the opposite hills covered with luxurious oak forest. Had the chaparral been lower we might have been able to see the little lake in the park but as it were, even the dam was barely visible from that point. There is a nice bench there however, and I got the kids in the group engaged in a little trivia quiz about winter in the Bay Area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGpvkBMlvjMYzpt2WRqt1_N_MESWZaQxKHP1Z4PCaSnIkF5EGFt6R6RT-vYyffIkG8BI1lfghfRNRsO6V8KsBhD0FnppEGrohRwBHij3WDAV1QOfe4CGOY9WrRapjmIhQa0q5A7TDNNA_N85f3PjwL5JGzTCHdoehTuDD25zbYcypNhvkbD-aXxr-_1Q/s1803/ya%20chamise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGpvkBMlvjMYzpt2WRqt1_N_MESWZaQxKHP1Z4PCaSnIkF5EGFt6R6RT-vYyffIkG8BI1lfghfRNRsO6V8KsBhD0FnppEGrohRwBHij3WDAV1QOfe4CGOY9WrRapjmIhQa0q5A7TDNNA_N85f3PjwL5JGzTCHdoehTuDD25zbYcypNhvkbD-aXxr-_1Q/w640-h426/ya%20chamise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I knew ahead of time that we won't be seeing much view from that spot. The main reason why I led the group there was the lichen and the mushrooms along that path. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDauspvPVWwVqzrGFJqPa-oAV3IrvZf1M6vbClEZ4idUin326qq8mD-byQ62C216rQV0pNqoWq2qI2NsxSCg7u2DibBaXQcNq3Koel-EDarh0R3glf6dAMtv7pmonkAcUxMogLtaxiA3WOT-yleCSYIPU3GtT8Et_KnYWh-hgrzHMvVAXVU55_xoY-h4A/s1803/yb%20lichen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDauspvPVWwVqzrGFJqPa-oAV3IrvZf1M6vbClEZ4idUin326qq8mD-byQ62C216rQV0pNqoWq2qI2NsxSCg7u2DibBaXQcNq3Koel-EDarh0R3glf6dAMtv7pmonkAcUxMogLtaxiA3WOT-yleCSYIPU3GtT8Et_KnYWh-hgrzHMvVAXVU55_xoY-h4A/w640-h426/yb%20lichen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichen</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed pointing out to the hiking families all the variety of fungi we were seeing along the way, some of which looked very different than the standard cap-shaped mushrooms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dNHNxjvRWEwUIcYOpmwOFaGNrp9r-3M0Svvn9Wbc0HwStvM1BF3d4QKO7egmq_YTPvFagHlCdvalHFHoqGGLhuCmVDO7NWGW0yD3zQ5XUhSyNwztgmXw3GvQjgG0rKWo94lzjPRVFAQNYyHsmS-uyGjcpDPweFZnqCr3dJ1LC3Bd26BxGRBRnzsAAH0/s1803/yc%20black%20domes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dNHNxjvRWEwUIcYOpmwOFaGNrp9r-3M0Svvn9Wbc0HwStvM1BF3d4QKO7egmq_YTPvFagHlCdvalHFHoqGGLhuCmVDO7NWGW0yD3zQ5XUhSyNwztgmXw3GvQjgG0rKWo94lzjPRVFAQNYyHsmS-uyGjcpDPweFZnqCr3dJ1LC3Bd26BxGRBRnzsAAH0/w640-h426/yc%20black%20domes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The coolest fungus we saw was the one called, "witch's butter". It was fresh and brilliant yellow, and all the kids tried prodding at it to see how it feels. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDJ5IAgPHlOa3QirSqfiQRlSsUKY7GQ6UvmFtMAkzD4kThPwSryiw-bFMPemdGhkqH2Wm06IUbmJWgebC2DCHpniCWeOMMQYfXyBOoB80HBkIUqX8825BlnnGzNmBECscEbtFk-DTuQZ1l1cWm0stBMYYmkCJWlsZovjrz8FvyynqsbCkxYP8UZbi9JI/s1315/yd%20witch's%20butter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1315" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDJ5IAgPHlOa3QirSqfiQRlSsUKY7GQ6UvmFtMAkzD4kThPwSryiw-bFMPemdGhkqH2Wm06IUbmJWgebC2DCHpniCWeOMMQYfXyBOoB80HBkIUqX8825BlnnGzNmBECscEbtFk-DTuQZ1l1cWm0stBMYYmkCJWlsZovjrz8FvyynqsbCkxYP8UZbi9JI/w640-h454/yd%20witch's%20butter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witch's Butter Fungus</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Other mucus-looking fungi weren't as appealing to the kids. I still thought they were cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf13LZh5HTagOvqZcoYCsMx_CnrQcTqC-dSSDGngGrvRJESJQMooc9UHNII28XwfbqdbfRNbdT_Tb38MNJZ47b-GHCKaxranidNS1wF2tqY6uQhEJ0u9skdwBPD8tnaU05bz8Au09tSrxcvAkuOKRm3-NpRW0kVlO1YVr9xrIzT4pdImInJzoivq8TTc/s1552/ye%20mushrooms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1552" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf13LZh5HTagOvqZcoYCsMx_CnrQcTqC-dSSDGngGrvRJESJQMooc9UHNII28XwfbqdbfRNbdT_Tb38MNJZ47b-GHCKaxranidNS1wF2tqY6uQhEJ0u9skdwBPD8tnaU05bz8Au09tSrxcvAkuOKRm3-NpRW0kVlO1YVr9xrIzT4pdImInJzoivq8TTc/w640-h422/ye%20mushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All the way down Chamise Trail there is a picnic area where we sat for a snack break. After the break we continued south past a small grove of redwoods on Wild Horse Fire Road. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60Xq6pAtt6Rls4mEj1LSNERH4_a_HQVAyQxzDsUWSS8AHwui4xQM1yBY0xM2xN1aVN4ecHReECZXck2zUX3vn79EruOyK0HB0ji48LBwI-aXV6-zJ2XqOQU7In1IkjaDdkbSwyb8lW8xX1Z8IJyubSdxXIZVM802V0c4idsePeER2O1b2J-AteM6K-pA/s1803/yf%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60Xq6pAtt6Rls4mEj1LSNERH4_a_HQVAyQxzDsUWSS8AHwui4xQM1yBY0xM2xN1aVN4ecHReECZXck2zUX3vn79EruOyK0HB0ji48LBwI-aXV6-zJ2XqOQU7In1IkjaDdkbSwyb8lW8xX1Z8IJyubSdxXIZVM802V0c4idsePeER2O1b2J-AteM6K-pA/w640-h426/yf%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Horse Fire Road</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The last time I was in this park before that week was in the fall of 2022 before the rains begun, and everything was dry. It was nice to see the lush vegetation all over. The soil and the herbs and grasses were still very damp from yesterday's rain.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjChBVHvi4owV2ffP6cAfhiw4-f2pW5a8rusy2WZGS9C7_y18QtTKSjtP3rMBKlBrUYznLEWiZueLpVwucXMaU3tPdh-6hw4IMPaxEZ0LFPQGgCrGjXtI1bfPwiflbJgTDddOxC9ZJsqaWs1Glj2-rdhWw0TS1MoSSYU_yvaDH_6oeU_rVk4INqCjstI/s1803/yj%20miners%20lettuce.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjChBVHvi4owV2ffP6cAfhiw4-f2pW5a8rusy2WZGS9C7_y18QtTKSjtP3rMBKlBrUYznLEWiZueLpVwucXMaU3tPdh-6hw4IMPaxEZ0LFPQGgCrGjXtI1bfPwiflbJgTDddOxC9ZJsqaWs1Glj2-rdhWw0TS1MoSSYU_yvaDH_6oeU_rVk4INqCjstI/w640-h426/yj%20miners%20lettuce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner's Lettuce, Claytonia parviflora</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We turned northeast on Toyon Trail and started climbing uphill. At first we walked through a mixed forest of oaks and laurels. On my prep hike there four days before I had to push my way through a tree that collapsed on the trail. By the time I was there with the group the fallen tree was already chopped and removed, but we did stop by its remains for a show and tell about erosion. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5HDFRqDpBVDCek9zYtL0MvIizg7TK771gOH8wKIftjnZjv8ldlmFSMRtLO41jQOiedBcnIfPYyYcoG-hj-S_CJuQhMrPvJgoP8gxSQ3DNg2oIdPlPcpqm_JVJRAgQrKd-5tXJKUtpE9CjhelHTpdZc34HIrFs2V-oRHt42r0iEXrbrDfsZ4UOleNVw4/s1803/yg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5HDFRqDpBVDCek9zYtL0MvIizg7TK771gOH8wKIftjnZjv8ldlmFSMRtLO41jQOiedBcnIfPYyYcoG-hj-S_CJuQhMrPvJgoP8gxSQ3DNg2oIdPlPcpqm_JVJRAgQrKd-5tXJKUtpE9CjhelHTpdZc34HIrFs2V-oRHt42r0iEXrbrDfsZ4UOleNVw4/w640-h426/yg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Higher up the trail exited the forest and meandered for a short distance through tall chaparral. From that point we once again had a nice view of the forested hill slopes across the valley. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniYDEQHzYxmk4gQ0bwKk1Coj2Zi6sw2lXzpTGu9tnlW8a403e3UuywCZv_3100bYQ-BHkWRnV0syw7BV9s5bP3uxCAlznuQU3cjzjW8mP5_9iC3nxFose34_q01NiwVCvX7kVKryO6mxBimK1q4FrkPyeLyKNRZtOvqNy3CAcijVsFSmKmwZXvuyxdxo/s1803/yi%20opposite%20hill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniYDEQHzYxmk4gQ0bwKk1Coj2Zi6sw2lXzpTGu9tnlW8a403e3UuywCZv_3100bYQ-BHkWRnV0syw7BV9s5bP3uxCAlznuQU3cjzjW8mP5_9iC3nxFose34_q01NiwVCvX7kVKryO6mxBimK1q4FrkPyeLyKNRZtOvqNy3CAcijVsFSmKmwZXvuyxdxo/w640-h426/yi%20opposite%20hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This chaparral had a different bush composition than what grew on Vista Hill. The chamise was there too, but there were many more other bush species, including coastal sagebrush. I introduced this aromatic plant to my group and we all sniffed it and enjoyed the fragrance. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SDgiztW1CHtwHrqI8MA-cep_X9w86fB2aVrA9AL1mWgzTr-P-WmoXYmbCxQdNqsYI_Pv4iORIO5lVap5h6fbWspXsXFZtmom51Xw6pCpfaqb6ardqxcV2gcr5ur4cfa8ob34qbX-vwg4eL7z0hVzzIfRlRSn8NnD0OaSxoSDy7xNTo8OB8f6Ln9iCVk/s1616/yl%20sagebrush%20dew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1616" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SDgiztW1CHtwHrqI8MA-cep_X9w86fB2aVrA9AL1mWgzTr-P-WmoXYmbCxQdNqsYI_Pv4iORIO5lVap5h6fbWspXsXFZtmom51Xw6pCpfaqb6ardqxcV2gcr5ur4cfa8ob34qbX-vwg4eL7z0hVzzIfRlRSn8NnD0OaSxoSDy7xNTo8OB8f6Ln9iCVk/w640-h444/yl%20sagebrush%20dew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal Sagebrush, Artemisia californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div>We didn't stay in the chaparral for too long. The Toyon Trail delved once again into the forest and there we encountered many more fungi, some in the shape of really large mushrooms. This one in the ohoto below made me think that the tree grew its own satellite dish. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0pY4fb3zfckhUzaagYcV_twEymmsAgcHFCjaFaysBvz5fsQNVJqwvPBbdHJ4VNL0n8gp7YJ74T-ErmLS-wPbEuNZj6_P8iM5q5OLsJlqWle7g0NbGroLsyxV_6uzOB8es5GA6BP1WLuk5YhrC-duV8oxpb6Y019cFH4uK7wM3yP43JGtko4K6t_Xh2k/s1803/yk%20huge%20mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0pY4fb3zfckhUzaagYcV_twEymmsAgcHFCjaFaysBvz5fsQNVJqwvPBbdHJ4VNL0n8gp7YJ74T-ErmLS-wPbEuNZj6_P8iM5q5OLsJlqWle7g0NbGroLsyxV_6uzOB8es5GA6BP1WLuk5YhrC-duV8oxpb6Y019cFH4uK7wM3yP43JGtko4K6t_Xh2k/w640-h426/yk%20huge%20mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Toyon Trail ascends continuously for half a mile. We walked slowly, allowing for the smaller kids to catch up with everybody else, and enjoying the chaparral places that were exposed to the warm sun.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5WxmBiHYYlAvZ4gOSAQQ-W9HgA-tspiKfd7W6En8ja_wotzM_YNCLAWNi1XJY2K4sTTM4QIOA4jTvMvzCN53BcnWolNTNUb1e6S5JG8RW35K4MO2C_v2GPT4KDFaR5Alr4_q3OlwsU-ap5rDSRld80IaIQk_B5RsbZeHv6PTVgQn3MH_NFiWS3OQ_y4/s1803/ym%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5WxmBiHYYlAvZ4gOSAQQ-W9HgA-tspiKfd7W6En8ja_wotzM_YNCLAWNi1XJY2K4sTTM4QIOA4jTvMvzCN53BcnWolNTNUb1e6S5JG8RW35K4MO2C_v2GPT4KDFaR5Alr4_q3OlwsU-ap5rDSRld80IaIQk_B5RsbZeHv6PTVgQn3MH_NFiWS3OQ_y4/w640-h426/ym%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>When we reached the upper part of the trail it became clear why it was named 'Toyon'. The toyon bushes were everywhere there, along that part of the trail, and all of them were baring berries. I tasted a few - still too early. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMe45szCzS24DvBIF9J5wF5FLqxrQytDtGzVkQqxSztSkNPbdXaN-Jr-0BYfrxY7yiFsyLMNhzaUVIlBtn69zqNEQn-vBRJ2wfJey9F8dfdTtou_nkXLyvMnWbAGdWc1zuzVGLma3-NPWcLlmxoit6RS4PZDwlDWHcDcp-6Rjt56D8AHyYCAbcyQQIDA/s1517/yo%20toyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1517" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMe45szCzS24DvBIF9J5wF5FLqxrQytDtGzVkQqxSztSkNPbdXaN-Jr-0BYfrxY7yiFsyLMNhzaUVIlBtn69zqNEQn-vBRJ2wfJey9F8dfdTtou_nkXLyvMnWbAGdWc1zuzVGLma3-NPWcLlmxoit6RS4PZDwlDWHcDcp-6Rjt56D8AHyYCAbcyQQIDA/w640-h442/yo%20toyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A bit below the highest part of the trail there is a high bench that overlooks the beautiful view of the valley below with the grass flat where the picnic area is. We stopped there for a few minutes to enjoy the view and to take photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28qnM1Txy7tENXZsCICHR8S_8S0vH9wDFSdSpFHdOrkDPgbkWEtGundsg_EIwewsnxbe1Cfp2csM5vtekV8f5I0NbQAB1QDKHPtzysH8_n9uJqox3BzNDhQhh3KH1PFzyVmbh8u6s0OhAMVSWzO0wXDaYqFrljrpFj7LNOAQWF7tg5lbgNTpf2Szcq-s/s1803/yq%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28qnM1Txy7tENXZsCICHR8S_8S0vH9wDFSdSpFHdOrkDPgbkWEtGundsg_EIwewsnxbe1Cfp2csM5vtekV8f5I0NbQAB1QDKHPtzysH8_n9uJqox3BzNDhQhh3KH1PFzyVmbh8u6s0OhAMVSWzO0wXDaYqFrljrpFj7LNOAQWF7tg5lbgNTpf2Szcq-s/w640-h426/yq%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the Toyon Trail was completely within the forest. It got a bit cooler and everything from soil to vegetation was pretty damp. We were walking on the north-facing slope. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWHv8sF0k5_KdkGiRZp0tgDDJBVx7l-9l8W9zs4MXZ52tHO2XxeUhRfWH6z920DE5SP5iK0bOe92npxEXvav9xTFT8S5shToH74vrrsdq99Q1Gk4htgZoGJOkj2mrnvIIFWD-FBbnRSH71bFKn660XnzoLYMuTXISgt-s9ZqgZxUFQRxUrRnwI2mrmF0/s1803/yr%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWHv8sF0k5_KdkGiRZp0tgDDJBVx7l-9l8W9zs4MXZ52tHO2XxeUhRfWH6z920DE5SP5iK0bOe92npxEXvav9xTFT8S5shToH74vrrsdq99Q1Gk4htgZoGJOkj2mrnvIIFWD-FBbnRSH71bFKn660XnzoLYMuTXISgt-s9ZqgZxUFQRxUrRnwI2mrmF0/w640-h426/yr%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Little ferns decorated with beads of water droplets adorned the slope to out right. They looked very delicate and beautiful, like fairy jewels. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X6iGDyedpzXfGCjQUEkd7rsdnstuPGng2fYUiSsRyrDI4qhTj5hehiuXdkAJ0v797hqcR81PhxFG13bFXS78LDiAuwshTPvRUMO4DM_DzApTri_cEGybTOQ4nnSUvfmPnsxyFdi3GbTyGIE8sKpRW7q5DDT_eR5URxun4BxchNFrmAPM1I9zB6ogadQ/s1803/ys%20droplets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X6iGDyedpzXfGCjQUEkd7rsdnstuPGng2fYUiSsRyrDI4qhTj5hehiuXdkAJ0v797hqcR81PhxFG13bFXS78LDiAuwshTPvRUMO4DM_DzApTri_cEGybTOQ4nnSUvfmPnsxyFdi3GbTyGIE8sKpRW7q5DDT_eR5URxun4BxchNFrmAPM1I9zB6ogadQ/w640-h426/ys%20droplets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adiantum, Adiantum jordanii </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fr the most part of the trail we were surrounded by the trees but in a few places there was a big enough gap in the trees to allow us a view down on the lake below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdWtlYcyL1AHTZSF1FZCs8HfPgMY-aMR6EWbtF-xLRGZrQRXFgtmDn4RWT7lioQzXBUzgR5h2O42-0l8FdWQMgXsL7Q9K_FK45nxt1Dlzr9_IAGa_GztmyV9LC0GZTn_MKiiPzlaIetMCHSZEFYHZc_-BsZr_WUrSZqsAhUS1A03Y7qD_24vjOejohXA/s1803/yu%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdWtlYcyL1AHTZSF1FZCs8HfPgMY-aMR6EWbtF-xLRGZrQRXFgtmDn4RWT7lioQzXBUzgR5h2O42-0l8FdWQMgXsL7Q9K_FK45nxt1Dlzr9_IAGa_GztmyV9LC0GZTn_MKiiPzlaIetMCHSZEFYHZc_-BsZr_WUrSZqsAhUS1A03Y7qD_24vjOejohXA/w640-h426/yu%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toyon Trail descends near the entrance gate. There we turned left to go to the lake's south shore. A large grass field stretched between the entrance station and the lake. From the hill slope opposite of us protruded one dead tree and on its end I spotted a hawk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XAeTy95CeFyJPVEN63V0m45tMrSs0tqe3nPvZt8ry0bhseJKTKGP_7A-Idku_0DlSQ8uevSSS8NF9uc_2i_AI3iJACW9Qccuo_afkCIDPeeY_sEZKiw4ln38_FPAm9gy82nX8iTxEbfbOesFTxGjaL4Ur_uHFxHhF3ZbqUnVck1Hpmz0RR6JGRVLhng/s1803/yw%20lawn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XAeTy95CeFyJPVEN63V0m45tMrSs0tqe3nPvZt8ry0bhseJKTKGP_7A-Idku_0DlSQ8uevSSS8NF9uc_2i_AI3iJACW9Qccuo_afkCIDPeeY_sEZKiw4ln38_FPAm9gy82nX8iTxEbfbOesFTxGjaL4Ur_uHFxHhF3ZbqUnVck1Hpmz0RR6JGRVLhng/w640-h426/yw%20lawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I pointed the bird out to pappa Quail who immediately identified it and started photographing. Seeing where he was focused at, all the kids in the group flocked around Pappa Quail, asking to brrow his binoculars. One of the other kids had his own set, and between the two of them, everyone got to have his or her moment of frustration and learning how to properly use binoculars. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN1xHCtLGjwfy203rfvuE9AYg0kzsK3OTe9ZC56OhbLEzNTtZ9ayjFWdqTjcWzHOKANLDhfboRv7gVHuroX80ezls10vXn5APaMwMPo6dTdoO0RNX9ilx9t9HOyv0pvYApj1n6r9LEQrmvK1mgzSawTTeynVx9f4cisdvFWjDjRaY2ibPMUcCD19_kbU/s1314/zr%20hawk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1314" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN1xHCtLGjwfy203rfvuE9AYg0kzsK3OTe9ZC56OhbLEzNTtZ9ayjFWdqTjcWzHOKANLDhfboRv7gVHuroX80ezls10vXn5APaMwMPo6dTdoO0RNX9ilx9t9HOyv0pvYApj1n6r9LEQrmvK1mgzSawTTeynVx9f4cisdvFWjDjRaY2ibPMUcCD19_kbU/w640-h460/zr%20hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-shouldered Hawk</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>While all the kids were focusing on the hawk Pappa Quail found another being to focus on - a small herd of deer roamed the hillside across the entrance road. A young buck was more cooperative than the other deer. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00pWMvAsBVIZmpKi1Ap5b4_qXdeeDepxDsP9qMXebvgvOjCDTqMDaXH3zFb6ndjmlAYQ5OfSAVK0pHWtjGf6h06IhKxizHZXtH6Z8VhIBJOSHfj7v0-I_PnzNi9YWyfY4gOC56cdirCc9via0MyCPxAUKiIr8sQNgA4tqb9BySWhccPTgwXByvuW3uwk/s1297/zs%20buck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1297" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00pWMvAsBVIZmpKi1Ap5b4_qXdeeDepxDsP9qMXebvgvOjCDTqMDaXH3zFb6ndjmlAYQ5OfSAVK0pHWtjGf6h06IhKxizHZXtH6Z8VhIBJOSHfj7v0-I_PnzNi9YWyfY4gOC56cdirCc9via0MyCPxAUKiIr8sQNgA4tqb9BySWhccPTgwXByvuW3uwk/w640-h470/zs%20buck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The hawk took off from his perch and landed in the lawn, where it busied himself for a while pulling bites from the grass. Upon enlarging the photos we saw that he was eating earthworms. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLEpvy-SYRWB05Vh04lVxPOcpB-Ql8EanDDM_FB4W5hvPqy2eQC1qbfNM_Pj4ZD6j6yuG7dXcAUS2yZF1Z2Kv-JQx4VT6Q5xaLldJQX_KvBWKbjS3CRQK2tq_mgBlcrw4bQ7QfHSgk4Qwonso4c3P7XuC-Y33Np4ThWjp86bnnFLDHIKJxuQyBu_BYxU/s1446/zt%20hawk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1446" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLEpvy-SYRWB05Vh04lVxPOcpB-Ql8EanDDM_FB4W5hvPqy2eQC1qbfNM_Pj4ZD6j6yuG7dXcAUS2yZF1Z2Kv-JQx4VT6Q5xaLldJQX_KvBWKbjS3CRQK2tq_mgBlcrw4bQ7QfHSgk4Qwonso4c3P7XuC-Y33Np4ThWjp86bnnFLDHIKJxuQyBu_BYxU/w640-h464/zt%20hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-shouldered Hawk with Earthworm</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Eventually we left the wildlife behind and continued to the lake. From the boat landing we had a very nice view of the calm water and the pretty reflection. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXq8kMK4ETB9RrjqacRntmeOGUvOIn0sS6LH3ejBQ0P8C_P8Yi4UMRAnYRUfVB_AHMCAPhJSn3ipx_WKuahhHoOI3hMh4eGIO8zP0nBruA6Fh5D3yFyBXUeAeNdtUKV1CadaJQ3a8Tz7S2KhskZ-1SOr4wG9yfEznq-LUAzeP6xeUwA6cUvJphMldvg/s1803/yx%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXq8kMK4ETB9RrjqacRntmeOGUvOIn0sS6LH3ejBQ0P8C_P8Yi4UMRAnYRUfVB_AHMCAPhJSn3ipx_WKuahhHoOI3hMh4eGIO8zP0nBruA6Fh5D3yFyBXUeAeNdtUKV1CadaJQ3a8Tz7S2KhskZ-1SOr4wG9yfEznq-LUAzeP6xeUwA6cUvJphMldvg/w640-h426/yx%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boronda Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We continued slowly along the lake shore. Whenever Pappa Quail saw an opening in the lake side vegetation he stopped and searched the water for waterfowl. There were no lifers for him that day, but he did make one unique observation: a male ruddy duck in his breeding colors, in the dead of winter. Quite unusual. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQSvENvBTTGQA3xrY95mc5gVnvf6-k30xYkA-hRW4DD3WpD3G92NB61osQ02Co7SkioQsnRJXeJx4xuuZflsnrnkwDBCFf_t8slR2WWsoUgZ39MxF0dNjuzASRZyr94GzUGfAMpVhI7OuKxXBTQTq62hI6japNTM_DafkidNjPtXMps-Gjh6u-9oSozU/s1267/zy%20scoup%20breeding%20male.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1267" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQSvENvBTTGQA3xrY95mc5gVnvf6-k30xYkA-hRW4DD3WpD3G92NB61osQ02Co7SkioQsnRJXeJx4xuuZflsnrnkwDBCFf_t8slR2WWsoUgZ39MxF0dNjuzASRZyr94GzUGfAMpVhI7OuKxXBTQTq62hI6japNTM_DafkidNjPtXMps-Gjh6u-9oSozU/w640-h458/zy%20scoup%20breeding%20male.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruddy Duck, male, breeding colors</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>For the sake of comparison, here is another photo of ruddy ducks that Pappa Quail took that day, and it features a male in its winter plumage, normal for the season. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDg1ibwNnkLx1JtPDeSwHWoQWmp4dsiesDwnhZO0Q2ZPP5-xE5V2MQMZBxjcebt_vjsYT5-4Pu0_6FcwTLSrNN3Bo936xLvpNyYk14MvnBf7AdyWpSEeQrnMznKBq1TePcqyoDf0ZNSe1oEpehHPwCRLkfNzGT7fEQ0wR-MZpr-Vl1j5W2TbvNQuSIIA/s1471/zw%20scoup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1471" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDg1ibwNnkLx1JtPDeSwHWoQWmp4dsiesDwnhZO0Q2ZPP5-xE5V2MQMZBxjcebt_vjsYT5-4Pu0_6FcwTLSrNN3Bo936xLvpNyYk14MvnBf7AdyWpSEeQrnMznKBq1TePcqyoDf0ZNSe1oEpehHPwCRLkfNzGT7fEQ0wR-MZpr-Vl1j5W2TbvNQuSIIA/w640-h424/zw%20scoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruddy Duck, male</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div>There were other duck species swimming in the lake. A few gadwall ducks floated lazily on the calm surface, moving away until the vegetation hid them from the eye. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcmJZKyKfJGQxkSbj6xabfb9zKP6a7-TJBKweRgo_N0L2a8LH8P3QFg_GtW5Zaku_MkJNGz1o0Pqyrw1lvyKRZ8VcdgsOrgIPtGErbqhjHpHNH6KLkzqqL1ZjOPi6d1O_qpZhot3eyFm7NmefuvD7J4ndPrvOoL8rOqeOJGsa5Js2GE7T347yb-17qXY/s1856/zx%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcmJZKyKfJGQxkSbj6xabfb9zKP6a7-TJBKweRgo_N0L2a8LH8P3QFg_GtW5Zaku_MkJNGz1o0Pqyrw1lvyKRZ8VcdgsOrgIPtGErbqhjHpHNH6KLkzqqL1ZjOPi6d1O_qpZhot3eyFm7NmefuvD7J4ndPrvOoL8rOqeOJGsa5Js2GE7T347yb-17qXY/w640-h427/zx%20ducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gadwall</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div>Ducks are pretty but I left it to Pappa Quail to photograph them. I focused on the beautiful reflection and the fluffy clouds that floated in the sky and below the lake's surface. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIH3P90hrpvq4ADxDR3NacE82hWTnPsmRewPj87wEMyaN1wRmL-tuD92IUFQaItvcJiOlkhVzOLoXl1Q6KQuSkwHo2LlvhLbNumvk9iwgDCXdoVLnFV9Jab4mbWY9E_EkRRmXDGpryUEQoZhSfvZfWPd8Fge5tgpzVtFGA1dJD8y8MMpZF-T7U4m1sj4/s1803/yz%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIH3P90hrpvq4ADxDR3NacE82hWTnPsmRewPj87wEMyaN1wRmL-tuD92IUFQaItvcJiOlkhVzOLoXl1Q6KQuSkwHo2LlvhLbNumvk9iwgDCXdoVLnFV9Jab4mbWY9E_EkRRmXDGpryUEQoZhSfvZfWPd8Fge5tgpzVtFGA1dJD8y8MMpZF-T7U4m1sj4/w640-h426/yz%20reflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boronda Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Even this ate on the hike we were seeing new mushrooms. Each mushroom we found had the kids gather around me asking if it was good to eat. I am hardly a mushroom know how so every time I had to disappoint them, saying that I didn't know and that it's better not to. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKmzSWFXadQgXv3Tg8coZ3eglKY7VPoOsYmIVJXfuexyFekH_AoYUrZsVPeRUYj9B3ri2p2-UZf6qzH681ymBlzn2oNA9GUeeTtomrM7rpQcqd3hFCRr6_t2V6AC5sLKjRHtr0HstTkc3o5vmEy9WIpLe_5sxyNF729AfTnCzkeXKHNr9dti6oCwf3hs/s1555/zb%20mushrooms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1555" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKmzSWFXadQgXv3Tg8coZ3eglKY7VPoOsYmIVJXfuexyFekH_AoYUrZsVPeRUYj9B3ri2p2-UZf6qzH681ymBlzn2oNA9GUeeTtomrM7rpQcqd3hFCRr6_t2V6AC5sLKjRHtr0HstTkc3o5vmEy9WIpLe_5sxyNF729AfTnCzkeXKHNr9dti6oCwf3hs/w640-h450/zb%20mushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There was another interesting finding that captivated the kids' attention - a gall on a low stem of oak. It was an already empty gall. The kids were fascinated by the explanation of what that was. Nature is very cool.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SM8EATtNcJx4rmKSRsSVQKJ7xFRxAHD1Hj-MEAlwLyh5obR9YAi_GNwpygwnexRqwmSglDpZjEsFO77aTbvh_JRQbNb1zhdPp1o3OY_D3wWKxRlzPfWqTnk4wq1Nb3EjW3EpuzVfzkJfuokCNUgN1ue1p5AVFcL-xlDstUhvDLeJKdzm1rlzobDpAN0/s1803/zd%20gall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SM8EATtNcJx4rmKSRsSVQKJ7xFRxAHD1Hj-MEAlwLyh5obR9YAi_GNwpygwnexRqwmSglDpZjEsFO77aTbvh_JRQbNb1zhdPp1o3OY_D3wWKxRlzPfWqTnk4wq1Nb3EjW3EpuzVfzkJfuokCNUgN1ue1p5AVFcL-xlDstUhvDLeJKdzm1rlzobDpAN0/w640-h426/zd%20gall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Gall</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There is a small island in the lake near the dam, and an arch bridge connecting the trail to the island. We stopped there for a break. The kids run up and down the bridge and I gazed at the water. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqBNjlbwBk6wIsgvRMUWsbrOxK5mRcmw_1rnutgMXiouf3PCaXggGAvOjBcGXo8hZTgDnXQ9kvrXFeT0P3cgT5plegqafz6umpF6Ws_AY4HDUhvcn5Vtdi-lGj7gw1W66lIj-F3BsxROQtp5E-yKQGrHy4RioT2NsQcit2HM_Xj4nZ1d-P2aW2aR5boI/s1803/zh%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqBNjlbwBk6wIsgvRMUWsbrOxK5mRcmw_1rnutgMXiouf3PCaXggGAvOjBcGXo8hZTgDnXQ9kvrXFeT0P3cgT5plegqafz6umpF6Ws_AY4HDUhvcn5Vtdi-lGj7gw1W66lIj-F3BsxROQtp5E-yKQGrHy4RioT2NsQcit2HM_Xj4nZ1d-P2aW2aR5boI/w640-h426/zh%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boronda Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We didn't go all the way on the island. After the break we continued across the dam to the there side of the lake, where we would pick up the eastern arm of the Chamise Trail. I loved the pattern of clouds that stretched westward across the sky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj832EGPQpx_BuxBHcHf_mlDLh30Hy78p7QVGuaxlL_21mDxTFM3dJvFUJEUJEWelGKgywISCwMfiCBS9PlcAcwfYjP7yBVqWJ-z-noI6aIsUl3yIRT9zYo_0LUd84MRqJVMTp9-DRvoDb-C-olKz2nWQM8beEG_8SnKmztFdartPzfC1aO_cV2PSu1zQg/s1803/zg%20clouds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj832EGPQpx_BuxBHcHf_mlDLh30Hy78p7QVGuaxlL_21mDxTFM3dJvFUJEUJEWelGKgywISCwMfiCBS9PlcAcwfYjP7yBVqWJ-z-noI6aIsUl3yIRT9zYo_0LUd84MRqJVMTp9-DRvoDb-C-olKz2nWQM8beEG_8SnKmztFdartPzfC1aO_cV2PSu1zQg/w640-h426/zg%20clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>From the lake to the summit of Vista Hill is less than half a mile on Chamise Trail. The slope is fairly mild and everyone took on the trail with good energy and speed. Some oak trees we saw on the way had their boughs arched over the trail. In one place the oak branch was so low I suggested pricticing limbi skills to pass underneath. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQckSMr5sOLXVS4FdZo7TlsqmKQXzpvvWZCYFSg7DLTE36wDtPWrzFd4LkpSKrWwxAFjyNcIk7keFfs40A10-ABQybAuxUKvs14iv6MfqawLgjCfKOWbnAYgh-LBuwpzbbQMPvI2wPhsniyvg_n3p_CmYzJM4DI1PHCTazwTcu3cN1sO9CFY9bqCRLl4/s1803/zi%20underpass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQckSMr5sOLXVS4FdZo7TlsqmKQXzpvvWZCYFSg7DLTE36wDtPWrzFd4LkpSKrWwxAFjyNcIk7keFfs40A10-ABQybAuxUKvs14iv6MfqawLgjCfKOWbnAYgh-LBuwpzbbQMPvI2wPhsniyvg_n3p_CmYzJM4DI1PHCTazwTcu3cN1sO9CFY9bqCRLl4/w640-h426/zi%20underpass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamise Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One of the nice things about Foothills Nature Preserve is that the soil is light and absorbs water well. This means that after the rains the trail was damp, but not muddy. It was easy to walk on, without clay platforms attached to the soles of our shoes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH04VC78PBpjwKC0Vt_mXRqqHXb2-1V31aIM5RCwF5UrCxxVHP385tSWR1HzeZ-XAA0YJnmYCkF2Eu10v09fw88ykrx5vEXUgz8bIWS2_XJr0ffXTGumrURi7COxELICZdqx_dXJ92Ko7X68CpmzX9n0J_C9OPWfQ8983SLf8D21juyrxGBTgFtGXOH2c/s1803/zl%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH04VC78PBpjwKC0Vt_mXRqqHXb2-1V31aIM5RCwF5UrCxxVHP385tSWR1HzeZ-XAA0YJnmYCkF2Eu10v09fw88ykrx5vEXUgz8bIWS2_XJr0ffXTGumrURi7COxELICZdqx_dXJ92Ko7X68CpmzX9n0J_C9OPWfQ8983SLf8D21juyrxGBTgFtGXOH2c/w640-h426/zl%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamise Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From one of the high view points on the trail we detected movement far below - a pair of deer walking on the slope of the dam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04dDhJTkWrzIe8AJIYtJm937jXD1XC0ForjoHK65OEWOhDvWDudezho5ThURC_i2n4yxRSIgQg-oEs67HzqMqNyzUWfNIYNHf_zOYVDybe_M5zGBnrfXjrAamWrKw1FCem1s5Z96yzyVNNydt9bC9bYuabFlkrqJj4XtldjaN7Cm8tWk-1bnnfrJTz0s/s1803/zm%20deer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04dDhJTkWrzIe8AJIYtJm937jXD1XC0ForjoHK65OEWOhDvWDudezho5ThURC_i2n4yxRSIgQg-oEs67HzqMqNyzUWfNIYNHf_zOYVDybe_M5zGBnrfXjrAamWrKw1FCem1s5Z96yzyVNNydt9bC9bYuabFlkrqJj4XtldjaN7Cm8tWk-1bnnfrJTz0s/w640-h426/zm%20deer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail zoomed his lens to maximum for the deer. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizatuZZzWdd9ep7HMyZQxv3Z2hEQ7v7Zw4BFcm7fFbLypSHh8dWgz7k04sUgfjy7VwpOgkIqG27Kxmk3hCSfWsy1x7shdbj-F-KcpopKhET2NnbmYTFxIRyHWfkm3Gi9If1cnMJzQA3j6Mrl923HRvodYu-wSnI_Ssm4lpQPXg-HpkCFzFfMsZlo07VLs/s1400/zz%20deer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1400" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizatuZZzWdd9ep7HMyZQxv3Z2hEQ7v7Zw4BFcm7fFbLypSHh8dWgz7k04sUgfjy7VwpOgkIqG27Kxmk3hCSfWsy1x7shdbj-F-KcpopKhET2NnbmYTFxIRyHWfkm3Gi9If1cnMJzQA3j6Mrl923HRvodYu-wSnI_Ssm4lpQPXg-HpkCFzFfMsZlo07VLs/w640-h444/zz%20deer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Near the trail junction that completed the loop we passed an oak tree that was covered with moss and lichen. It looked all dressed up and fancy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdl7bRzQ6W2rQFe2RSZrfJjwV8m9oLp2Yr7DSjyn5BG2hFM9TUhC-x-VyQe8-kMWZ8RuDC2O19huFzc3B6kMOzDxVzmi8WHx9borPhY60PsJVRGMbxdn14q1n7RumfwzRWfRkiWtgidKuuBVlATCaU1xU9vPYVQE1JmJ9PfFmAOM-9DfGCRR-i21IECo/s1803/zn%20moss%20and%20lichen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdl7bRzQ6W2rQFe2RSZrfJjwV8m9oLp2Yr7DSjyn5BG2hFM9TUhC-x-VyQe8-kMWZ8RuDC2O19huFzc3B6kMOzDxVzmi8WHx9borPhY60PsJVRGMbxdn14q1n7RumfwzRWfRkiWtgidKuuBVlATCaU1xU9vPYVQE1JmJ9PfFmAOM-9DfGCRR-i21IECo/w640-h426/zn%20moss%20and%20lichen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we got to the Vista Hill Road all that was left was to go up to the summit parking area. On the way back we didn't go around the hill, but went straight up, passing near a small grove of really tall and really red manzanita that looked like full grown trees. I touched one of them, enjoying the feel of the smooth, cold bark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0139MH_F4iD1C2x8smF_HaoVE9P9GwJHrS-GkR3if8wkbRxG5p3hQTn4-fHV6uHdP0UqrNGLHgU_xYYzB9w5VE_ei-K8OIztrKyCPD-LIVRSC4yICm7l9rhy3taBHiaNJG-fy4WNnb7ZxFxdUywOF1d3Zbp1Oc1IPDs0kWIeTFLlTEoc04X5U2xbpvs/s1803/zo%20manzanita.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0139MH_F4iD1C2x8smF_HaoVE9P9GwJHrS-GkR3if8wkbRxG5p3hQTn4-fHV6uHdP0UqrNGLHgU_xYYzB9w5VE_ei-K8OIztrKyCPD-LIVRSC4yICm7l9rhy3taBHiaNJG-fy4WNnb7ZxFxdUywOF1d3Zbp1Oc1IPDs0kWIeTFLlTEoc04X5U2xbpvs/w640-h426/zo%20manzanita.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We had a lovely hike on a wonderful winter day between the preceding rainy day and the rainy day that followed. We were fortunate to see, not only the forest waking into renewed life fueled by the rains but also some really cool wildlife, and a whole garden of mushrooms. This little park will definitely be a return destination for me. </div><p><br /></p>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-3417734015600216182024-01-28T23:07:00.000-08:002024-01-28T23:07:50.147-08:00Jenny Lake Thrice, Unplanned Going Around and Cutting Corners<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWdAimlkrkAg9tABerDi7naF1Ogd7diyOcO0Z7NVLAwlHQzeKyJ-NkSvllwfdE7fyhQcv34LYyaN6TxOfoem_0dqVPT1rV1A-tfGvDnhxVROmN8KFoF5oQGT9277TVIf579W6PaqVvxq9ADBKs3lHZp6dLq0XvOJZ2P-4KpTRso3vR-qWkis98e5vQ8I/s1803/yr%20waterfall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWdAimlkrkAg9tABerDi7naF1Ogd7diyOcO0Z7NVLAwlHQzeKyJ-NkSvllwfdE7fyhQcv34LYyaN6TxOfoem_0dqVPT1rV1A-tfGvDnhxVROmN8KFoF5oQGT9277TVIf579W6PaqVvxq9ADBKs3lHZp6dLq0XvOJZ2P-4KpTRso3vR-qWkis98e5vQ8I/w640-h426/yr%20waterfall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: September 28, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 43.788778, -110.730797</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 8.1 (including 3 miles ferry ride) </div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My road trip with my sister last fall wasn't even remotely as haphazard as was my <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/jenny-lake-twice-and-once-around.html">trip with the youth three years before</a>. There was however, 'last minute change of plans' element to it as well. It started with the direction of the entire trip - weather patterns had us change our direction from north: to Oregon and Washington to the northeast: to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We entered the parks region from the south - through rant Teton National Park, and on our first day we <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/in-view-of-tetons-hiking-taggart-lake.html">hiked to Taggart Lake</a>, and finished an excellent day with moose sighting - the cherry on the pie. </div><div style="text-align: left;">On the following day I planned to do a short hike near Jenny Lake, then maybe go to one of the other wildlife viewing hotspots in the park, and finish with a drive to Yellowstone and a visit to the Old Faithful geyser. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We wanted to start the day by having breakfast - neither of us liked what was offered at the hotel. There was n picnic area near the visitor center so we drove to a picnic area by String Lake, north of Jenny Lake. After breakfast we started our hike from there - it was close enough to Jenny Lake so I figured we'll get a bit of the in between creek, walk a little more south along Jenny Lake's eastern shore, then head back. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs3zHCpaBEgWl0d-24-SHvTMe0bmSWLjnb21Jt-KvHXJ5Q7QMUPYaxjCEWKmOMb-r0XjZX6ifAqjL62ZTqKOZnbtX63TMFhRUZYxlXmezKKolTFQp8hHKLD0eClULQVcBWtFcSs0vAQ1Pl1IT8fb1epG2trNa2Vao_kyVSbW1vWN1ZX_zKVbuh0PzNmg/s1629/8.1%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1629" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs3zHCpaBEgWl0d-24-SHvTMe0bmSWLjnb21Jt-KvHXJ5Q7QMUPYaxjCEWKmOMb-r0XjZX6ifAqjL62ZTqKOZnbtX63TMFhRUZYxlXmezKKolTFQp8hHKLD0eClULQVcBWtFcSs0vAQ1Pl1IT8fb1epG2trNa2Vao_kyVSbW1vWN1ZX_zKVbuh0PzNmg/w640-h588/8.1%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike and ferry ride as captured by my GPS </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My plan was a sound one, but that's not quite how it went. It started by having to bypass lots of trail maintenance work before we got to the actual trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte36zS0AtEerFDD4-jfWQFBo3wjJQIYzfB1mWZaVGJQPQAxWbicJwDZydBNQ8Hy2FFNQyXqklGFU07PzX3qCP_zQV_Qpd0Zztbs389jfJhFCKzYhZhEHfgW0TChrWalbuFj2IPR6gCvwOfVvD5sxV3L0KQFVIKjMRJP_1dWKkujTWow4k2j1NfDziYQE/s1803/ww%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte36zS0AtEerFDD4-jfWQFBo3wjJQIYzfB1mWZaVGJQPQAxWbicJwDZydBNQ8Hy2FFNQyXqklGFU07PzX3qCP_zQV_Qpd0Zztbs389jfJhFCKzYhZhEHfgW0TChrWalbuFj2IPR6gCvwOfVvD5sxV3L0KQFVIKjMRJP_1dWKkujTWow4k2j1NfDziYQE/w640-h426/ww%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we finally passed all the trail maintenance area and reached the shore of String Lake we stopped for a bit to appreciate the view. String Lake is small and at least near the shore it's shallow, so we could see every pebble through the clear water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ZswPtXAxlcyR7OLmTE-DMJptOl3_BmU9x5dTNoxb5IDksvmhFiyKacc6uAxcPmA7S8lUypYi7FONTAuFG12NIJlAlq2taLu9h4L74B0z7PjvT4j-lG-N0rqQqOo-WdfQYYvND6sx3cKXIbHASI-0kiqyZ6uI9cuQx5FmJ1DUgsgGIptg7vX2KlDWJc/s1803/wu%20string%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ZswPtXAxlcyR7OLmTE-DMJptOl3_BmU9x5dTNoxb5IDksvmhFiyKacc6uAxcPmA7S8lUypYi7FONTAuFG12NIJlAlq2taLu9h4L74B0z7PjvT4j-lG-N0rqQqOo-WdfQYYvND6sx3cKXIbHASI-0kiqyZ6uI9cuQx5FmJ1DUgsgGIptg7vX2KlDWJc/w640-h426/wu%20string%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">String Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There were a few people near the lake, most of them youth that seemed to take part in some environmental studies class. They waded in the shallows with buckets and nets looking for stuff. Eventually they stirred up a frog and when the frog came to a rest near the shore me and my sister also got a close look at the upset amphibian. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRmw22Qz5edyOcrTq8c8llQpq_6EGYtCV_xh7lxqI0EbCS6AVVTnvML4pEhakUyCHSyzvBCZruqRnfeLySKXgdPm2umOEgLH7heTvZMdPonOO3kmAoxjziER0tzQGtLee4Vn2s66amhCw2LUz1ODl1URZa0Dq_1zuoOepjloCXaXTWptZft3rbLDRu8E/s1584/wv%20frog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1584" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRmw22Qz5edyOcrTq8c8llQpq_6EGYtCV_xh7lxqI0EbCS6AVVTnvML4pEhakUyCHSyzvBCZruqRnfeLySKXgdPm2umOEgLH7heTvZMdPonOO3kmAoxjziER0tzQGtLee4Vn2s66amhCw2LUz1ODl1URZa0Dq_1zuoOepjloCXaXTWptZft3rbLDRu8E/w640-h456/wv%20frog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frog</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After prompts from their guide the young students let the frog go on its merry way and my sister and me continued down the trail. There were numerous squirrels active on the forest floor that day, but none of them collaborated with me for a good photo. My sister had a better luck in this, and she took a video. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeSqw471f9PtAhFxtCd1_3m7BnbFpEUv1YRsHnHz1xneuHzZujrg7u00tOj8kSCIWNZG9bAOjdmerBuhAc5JC5d8EoEQCKh9Zogk0Zlys-QnJTfK3R5fnJgk09AOfsD9vtbuqPdhViolvxnmRo60bwOCh5ri_SAKnBLCYCGzwp5Ih5mpKSwHRk0f_qwc/s1323/wx%20squirrel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1323" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeSqw471f9PtAhFxtCd1_3m7BnbFpEUv1YRsHnHz1xneuHzZujrg7u00tOj8kSCIWNZG9bAOjdmerBuhAc5JC5d8EoEQCKh9Zogk0Zlys-QnJTfK3R5fnJgk09AOfsD9vtbuqPdhViolvxnmRo60bwOCh5ri_SAKnBLCYCGzwp5Ih5mpKSwHRk0f_qwc/w640-h446/wx%20squirrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From the shore of Sting Lake we had a nice view of the Teton Mountains. It was a nice, sunny day, but it wasn't very warm. Both me and my sister had our jackets on. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhp7w4WiCuugvHbLvHCUjDfFJ-6pkQSmof8VnH9ZdxXwRv72wSLLmz-Rpr7s4PMysd1RMIMfmrqfIHGRix6U2weWI5GFbFmpeLnNDUgbzxVa81Xb9o1le-3AE4dOeW4MFOQynmf8J_yqyzDAKWrUXyn8RVPAmIsTp9KjyW4xZ34APphCRjiEQ_8kwHKM/s1803/wy%20lake%20and%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhp7w4WiCuugvHbLvHCUjDfFJ-6pkQSmof8VnH9ZdxXwRv72wSLLmz-Rpr7s4PMysd1RMIMfmrqfIHGRix6U2weWI5GFbFmpeLnNDUgbzxVa81Xb9o1le-3AE4dOeW4MFOQynmf8J_yqyzDAKWrUXyn8RVPAmIsTp9KjyW4xZ34APphCRjiEQ_8kwHKM/w640-h426/wy%20lake%20and%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Teton Mountain viewed from String Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I took a maximal zoom photo of the Tetons. Although we were there in September, two months later in the year than the last time I was there (July 2020), there was much more snow cover on the Tetons. The glaciers looked bigger and there was dusting of fresh snow clinging to the steep, rugged slopes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5op0jGLv3veLpbRq9hv9E18MOqyF8_7d-4JjqS1APXHKnuyCJgTGEVVB1h9B7uDX-C8rCUMuZ_dEVZKZCFHEe3avKJjNeGRAgPIO7U2U0G3GIRPgUHtIQCWO4oRiTh6mQi-N9WjM2Q0PKlh7v96Q9-RnMS1g8qqKbgRrpThOxYKDqp1Bgx2-StB3B-WA/s1803/wz%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5op0jGLv3veLpbRq9hv9E18MOqyF8_7d-4JjqS1APXHKnuyCJgTGEVVB1h9B7uDX-C8rCUMuZ_dEVZKZCFHEe3avKJjNeGRAgPIO7U2U0G3GIRPgUHtIQCWO4oRiTh6mQi-N9WjM2Q0PKlh7v96Q9-RnMS1g8qqKbgRrpThOxYKDqp1Bgx2-StB3B-WA/w640-h426/wz%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Leaving String Lake we continued into the forest. It was shaded and cooler between the trees, but also not as windy. A reasonable trade-off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnjPusyQMZOBIsFBf_sXp0SWNUlyf4kdwSHcFqJ_x4ZUHO104BM4BkZl0TsDs9S9wjxC7meXvS4CRSUVD259ZWdomxXXM7Q1XI7ypFPpfWH1SeIEr1fsQYX7iAPPRG1ol6vbqCS7jgRNW7tExO0jLctybCFYVlqiISdgNjmchC1VkurQ36Mbw8dB0FVQ/s1803/xa%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnjPusyQMZOBIsFBf_sXp0SWNUlyf4kdwSHcFqJ_x4ZUHO104BM4BkZl0TsDs9S9wjxC7meXvS4CRSUVD259ZWdomxXXM7Q1XI7ypFPpfWH1SeIEr1fsQYX7iAPPRG1ol6vbqCS7jgRNW7tExO0jLctybCFYVlqiISdgNjmchC1VkurQ36Mbw8dB0FVQ/w640-h426/xa%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the previous time my sister visited me, in the summer of 2022, she flew over with her spouse and children, and with our mother. During that visit we embarked on another big road trip to Colorado, on which I had not yet posted. On that trip we also visited the Rocky Mountains National Park and it was on one of the hikes there than we met some mushroom hunters who informed us about the wild porcini, and about where to collect them, and my sister fell in love with these wild delicacies. needless to say, when my sister identified budding porcini she immediately wanted to harvest some. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7AqCzRf41uY5lj25rbRenXQ-nUghzbuks9hnAqRzRpb0CUjF5A2RfPhwPZuEyi_B5yjcpMjaTVqAJAVsvjWrfXGv-iw7mAQYIUtGBPH42uw9F7U_sabN7Pcs5WvsbXuooFQn4T5UhhvHGwXn_U8yboUwN5zo1gCkzfoV7tMPWhu7vZHRThcueDgxuIg/s1600/xb%20mushrooms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7AqCzRf41uY5lj25rbRenXQ-nUghzbuks9hnAqRzRpb0CUjF5A2RfPhwPZuEyi_B5yjcpMjaTVqAJAVsvjWrfXGv-iw7mAQYIUtGBPH42uw9F7U_sabN7Pcs5WvsbXuooFQn4T5UhhvHGwXn_U8yboUwN5zo1gCkzfoV7tMPWhu7vZHRThcueDgxuIg/w640-h446/xb%20mushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porcini mushrom</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was way more cautious. Not a hundred percent sure of the identification, I didn't wish to take the risk, as minima as it may be. Besides, I didn't know whether it was even legal to harvest wild mushrooms within the Grand Teton National Park. I talked my sister out of harvesting using these arguments but I think what convinced her was that we only found a couple of fairly small mushrooms, and there was no point in going through the trouble for just one mouthful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nikwG4Ud-5bbCR64NI4HcvoS7GEyqr4Y4lXUnzIRy8A5MzPN03p1suCp623oxXFMG3-IoNRcmD2Uf5TwNFh_3iXCFQN89bwlOiI8oFgc3NRTz-TDCkE-1oUo47s1rpxBp5x31p_hlTaame9jeu0lV_-UySadsdBQuiRhkN7yCiMr3JnV-3DL69XkfQo/s1803/xc%20mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nikwG4Ud-5bbCR64NI4HcvoS7GEyqr4Y4lXUnzIRy8A5MzPN03p1suCp623oxXFMG3-IoNRcmD2Uf5TwNFh_3iXCFQN89bwlOiI8oFgc3NRTz-TDCkE-1oUo47s1rpxBp5x31p_hlTaame9jeu0lV_-UySadsdBQuiRhkN7yCiMr3JnV-3DL69XkfQo/w640-h426/xc%20mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail lead us along the short creek that connects String lake with Jenny Lake. The creek was flowing as high as it did in July of 2020. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrQHKH9gC1bZv27PEuA-yyeud7FVmHsbhGfdXtOTXtg4KOb3WNtz5gGfjTpNMyNQSTZbGbSaLYqiq4aCa-Ml_pvsFWdtzqvGPXeKLk55UK7Z9dx-BAfX9nDk2GpB_C-zppy5rS7n8IkGkHF8-rEE-oFNRZuUGSaKk37ICeiR6Yh-PCauzEaiffAYJz1w/s1803/xd%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrQHKH9gC1bZv27PEuA-yyeud7FVmHsbhGfdXtOTXtg4KOb3WNtz5gGfjTpNMyNQSTZbGbSaLYqiq4aCa-Ml_pvsFWdtzqvGPXeKLk55UK7Z9dx-BAfX9nDk2GpB_C-zppy5rS7n8IkGkHF8-rEE-oFNRZuUGSaKk37ICeiR6Yh-PCauzEaiffAYJz1w/w640-h426/xd%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We reached the bridge that crosses the creek, and that's where my neat plan for today did a 180 degrees turn. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBoml28FWzToH_gTKOcTpJ6tFuiuhOUvNTP_eEagxJb9lBrNcYTlebvFA1JZyfPiagIZW-9fILNnB3tUVQq-BDzMxy_sSwv19oDnsexEnti-JVzhSeGk1FuhKWxrKd7xIxal9XFOalaTJz_Qet8hISQ9i8-lkEs0I7vzlUIR6DD9IS8an9_Iq_lEY49s/s1803/xe%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBoml28FWzToH_gTKOcTpJ6tFuiuhOUvNTP_eEagxJb9lBrNcYTlebvFA1JZyfPiagIZW-9fILNnB3tUVQq-BDzMxy_sSwv19oDnsexEnti-JVzhSeGk1FuhKWxrKd7xIxal9XFOalaTJz_Qet8hISQ9i8-lkEs0I7vzlUIR6DD9IS8an9_Iq_lEY49s/w640-h426/xe%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>My original plan was to stay on the east side of that bridge and walk a little bit south along the east shore of Jenny Lake so my sister will get to see the majestic view of the Tetons over the gorgeous, blue Lake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkRSw8GkA9n_nt_f4o4cvSh6Yj243bfQCHp_DPYMHWiIwuNWPuY7229pPOAZWj1qNQZf9b72BjszQ4bVePECA9ykIsSdJfbj_pM6qCYgHgn6AdEuYAm2aNWfblvYZ38ggL6UBP45wfEUZp7QVi3epm076tZuaZdXzshTP_aI9JN2kkdXEJhETXY5hQCI/s1521/xf%20berries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1521" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkRSw8GkA9n_nt_f4o4cvSh6Yj243bfQCHp_DPYMHWiIwuNWPuY7229pPOAZWj1qNQZf9b72BjszQ4bVePECA9ykIsSdJfbj_pM6qCYgHgn6AdEuYAm2aNWfblvYZ38ggL6UBP45wfEUZp7QVi3epm076tZuaZdXzshTP_aI9JN2kkdXEJhETXY5hQCI/w640-h432/xf%20berries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What happened was that my sister went on that bridge to take a look at the creek, then continued on to cross it, and suggested to continue the hike on the west side. Her energetic attitude rubbed off on me and not much convincing was needed for me to agree. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW__snHXphdh-VYdLgqfXWcNB4yfgyCGyY3OIQ1h_WXsAhYK411xY9ljx2lCY0x3C_9nXolrZqfPKAo7JirGNYNhRkkhN6axKSns9j9lnwAbf9ByScQetEADbSfH85mrADzoVSpN3u5BJsLzGAWtbeewpoS5lhWsj9GRjt5164aTqGo9oseojJ4cWmm0/s1324/xg%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1324" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW__snHXphdh-VYdLgqfXWcNB4yfgyCGyY3OIQ1h_WXsAhYK411xY9ljx2lCY0x3C_9nXolrZqfPKAo7JirGNYNhRkkhN6axKSns9j9lnwAbf9ByScQetEADbSfH85mrADzoVSpN3u5BJsLzGAWtbeewpoS5lhWsj9GRjt5164aTqGo9oseojJ4cWmm0/w640-h436/xg%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Once across the bridge our trail overlapped what I hiked with the youth three years beforehand. It was mid-July, the height of summer then, and everything was green with lots of wildflowers. Now it was autumn and the dominant colors along the trail were the fall colors. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRfjSdc2U0S2d6LMg9GLJCne2F2vdYWMNVWETEc_oRsTWH1J4gUIO0ZBtsQ5R61D_8_8pWoKjMZzBJxzWsnj4c2qx1X1O-K5yd3J7OoGyqpjrNklSTMSpPS-84h9hpaf13N7a2OjdIcfz4dyne6OYKgWUuH9QkaNT9NeMY2nWNCMdt6kN8hhYdC5eu-I/s1803/xk%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRfjSdc2U0S2d6LMg9GLJCne2F2vdYWMNVWETEc_oRsTWH1J4gUIO0ZBtsQ5R61D_8_8pWoKjMZzBJxzWsnj4c2qx1X1O-K5yd3J7OoGyqpjrNklSTMSpPS-84h9hpaf13N7a2OjdIcfz4dyne6OYKgWUuH9QkaNT9NeMY2nWNCMdt6kN8hhYdC5eu-I/w640-h426/xk%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Ferns in fall colors isn't something I'm used to seeing. In the Bay Area creek side ferns remain green throughout the year, unless of course they shrivel in drought. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpq16BOCq_6J7YZSwCoy_QMGnaiHxBa_pwRUITfoQ9ZQ1etxqUNN_2UouDwGQmaQwD6NrabYp6Afj3t3i1QmOjkS0OvYF6fStrxfvGgXhyphenhyphencoRXPrUcJ7wh6V-jVk9zVvj1fgRjJbx_ivDbxaCObZCHMaB5ntbIfDY2zen7gU5hSzWzOh24EDmsPo92uI/s1803/xj%20ferns.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpq16BOCq_6J7YZSwCoy_QMGnaiHxBa_pwRUITfoQ9ZQ1etxqUNN_2UouDwGQmaQwD6NrabYp6Afj3t3i1QmOjkS0OvYF6fStrxfvGgXhyphenhyphencoRXPrUcJ7wh6V-jVk9zVvj1fgRjJbx_ivDbxaCObZCHMaB5ntbIfDY2zen7gU5hSzWzOh24EDmsPo92uI/w640-h426/xj%20ferns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors fern</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>My sister pointed out a little chipmunk nearby. This chipmunk didn't run away immediately but stayed put for a few seconds, eying us carefully, perhaps pondering if we'd through him something. We didn't and eventually he left. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj-On4AuEHjom9rcou0rblKTtYOLLXlV0qt9ALybSEWzS0i4GhMeVWbwKh7vgLewTi4V6piEDl1An6gFLY0HLfxrfZ32j8lyrWZo29QlRqtOT2Ej2g535AQ2eYgI2Sln4PuWhhFeejE1xpHWp3Nqk3mAQfeRKnwr1Gz09SIBOcmn5GSqpfcwnVwmidMo/s1567/xl%20chipmunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1567" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj-On4AuEHjom9rcou0rblKTtYOLLXlV0qt9ALybSEWzS0i4GhMeVWbwKh7vgLewTi4V6piEDl1An6gFLY0HLfxrfZ32j8lyrWZo29QlRqtOT2Ej2g535AQ2eYgI2Sln4PuWhhFeejE1xpHWp3Nqk3mAQfeRKnwr1Gz09SIBOcmn5GSqpfcwnVwmidMo/w640-h454/xl%20chipmunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I find it interesting how I got inspired in the same spots on the trail on the second time around, even when the hikes were three years apart, on different seasons, and the latest one being impromptu. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh819-8EzmwSUVOSFA1PSDk0b8lsW1Sxg6BBGX3z6qYXO1LuK9JpbsTWzhiIe1biolbu-hxnIpzngZIZ2jYrblpOcrFwYwFIgEh7vDyGISs_Kc6Fl8TR4hqEJ6DSZ7ExOpUREnpfM4jqFykxrQpLM0IMfw0QVAufbPYHr1ngIoVveYjdIAOQUArfZQ9HOQ/s1803/xm%20lake%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh819-8EzmwSUVOSFA1PSDk0b8lsW1Sxg6BBGX3z6qYXO1LuK9JpbsTWzhiIe1biolbu-hxnIpzngZIZ2jYrblpOcrFwYwFIgEh7vDyGISs_Kc6Fl8TR4hqEJ6DSZ7ExOpUREnpfM4jqFykxrQpLM0IMfw0QVAufbPYHr1ngIoVveYjdIAOQUArfZQ9HOQ/w640-h426/xm%20lake%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake at the creek influx location</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Once again I was going southwest around Jenny Lake, heading toward the Teton Mountains. Still very energized, My sister was in the lead. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rmzWVsvmiV7WJH9Cuwn1En2Gmqw7NU3T35Nq3_j-F-xv56Szrvpj_TADH3KBI-T-iJ_NQRiaxqV9Gv1G2tWVtl2OwUwGrSRg9bOeU8Mt1cZp3Tagqd2JT-xByTU9nTDxct7oYtWUCoMIekGIidWYUUk55l1_hle1lbbDodJkYT9xr1LGyndn2vTvjIU/s1803/xn%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rmzWVsvmiV7WJH9Cuwn1En2Gmqw7NU3T35Nq3_j-F-xv56Szrvpj_TADH3KBI-T-iJ_NQRiaxqV9Gv1G2tWVtl2OwUwGrSRg9bOeU8Mt1cZp3Tagqd2JT-xByTU9nTDxct7oYtWUCoMIekGIidWYUUk55l1_hle1lbbDodJkYT9xr1LGyndn2vTvjIU/w640-h426/xn%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Turns out, just like on my last hike there, I took a maximal zoom photo of the Tetons with their glaciers and snow. There was definitely more snow cover in the fall of 2023 than in the summer of 2020, and the glaciers were bigger, too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhvN66mAhOYf5Gxp2_KsDzZLZQX1imk0OqZK9lC-OpwZOiqQAo4FS-L3nEvHB9CgsgzmuuF0jwDXOdsWtjxFGF5abPeGrupc8m-JFTyY9Yx-X0-VMMu7ZUnsU_zxQb1CKQFgbDEJ7qgg1OPv7HzhQY0GCxaFkhBnJaPBzZRW1ROlpR1KVgNbAo6iyyLw/s1803/xp%20glaciers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhvN66mAhOYf5Gxp2_KsDzZLZQX1imk0OqZK9lC-OpwZOiqQAo4FS-L3nEvHB9CgsgzmuuF0jwDXOdsWtjxFGF5abPeGrupc8m-JFTyY9Yx-X0-VMMu7ZUnsU_zxQb1CKQFgbDEJ7qgg1OPv7HzhQY0GCxaFkhBnJaPBzZRW1ROlpR1KVgNbAo6iyyLw/w640-h426/xp%20glaciers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Even the photo of Jenny Lake that I took from that spot was in the same angle with the same view. The view was grayer. It was also a later time in the day and the illumination was coming from behind me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY_8th2xFgNOjS15merDI57HjgCOlX53fYjwACjTh5kWNGLCn5uGsCURc8MU9KtjRCwtzX-nFXxCSkL4NGnjqDHv8fcWpAaTFKnqqaz94XCgscoBU4fHT2Pg0cFUc7CCfayq8JMka4QfPlYD-9b2fNjUS0qahlmAHJ_za9JwI2h_oKPg1tEVnpiTLlLI/s1803/xo%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY_8th2xFgNOjS15merDI57HjgCOlX53fYjwACjTh5kWNGLCn5uGsCURc8MU9KtjRCwtzX-nFXxCSkL4NGnjqDHv8fcWpAaTFKnqqaz94XCgscoBU4fHT2Pg0cFUc7CCfayq8JMka4QfPlYD-9b2fNjUS0qahlmAHJ_za9JwI2h_oKPg1tEVnpiTLlLI/w640-h426/xo%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>I expected that at any time my sister would say that sh'd seen enough but she continued charging on. Having seen the sign to the Hidden Falls, she now wanted to see them as well. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Odzx6HABYaoc0oy0M79X0dXNPICItCT3VeiY0r1g_u0ZfRqAsiIPJMedGhooG3tWuBiNGj_F_jQjKVk75jNrmyAKLmZfT62djXdqXbaCOpbPsMaXrlkgj0d9Avn4hwFQsDO00rb3X-cWuXSQdQaAbF9tpZi_zL89zsjtgXrWAuOmhSAshcnKtY3Jxg/s1540/xq%20bush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1540" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Odzx6HABYaoc0oy0M79X0dXNPICItCT3VeiY0r1g_u0ZfRqAsiIPJMedGhooG3tWuBiNGj_F_jQjKVk75jNrmyAKLmZfT62djXdqXbaCOpbPsMaXrlkgj0d9Avn4hwFQsDO00rb3X-cWuXSQdQaAbF9tpZi_zL89zsjtgXrWAuOmhSAshcnKtY3Jxg/w640-h430/xq%20bush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I spotted an osprey nest on top of a dead tree ahead. That nest wasn't there for sure in July of 2020. The osprey wasn't there. It wasn't nesting season anyway. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10rE41T34LQNL3G3No9iIqM_SH0vlEmEZ5wOI4okPJtQVgR9ZQa5z63wYVFQTce5MB07uTSQ4l7oSv4YdI3ZK2F9627y776qNnTJL347uljh_W66AWVmlDUm3qON1zXU0vkZyhfY54EY_VN1KcbwSYlcCMfG0X9GQwa22E1fXD0wDy2I2TcAM-2mLf5A/s1803/xr%20osprey%20nest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10rE41T34LQNL3G3No9iIqM_SH0vlEmEZ5wOI4okPJtQVgR9ZQa5z63wYVFQTce5MB07uTSQ4l7oSv4YdI3ZK2F9627y776qNnTJL347uljh_W66AWVmlDUm3qON1zXU0vkZyhfY54EY_VN1KcbwSYlcCMfG0X9GQwa22E1fXD0wDy2I2TcAM-2mLf5A/w640-h426/xr%20osprey%20nest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey Nest</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On our yesterday's hike to Taggart Lake we enjoyed very much the fall colors all around. There was much of that on today's Jenny Lake hike. It was the height of autumn in Grand Teton park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EWArKQyjT8GUaEcaAmef_NwXroxGPpl8zWJz1EYOOgjIVnaf_3LeqPakbPcLUBCBoBoluuRieAfp6X6l0wuLDD9olGsxZQFGaNW59OXCHmqKwVfXThINkutnz7wzHzFMGm5GInLqz2NbDyUkuwuUohZGbKDsVD9poFasdXEXQMhGyW6Qq5j4vO6OZ2s/s1803/xt%20berrybushes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EWArKQyjT8GUaEcaAmef_NwXroxGPpl8zWJz1EYOOgjIVnaf_3LeqPakbPcLUBCBoBoluuRieAfp6X6l0wuLDD9olGsxZQFGaNW59OXCHmqKwVfXThINkutnz7wzHzFMGm5GInLqz2NbDyUkuwuUohZGbKDsVD9poFasdXEXQMhGyW6Qq5j4vO6OZ2s/w640-h426/xt%20berrybushes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ignoring autumn, there were also wildflowers blooming, including the mountain harebell which I've seen on my former visit too. Apparently their bloom season lasts nearly from snow melt to snow fall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ80SPSaujCcJ4rUKRyU8SMY94ATdRt_A4v62IAi6XoMKKAHYrAfAT2lTbytd4nRUlNex0a2ybrRWrFIDYwm83P8TiGCm3uARgAN4UokGB4COGhydcM-3-wrf9yxps9NIRF9TXutx4R9kesl-T38zigLTmYhoyqeFwkUNb9r2zTXQn8myBnP1JHeJw4I/s1806/xv%20bells.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1806" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ80SPSaujCcJ4rUKRyU8SMY94ATdRt_A4v62IAi6XoMKKAHYrAfAT2lTbytd4nRUlNex0a2ybrRWrFIDYwm83P8TiGCm3uARgAN4UokGB4COGhydcM-3-wrf9yxps9NIRF9TXutx4R9kesl-T38zigLTmYhoyqeFwkUNb9r2zTXQn8myBnP1JHeJw4I/w640-h438/xv%20bells.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Harebell, Campanula rotundifolia </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>And then, there were the aspens, shining in their golden fall apparel, looking like trees that grow gold coins. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPxunMYGi5PDlGA9F9jNZPEH9dAlIgvloKBI6-i6krk9-hmb3HOhmag9qD84LOaJIr-qrBlxyF0rDj-sCLqqwLtj-bX4V9EZMO6dXhP8Uxs4opUouwUcW0XVj18yW7CauvepETId5mDWeqjb6ehdIaeBeBZaMrB3ykcYSRCPzrNBYmX_h4kvv3ZEuEzY/s1803/xw%20trees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPxunMYGi5PDlGA9F9jNZPEH9dAlIgvloKBI6-i6krk9-hmb3HOhmag9qD84LOaJIr-qrBlxyF0rDj-sCLqqwLtj-bX4V9EZMO6dXhP8Uxs4opUouwUcW0XVj18yW7CauvepETId5mDWeqjb6ehdIaeBeBZaMrB3ykcYSRCPzrNBYmX_h4kvv3ZEuEzY/w640-h426/xw%20trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaking Aspen</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>My sister pointed out a star-shaped inflorescence bud. Later up the trail we saw the local thistle also in bloom. The star shaped bud that exploded into intense purple super nova blossom. These thistles also were late bloomers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gV8-yf_ohZ8oKNnCfINQIMI9I_uKg_UCJQI-zSdutJtTQv3_e5imQx5tGSVnsDQcTBVLZ1r_B5iUDVKJd6L4OIoYTd6rvPnRJxu1r8IsiU0_P1Rkjadr_njDZkn2ZKYo1WV7tvTBHlRnK1hqTC43HlVDKdbs0LZK7lQ-Wa4om8Ur5XP5g39VBc7O3CA/s1384/thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1384" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gV8-yf_ohZ8oKNnCfINQIMI9I_uKg_UCJQI-zSdutJtTQv3_e5imQx5tGSVnsDQcTBVLZ1r_B5iUDVKJd6L4OIoYTd6rvPnRJxu1r8IsiU0_P1Rkjadr_njDZkn2ZKYo1WV7tvTBHlRnK1hqTC43HlVDKdbs0LZK7lQ-Wa4om8Ur5XP5g39VBc7O3CA/w640-h450/thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thistle</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The air was cool and there was a breeze blowing. We didn't see many insects on this hike so when I did see one that looked cool I paused to take a closer look. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AeDNZVltb0ilZvrY6pgpzdbB5Xfq_VIAtA0CJJl9vhvWXf8_tDyUyW8wNq9bDsplzyk1J5gS3BPemWMLTLmjQzbVcwIv2GyHbntAQoPa2vMrWAVwNUejs4YnrUcWSSgtj-hAt_KwmX8DY43S3gzL5H4nqnMkVp5VieGKIBywgZkx-C3v7g3isLajrT4/s1637/xy%20bug.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1637" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AeDNZVltb0ilZvrY6pgpzdbB5Xfq_VIAtA0CJJl9vhvWXf8_tDyUyW8wNq9bDsplzyk1J5gS3BPemWMLTLmjQzbVcwIv2GyHbntAQoPa2vMrWAVwNUejs4YnrUcWSSgtj-hAt_KwmX8DY43S3gzL5H4nqnMkVp5VieGKIBywgZkx-C3v7g3isLajrT4/w640-h476/xy%20bug.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail curved south. My sister slowed down her pace and eventually I overtook her and took the lead. The mountains ahead sloped steeply into the lake and I remembered the narrow path where the trail was cut on which we hiked on my last visit with the youth, from the ferry anding back to the visitor center. Remembering the ferry I turned to my sister and suggested that we take the ferry back to the visitor center rather than turn around at the falls. There she could wait for me while I walked to String Lake to retrieve the car. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9dKYUNIH06ofTn5WTHtp_4w19FMXeu3rooXpogxLU-iXFaEtC8-PDEpKu4l_TXDxnhNM4S5o5K5hsHBlm6S_Oos_DYHREgVb3_WQapjiMuGnYZm4KhReAdvQvLo28GNAyHxGeL2F87hSNC6hZygeGd9VkHZNPFtD7E7fBoEk6eO7-XpXlZFaPNqllcI/s1803/xz%20lakeview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9dKYUNIH06ofTn5WTHtp_4w19FMXeu3rooXpogxLU-iXFaEtC8-PDEpKu4l_TXDxnhNM4S5o5K5hsHBlm6S_Oos_DYHREgVb3_WQapjiMuGnYZm4KhReAdvQvLo28GNAyHxGeL2F87hSNC6hZygeGd9VkHZNPFtD7E7fBoEk6eO7-XpXlZFaPNqllcI/w640-h426/xz%20lakeview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The truly incredible sight was on our right side, on the western slopes above the lake: the aspens, which were the quickest of all the trees to regenerate from the past fire that ravaged this slope some years ago were in their autumn gold and looked like flames themselves. Flames of vitality blazing out of the dark green bushes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kmFVSs_uZgBqFONfVtzcGIR3dQWnsHxcRvFx2i7pRPm-pAQ2md1lL_K43sX2SHevzYZsR_SKjzXpKjqUJp4MJOr8btFD-ujNaGSuKXQIN8lECtrNIXULBOK3AVNVq1Ky7Za9Qg5wTQ7DXuLwSnJPhKkbN5go31SkFNsv9Z3ej70Uzt0p3E1peVOy3T4/s1803/ya%20fall%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kmFVSs_uZgBqFONfVtzcGIR3dQWnsHxcRvFx2i7pRPm-pAQ2md1lL_K43sX2SHevzYZsR_SKjzXpKjqUJp4MJOr8btFD-ujNaGSuKXQIN8lECtrNIXULBOK3AVNVq1Ky7Za9Qg5wTQ7DXuLwSnJPhKkbN5go31SkFNsv9Z3ej70Uzt0p3E1peVOy3T4/w640-h426/ya%20fall%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspens in Fall Colors</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Eventually we left the fire-affected area and got back into the woods. The trail was fairly level and we were making good pace. On the way we run into a sole ranger and and chatted with him a bit. He was exited to inform us that moose were sighted not too far ahead. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_GWgNu-VosQbJxSUOKYCFNANSN6I6ZFcbcfiF6SJKrjpNbA7pCeLj6Mq2gmRZLodrNj4NXh9gPPXWV54XZg_2cWxdGXKPkCYOPXF5ONCFWaKrngxEKNbXhuydaJixKdq_iu2uXAIFJ6IcCK-R7v_dnwBnRsqK0fhpjAVDIBQupyVhdRpPHENr-D12GU/s1803/yd%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_GWgNu-VosQbJxSUOKYCFNANSN6I6ZFcbcfiF6SJKrjpNbA7pCeLj6Mq2gmRZLodrNj4NXh9gPPXWV54XZg_2cWxdGXKPkCYOPXF5ONCFWaKrngxEKNbXhuydaJixKdq_iu2uXAIFJ6IcCK-R7v_dnwBnRsqK0fhpjAVDIBQupyVhdRpPHENr-D12GU/w640-h426/yd%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Stoked, my sister and I continued ahead, looking carefully in all directions. As often happens with wildlife near trails however, we saw the gathering of other humans before we saw the moose himself. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaUOeoqt1qgFR48dY9lTMgq58Wf4I3cA0KkV4NwiwwkHw2caGfRFfZwH0Vq-zZJ9RWOfBo72NX0PTXz0qEQeZq-Pv3yNTlQAaGXPWnHB64DSjRPanKvige00tNJBspv0csyFa4bCzuyGfKK2QsMX5Uf142nVuRuJ9huPaK4B_dDGGgjh6B8gqMsySoUU/s1803/ye%20moose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaUOeoqt1qgFR48dY9lTMgq58Wf4I3cA0KkV4NwiwwkHw2caGfRFfZwH0Vq-zZJ9RWOfBo72NX0PTXz0qEQeZq-Pv3yNTlQAaGXPWnHB64DSjRPanKvige00tNJBspv0csyFa4bCzuyGfKK2QsMX5Uf142nVuRuJ9huPaK4B_dDGGgjh6B8gqMsySoUU/w640-h426/ye%20moose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was a single bull, and he was sitting down, almost completely hidden by the tall vegetation. All we could see were the top of his head and the lovely rack of antlers. He was pretty close to the trail, too. When we eventually had to move on we needed to carefully sneak through one by one, hoping to not stir the large animal, who can be quite dangerous when irked. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfSzzd5HSG21DKEI_pUytVAvL8swI4PP0cR9xholX5skEpcm0066wvoUUEOU_bJZZBgtdpJ_f5dzS6BlaGGXfhLFNc7wYlVh3MPv2_EehM3TEeVng-STcpyUtLNv5lNgh4-6PCc3eO_hKx1LRGU3sEgp3fdidpyU74Xq1iaoKvNLB0cNjS_hqrjfppY/s1803/yf%20moose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfSzzd5HSG21DKEI_pUytVAvL8swI4PP0cR9xholX5skEpcm0066wvoUUEOU_bJZZBgtdpJ_f5dzS6BlaGGXfhLFNc7wYlVh3MPv2_EehM3TEeVng-STcpyUtLNv5lNgh4-6PCc3eO_hKx1LRGU3sEgp3fdidpyU74Xq1iaoKvNLB0cNjS_hqrjfppY/w640-h426/yf%20moose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Well, after seeing a moose again, this time from very close range, seeing more daisies was a bit of a downbeat. I still took photos though, as a matter of habit. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I74CET8U2nszATLg7Me7L9oXbhyphenhyphen81qE7TsJhgUVvZryoriisUcmHPCpWUKr0ovlCs7WoORLANfiNPAIKDTUc1P0TlwVEga8uFKTxCMZ45l6a8eMCqMVbWr9z7QwTGFhN5pr71Cm9902Rw4u2H4xFlN_nh4V_XvZXGNAEwC7ksOrzzJ3b0VRwSleydMc/s1803/yg%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I74CET8U2nszATLg7Me7L9oXbhyphenhyphen81qE7TsJhgUVvZryoriisUcmHPCpWUKr0ovlCs7WoORLANfiNPAIKDTUc1P0TlwVEga8uFKTxCMZ45l6a8eMCqMVbWr9z7QwTGFhN5pr71Cm9902Rw4u2H4xFlN_nh4V_XvZXGNAEwC7ksOrzzJ3b0VRwSleydMc/w640-h426/yg%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Daisy, Erigeron speciosus </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There were plenty more wildflowers along the west arm of the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, but no columbine as far as I could see. Still, a moose! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC_1N7nGveh-E89kBASm9oSQzUbOO20I5tJ-j9EohpA5dKvybktzcGOANuxE_cRICJnougaXR8hGns2N3ypP3ss68sTFERngM8AI67eu60mdo_t4MxHr3FtOMqZDQOFuaPleKaYvxlyk-Afin6f7RE2p5-TO8Nztb9WHZ54NE4rCFyMQ6_eOi-D3mFBM/s1665/yh%20flowers.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1665" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC_1N7nGveh-E89kBASm9oSQzUbOO20I5tJ-j9EohpA5dKvybktzcGOANuxE_cRICJnougaXR8hGns2N3ypP3ss68sTFERngM8AI67eu60mdo_t4MxHr3FtOMqZDQOFuaPleKaYvxlyk-Afin6f7RE2p5-TO8Nztb9WHZ54NE4rCFyMQ6_eOi-D3mFBM/w640-h432/yh%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>My sister was beginning to tire and she agreed to my idea of taking the ferry back to the visitor center and her waiting there while I'd go get the car from String Lake. Before that however, we still had to see the Hidden Falls. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjkXEdX77sB-B0W1eUe2dmFB8F3J0f0vIYKo7xAsR8fKN-C94fAiFaq8RoYeQGMk0ZJhM4e8SC7syL2ykCQZLHN8PjtWqUU_XHOzQJzt9qJ1Y3SrLT6827NOSlNeQWXPcYChKN_OUpv25Cm6q0EVWwl6BlRdXST5WqeBkB-T7K4fjudDE9m5QFMMwtvY/s1691/yi%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1691" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjkXEdX77sB-B0W1eUe2dmFB8F3J0f0vIYKo7xAsR8fKN-C94fAiFaq8RoYeQGMk0ZJhM4e8SC7syL2ykCQZLHN8PjtWqUU_XHOzQJzt9qJ1Y3SrLT6827NOSlNeQWXPcYChKN_OUpv25Cm6q0EVWwl6BlRdXST5WqeBkB-T7K4fjudDE9m5QFMMwtvY/w640-h434/yi%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We reached the ferry landing area. The trail up the Cascade Creek to the Hidden Falls and further up to the Grand Teton Wilderness started there. The creek lived up to its name - it was cascading downhill with a nice series of little drops, creating a lovely whitewater affect. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR6a_9RBNJnqP1n-_TC01t9vGeEAz3omy_UQCMqFchJMxiHFjHJy0EzBnlwnstMCKmKB1ayPsSTX_a86maGxj6-F_0TocKIRWH7Mk67lwPkTqzFbL17J8aMVTfGiZ-X7tK7wKx9TTwmMEuIuuZgeYBQXbpPOUFtfkAuTV_Aardy_eW4OWmeqxxOF3ry0/s1803/yk%20cascade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR6a_9RBNJnqP1n-_TC01t9vGeEAz3omy_UQCMqFchJMxiHFjHJy0EzBnlwnstMCKmKB1ayPsSTX_a86maGxj6-F_0TocKIRWH7Mk67lwPkTqzFbL17J8aMVTfGiZ-X7tK7wKx9TTwmMEuIuuZgeYBQXbpPOUFtfkAuTV_Aardy_eW4OWmeqxxOF3ry0/w640-h426/yk%20cascade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The trail to Hidden Falls is uphill and involves ascending quite a few rock stairs. There were many people cramming the trail - most of them arrived by the ferry just to see the falls and then ride the ferry right back. We took it slowly, one step at a time, passing other hikers that lingered, and being passed by hikers more vigorous than us. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlZbhhxerqo4p4cidgI-WQQlyQae6wwXeaUoDKQawbqh_JTbd2o5kaGAwxTuCC_4nl591A2uqn0Gn6270ShKNxwl8X4xyEJ-8I2CvQZCetw9nBgS-gPNBYUOih4EdB5nUpFp9nwAj6rUjSQR6b0E9RFw1ceCKUKTMgFfw_JXmRvri34cLuS1E0kJzfb0/s1272/ym%20goldernrod.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1272" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlZbhhxerqo4p4cidgI-WQQlyQae6wwXeaUoDKQawbqh_JTbd2o5kaGAwxTuCC_4nl591A2uqn0Gn6270ShKNxwl8X4xyEJ-8I2CvQZCetw9nBgS-gPNBYUOih4EdB5nUpFp9nwAj6rUjSQR6b0E9RFw1ceCKUKTMgFfw_JXmRvri34cLuS1E0kJzfb0/w640-h450/ym%20goldernrod.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was also slowed down by the ripe thimbleberries that I found along the upper part of the trail, fairly close to the falls view point. There weren't very many of them, but how many there were, I tried reaching them all. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVvNT9a0-E6HMtLOnwI8zqMoszdqy5lKJSS8uklWUyQrJ1vylAvsmo2yFKLqrKmQZW9eR7lE4j19UOOW-eTEfv5ImEcZnLO-QKF98B2SyKI0og8b3g-Qpq-CbvFAWmGPIniwnsQjKxIUJl9pAc3neOtuza6JmARr77QOuu8OXVUodHNbsal4Q0A2sOiw/s1267/yt%20thimbleberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1267" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVvNT9a0-E6HMtLOnwI8zqMoszdqy5lKJSS8uklWUyQrJ1vylAvsmo2yFKLqrKmQZW9eR7lE4j19UOOW-eTEfv5ImEcZnLO-QKF98B2SyKI0og8b3g-Qpq-CbvFAWmGPIniwnsQjKxIUJl9pAc3neOtuza6JmARr77QOuu8OXVUodHNbsal4Q0A2sOiw/w640-h442/yt%20thimbleberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div>The Hidden Falls were well hidden indeed. We got a glimpse of them at the base of the trail spur that leads to the viewing platform. Even from the viewing point we could see only the strip of water coming down the falls through a narrow window between the trees. There were quite a few people there admiring the waterfall. Some people ventured off the trail and closer to the waterfall. I'm sure they had a better view, but we didn't follow suit. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG4nHJ9IkZfcIdIVf3tO5G9UDODrWr0VkrmrfftG4VqXSH47l84RSbOfQqjF37yQadtbC3rFmSsqon-QkmpcAaYwLmO9hg0urhARgGLh-hWLXeelZQIG_UdrEi6gFGHqsmHhIhH29QcDb6Rl8ksABT_6zBtCH1vCFnEcKC4SBFtD1hiwxKV0sD6GAzcI/s1803/yp%20waterfall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG4nHJ9IkZfcIdIVf3tO5G9UDODrWr0VkrmrfftG4VqXSH47l84RSbOfQqjF37yQadtbC3rFmSsqon-QkmpcAaYwLmO9hg0urhARgGLh-hWLXeelZQIG_UdrEi6gFGHqsmHhIhH29QcDb6Rl8ksABT_6zBtCH1vCFnEcKC4SBFtD1hiwxKV0sD6GAzcI/w640-h426/yp%20waterfall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We sat at the viewing platform for a while, then turned and walked down the trail and along the Cascade Creek. There seemed to be more people coming up the trail now, and we weaved our way carefully between them. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_6h4vZkXi11VGOemwL33wJZu6sGM3Ju99LbrONyAjxlqky5Eerc1U1A0oCFXCVGVlrkvLx7NYUYs4VzMOmvWkeeJxWbFdPi4Zyn9F7-Ixh6A1hds7eZfYfW86p4We4_-Z5wEpjp_SdfPQh_aU2kqsx-hp5JFi5Lzz9DSuy5jkCyQ0UjNMo3-OOhlyRo/s1803/yo%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_6h4vZkXi11VGOemwL33wJZu6sGM3Ju99LbrONyAjxlqky5Eerc1U1A0oCFXCVGVlrkvLx7NYUYs4VzMOmvWkeeJxWbFdPi4Zyn9F7-Ixh6A1hds7eZfYfW86p4We4_-Z5wEpjp_SdfPQh_aU2kqsx-hp5JFi5Lzz9DSuy5jkCyQ0UjNMo3-OOhlyRo/w640-h426/yo%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Creek</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The Hidden Falls were nice, but in the context of the entire hike it came behind the fall colors and certainly behind the moose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjgziJYF_f4GMJSF9YKTKQTrDK1L1EF1ZBxumoQM3BUD_Miuo5f25wDoUEFbg9q2UrY_vvUch6hXJ7LCJfLg-kAvfPKBjXfqbcoSdg41UMvs_pK_H2ThXiHPbGdze7bzirZUnUgT6IPGJnVIfjUaV23qbZqkaI3QvyZmbSlbJ2DzH8k-nWQTAyKDc5yM/s1803/yx%20down%20to%20the%20dock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjgziJYF_f4GMJSF9YKTKQTrDK1L1EF1ZBxumoQM3BUD_Miuo5f25wDoUEFbg9q2UrY_vvUch6hXJ7LCJfLg-kAvfPKBjXfqbcoSdg41UMvs_pK_H2ThXiHPbGdze7bzirZUnUgT6IPGJnVIfjUaV23qbZqkaI3QvyZmbSlbJ2DzH8k-nWQTAyKDc5yM/w640-h426/yx%20down%20to%20the%20dock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way down I had the opportunity to take more wildflower photos. I was amazed at how much bloom was there still, so late in the season. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYa7ubR8MajRyF0_VrBqrC9VAiO_gv0UDW95Po8DNVwmQcPDtWKJ6rxfnszjEOTNy7kCeiY6p49tnoOaax6lYvveLgtTSkPsH6iVVZoK19_W-4HENJ0xp3tRN78YqSGp5B6k9CbNrZS5eeFRUsJJNe5zbpSSau2S4wSqdAf4PrQVw3SpR8qYrcEVDyQ/s1289/yw%20sunflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1289" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYa7ubR8MajRyF0_VrBqrC9VAiO_gv0UDW95Po8DNVwmQcPDtWKJ6rxfnszjEOTNy7kCeiY6p49tnoOaax6lYvveLgtTSkPsH6iVVZoK19_W-4HENJ0xp3tRN78YqSGp5B6k9CbNrZS5eeFRUsJJNe5zbpSSau2S4wSqdAf4PrQVw3SpR8qYrcEVDyQ/w640-h436/yw%20sunflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnica</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div>We reached the ferry landing area and joined the long line of people waiting for a ride back. We were also getting hungry and feeling nature's call but we were going to be there for a while. All we could do was wait and chat. I think it was then that I finally accepted the fact that we wouldn't get to check out any other place today. Certainly not Old Faithful. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hDbGV4mkUw9SK_LymcA68L03NskIP7lhzUSMlXrKjeARUVpwEKZvBTqbdYffz_m-O4uxQf4ijeEXndkDzY-okOSP24Gs4QwHP9CNRecDNVlt7Ct5HApXQlqCRL-k5mspNQu3T8ZS8EHuEomEy8WaJDNsPI02yN0hbfWqlt8p201VQDFEKo-jpScjnWw/s1803/yy%20view%20from%20the%20west%20dock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hDbGV4mkUw9SK_LymcA68L03NskIP7lhzUSMlXrKjeARUVpwEKZvBTqbdYffz_m-O4uxQf4ijeEXndkDzY-okOSP24Gs4QwHP9CNRecDNVlt7Ct5HApXQlqCRL-k5mspNQu3T8ZS8EHuEomEy8WaJDNsPI02yN0hbfWqlt8p201VQDFEKo-jpScjnWw/w640-h426/yy%20view%20from%20the%20west%20dock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We moved slowly down the waiting line, seeing three ferries load and take off before it was our turn to board the watercraft. I didn't take any photos during the ferry ride. I looked at my sister, she was definitely done hiking for today. We split ways when we got off the ferry. My sister went directly to the visitor center and I took off immediately on the trail due north. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e6MHZBT2RmBF1quKIOFdnKZ5Ht55rqFpLuOl7k3bwveQBsaeu0ntTEBU4KavpH9fCIeR4b9QmWFrnEco1_F54kQVxVsTx_AIwGTCzmIMBjrs9iw0-jzf8MTNHJXxb7X2t5KbPEEvtXxjrVJP_-dWsJ3oorPBD5VgWFJdaA3TaZRI2kqrij32R6AjeRc/s1803/yz%20asphalt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e6MHZBT2RmBF1quKIOFdnKZ5Ht55rqFpLuOl7k3bwveQBsaeu0ntTEBU4KavpH9fCIeR4b9QmWFrnEco1_F54kQVxVsTx_AIwGTCzmIMBjrs9iw0-jzf8MTNHJXxb7X2t5KbPEEvtXxjrVJP_-dWsJ3oorPBD5VgWFJdaA3TaZRI2kqrij32R6AjeRc/w640-h426/yz%20asphalt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Somehow I didn't remember from my hike there three years before that this part of the trail had uphill sections. I was getting tired too but tried to not slow down too much. I didn't want to take too long to get back with the car. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSi3Ta96n7GAvwCCGM8YCYgZB-9xLEa44wwdz0LbDkIz8noLVUPRkfMp5_FbEgKcb5Uk1rV_OdJlaMqNXO3Lhp41_z1IZRp6cdqv1HfazuuDozjNVMzWxknidwge25zovHBVYjfeuk4qGUYrayjGum2CVpzuAArriAY5-7HOND3pGqU8SfZc5d6chhyk/s1803/za%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSi3Ta96n7GAvwCCGM8YCYgZB-9xLEa44wwdz0LbDkIz8noLVUPRkfMp5_FbEgKcb5Uk1rV_OdJlaMqNXO3Lhp41_z1IZRp6cdqv1HfazuuDozjNVMzWxknidwge25zovHBVYjfeuk4qGUYrayjGum2CVpzuAArriAY5-7HOND3pGqU8SfZc5d6chhyk/w640-h426/za%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hardly stopped for anything, trying to keep as fast a pace as I could. Most of the photos I took on this part pf the hike were shot on the move. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp2CndY0Hg4vGwqmRI55oRdmFK0KOSSyJ_UKmmJ-EyjI20H02eEdqaX17yyQhG-IhzpxLTiwOk8-HNJvmsspXWU3NPEtC3FjMT-x3iajLsBt0uRugOMqK-rr10tJaB3lpj7RR1F49msogqncPPncXY7dWP1gwyr1iVCvX1Vqk_Bs4zk2TtLyqmsiFLNQ/s1803/zd%20mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp2CndY0Hg4vGwqmRI55oRdmFK0KOSSyJ_UKmmJ-EyjI20H02eEdqaX17yyQhG-IhzpxLTiwOk8-HNJvmsspXWU3NPEtC3FjMT-x3iajLsBt0uRugOMqK-rr10tJaB3lpj7RR1F49msogqncPPncXY7dWP1gwyr1iVCvX1Vqk_Bs4zk2TtLyqmsiFLNQ/w640-h426/zd%20mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trees were all evergreen along this part of the trail, nearly all conifers. The fall colors were evident in the low forest story vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYf567S8_5oqCADRtL0MVUONkew5VBneEAOuJFdRBu8dze_TRlms-cBM9iTay9QjbvPIHRDCWV6yiNrZ6EU2UjQHdfXhm2APau9RbNdkSh-FGUx6w9Q_xthX080fJlvd-4C52kGAFUBwJf3ooj6qUyDDNVEZW3zrQotbejnPXGItiTgrlqqeYlEYiocU/s1803/zb%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYf567S8_5oqCADRtL0MVUONkew5VBneEAOuJFdRBu8dze_TRlms-cBM9iTay9QjbvPIHRDCWV6yiNrZ6EU2UjQHdfXhm2APau9RbNdkSh-FGUx6w9Q_xthX080fJlvd-4C52kGAFUBwJf3ooj6qUyDDNVEZW3zrQotbejnPXGItiTgrlqqeYlEYiocU/w640-h426/zb%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every now and then I passed an opening in the trees and had a nice view over Jenny Lake and the mountains beyond. The day was definitely getting older. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDfV9eddvqQ-XjGh_2GNUJZMXCH1aZGot5gjqpXzrlKMMSF1aD77yRumUUxDK8x-WwyhELZ7yQsR9sQwiILH5K7hTgkTeRG0EBqACWzEDV-36lld8BINReEeCLqpktO8UUje0WyC25puMHBkqmZBjRK37dHoz7ctjKOvPE8rStmndoTZOrs3608irkjE/s1803/zf%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDfV9eddvqQ-XjGh_2GNUJZMXCH1aZGot5gjqpXzrlKMMSF1aD77yRumUUxDK8x-WwyhELZ7yQsR9sQwiILH5K7hTgkTeRG0EBqACWzEDV-36lld8BINReEeCLqpktO8UUje0WyC25puMHBkqmZBjRK37dHoz7ctjKOvPE8rStmndoTZOrs3608irkjE/w640-h426/zf%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>For some distance the trail was really close to the road. I had a thought of possibly hitch-hiking to String Lake. I might even have done it, but that road was one way, and not my way. Going on on foot it was, then. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhzMa_54O03W4Qs0laHn2InCGr6-0MVa31HR4dTNQN88D2UbF9zeVtq_kZF8tO-J1-LV2ofBjkly6sEsJxVY-qbALft_195GmNG80jHTBSWvbEYQsxW6s0ivBVVSWt0hyENSZb6CSae4TkfFJ1eh-b5fZSJf4Rxi9zvbmuopdO9fDzh6Or_uSO9KMvuA/s1803/zg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhzMa_54O03W4Qs0laHn2InCGr6-0MVa31HR4dTNQN88D2UbF9zeVtq_kZF8tO-J1-LV2ofBjkly6sEsJxVY-qbALft_195GmNG80jHTBSWvbEYQsxW6s0ivBVVSWt0hyENSZb6CSae4TkfFJ1eh-b5fZSJf4Rxi9zvbmuopdO9fDzh6Or_uSO9KMvuA/w640-h426/zg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I stopped at the same spot where three years ago I took the view photo of the mountain gap where Cascade Creek was coming through. The sky was overcast and the lake looked gray. It was getting colder, too. I hurried on. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuH_UGt7bHgmsaO5Br6qqCbl3IQcnykhAW9q4fXs4juo6eC0uodgVAIwTxvBOxnexZtkZpmnAZyNTtfDlu2_mf7syj1LIQzZ-OmL5rsJ5cgtXJDO9p0WNtwaQVMf-PuZUfNURedvJbpeQ-Cw9kMArWNFx4EvTwBT0EWbEduBxLfmhHXdYvbiFD3y_An0/s1803/zi%20view%20beyond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuH_UGt7bHgmsaO5Br6qqCbl3IQcnykhAW9q4fXs4juo6eC0uodgVAIwTxvBOxnexZtkZpmnAZyNTtfDlu2_mf7syj1LIQzZ-OmL5rsJ5cgtXJDO9p0WNtwaQVMf-PuZUfNURedvJbpeQ-Cw9kMArWNFx4EvTwBT0EWbEduBxLfmhHXdYvbiFD3y_An0/w640-h426/zi%20view%20beyond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Creek valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From one of these high, open places I had a nice view of Mount Saint John, and below it the green slope that my sister and I hiked underneath earlier that day. There were bright yellow spots on that slope - those brilliant gold quaking aspens in their autumn attire. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqFdP1Z2mTxIyr75dkkLd49PaC76-rqKEdLS0Yf9TgBL8PjPAhCBJbD5AjEWc5Vvj3BtSgMAGjJ0hBxQL30PVsy-b4s2CS1c-npEIav-zjmYVDXUM1Ysq461rCaHWda1heMyQYTfp85fMPsS_rFiPFCkTL3QuapKMHu-N_i0vxTD4l6nqalWEa4YJSI0/s1803/zl%20lakeview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqFdP1Z2mTxIyr75dkkLd49PaC76-rqKEdLS0Yf9TgBL8PjPAhCBJbD5AjEWc5Vvj3BtSgMAGjJ0hBxQL30PVsy-b4s2CS1c-npEIav-zjmYVDXUM1Ysq461rCaHWda1heMyQYTfp85fMPsS_rFiPFCkTL3QuapKMHu-N_i0vxTD4l6nqalWEa4YJSI0/w640-h426/zl%20lakeview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>I took a maximal zoom image of that amazing looking slope and its golden trees. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtqMgVNGQmaHdJMXilM8LmPAKRMNkhwsgQRQK05CQKuxq7xmHmi2vVmCcoY8FXAxilkaGvNvw6l1dU2Xp3HTjvn21z7MbhIaRmLynQQ7R4yGAaUm99ahBf42coKAsTTo0lZxGQHvBoUsFzbaF7VYCepLh_tx-mwhamcXK04dFOI78phSY6gm88CJtc_s/s1803/zk%20fall%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtqMgVNGQmaHdJMXilM8LmPAKRMNkhwsgQRQK05CQKuxq7xmHmi2vVmCcoY8FXAxilkaGvNvw6l1dU2Xp3HTjvn21z7MbhIaRmLynQQ7R4yGAaUm99ahBf42coKAsTTo0lZxGQHvBoUsFzbaF7VYCepLh_tx-mwhamcXK04dFOI78phSY6gm88CJtc_s/w640-h426/zk%20fall%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspens</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail plunged into the forest again. It was level again and I picked up my pace. As I progressed through the forest it occurred to me that I may have underestimated the length of the trail between the Jenny Lake visitor center and the picnic area at String lake, where the car was. I tried pushing myself faster. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzjLizOKaA3AzQpcDmoLmvx2FNwM3i9xesRUzVebocCNQ_cZZrEkB4nb9ZUvbdhyphenhyphenh3p1fq3aD0OdnLp7V2E2RXaUfPo23siCeYpFCkHyChyqqIoGyMPmgoxvB5XOwKb5b2ytioQXz1SSLSLgSaz1bUuBIcNVzmcX_lEnEw4ElWBLsD-ADFKWgEIdIgUo/s1803/zm%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzjLizOKaA3AzQpcDmoLmvx2FNwM3i9xesRUzVebocCNQ_cZZrEkB4nb9ZUvbdhyphenhyphenh3p1fq3aD0OdnLp7V2E2RXaUfPo23siCeYpFCkHyChyqqIoGyMPmgoxvB5XOwKb5b2ytioQXz1SSLSLgSaz1bUuBIcNVzmcX_lEnEw4ElWBLsD-ADFKWgEIdIgUo/w640-h426/zm%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then I had to stop again: a number of hikers stood ahead, blocking the trail. I stopped near them and watched on as a few deer were crossing the trail one by one, so close to the humans and completely nonplussed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsaZ39diqsAE_GwtYSZkjfMMhcrQKae7tp-H_SkSSynCa02i1AK-WNE4UAsbIQdPr4U3WKVjUQ6jWWBxDs2ZY9h0N7crtMiJKl87IcmAg8r17Z6EVo7WL9gYZcaJGWzST6C1X-LrhsZv963oSxa-ar41danNLp0SD1sUh4eG32k12ik2tZ5beX_lRAO0/s1803/zn%20doe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsaZ39diqsAE_GwtYSZkjfMMhcrQKae7tp-H_SkSSynCa02i1AK-WNE4UAsbIQdPr4U3WKVjUQ6jWWBxDs2ZY9h0N7crtMiJKl87IcmAg8r17Z6EVo7WL9gYZcaJGWzST6C1X-LrhsZv963oSxa-ar41danNLp0SD1sUh4eG32k12ik2tZ5beX_lRAO0/w640-h426/zn%20doe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Deer</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Some of the grayness departed when the clouds parted above me, letting the sunlight through. I was getting tired, and were starting to slow down some. At some point I realized that I was being followed by three horse riders. The expected thing to do would have been to step aside and let them pass me, but for some reason I was infused with renewed energy and continued onward faster. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xbt7goZPkSOYBkbGylDoKiH3WiNLiA0LU9is7ms7XJy686ALxhDlzMC1reA8lKvGWWR8k25fpU6tDecPq53aqYXjx8m5EIq3JQ1-ChAUhFoCQb4DM3U9QzvLYjaufzpN6Prb1JnqpKGxSBgpEFc8k1Za6SvzhiQANhAeEps3KdtfflLY1kzR5U0gFVY/s1803/zo%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xbt7goZPkSOYBkbGylDoKiH3WiNLiA0LU9is7ms7XJy686ALxhDlzMC1reA8lKvGWWR8k25fpU6tDecPq53aqYXjx8m5EIq3JQ1-ChAUhFoCQb4DM3U9QzvLYjaufzpN6Prb1JnqpKGxSBgpEFc8k1Za6SvzhiQANhAeEps3KdtfflLY1kzR5U0gFVY/w640-h426/zo%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail separated from the lake and curved west towards the creek. The horse riders kept moving behind me, but just before I thought they would catch up with me a couple of hikers were descending down the trail passing me. These hikers stopped to chat with the horse riders, which stopped as well. I took the opportunity and charged on forward. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZGw8py1joqf4D_mEEt-O6jiBSE-WUVJuzWadfJsL_KkUQxZguzxE5fulnJf0zh-unUPftLN_iwwz07v2ezxxrLZqZ-vTjmjMnkGxQ8ZBoqdzb3k-Wy-Np3JVTOo_17Fm4Zy2LQaoCneNfqvDT_MYSN9NIMDtUyGbTI07mDgKCb4lRjrnwNmfzgyGa2Q/s1803/zp%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZGw8py1joqf4D_mEEt-O6jiBSE-WUVJuzWadfJsL_KkUQxZguzxE5fulnJf0zh-unUPftLN_iwwz07v2ezxxrLZqZ-vTjmjMnkGxQ8ZBoqdzb3k-Wy-Np3JVTOo_17Fm4Zy2LQaoCneNfqvDT_MYSN9NIMDtUyGbTI07mDgKCb4lRjrnwNmfzgyGa2Q/w640-h426/zp%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was joyed seeing the emerald creek again, knowing that String Lake wasn't much further. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60VYbFuS_HGfuSkFw4AH7gESo6bzXy_HCpB-5LyocvrLn32Fl8uIHpqFmDIo_2MFoj52HhzjMJ5XbC6EptU7xzMS_1c7ooFg2Xkj-H20IxevbyRmiHowWkDcfHQFwzSjotctZUwcYQKda2D23Hf8O6EgxnrkNgK7gjc1aTNE0gKyrTZMBoklrBlye2AQ/s1803/zr%20green%20water.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60VYbFuS_HGfuSkFw4AH7gESo6bzXy_HCpB-5LyocvrLn32Fl8uIHpqFmDIo_2MFoj52HhzjMJ5XbC6EptU7xzMS_1c7ooFg2Xkj-H20IxevbyRmiHowWkDcfHQFwzSjotctZUwcYQKda2D23Hf8O6EgxnrkNgK7gjc1aTNE0gKyrTZMBoklrBlye2AQ/w640-h426/zr%20green%20water.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In my mind were the memories of three years ago, of myself and the four youth sitting by the creek, enjoying, exploring. I was tempted to stop there again but remembered that my sister was waiting for me. Besides, I could still hear the horse riders coming up the trail from behind me, so I kept on forward at my top speed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzow_q17cxCT_YK-lc5rTNxg2rkXNpl4UepEL6o451xVArwFk5na27pCO4lvf3bQs9K_O0D2VIwD0zg1pkrmmJbCa5o9U4ibQuT2ggBE72AqlQUeqedYCGmxwHwyd6YtVCNC7DjhnFPrQPqaBAC56laSpFxpsxu1YXfBxitGUcwgMOdj4yjSI-Nqc5xQw/s1803/zs%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzow_q17cxCT_YK-lc5rTNxg2rkXNpl4UepEL6o451xVArwFk5na27pCO4lvf3bQs9K_O0D2VIwD0zg1pkrmmJbCa5o9U4ibQuT2ggBE72AqlQUeqedYCGmxwHwyd6YtVCNC7DjhnFPrQPqaBAC56laSpFxpsxu1YXfBxitGUcwgMOdj4yjSI-Nqc5xQw/w640-h426/zs%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The trail split from the creek and rose onto a flat, open area beyond which was the bridge crossing to the other side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgcB4wdqfSA0SvY2-e9qx5jrAzYc4-Z6cpIimhjXHLQW6_o6RzXJxt2qgLJBr6R6pw5NR8xTwaAyRZb8XOCregdtQnutCzzrz47qXEE0U-J3KcBBq-fFlpQp-tgHbvym7rG6uAc-BQTqdAzga0UNhszh5ijNZXBRowepAwGFv9LmO6bZJh9guvVq8aGo/s1803/zu%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgcB4wdqfSA0SvY2-e9qx5jrAzYc4-Z6cpIimhjXHLQW6_o6RzXJxt2qgLJBr6R6pw5NR8xTwaAyRZb8XOCregdtQnutCzzrz47qXEE0U-J3KcBBq-fFlpQp-tgHbvym7rG6uAc-BQTqdAzga0UNhszh5ijNZXBRowepAwGFv9LmO6bZJh9guvVq8aGo/w640-h426/zu%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't all too surprised seeing one of the striped caterpillars on the trail, right below my feet. It was the third time on this hike that I've seen this kind of caterpillar, the same kind I've seen many of yesterday on the Lake Taggart hike. The moose provided the excitement of today's hike, but these caterpillars because the signature wildlife of our trip to Grand Teton and Yellwstone parks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjquH1PJUVWbE1bEw8sRmk5dxo5yWnwDFOg16A7ErTJs3hBkYnH79y5PCuXVbmjlrpRHLAXfOIhGctf_6tlfekgD5g2EcxPRCuKbzMCmxOYg7-XgM1wre7-kfiHpfN1LJ6sHhA2p9nmbl9pglmzYg9tCF-4wZq2E7RD6VT0UB08cb2ByvFVEfhcmkJfWk/s1340/zv%20caterpillar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1340" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjquH1PJUVWbE1bEw8sRmk5dxo5yWnwDFOg16A7ErTJs3hBkYnH79y5PCuXVbmjlrpRHLAXfOIhGctf_6tlfekgD5g2EcxPRCuKbzMCmxOYg7-XgM1wre7-kfiHpfN1LJ6sHhA2p9nmbl9pglmzYg9tCF-4wZq2E7RD6VT0UB08cb2ByvFVEfhcmkJfWk/w640-h462/zv%20caterpillar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar of Spotted Tussock Moth </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I reached the bridge that my sister and I crossed much earlier that day. It was a few good hours after, and we have hiked a lot longer than I had planed for this location. Needless to say, I was not disappointed one bit. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqrcsG9DASwRZYYVfq_CgpihKlWFWLGNRRFeRCMa5U0uSFn7wTADQQUBjwtFvAhYLgNI5lMsVDhOvcuKBvMWlFlDF-PfovOpwogeHcrEzGuTn6lDcdekofXjrK30uBmE8k-AvUp4L3ZvSEueKsIMcbu9W4UzD-Ozq1owqKaJQv_rZBLfodd295rqdJ_M/s1803/zw%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqrcsG9DASwRZYYVfq_CgpihKlWFWLGNRRFeRCMa5U0uSFn7wTADQQUBjwtFvAhYLgNI5lMsVDhOvcuKBvMWlFlDF-PfovOpwogeHcrEzGuTn6lDcdekofXjrK30uBmE8k-AvUp4L3ZvSEueKsIMcbu9W4UzD-Ozq1owqKaJQv_rZBLfodd295rqdJ_M/w640-h426/zw%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I passed by the bridge without crossing it. It was only there that I finally lost earshot of the horse riders that were following me. It might seem silly, but I was glad that I was able to keep ahead of them all that time. They provided me with the drive to walk much faster than i would have otherwise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVLk84qpDL4aIZ5NOHWEjDlv0_BeEG84FnBLt6nG5bqEaZenr5AWHyhPVAXVRSSHfX9VVbPGfriClt9wD-d7HSY4v3TC0vPxsZVSvuED6_llgelFbX64HoDZA6Cv8NHek0FGH0Gcz6BFToGpBZ7GSGtvg8f3HgjaYMJTD6RZQ-cbs3oW_R5RqWkFzY6Y/s1803/zx%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVLk84qpDL4aIZ5NOHWEjDlv0_BeEG84FnBLt6nG5bqEaZenr5AWHyhPVAXVRSSHfX9VVbPGfriClt9wD-d7HSY4v3TC0vPxsZVSvuED6_llgelFbX64HoDZA6Cv8NHek0FGH0Gcz6BFToGpBZ7GSGtvg8f3HgjaYMJTD6RZQ-cbs3oW_R5RqWkFzY6Y/w640-h426/zx%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still had to pass nearly the full length of String Lake before reaching the car. When I reached the lake shore where we had met the class kids (which were no longer there, of course) and seen the frog, I did pause and turned to look at the Tetons. Soon we will be leaving them behind on our way north to Yellowstone. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefmjLcU-axBpvJ17DsBZAZf3wWOTQcO5pyd9SSENrwyzoTUiF8JfdYTM7Enj6hmpMsnStMWjrl09srBPz1IA5z8yAbp7BUa40WKUTsR05_SvOR2UCtG_8kKR7hiXxGSge4EIJuw40LJ3MToQqsenv4GoWzgE2G_EH5WvhEv9fo8J8kpYJZrJyAYzYSxI/s1803/zy%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefmjLcU-axBpvJ17DsBZAZf3wWOTQcO5pyd9SSENrwyzoTUiF8JfdYTM7Enj6hmpMsnStMWjrl09srBPz1IA5z8yAbp7BUa40WKUTsR05_SvOR2UCtG_8kKR7hiXxGSge4EIJuw40LJ3MToQqsenv4GoWzgE2G_EH5WvhEv9fo8J8kpYJZrJyAYzYSxI/w640-h426/zy%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I continued on forward, stopping only once more to photograph some gray jays that frolicked in the pine trees surrounding the parking lt. It was nice t get a photo of the bird that had my elder chika so excited when we camped in Yellowstone in July of 2020. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6Jorlts2sivv3eWquKekZtvNzUrY1z6A2dcpJgiilT7YTSCphe8P4B8CGhyphenhyphent2y9daLtydxTEnMSVTm806wP7Om6KZgAWkpl7jLhyphenhyphenWMS7oS9A9nutyNBOmZiRdCdx2GL-wq0OxgQXwMqZMXMs1fv7reN1KpLQ8jcVS4MPNkGmF1nb9Kja0YYPnIpnuM/s1254/zz%20jay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1254" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6Jorlts2sivv3eWquKekZtvNzUrY1z6A2dcpJgiilT7YTSCphe8P4B8CGhyphenhyphent2y9daLtydxTEnMSVTm806wP7Om6KZgAWkpl7jLhyphenhyphenWMS7oS9A9nutyNBOmZiRdCdx2GL-wq0OxgQXwMqZMXMs1fv7reN1KpLQ8jcVS4MPNkGmF1nb9Kja0YYPnIpnuM/w640-h464/zz%20jay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Jay</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I did take a few minutes in the car to change my hiking bots op light sneakers. My feet were sweaty and hurting, and I could tell that small blisters were forming on my little toes. I took a few sips of water, then drove of back south toward the visitor center. I picked up my sister and we drove north, saying goodbye to the wonderful Grand Teton National park. </div><div>We reached our cabin in Lake Yellowstone as the last of the day light was vanishing. Exhausted and hungry, we set out right away to make a light dinner, take shower, and sink into our beds. Our Jenny Lake hike and the after drive took the entire day. We would therefore, visit Old Faithful tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-73922662771846030252024-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:002024-01-22T22:42:04.707-08:00Jenny Lake Twice, and Once Around. <div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVKwASjXdIee1QP9kiSspBlWiUu7zVOJvoR5cpzOZ7j6rDkdc2YP0Y99YnSUoKSxLIujsTJdPLb5VkfwOCWpxIokULhUftXAD7ObF6OJlhwgmoUNWcDOHTLc4_V0CEX8_H-zXfFRhAGzocGOutqQXQfdzOFMWMhNIM9dq1x4oj9wXejU4hje_Uhh1qw8/s2005/yf%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVKwASjXdIee1QP9kiSspBlWiUu7zVOJvoR5cpzOZ7j6rDkdc2YP0Y99YnSUoKSxLIujsTJdPLb5VkfwOCWpxIokULhUftXAD7ObF6OJlhwgmoUNWcDOHTLc4_V0CEX8_H-zXfFRhAGzocGOutqQXQfdzOFMWMhNIM9dq1x4oj9wXejU4hje_Uhh1qw8/w640-h428/yf%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons viewed from Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 16, 2020</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Grand Teton National Park</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 43.751653, -110.725414</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 7.7 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My previous post was about the <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/in-view-of-tetons-hiking-taggart-lake.html">Lake Taggart hike I did with my sister</a> on our road trip to Great Tetons National Park last fall. On the following day my sister and I went hiking at Jenny Lake, one of the biggest highlights in the park. Writing about that hike however, won't be complete without posting about the previous hike I did there with four youth in company, in July of 2020. Although in the same locale, these two hikes were different enough, in the actual trail hiked, in the season and in the overall atmosphere, that each of them merits a separate post. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Back in July of 2020: </u></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are many types of adventures, many types of trip challenges. In the summer of 2020, at the height of the covid fright I embarked on the craziest trip I ever did - in an almost spontaneous manner I took my chikas snd two of their childhood friends whom I felt were as close as my own, and went on a two weeks long, minimally planned long road trip. Crazy in the sense that we had only one general goal - Yellowstone National Park, in the sense that we relied almost completely on camping, without having any site booked ahead other than the first night of the trip, and in the sense that I was the only adult in the group and at that time, the sole driver too. In hind sight, it was probably crazy of me to take such a responsibility upon myself, but I knew well enough all the youth, and I knew I could trust them to be on board with the plan. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't difficult to convince their parents too. In fact, after being cooped up in the houses for so long because of the pandemic, the other parents were ready to push their kids out the door and away from the screens. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our trip was quite challenging and eventful, and I won't be describing all details of our escapade in this blog. I will however, post some of our highlight hikes from that trip. Looping around Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park was definitely such a highlight. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F0TCgdIoMc47cizloPqSw9pSW5BwIpvL1FBwiIot4-GawSHb3NHROpw2aetH7pcoGinBXWY1JqTDJRNA5hqt4i2uTglntj__1k2xYLQ5-RMDcNOAM8VTIV4C7fs2jW_YFkfzQv8v7rOotwd07x_WjOkreorVhBguZTzvj5YvMnv14qz8Y_cM6k3mmvQ/s1326/7.7%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1326" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F0TCgdIoMc47cizloPqSw9pSW5BwIpvL1FBwiIot4-GawSHb3NHROpw2aetH7pcoGinBXWY1JqTDJRNA5hqt4i2uTglntj__1k2xYLQ5-RMDcNOAM8VTIV4C7fs2jW_YFkfzQv8v7rOotwd07x_WjOkreorVhBguZTzvj5YvMnv14qz8Y_cM6k3mmvQ/w640-h596/7.7%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The night before the hike, which was our forth camping night in a row, was a tough one: all campgrounds in the Grand Teton area were full, and finding a suitable place for dispersed camping was challenging as well because of the overflow of campers. Eventually we did find a spot which, although not ideal, had nearby potable water and a pit toilet, and enough flat space to set up three small tents. It was late when we were done with everything checked in for the night. To commend the youth for their exemplary behavior I promised them that the following night we'll check into a hotel room. Cheered up with that prospect (me included) we were all ready for the big hike of today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like most of the tourists who flock to this place, we started at the lake view place behind the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. It was a lovely summer day, all sunny and bright. On any other summer there would probably be many more people there, but it was covid year so we had no problems finding parking. There were other people there, but it wasn't crowded. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIAoCZX_523bqWRY5KPK1ZWweVNtEryT2HL3kjzLJgPjy6DtXuDA-O1DzX9m531qXkn0sB7aIA8mdgUgmxTgzYoOj86KUZlh5jHEbxdQ3WLDYBZZ8yjYHHMOHJocfK3wvl6RfWoPZd98m5Lw6JegfS0taLWTV49X4Kpkox0v6UgJy7Ma8EfmSjU9bppw/s2005/xk%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIAoCZX_523bqWRY5KPK1ZWweVNtEryT2HL3kjzLJgPjy6DtXuDA-O1DzX9m531qXkn0sB7aIA8mdgUgmxTgzYoOj86KUZlh5jHEbxdQ3WLDYBZZ8yjYHHMOHJocfK3wvl6RfWoPZd98m5Lw6JegfS0taLWTV49X4Kpkox0v6UgJy7Ma8EfmSjU9bppw/w640-h428/xk%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake View</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We started our hike going north, counter-clock direction. We walked at a pretty good pace, but I paused frequently to take photos of wildflowers, which were numerous. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NGVlWIcXcDu3ZGOuaDJRxkqeR5HayzdVe1yQ6fM3BKMOT8BgGKS1IeM3yFMEuUpmko_JsW0_1SiHG8thbs4P27Rp0ZyUm91mDvilUug2RhDfJNZGQ6WaiuGtMTyC_myeYaPt933LEIvDRFnygFDVjUkMFSDk4In4HKw_4aRbidejUADKVxt6Sd4y2nE/s1739/xl%20fleabane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1739" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NGVlWIcXcDu3ZGOuaDJRxkqeR5HayzdVe1yQ6fM3BKMOT8BgGKS1IeM3yFMEuUpmko_JsW0_1SiHG8thbs4P27Rp0ZyUm91mDvilUug2RhDfJNZGQ6WaiuGtMTyC_myeYaPt933LEIvDRFnygFDVjUkMFSDk4In4HKw_4aRbidejUADKVxt6Sd4y2nE/w640-h434/xl%20fleabane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Daisy, Erigeron speciosus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jenny Lake is a highlight for the other park visitors as well. Other hikers walked north and south on the trail but none of them seemed to notice the delicate orchid that was blooming nearby. I of course, had to stop for a photo, and to share the excitement of my finding with the not very concerned youth in my party, as well as with random passers by. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibT-rzADpSWU1xENPoroeeqLvcUCSq1Hdj93-iNWtc7HG6rxceZkelB9J34iCa6wU7JtGlqJm_h5de8oQqSXPf3QsMOGbkLjlH0jmHq4lN99DUNKe7B4lINfyMsmJpLqkBzX1W4JwvNtcJ_hKnKq3azEG442CDOdcyWM2_-LpfNxse5onR1r5fh1HS014/s1392/xm%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1392" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibT-rzADpSWU1xENPoroeeqLvcUCSq1Hdj93-iNWtc7HG6rxceZkelB9J34iCa6wU7JtGlqJm_h5de8oQqSXPf3QsMOGbkLjlH0jmHq4lN99DUNKe7B4lINfyMsmJpLqkBzX1W4JwvNtcJ_hKnKq3azEG442CDOdcyWM2_-LpfNxse5onR1r5fh1HS014/w640-h448/xm%20orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Coralroot Orchid, Corallorhiza mertensiana<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first part of the hike was on paved and very tamed trail segment. There was asphalt and there were even stairs of rock and wheelchair accessible vista points on the lake shore. For many visitors, especially those who are limited in time and want to see much of the park, this would be the only part of the trail they'd walk. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9X7Ot4PRdoyRBt-XgB9QlUJT-IrBK98XEwwUIEVwXCCWeKV8DeyRcYnuroYOgHenUkvmRpaUlNCrCj_88NeEraYwpJ5E2Siz7tykt2wpz9o8-ZYl3CG0wZxVyCUrH2LAlZkHgMCR_mRJ0CSAGZJLmigGuFL5wDEI-HfzqsOkVMaFIdA9sZPbu7rcA88/s1690/xn%20lilies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1690" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9X7Ot4PRdoyRBt-XgB9QlUJT-IrBK98XEwwUIEVwXCCWeKV8DeyRcYnuroYOgHenUkvmRpaUlNCrCj_88NeEraYwpJ5E2Siz7tykt2wpz9o8-ZYl3CG0wZxVyCUrH2LAlZkHgMCR_mRJ0CSAGZJLmigGuFL5wDEI-HfzqsOkVMaFIdA9sZPbu7rcA88/w640-h470/xn%20lilies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Harebell, Campanula rotundifolia<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Abut half a mile north of the visitor center the pavement ended and with it, the number of other humans dropped considerably. Along the less trained hiking trail we saw very few other people, and those we did see where mainly sitting by the lake shore where it was accessible from a different part of the Jenny Lake Road. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUagMCOBEsWDt96Inq_aQqEKnx0B4_95sKP_ic7MxA37Rp-QIRO0qmgDmNx-jfKu3fPA4p63sdSwBNsVi0DE35wxlGAbpZNdtjdUPIaHj8pFCbeTQsLvjTwsQDL5GDTDxwDv-nCXCGXn3r6EkfNJAuzxK6s2TRpg01DT7mU-3_lXlfJDysgTN8pyPxdsE/s2005/xo%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUagMCOBEsWDt96Inq_aQqEKnx0B4_95sKP_ic7MxA37Rp-QIRO0qmgDmNx-jfKu3fPA4p63sdSwBNsVi0DE35wxlGAbpZNdtjdUPIaHj8pFCbeTQsLvjTwsQDL5GDTDxwDv-nCXCGXn3r6EkfNJAuzxK6s2TRpg01DT7mU-3_lXlfJDysgTN8pyPxdsE/w640-h428/xo%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past the paved part, the trail continued through long segments that were separated from the lake itself. Whenever there was an opening in the trees however, we got a nice view f Jenny Lake and of the Teton Mountains beyond. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Mbk70Fz69DYur5oIFPJHzWWelhIV45tBgBLRArPW4C3dRFuLNWrXYFW3jioOVwwlK7pZDOfD3FG7iu9-qPSt4Kq8nZZMtf20gpJkTnHiCL_1iKlKuF0kPrGpdsw-YBZeszktb4Lj4SHZknycNII1HVMZK4IJwXUrPZISfnPx-L__sUrcZZjHSNG-gIs/s2005/xp%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Mbk70Fz69DYur5oIFPJHzWWelhIV45tBgBLRArPW4C3dRFuLNWrXYFW3jioOVwwlK7pZDOfD3FG7iu9-qPSt4Kq8nZZMtf20gpJkTnHiCL_1iKlKuF0kPrGpdsw-YBZeszktb4Lj4SHZknycNII1HVMZK4IJwXUrPZISfnPx-L__sUrcZZjHSNG-gIs/w640-h428/xp%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was just as focused on the vegetation then as I am now. I did take much fewer photos on that hike than I usually do. I guess I was more focused on keeping up with the rigorous youth I was hiking with, having to make sure they won't vanish down a choice of the wrong trail junction. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYxVWO7v7_9AqOMqxn5C0DAR-4Y6nNr3xhC1lBcAVcPFKJUOkVkC3EjRavGk0csT1mo0KqcRcbHTMgODdnzQouKHhoGJWasJ61sZo6TfmPYEWeQfvaiO0W8Kt1z6WagIljwHwCviZqlty6rijy61bOxZ8JJ9Cn_WBPP3pblTHk0xPIfhkqg5U8t-aBlA/s1677/xq%20twinberry%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1677" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYxVWO7v7_9AqOMqxn5C0DAR-4Y6nNr3xhC1lBcAVcPFKJUOkVkC3EjRavGk0csT1mo0KqcRcbHTMgODdnzQouKHhoGJWasJ61sZo6TfmPYEWeQfvaiO0W8Kt1z6WagIljwHwCviZqlty6rijy61bOxZ8JJ9Cn_WBPP3pblTHk0xPIfhkqg5U8t-aBlA/w640-h446/xq%20twinberry%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twinberry</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The kids were good though, and waited for me whenever the reached a trail junction, or whenever I called out to them to wait for me. Perhaps it was all for the best that I didn't end up with many photos of the same thing. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQyrn1kvd440RIl-SphNsNtEij00eC2XBZmejUYRl-DDZp3VQGP53zm1QUQ7OWQ7E4hxoEH7-gLj5yC600CK3Oc6Bw3gnrNHJaeZp4ukftOuqyNSvNHRXMrNkzIKNeeeg1ZP-QFNLFmU-obFIO4ZvQylOUQjoCbPbGPDT-Qhb9VDS5q7P7H3EfyCNm0c/s2005/xr%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQyrn1kvd440RIl-SphNsNtEij00eC2XBZmejUYRl-DDZp3VQGP53zm1QUQ7OWQ7E4hxoEH7-gLj5yC600CK3Oc6Bw3gnrNHJaeZp4ukftOuqyNSvNHRXMrNkzIKNeeeg1ZP-QFNLFmU-obFIO4ZvQylOUQjoCbPbGPDT-Qhb9VDS5q7P7H3EfyCNm0c/w640-h428/xr%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serviceberry</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More to the north the trail ascended higher over the lake. We were past the accessible vista points and by then we established a good, steady hiking pace, with me brining up the rear. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxh8Verfs1D0VKQCxebPkzwZF_Vl0d36OMHzrvjOZc9Rfdw_5nRkisOJjm0Dfdxp_Ms3pBU_DapYK1kCKGt0F-OlOJP3iHph1Kb6ZSkMzg6JHYfDpEmWKfiCP8XmDi0dG2qe4Wu_eX_oqDcj0FJfTGo0NbyymWqxfoEZ2OoidfjpGjbfRY8hdq1i_usQ/s2005/xs%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxh8Verfs1D0VKQCxebPkzwZF_Vl0d36OMHzrvjOZc9Rfdw_5nRkisOJjm0Dfdxp_Ms3pBU_DapYK1kCKGt0F-OlOJP3iHph1Kb6ZSkMzg6JHYfDpEmWKfiCP8XmDi0dG2qe4Wu_eX_oqDcj0FJfTGo0NbyymWqxfoEZ2OoidfjpGjbfRY8hdq1i_usQ/w640-h428/xs%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a warm day and whenever we had a good view on the lake we used it for a water break. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUmvO7EXif_DagE-oMNraSdxSoSTBC9SV8X8QQ7s76-8PyX-RqXMY22DBVQmR0rbrT6bRCqAAW708eMIMQt7zzAa7cwaEWQoPvK_yhSCzxaMhFnrumskM_21Kor_GLXJ9cfSjGkDT94YLPIVIU4qdM6VuvlEQiAjetj4k4rk7lXTDNP2-s0MCSmzUM4w/s2005/xv%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUmvO7EXif_DagE-oMNraSdxSoSTBC9SV8X8QQ7s76-8PyX-RqXMY22DBVQmR0rbrT6bRCqAAW708eMIMQt7zzAa7cwaEWQoPvK_yhSCzxaMhFnrumskM_21Kor_GLXJ9cfSjGkDT94YLPIVIU4qdM6VuvlEQiAjetj4k4rk7lXTDNP2-s0MCSmzUM4w/w640-h428/xv%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake and the Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">My first visit to the Grand Teton National Park and jenny Lake was 17 years ago, with Pappa Quail and the chikas when they were a toddler and a baby. We didn't to a big hike all around the lake then. We took the ferry across and hiked to the Hidden Falls and even a little higher up the saddle that's between the Teton Mountains. That trail continues into the Grand Teton Wilderness but we didn't. Looking over at the mountain pass I felt the call of that wild within me again. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HDrMJuaSVdgDO7UtUZ276bZ5FaHeK3iqp8HJmRhvyNcWsqF_rJsQdAAxSzlcIGMgcvRLbgOI7qpkwIynKieP0AYRrM8H1XbZ3jsZZUE0PBwW2R8ZFJDJdfsLFxPxczVWmFdm_564h24WrrcDFYcPaUFKHR_6Awv8pHxyzxmmteVV52nfsa3UvpAM_p4/s2005/xt%20saddle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HDrMJuaSVdgDO7UtUZ276bZ5FaHeK3iqp8HJmRhvyNcWsqF_rJsQdAAxSzlcIGMgcvRLbgOI7qpkwIynKieP0AYRrM8H1XbZ3jsZZUE0PBwW2R8ZFJDJdfsLFxPxczVWmFdm_564h24WrrcDFYcPaUFKHR_6Awv8pHxyzxmmteVV52nfsa3UvpAM_p4/w640-h428/xt%20saddle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountain pass</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail in the eastern shore of Jenny Lake passed through patches of forest interspaced with sunny forest clearings. There were many wildflowers but it looked like they were past peak bloom in that area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN-gT5gWLcrZp40AqtFUhsFpHDAPq-gNVrgxaPCg2z72IP-I6wUUbkcrCg1Whgjo4CNb469ZN2Q0ea1rb265F1JEaxJL-ey99dhLX4qB4Qx5oNTBd6ALvNM1hvcfQn3zFY2Ct0wIkv8PE8ih3CGmjX7UDzhwxT422M13QgsIzFEz_cMbfQj5hDLsmT90/s2005/xw%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN-gT5gWLcrZp40AqtFUhsFpHDAPq-gNVrgxaPCg2z72IP-I6wUUbkcrCg1Whgjo4CNb469ZN2Q0ea1rb265F1JEaxJL-ey99dhLX4qB4Qx5oNTBd6ALvNM1hvcfQn3zFY2Ct0wIkv8PE8ih3CGmjX7UDzhwxT422M13QgsIzFEz_cMbfQj5hDLsmT90/w640-h428/xw%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just as well as I knew the youth in my company they knew me. When they saw something they thought would interest me they'd stop and wait for me to catch up with them. Giant ants certainly fall in this category of things that are interesting to me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzyZicFWKjNpljB6Yd2txDA_UDiVJy7BF6lpkvTnHbgy6lcnUIYB9FuZjiaZxDWTjnjcs3-e31EH04ak1-Hunc94U03J3f43QkeRkVKSZcrP1ONrzsrdiLDnRTyNQ-W0P1KWAqJ7j5vAeudZLVnIS9szwYrwOEkYNTlzgY_JEHbAp9Uvq4SeB09xLaIQ/s1652/xx%20ants.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1652" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzyZicFWKjNpljB6Yd2txDA_UDiVJy7BF6lpkvTnHbgy6lcnUIYB9FuZjiaZxDWTjnjcs3-e31EH04ak1-Hunc94U03J3f43QkeRkVKSZcrP1ONrzsrdiLDnRTyNQ-W0P1KWAqJ7j5vAeudZLVnIS9szwYrwOEkYNTlzgY_JEHbAp9Uvq4SeB09xLaIQ/w640-h446/xx%20ants.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Ants</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mushrooms are also in my category of interesting sights. In this case, bolete mushrooms. The pine bolete is probably the only wild mushroom I can identify with a 100% assurance as edible. We didn't harvest any on that hike though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6OshTs5IYhxp9ZXjRjojEKMwDGDVavWuKafi-f2_Qvahlux2LAm7sM82HtUhxeLuD6_T921oUxPxw3A9MTgmVPVd7KG5DwAheIKxWUTIb2tQPibbZaTD0gRQLVl7Dim10TEe0Msj7C5eru7t_5gRLOFNvoRx9DSIClO-Va8Mbo9nBE4nKLeJoOsVsz4/s1651/xy%20mushrooms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1651" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6OshTs5IYhxp9ZXjRjojEKMwDGDVavWuKafi-f2_Qvahlux2LAm7sM82HtUhxeLuD6_T921oUxPxw3A9MTgmVPVd7KG5DwAheIKxWUTIb2tQPibbZaTD0gRQLVl7Dim10TEe0Msj7C5eru7t_5gRLOFNvoRx9DSIClO-Va8Mbo9nBE4nKLeJoOsVsz4/w640-h448/xy%20mushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushrooms</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another cool find was an inchworm hanging from its silk thread that the youth in the lead nearly walked into. Inchworms (which aren't worms at all but caterpillars) move around by ballooning on their silk threads, hoping to land in a better spot from where they'd taken off. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu-IyRJnR6-QotA6pcz5K6KsNWEerndsunvUv7adjONnlamjh4JhjuXypWe2uP_elxPOb4loJbJRaW_zlChPU38Okn_Spr0bu8ktAqL3T3Rozmah-MdM4Xrzz9Psi0TleSIgeu6FmV0r_nEjRbZnXkkQaDiBsugr0ljyf_6PSm2Kmxak_ESji1nyivss/s1734/xz%20inchworm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1734" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu-IyRJnR6-QotA6pcz5K6KsNWEerndsunvUv7adjONnlamjh4JhjuXypWe2uP_elxPOb4loJbJRaW_zlChPU38Okn_Spr0bu8ktAqL3T3Rozmah-MdM4Xrzz9Psi0TleSIgeu6FmV0r_nEjRbZnXkkQaDiBsugr0ljyf_6PSm2Kmxak_ESji1nyivss/w640-h430/xz%20inchworm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inchworm</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the north end of Jenny Lake and the trail curved west toward the creek that flows into it from String Lake on the north. From an opening in the vegetation we could see roughly the area where we started as well as the mountains southeast of the park. The lake surface was stirred by the wind into multitude of small waves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm9VVmXKZFkOjbV1Zr3GX4DmOZxk4GyuqIYv96adNVpeKDaao59z85nHGIEJnM_a6bbPmkR-xQMrZr93imUWFbSkSBO1xopeYnKahlpgnQFOq4kwa9kVHwUuTG4IzfojC3m0uBB2KM3t6VyupTloT2vd1x7IMfrG7897WsuVAVCS63CVh2yyA-r0Vunw/s2005/yd%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm9VVmXKZFkOjbV1Zr3GX4DmOZxk4GyuqIYv96adNVpeKDaao59z85nHGIEJnM_a6bbPmkR-xQMrZr93imUWFbSkSBO1xopeYnKahlpgnQFOq4kwa9kVHwUuTG4IzfojC3m0uBB2KM3t6VyupTloT2vd1x7IMfrG7897WsuVAVCS63CVh2yyA-r0Vunw/w640-h428/yd%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake View</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Our heading was now towards the Teton Mountains. There were some snow patches up the mountains but my understanding was that is was pretty low for the season. 202 wasn't only a COVID year but also plagued by droughts and mega wildfires. Here in Grand Teton however, it was easy to forget all that in sight of the green, lush vegetation all around. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCvqJR-yFt99GisErHX0TH2w34gmhAseyFEIfeYnyZP2QCA1cNaWjo3m2BZat6udfj3zjfL2MeC9tauTj_WVQO3ciUOdck-RqkmgadxlZiI_3T7dTRKXhgvYXkqZzKfy8wbuj8kz6tlTLz5Yzaw57QTprIa_5fOQWc26cY6W47buioEjp4tteXtizyXQ/s2005/yg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCvqJR-yFt99GisErHX0TH2w34gmhAseyFEIfeYnyZP2QCA1cNaWjo3m2BZat6udfj3zjfL2MeC9tauTj_WVQO3ciUOdck-RqkmgadxlZiI_3T7dTRKXhgvYXkqZzKfy8wbuj8kz6tlTLz5Yzaw57QTprIa_5fOQWc26cY6W47buioEjp4tteXtizyXQ/w640-h428/yg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day was heating up. One of the things I promised the youth in my company was a chance to dip in the lake. In my mind I had an image from my visit there 17 years ago of a sunny shore with my elder chika as a toddler wading in the blue. blue lake with the majestic Tetons in the background. I was hoping to find that shore now, the only problem was, I had no memory of in which part of the trail it was. I kept my eyes open to see if any scenery would click in my memory, and meanwhile I was on the lookout for wildflowers as well. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmRHN1JNv0b7hdHfK_ewgnkiFmeSsDEovWwBVCGp6KCMK7OvBwO9YC_QhRUe8k3fYyA2Wwg0WjQnaW_AiUEKpjR8TAG3iEGGn-3YFztPcLyWKZgCCmlVR2fPHQkJns2Oity154zRDn_fgO3aIDnJ_D8sEvrfZmiqIAfpWE16C6JK99zmBdJZjZTOGUDY/s1808/yc%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1808" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmRHN1JNv0b7hdHfK_ewgnkiFmeSsDEovWwBVCGp6KCMK7OvBwO9YC_QhRUe8k3fYyA2Wwg0WjQnaW_AiUEKpjR8TAG3iEGGn-3YFztPcLyWKZgCCmlVR2fPHQkJns2Oity154zRDn_fgO3aIDnJ_D8sEvrfZmiqIAfpWE16C6JK99zmBdJZjZTOGUDY/w640-h426/yc%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yerba Santa<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was no wading across the creek to the other side. We followed the trail north, looking for the bridge across. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgtToKykzNAcoVv_H2JwhyE4-geFRnb424T_fZh7oYucAUHjr5N6aKUiKpgqj87GVKnOs2vJvZBHrkOTO1orSfkvBtP4-rs0EdZznUnBYXlDRVEFAlLv4ustlo88Ne1l0sQi09ifJRTbMaBQKFukftIsmgZ6XmnnNtFq7kQ6YSQrNiebIubqnpdvs_yM/s2005/yk%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgtToKykzNAcoVv_H2JwhyE4-geFRnb424T_fZh7oYucAUHjr5N6aKUiKpgqj87GVKnOs2vJvZBHrkOTO1orSfkvBtP4-rs0EdZznUnBYXlDRVEFAlLv4ustlo88Ne1l0sQi09ifJRTbMaBQKFukftIsmgZ6XmnnNtFq7kQ6YSQrNiebIubqnpdvs_yM/w640-h428/yk%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail scenery didn't change much except that now we were seeing behind the trees the creek instead of the lake, and there were more wildflowers to look at. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOGKKDECkvXCqTnzLD66F2h1d9jo9FAYs10BKaAqF3hdNa36Q5ikZD01fuUp-io2QCiz2pJykdZyf-74aj8gGIJrls20TGA2-pkfXn4AJBFsfS2H9j9yRAQ9OIEqxuLLo3Y9OMB5RwttvKY4-IDvr3DjLEJcVRG50Y_cMLgbEEotBMhHYRZLIPRlKDrI/s1468/yj%20berry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1468" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOGKKDECkvXCqTnzLD66F2h1d9jo9FAYs10BKaAqF3hdNa36Q5ikZD01fuUp-io2QCiz2pJykdZyf-74aj8gGIJrls20TGA2-pkfXn4AJBFsfS2H9j9yRAQ9OIEqxuLLo3Y9OMB5RwttvKY4-IDvr3DjLEJcVRG50Y_cMLgbEEotBMhHYRZLIPRlKDrI/w640-h454/yj%20berry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">The
youth were getting hot and a bit tired. I started looking for a shaded
place to stop for a break. It probably would have been better to do that
while being near the lake still, but the creek side was just fine for this purpose. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEmotL3e8bZU70nRak4G4DIrQsKOC4oH6qgv-vOu1VyJjqcUVlCKVzzqHBfxaW4rbk8sUcjDlsD8Jgri5axFcAMl1FDgqXSX-jnhwH-DYuWpUund6jqaCjys6LPY3O96EZvRot3JVo4FlTSqZLJfUC4r2YHTkJcNxOgeWJGCO1r6Yov-kQvz4rrJ0znk/s2005/yl%20driftwood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEmotL3e8bZU70nRak4G4DIrQsKOC4oH6qgv-vOu1VyJjqcUVlCKVzzqHBfxaW4rbk8sUcjDlsD8Jgri5axFcAMl1FDgqXSX-jnhwH-DYuWpUund6jqaCjys6LPY3O96EZvRot3JVo4FlTSqZLJfUC4r2YHTkJcNxOgeWJGCO1r6Yov-kQvz4rrJ0znk/w640-h428/yl%20driftwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the pile of flotsam across the stream<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We sat by the creek for a good long while, eating, chatting, and doing some local exploration. I looked at the Teton Mountains knowing we would soon be just below them. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsQscK_xmJ8HNR6IYIlAAMDVej5_F4Pcj7-3dn9cvBHAbws3IDjxNilB7UhM2Rs_Kzmq8SJVIY59xDo4u_ZN4TMyHzYXYjNi5KTQktuV8uEKleGuxjvPr_g8MfpqjZ3b3hweMurVDsyN2GXyWZcIovKYhtGbJYx9CdzlakDkFstovF8bPk2csP-9J5wg/s2005/yn%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsQscK_xmJ8HNR6IYIlAAMDVej5_F4Pcj7-3dn9cvBHAbws3IDjxNilB7UhM2Rs_Kzmq8SJVIY59xDo4u_ZN4TMyHzYXYjNi5KTQktuV8uEKleGuxjvPr_g8MfpqjZ3b3hweMurVDsyN2GXyWZcIovKYhtGbJYx9CdzlakDkFstovF8bPk2csP-9J5wg/w640-h428/yn%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From where we were sitting we could see much more snow, possibly glaciers down the north-facing slope. I took a photo at maximal zoom. On my trip with my Sister last October, the snow cover was bigger. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZnM1j9ktPv44VRTp7efL0olrSnt06uYmwEzGnSAOV155zjg71RWbOdi8uai95-MS0BxPW9eSgmOHgxsE_bDxdYHWCDGJ4Ui2RzQ-2qS1N7kQ0M1GY5xKqFtb0wvnCU8pmDNmjl5VH03Lmcj9VE920AzlpZZNG7N0T4rfoJXVX0Dk8gdbKCEgpPL4eg/s2005/yo%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZnM1j9ktPv44VRTp7efL0olrSnt06uYmwEzGnSAOV155zjg71RWbOdi8uai95-MS0BxPW9eSgmOHgxsE_bDxdYHWCDGJ4Ui2RzQ-2qS1N7kQ0M1GY5xKqFtb0wvnCU8pmDNmjl5VH03Lmcj9VE920AzlpZZNG7N0T4rfoJXVX0Dk8gdbKCEgpPL4eg/w640-h428/yo%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back on the main trail we continued north toward the creek-crossing. The forest was left behind and distanced from the creek . There were some charred tree sumps along the way, indicating a past fire that ravaged through this part. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU3FnJ8ZJZgaV7UUTZHY6D72fYB3DRjij01_XxWujIqB_mKpqj3pqNpmwSz2sz48dGbAjqhcY4wuCVZK6Tm09r9_PE_ZTmVgdhB6hMt0q9zzyz-eCkdUXHq1qthRuudIsryi0qNpaNic-Ml8RY1dVIixeLgFJ3_lMxECPYFKwPhQWwe7OADfdlQ6K-Ok/s2005/yt%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU3FnJ8ZJZgaV7UUTZHY6D72fYB3DRjij01_XxWujIqB_mKpqj3pqNpmwSz2sz48dGbAjqhcY4wuCVZK6Tm09r9_PE_ZTmVgdhB6hMt0q9zzyz-eCkdUXHq1qthRuudIsryi0qNpaNic-Ml8RY1dVIixeLgFJ3_lMxECPYFKwPhQWwe7OADfdlQ6K-Ok/w640-h428/yt%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupine</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the bridge and took some time to look around and at the water. On my hike with my sister last September, we had come from String lake on the north - a different entry point to the Jenny Lake Hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJboCYPaqs94zRGvdUtMY3AcwU4AJ4rXMVW7LleHsO9-fMxsoYKiqoPh1AzVu0CN6YwNyxaqIhnskCWa7FbuNYklUYBXgpSA9Kcua7Wph5B45wYQhKfImAtyf01vBg_futzVcD_eXyzY4VupwI3pYJkwoajBFfx4i5lfIuYS-VsiXEeiozVGHEXMc-Gk/s2005/yv%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJboCYPaqs94zRGvdUtMY3AcwU4AJ4rXMVW7LleHsO9-fMxsoYKiqoPh1AzVu0CN6YwNyxaqIhnskCWa7FbuNYklUYBXgpSA9Kcua7Wph5B45wYQhKfImAtyf01vBg_futzVcD_eXyzY4VupwI3pYJkwoajBFfx4i5lfIuYS-VsiXEeiozVGHEXMc-Gk/w640-h428/yv%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I paused in the middle of the bridge and looked down at the water. The stream was flowing well, not telling at all of the drought that was going through the west that year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yd0DlcNuNxSgQfkNWS41h-5CfvmsMIPADNv6YZZa6KeNNMuO5SIoNS2CXMxBWPfOMlJUomRewQKeFSMQXEm0qGuUQmmiRfvRqFAN7eaokV3bssG7MRGZsQjBO71RQtQwsBjW9IP1w-rxCrOJBBxJRrcNE6ByinMzU1z1aPCCk-51GpMIX4rP6TOXnAU/s2005/yy%20creek%20mouth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yd0DlcNuNxSgQfkNWS41h-5CfvmsMIPADNv6YZZa6KeNNMuO5SIoNS2CXMxBWPfOMlJUomRewQKeFSMQXEm0qGuUQmmiRfvRqFAN7eaokV3bssG7MRGZsQjBO71RQtQwsBjW9IP1w-rxCrOJBBxJRrcNE6ByinMzU1z1aPCCk-51GpMIX4rP6TOXnAU/w640-h428/yy%20creek%20mouth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the other side we picked up the trail going south, back towards Jenny Lake. The forest on the east side of the creek was of relatively young trees and many large bushes - probably a later stage of recovery from an earlier fire. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcoEY5P0r-zq_3dSQsiHXHxnAidbxhQmg3O4AA3mmJrZqhJKH9GjfZfbp1UIDxtyiyV4wV5nltwksQ4-ACZ-mmfQKm-aLQhyBH214ELwc1XlyW9Q-OyypyvbXBb0VSv0o5e5ZcAYiTXctZdSu1VauNUhciEG29q6BDscQJUzy57Sbiwo_U0XhJAo0f3k/s2005/yz%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcoEY5P0r-zq_3dSQsiHXHxnAidbxhQmg3O4AA3mmJrZqhJKH9GjfZfbp1UIDxtyiyV4wV5nltwksQ4-ACZ-mmfQKm-aLQhyBH214ELwc1XlyW9Q-OyypyvbXBb0VSv0o5e5ZcAYiTXctZdSu1VauNUhciEG29q6BDscQJUzy57Sbiwo_U0XhJAo0f3k/w640-h428/yz%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were plenty of wildflowers on the eastern side of the cree, probably because the area was much more exposed to the sunlight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6LENk_n2LxcwqMPmovRZm0_WnTMNAQv6C0SRQbMAhJmqjInut0LfJJmXdN28WuW8V2cuvxHeMmiDep-iocnG2YWJ7DZW9xGh6c2MO1lZ6j3wdhpHIMeJnvzl4mJRn9E6HxTEhP9V0-iOphyphenhyphenF2XuXhqqGmPpeQYAg3jGkBGFBqt-YmiEdrMyI9LEcQ1c/s1761/za%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1761" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6LENk_n2LxcwqMPmovRZm0_WnTMNAQv6C0SRQbMAhJmqjInut0LfJJmXdN28WuW8V2cuvxHeMmiDep-iocnG2YWJ7DZW9xGh6c2MO1lZ6j3wdhpHIMeJnvzl4mJRn9E6HxTEhP9V0-iOphyphenhyphenF2XuXhqqGmPpeQYAg3jGkBGFBqt-YmiEdrMyI9LEcQ1c/w640-h428/za%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the plants that were blooming I kinda wished were in fruit stage at the time. Thimbleberries are one of my favorite wild snacks on hikes. On my Jenny Lake hike last September I did get to enjoy these great-tasting bits of nature. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa6QpTll_vKI9of4Ng0K312VdW_xBhgmUvztViyvQpGdM4Dvdx-AtwifYQMSZOIQAhzV1vYVxq6U1BKqTollDfpOZFnF34Yd63KMWBZ5FFZaSc1V6X9lb-U0h2np6_9zO1sh5CcBpnGZPWzgZ9GZvJWrQ6Ht7veJPeZxYChzGNtKe44jdllucAeq7kvU/s1885/zb%20thimbleberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1885" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa6QpTll_vKI9of4Ng0K312VdW_xBhgmUvztViyvQpGdM4Dvdx-AtwifYQMSZOIQAhzV1vYVxq6U1BKqTollDfpOZFnF34Yd63KMWBZ5FFZaSc1V6X9lb-U0h2np6_9zO1sh5CcBpnGZPWzgZ9GZvJWrQ6Ht7veJPeZxYChzGNtKe44jdllucAeq7kvU/w640-h428/zb%20thimbleberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other bushes in bloom were not as stimulating to my senses as was the thimbleberry. Even without thinking of supple, red and delicious berries they were pretty to look at.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ntf_H8NzPogNUnR7dLDANYYTMOs_ryC-0zG2wS9y9r70dAHsUtwAqofoOPF1-ynnFbaFdZn0pib8SMzpJzzTLPuFB4Mkxkl0pgIO8jdya_xdhK77lC5s4iiaeFY93wgWiUtKo0s7vZ0q2chq4orZPdfJzEbz4zF625CjeoD9257XksgZhRhkuZDSymw/s1776/ze%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1776" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ntf_H8NzPogNUnR7dLDANYYTMOs_ryC-0zG2wS9y9r70dAHsUtwAqofoOPF1-ynnFbaFdZn0pib8SMzpJzzTLPuFB4Mkxkl0pgIO8jdya_xdhK77lC5s4iiaeFY93wgWiUtKo0s7vZ0q2chq4orZPdfJzEbz4zF625CjeoD9257XksgZhRhkuZDSymw/w640-h428/ze%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the place where the creek spilled into Jenny lake. There was enough opening between the trees to get a good look at the lake from this direction. I could barely see the area where wer had started the hike at. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-mPNx86sjcMUNo0K2_r9rmaMrEVBRmbDAiuJuj2OfFcHlTiUvSOMXAoWjWhMOmlgKKdpNKKTKPaHbNTKmmp3ckJe5M4e7hEggg33TZypXoiVD0AX16lF4RsWg5qns0EbCNc70IONR2P6-rj8Vv1YNDvnd8dwRofZSii3pPbQCLZaFhFg-hCxlfv1Hh8/s1886/zf%20lakeview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1886" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-mPNx86sjcMUNo0K2_r9rmaMrEVBRmbDAiuJuj2OfFcHlTiUvSOMXAoWjWhMOmlgKKdpNKKTKPaHbNTKmmp3ckJe5M4e7hEggg33TZypXoiVD0AX16lF4RsWg5qns0EbCNc70IONR2P6-rj8Vv1YNDvnd8dwRofZSii3pPbQCLZaFhFg-hCxlfv1Hh8/w640-h426/zf%20lakeview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From that place the trail curved and continued southwest. We were already high above the lake but the trail continued ascending. Ahead of us loomed the Teton Mountains. The area we walked through was well on the way of recovering from a past fire. There were still a few charred remains of burnt trees but between them the earth was covered with high, green bushes, and many young trees were already protruding above the bushes level. I remembered my environmental studies teacher from high school telling us ubout the succession of forest recovery from fire. Here was an excellent example of it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSnwE61x95iV8iifrzgXVk19dZUKugc3u62D3PJ9Un_Fpr8YtIAbZTO6P8P1vXp4k0gYsoKHQ3ICCRJnxCe0B-5eUTqC3EoElZGmVHVoJIH6122tstnm9NTWuZGus66PydcLqal7ocPByB1K5HU7ZkyUiNUA2ojlTI0AnMbGXmdP1nQ8vVVM2f7skrMM/s2005/zg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSnwE61x95iV8iifrzgXVk19dZUKugc3u62D3PJ9Un_Fpr8YtIAbZTO6P8P1vXp4k0gYsoKHQ3ICCRJnxCe0B-5eUTqC3EoElZGmVHVoJIH6122tstnm9NTWuZGus66PydcLqal7ocPByB1K5HU7ZkyUiNUA2ojlTI0AnMbGXmdP1nQ8vVVM2f7skrMM/w640-h428/zg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the trail pulled closer to the lake but remained above it for a long distance. there was no dipping in the lake anywhere on its northwest side. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEm12YNJPMYUX7PmFfUfqVPRz1wqQPLxMSGZkARq7yJ8j2gDFWifHOB_gYtHpipLVY696uZdLa9uodLd4FJDsk6hVDySY3MXQAwvWqn8oBZmljtfcv6HzVqy_Bl3fS3u_sw6or2bB7cjvnjEErdFnhGPs9mYl3O6l89tn05KNYLNGeLdOGdvIfu5svgY/s2005/zh%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEm12YNJPMYUX7PmFfUfqVPRz1wqQPLxMSGZkARq7yJ8j2gDFWifHOB_gYtHpipLVY696uZdLa9uodLd4FJDsk6hVDySY3MXQAwvWqn8oBZmljtfcv6HzVqy_Bl3fS3u_sw6or2bB7cjvnjEErdFnhGPs9mYl3O6l89tn05KNYLNGeLdOGdvIfu5svgY/w640-h428/zh%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were plenty of wildflowers to look at though. I kept pausing, then having to run ahead in order to catch up with the rest of my party. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiBeqqVgT_rwkzgcUwluI_puTf1_y6RFoes9o-IVFZi_JfOS5vX1H8me12VY5VseYZ7xeUPTh6Rs_51thzB8K7yXmtaC3BR1F068bMP55Fqec1IS-QhJZ8VYqT0aL9mI0CSaIN_h2vbz3FesdVrrePjzIeen_FljFfx1PW7BiEZlMG3D9Peal-NfQNoA/s1747/zi%20fireweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1747" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiBeqqVgT_rwkzgcUwluI_puTf1_y6RFoes9o-IVFZi_JfOS5vX1H8me12VY5VseYZ7xeUPTh6Rs_51thzB8K7yXmtaC3BR1F068bMP55Fqec1IS-QhJZ8VYqT0aL9mI0CSaIN_h2vbz3FesdVrrePjzIeen_FljFfx1PW7BiEZlMG3D9Peal-NfQNoA/w640-h454/zi%20fireweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireweed, Chamaenerion angustifolium<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The youth in my company, not as excited as I was with every blossom, moved ahead quickly. I didn't take as many photos as I otherwise would have if I didn't have to keep chasing them up the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips9NM9jhWLDF0FtoxRqe4O2_vJe8FOy6aSiVmZTD9msjIAXEZjqxUZZO2YiBisV7hy56fU3gIlEj2CsEu0-5jfXt4czo0RoCbnNZZUb9QLAp2oG5s0aKAKiEUaDz1Wb6Hm8oY0CDzGSo1EjezLTwfEKMSyy7TuB6cnqeN-yVzoHszEQJOd1KpiuDfYl8/s1747/zj%20phacelia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1747" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips9NM9jhWLDF0FtoxRqe4O2_vJe8FOy6aSiVmZTD9msjIAXEZjqxUZZO2YiBisV7hy56fU3gIlEj2CsEu0-5jfXt4czo0RoCbnNZZUb9QLAp2oG5s0aKAKiEUaDz1Wb6Hm8oY0CDzGSo1EjezLTwfEKMSyy7TuB6cnqeN-yVzoHszEQJOd1KpiuDfYl8/w640-h466/zj%20phacelia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phacelia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This part of the trail on the lake's northwest side was nearly all exposed to the sun, and it was a hot day. The youth wanted another break but I convinced them to continue on until we have found a shaded place to stop at.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_-fc6JqV2oxo-xhSpqxW6DnhQIBhzx4_SZlWYA7wd_PFWk4GHy47LwTrlhMkeHpagHzTBC_kQhdN_fdSZKtLaPj4_70-3d1-zdIUB9znW2WXhET5lbYY1qlSG_2BRj0KDFzfZyFZcUWdTxttLQCpf5x0rrOsJ_wnL1zXDoVqMsNORXpk-6BsnUzkaPE/s1788/zl%20horsemint.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1788" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_-fc6JqV2oxo-xhSpqxW6DnhQIBhzx4_SZlWYA7wd_PFWk4GHy47LwTrlhMkeHpagHzTBC_kQhdN_fdSZKtLaPj4_70-3d1-zdIUB9znW2WXhET5lbYY1qlSG_2BRj0KDFzfZyFZcUWdTxttLQCpf5x0rrOsJ_wnL1zXDoVqMsNORXpk-6BsnUzkaPE/w640-h442/zl%20horsemint.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsemint</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the forest hasn't fully recovered yet in that area, we had a clear view of the lake throughout that northwest segment of the hike. The lake was quite far down below us which make me think that what looked from above as small ripples were actually waves, fairly strong for a lake that's not very big. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMACEz_7xHzXuA4DTypHCEBKo1zbWLAkrRRI0pM4AruQN5zj1rbnOH9KVjr_CuJ6kzeVbUL-SmGIE7oXXgi63ehr3KsRyeLcDeD9XuGKvutclHHTZvwnUrNiOS6x7tvo9gU8jHnd_vh45ksFnmQGyBMZ6Vzj0Wl1IuNsYXcaVffeJvrc4Fb2IMsuY8mY/s2005/zn%20jenny%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMACEz_7xHzXuA4DTypHCEBKo1zbWLAkrRRI0pM4AruQN5zj1rbnOH9KVjr_CuJ6kzeVbUL-SmGIE7oXXgi63ehr3KsRyeLcDeD9XuGKvutclHHTZvwnUrNiOS6x7tvo9gU8jHnd_vh45ksFnmQGyBMZ6Vzj0Wl1IuNsYXcaVffeJvrc4Fb2IMsuY8mY/w640-h428/zn%20jenny%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail curved to the south. We left the fire-affected area and the trees became more numerous. Also, we were now walking right at the foot of the mountains so we started meeting small runoff creeks at regular intervals. Near the creeks in wetter soil, grew water-loving plants, such as the lovely bog orchids. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaODioCmyzMAdP31xqJWC-bleECPkl5tEdaUDVqgFpGqO1HuqNG-bZ7UEcnQENsPkQj9-qLn5D3FkCXSesDIqAsiAfJ-ViJcmETWRcjXqX0Y4M1WYASeUtiBlfmdjWh4ZgDV3His0vMeDf5QiQ3XCVaoXckl8rWze0ol1UJJR2dVn0xyIekYe2HxONRc/s2005/zo%20orchis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="1339" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaODioCmyzMAdP31xqJWC-bleECPkl5tEdaUDVqgFpGqO1HuqNG-bZ7UEcnQENsPkQj9-qLn5D3FkCXSesDIqAsiAfJ-ViJcmETWRcjXqX0Y4M1WYASeUtiBlfmdjWh4ZgDV3His0vMeDf5QiQ3XCVaoXckl8rWze0ol1UJJR2dVn0xyIekYe2HxONRc/w428-h640/zo%20orchis.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Bog Orchid, Platanthera dilatata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The forest wasn't contiguous yet and we moved through clearings and tree stands interchangeably. The difference in the wildflower communities between these mosaic parts was very bug. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-dubUZAVYs6ik_uaMheW96PQNVoRqkgt3-oDwHWPcidueDZeOn_6hPtnkvmUT5VzwU8ovK1o4fZrlSQ91WGTQKyzZ8-oYfZ9f14jVVYCtXgSn1X0bjIFc2HKRb9ohHiVQnTZLDvEc1znG5jk0h-5ly9pNZQF5ULEP8vMKWbokky4_FaFsa3XQiL0R78/s1694/zp%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1694" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-dubUZAVYs6ik_uaMheW96PQNVoRqkgt3-oDwHWPcidueDZeOn_6hPtnkvmUT5VzwU8ovK1o4fZrlSQ91WGTQKyzZ8-oYfZ9f14jVVYCtXgSn1X0bjIFc2HKRb9ohHiVQnTZLDvEc1znG5jk0h-5ly9pNZQF5ULEP8vMKWbokky4_FaFsa3XQiL0R78/w640-h458/zp%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Great Red Paintbrush, Castilleja miniata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not all the wildflowers were conveniently close to the trail. On top of that, the wind that stirred the waves in the lake below also shook the plants, making them a moving target for the camera. Eventually I moved the setting to sequential takes, as I would when taking photos of birds. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkI9wOGaQjJZZrMX6X-yLoXhWQqHPbvaiCfPIKJsaiA5YeM33jsnGyTPtc2A1fS0cHr5nLAJPOPdbWWgL2DqJbuz1Ck3KLsl6LyJDnjiaiUw88QKvBhbO_RF0TpQyW9L-satpn4FhLP8y-7o3hJejX5X_yFPd0Prya_yyt9FTLdzgRM9f52VEwsxJDiY/s2005/zq%20mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkI9wOGaQjJZZrMX6X-yLoXhWQqHPbvaiCfPIKJsaiA5YeM33jsnGyTPtc2A1fS0cHr5nLAJPOPdbWWgL2DqJbuz1Ck3KLsl6LyJDnjiaiUw88QKvBhbO_RF0TpQyW9L-satpn4FhLP8y-7o3hJejX5X_yFPd0Prya_yyt9FTLdzgRM9f52VEwsxJDiY/w640-h428/zq%20mallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkermallow</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So far I didn't see any place suitable for a break so we settled for short, standing water breaks. We were heading again into a wooded part of the trail and I hoped to find a place there where we could sit for a while. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZLt8M2sJRMbWLLNzzy9UtNYhitkvJ3uD5ZWk07pcKKc-VxXUvDCyS27E85oZk0wPbyiuDm_jgNx_AN8c5ELZhoCsBEz3oocSKqWajtjUkQbJwwP_m_3es3E160yEzhyphenhyphenBUoCzEyUjFL-nh5Y4roSINUxRH0JMG6O78-PXSYetTBvAjcKNWZPEfhITmJM/s2005/zv%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZLt8M2sJRMbWLLNzzy9UtNYhitkvJ3uD5ZWk07pcKKc-VxXUvDCyS27E85oZk0wPbyiuDm_jgNx_AN8c5ELZhoCsBEz3oocSKqWajtjUkQbJwwP_m_3es3E160yEzhyphenhyphenBUoCzEyUjFL-nh5Y4roSINUxRH0JMG6O78-PXSYetTBvAjcKNWZPEfhITmJM/w640-h428/zv%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was in that wooded segment of the trail where I hit the botanical jackpot - yellow columbine in bloom! It is such a beautiful flower, and it was a lifer for me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT0wkvcsY45eGWBG6WPlGP-Sxy_ueQaWK0UGmwIboABSpdUnQWnzlyUJNc-X53ItUa2jJ1UfpIJiDV9RnwqdTMxyFJimsQEyYLxsNdnzStTqKkOdIFNV3sIfWLX7miYJ0iDfQbMs0eIbnFMGVsgkIBv5mDEeOgO-1nesj5SM7SIYz3gKhNAXV5gX2JvM/s1700/zu%20columbine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1700" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT0wkvcsY45eGWBG6WPlGP-Sxy_ueQaWK0UGmwIboABSpdUnQWnzlyUJNc-X53ItUa2jJ1UfpIJiDV9RnwqdTMxyFJimsQEyYLxsNdnzStTqKkOdIFNV3sIfWLX7miYJ0iDfQbMs0eIbnFMGVsgkIBv5mDEeOgO-1nesj5SM7SIYz3gKhNAXV5gX2JvM/w640-h450/zu%20columbine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Columbine, Aquilegia elegantula</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the ferry landing area. I don't remember if the ferry was even running that summer of 2020, I suspect that it didn't because the question of taking it back didn't even come up. I saw the stairs leading up to the hidden falls and brought that up, but a quick discussion with the youth shot the idea down - they were tired and hot and wanted to complete the loop trail quickly. No one said it, but I'm pretty sure that the thought of a nice cleansing shower was at the top of everyone's mind. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRYG71Poq8e12keF7IZPxLzVkIjfSL3V4e-o_8nySToT_SSLgr3nz7UsuMyRWUtULbjKLfRI6_VrJ58PrAM3HRN8bEmk0JbKYwZo5PNt357NjU0dyJWUouVA7yl_Zd4DHvtOOhbymCg15KQancmSTWrjNst65oKsOs9rbSAKGBhdaXzyU5q49o7FzQVc/s2005/zw%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRYG71Poq8e12keF7IZPxLzVkIjfSL3V4e-o_8nySToT_SSLgr3nz7UsuMyRWUtULbjKLfRI6_VrJ58PrAM3HRN8bEmk0JbKYwZo5PNt357NjU0dyJWUouVA7yl_Zd4DHvtOOhbymCg15KQancmSTWrjNst65oKsOs9rbSAKGBhdaXzyU5q49o7FzQVc/w640-h428/zw%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail to Hidden Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did take a few shots of the creek coming down from the Hidden Falls. I didn't remember the falls from my first visit there and I regretted a bit not going up there this time. Last September with my sister we did go up to see the waterfall, but that's for the next blogpost. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxhX1orSt_RPQA9H5qHv6lK_7eMaNq-cBgf3QJr9DBgyOAUToP18FOeQxohe5oRdvZG_qvF7I2znRYz7iTVqkuVq7st9HIyroTXpgrVnGHRVlZVRcBzSJeeAUMjbBdEDFkuXXJRsrkV508H3GdMw-uX_oqS7IxkNtX_kdcBBhdZEUBxuVvv1FjskjblA/s2005/zy%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxhX1orSt_RPQA9H5qHv6lK_7eMaNq-cBgf3QJr9DBgyOAUToP18FOeQxohe5oRdvZG_qvF7I2znRYz7iTVqkuVq7st9HIyroTXpgrVnGHRVlZVRcBzSJeeAUMjbBdEDFkuXXJRsrkV508H3GdMw-uX_oqS7IxkNtX_kdcBBhdZEUBxuVvv1FjskjblA/w640-h428/zy%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hot and tired, the youth moved ahead quickly on the southbound trail. This part of the trail was completely forested and I took almost no photos at all. The trail however, did come down closer to the lake. I have given up on finding that vaguely remembered beach where me and my family enjoyed a warm afternoon in the water. As soon as I found a place where we had access to the lake I stopped and told the kids that now was their chance. The water was very cold and only two of them actually got int the water. The other two, as well as me, were content with simply taking our shoes off and dipping our feet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj1SeXgjTR3B1J7B6siXlhM_eGE_Up3g9Uei2A0BJ_sQCNSO61ikHDBT2nbaIlDA4GwGIAndajw_zxSQSRXi6VWnIvVpH0TAgYnwPX1HLgoRWvEy61AZNJPkGofvBycv3Wjm2yF9MC670YodPpY0GACWGuVo7ZDYjL-GceT8QQbOUPscqrocL3PjrX7A/s2005/zz%20bathing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj1SeXgjTR3B1J7B6siXlhM_eGE_Up3g9Uei2A0BJ_sQCNSO61ikHDBT2nbaIlDA4GwGIAndajw_zxSQSRXi6VWnIvVpH0TAgYnwPX1HLgoRWvEy61AZNJPkGofvBycv3Wjm2yF9MC670YodPpY0GACWGuVo7ZDYjL-GceT8QQbOUPscqrocL3PjrX7A/w640-h428/zz%20bathing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dipping in Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a nice, relaxing time there by the water. Not quite the lake swimming experience I was hoping for the kids to have, but it was a well passed time nonetheless. Chilled and rejuvenated, we got back on the trail and completed the loop hike around Jenny Lake</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHrFge4fDL84_CrfdmNv1dbAOa1rxx2iX6ujd7TvYI7v6duE6cp55mNr2BYZq6rKlbidhGQeBXqzwGRjwFa6W0vE1PBnsf4A2l3iJCON3AAZBoGJNmCNwCGWm3kvQ1NS0wy_LllNMP3nxd1J1vi-0ux-BijruPLdYNkptkkC38ETAdeCvgWRgayJXyQk/s2005/zz%20jenny%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHrFge4fDL84_CrfdmNv1dbAOa1rxx2iX6ujd7TvYI7v6duE6cp55mNr2BYZq6rKlbidhGQeBXqzwGRjwFa6W0vE1PBnsf4A2l3iJCON3AAZBoGJNmCNwCGWm3kvQ1NS0wy_LllNMP3nxd1J1vi-0ux-BijruPLdYNkptkkC38ETAdeCvgWRgayJXyQk/w640-h428/zz%20jenny%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was glad to have booked a hotel suite in Jackson earlier that morning because I was sure that by evening there was no vacancy left anywhere near the park. On our fifth day on ur crazy road trip we all got to enjoy restaurant food, a nice, hot shower, and a comfortable bed. On the following day we would go back to the daily hopping between one campground to the next, all within Yellowstone National Park </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we drove away from Jenny Lake after the hike I didn't imagine seeing it again only three years later, and hiking a trail that overlapped a big part of it (but was different enough too). </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-37956322813941854382024-01-16T18:08:00.000-08:002024-01-22T22:42:44.285-08:00In View of the Tetons: Hiking Taggart Lake and Moose-Finding with my Sister<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe0XJf6atduuJXVOXtd76JU2Z6h1ff4sBGcPIzNrp67o_WDeRvTJzJ5UL4EWR_6N4-HIn1R0pCJnTZwqsCMZoI008TFNiMowg3yO2PjQaGz-WYIOhXlCSxzlQdS57yWwMP30a4PAstKOfl0P2If7yUrbcmpbPLRXt-xxHcHvlI7lQt1GqVdDedhmgvtI/s1803/zi%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe0XJf6atduuJXVOXtd76JU2Z6h1ff4sBGcPIzNrp67o_WDeRvTJzJ5UL4EWR_6N4-HIn1R0pCJnTZwqsCMZoI008TFNiMowg3yO2PjQaGz-WYIOhXlCSxzlQdS57yWwMP30a4PAstKOfl0P2If7yUrbcmpbPLRXt-xxHcHvlI7lQt1GqVdDedhmgvtI/w640-h426/zi%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake and the Tetons at Grand Teton National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: September 27, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 43.693158, -110.733069</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 3.4 miles round trip<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last September I got special treat - my sister came to visit me and both of us went on a 10 days long road trip, just the two of us. Our original plan was to drive north to Oregon and Washington but a forecast of daily rain convinced us to change direction and travel northeast - to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. For my sister it would be the first time in this magical places. For me - the third but I'm always ready for more and would go there again without hesitation. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We took it easy on the drive and took two and a half days to get to Wyoming. On the way it was worked out that we would start with the Grand Teton. After a restful night in Idaho Falls and a short walk by the Snake River we drove to Jackson and from there north into the park. Our first stop was at the Visitor Center where we gathered some information. Then we stopped at a picnic area near the trailhead of our chosen trail for the day and had a satisfying picnic lunch, with the Grand Tetons belted with fall-colored trees as our backdrop. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotHVdAtSm28wvUekkOaOlWmCAHCguiALpphPFOiRTtw_x2eBHQbnswflIOqj1LlSRhhhojy7MjbtYKJc6lkrIh3NTfvQQcwVs2kbQbFZcVPKTDtzoltxE4SJT34I15qsd3cok4ggaka7s5lEav5Y88wDj3x9AMdee3DmYeGGxM5CEyUCkWzhdhpFMido/s1803/ya%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotHVdAtSm28wvUekkOaOlWmCAHCguiALpphPFOiRTtw_x2eBHQbnswflIOqj1LlSRhhhojy7MjbtYKJc6lkrIh3NTfvQQcwVs2kbQbFZcVPKTDtzoltxE4SJT34I15qsd3cok4ggaka7s5lEav5Y88wDj3x9AMdee3DmYeGGxM5CEyUCkWzhdhpFMido/w640-h426/ya%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first hike within the Grand Teton National Park was up (and down) to Taggart Lake, a small alpine lake at the foot of the Tetons. After our lunch we moved the car to the parking area at the trailhead and started up the trail. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_4_yrh5lQ6RM72joUpVFM8sW0lVCN0yjD-H6rBhaDNCYE4tW5tO_OXU0d2lde4u1fzzD9eyD0ehbx1zYZ9kE1vREV68dy0_W4sXP5aJiid0lRQMAgyHyKwybL2AeXn1bqGua9e8PSsYTqWzZIi34qZyVzuzRmev8qldhO4Lx5wK3X3EBq3or2eqZo44/s1613/3.4%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1613" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_4_yrh5lQ6RM72joUpVFM8sW0lVCN0yjD-H6rBhaDNCYE4tW5tO_OXU0d2lde4u1fzzD9eyD0ehbx1zYZ9kE1vREV68dy0_W4sXP5aJiid0lRQMAgyHyKwybL2AeXn1bqGua9e8PSsYTqWzZIi34qZyVzuzRmev8qldhO4Lx5wK3X3EBq3or2eqZo44/w640-h450/3.4%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right from the start I knew that this hike will be a very nice one botanically. It was autumn here already, but there were many wildflowers blooming still. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7oJJioxx5sATK6pBk0WA-ZGSESeBLv2xHda5gTLH3IiWq3iCbWeF1mDTQ1UgzywSqCCTqKZjwXYvyZuRw96f66-kk-2cRkP2wYiwiOmsVeYysZTEQ-ERueMm1p-XeLp2tkMbHsUYGflmouLkl_ErTBhMhZRlnrxavYamNX0EY2_N4AP-flITUTp8KBg/s1636/yd%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1636" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7oJJioxx5sATK6pBk0WA-ZGSESeBLv2xHda5gTLH3IiWq3iCbWeF1mDTQ1UgzywSqCCTqKZjwXYvyZuRw96f66-kk-2cRkP2wYiwiOmsVeYysZTEQ-ERueMm1p-XeLp2tkMbHsUYGflmouLkl_ErTBhMhZRlnrxavYamNX0EY2_N4AP-flITUTp8KBg/w640-h452/yd%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Daisy, Erigeron speciosus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first thing that captures the eye in the Grand Teton are of course, the mountains themselves, especially the Tetons after which the park was named. The second thing that captured my eye on this visit however, was the fall colors. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-Vj2HTxvNPZtv-fNodsP06-loaH1SzRzpFGkGW_LPhVH7zgiSNgb9Ds0xCPMWxHOSHiVaY3C-MdNs9nBaxOMLCWz_Dcv0yY8VssNgNi9QQj5cakL1rIospCrBDJEPA34qOApUycPs5eQkQhWeMuKydmdr4vHP7doQHHzByQTeOGhVnKNSjkImQmwyaE/s1803/yb%20color%20bands.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-Vj2HTxvNPZtv-fNodsP06-loaH1SzRzpFGkGW_LPhVH7zgiSNgb9Ds0xCPMWxHOSHiVaY3C-MdNs9nBaxOMLCWz_Dcv0yY8VssNgNi9QQj5cakL1rIospCrBDJEPA34qOApUycPs5eQkQhWeMuKydmdr4vHP7doQHHzByQTeOGhVnKNSjkImQmwyaE/w640-h426/yb%20color%20bands.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Colors</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most striking fall color is the golden autumn foliage of the quaking aspen trees, especially against the dark green background of the evergreen conifers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwei8iO0jE7SLKUo1sAO6NpEIC3313zCBBkjOlK8WNNw3Y1LeLlty8iro2tGIIa6a86laTj0hMPbzFR4IVHHQZN8hJSEf7tUrdTd7fWbTggFDqMkWW64zTyBrb5ITncurpXvh-DQaB7AiU4WQjUYmPxdbptPLxjezXtVh1Zn78W_ET8TFskmo3X5j56Oc/s1803/ye%20trees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwei8iO0jE7SLKUo1sAO6NpEIC3313zCBBkjOlK8WNNw3Y1LeLlty8iro2tGIIa6a86laTj0hMPbzFR4IVHHQZN8hJSEf7tUrdTd7fWbTggFDqMkWW64zTyBrb5ITncurpXvh-DQaB7AiU4WQjUYmPxdbptPLxjezXtVh1Zn78W_ET8TFskmo3X5j56Oc/w640-h426/ye%20trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before the trail disappeared in the forest there was a group of bushes, and on them we saw a numerous caterpillars with a black and yellow ring pattern and two types of hairs - long white whisker-like hairs and black/yellow fur fuss. This caterpillar became the signature wildlife that we've seen pretty much on almost every trail in both the Grand Teton and the Yellowstone National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2xo6X2S0l5afghwhiIBWeB21dFUrctAp3__ruSXGPMRcWbTrwfULM2liCfZH819B5PVjfTt-wveFqiIxA7ZZkJJTVUIpqsH8nPi6yVq5dUxVbVfyAEa-TYZw4ndWny3TwDDy66rnVKXE11iCWbTFMtjRtoedCzg5vMqKJVv2I9VHRH0T6Ho9h0JpK5M/s1354/zq%20caterpillar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1354" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2xo6X2S0l5afghwhiIBWeB21dFUrctAp3__ruSXGPMRcWbTrwfULM2liCfZH819B5PVjfTt-wveFqiIxA7ZZkJJTVUIpqsH8nPi6yVq5dUxVbVfyAEa-TYZw4ndWny3TwDDy66rnVKXE11iCWbTFMtjRtoedCzg5vMqKJVv2I9VHRH0T6Ho9h0JpK5M/w640-h450/zq%20caterpillar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar of Spotted Tussock Moth </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We moved up the trail into a forest of quaking aspens. The aspen trees, all wearing autumn gold formed a gorgeous golden tunnel through which we passed, like princess maidens. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj7X683NVbfiaVo3g5igku0wQ2KJs0qzwyCsYp3stTAkinqMSoIm9yd2_AZkimQ8_9OBidW1KtdNAHp_GY6O_42f42Rym-e24KgCnXnJb_FXKaGTvtiOuoCgo0ePhrRnf4H6ibcUFuUUSt94oT2ZtAxyF-CHhlOKWI16e1lFIYvdZKpcm-pioqvBpW9M/s1803/yg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj7X683NVbfiaVo3g5igku0wQ2KJs0qzwyCsYp3stTAkinqMSoIm9yd2_AZkimQ8_9OBidW1KtdNAHp_GY6O_42f42Rym-e24KgCnXnJb_FXKaGTvtiOuoCgo0ePhrRnf4H6ibcUFuUUSt94oT2ZtAxyF-CHhlOKWI16e1lFIYvdZKpcm-pioqvBpW9M/w640-h426/yg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Tunnel</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I bit further up the trail we encountered a different butterfly species in its adult phase of life. It was alive and intact but very still. Might have been at the end of its life.<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrqsoeKHrTVsZ-US1Pc8zPAeQzCnoOm6xOetV5IXZpiiILfh_93bWTTvtEr3GWzYeouPfFqFSge0LMCQgkSG2WauQX8yvk1uHJ5O1NgmMiKulkjVWldcpx3F1OjkXi7dMXRwPCTizbU_WNtbglKBLamZfviEOziFPzRRP-xUmCBLpzHDyfIyjFtzvQYw/s1246/yh%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1246" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrqsoeKHrTVsZ-US1Pc8zPAeQzCnoOm6xOetV5IXZpiiILfh_93bWTTvtEr3GWzYeouPfFqFSge0LMCQgkSG2WauQX8yvk1uHJ5O1NgmMiKulkjVWldcpx3F1OjkXi7dMXRwPCTizbU_WNtbglKBLamZfviEOziFPzRRP-xUmCBLpzHDyfIyjFtzvQYw/w640-h466/yh%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortoiseshell Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the autumn colors we saw on the hike was the yellow gold of the quaking aspens. Occasionally we did see other plants displaying the red spectrum band of fall. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe11Od_USsLiCYSJTNcR60t4VsedlA4pWFwWoNlS8igmmx21jSIhUQy6WsKXIk4jJZ8Jv9agHpRZp8R8ZpjJQ7LLlMyafcr3XXq-3F7Gq3funvw5yAZ-tcTM3kqXbUliIcXeQk1XGY2xj1VnZvAcn8wg7fT-AHAuFVTSxvHqtLfzEXeX_L-AnU7MT1Agw/s1803/yi%20red.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe11Od_USsLiCYSJTNcR60t4VsedlA4pWFwWoNlS8igmmx21jSIhUQy6WsKXIk4jJZ8Jv9agHpRZp8R8ZpjJQ7LLlMyafcr3XXq-3F7Gq3funvw5yAZ-tcTM3kqXbUliIcXeQk1XGY2xj1VnZvAcn8wg7fT-AHAuFVTSxvHqtLfzEXeX_L-AnU7MT1Agw/w640-h426/yi%20red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail crossed Taggart Creek and I paused on the low bridge to look at the happy cascading water, coming down from the lake. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZKZSCgMjyY0XX_YuPhnUGS8sb9PGajVmPca6Hb8mpxWizuzZOsHgXadaKvQ8OGw31I8bq4fZ9X3_1mLYNFe9Fs5ZGXv5rP0SWYNbHpAPuFnbqB3li8S3NvaMBvtv4BBu1LVG4XSr6FzuXrQ9fu856jfyZ7eMBFVlUF78hP9Loq8z2k6b0pVFtZX6D8o/s1803/yk%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZKZSCgMjyY0XX_YuPhnUGS8sb9PGajVmPca6Hb8mpxWizuzZOsHgXadaKvQ8OGw31I8bq4fZ9X3_1mLYNFe9Fs5ZGXv5rP0SWYNbHpAPuFnbqB3li8S3NvaMBvtv4BBu1LVG4XSr6FzuXrQ9fu856jfyZ7eMBFVlUF78hP9Loq8z2k6b0pVFtZX6D8o/w640-h426/yk%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">usually the sight and the sound of water is was captivates me in such mountain scenes. This day however, it was the stands of aspens wearing their autumn gold. Some of them were already bare but that added more contrast and beauty to the lovely autumn scene. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUJgioFa0G6t_q2tP0ia1tB6cwMzeMZJgLakX9qm1LdzJmGB2gkqDH1mI01hrFPO3dYXiuiJOHSNSt-Wqmp1RsLqUmI2Czr62ODN1oxXw3KXGVaNETLJr30OfXE8qLjQljV6kozE4iqMWBt7S-dKdm0vfFfNgnjPfLVOad_a5IHaLxzPoRQjMecyxo7E/s1803/yj%20poplars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUJgioFa0G6t_q2tP0ia1tB6cwMzeMZJgLakX9qm1LdzJmGB2gkqDH1mI01hrFPO3dYXiuiJOHSNSt-Wqmp1RsLqUmI2Czr62ODN1oxXw3KXGVaNETLJr30OfXE8qLjQljV6kozE4iqMWBt7S-dKdm0vfFfNgnjPfLVOad_a5IHaLxzPoRQjMecyxo7E/w640-h426/yj%20poplars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past the bridge the trail steepened considerably. we followed it up the slope, flanked by the gorgeous golden trees. Although it may look as if I'm posting here all of the aspen photos I took on that hike, in actuality I chose very few of them at a great difficulty. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LrbFF-OD0P7GYyWa5aeWn2r6SmNyMBr2DD-ABwBcEOlEdADW6ZFRFmowktliKlG4ySlMMHebMz0TuRSNKyySFnvQgIa9H923RsII17VkV44K7nCagJhUsI2sZzt12R5nhXtlkkauXbG3e8I7OAoIWp5wfSUA-FNPflsWPJJbKwifdtPye52EQePqLKY/s1803/ym%20pando.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LrbFF-OD0P7GYyWa5aeWn2r6SmNyMBr2DD-ABwBcEOlEdADW6ZFRFmowktliKlG4ySlMMHebMz0TuRSNKyySFnvQgIa9H923RsII17VkV44K7nCagJhUsI2sZzt12R5nhXtlkkauXbG3e8I7OAoIWp5wfSUA-FNPflsWPJJbKwifdtPye52EQePqLKY/w640-h426/ym%20pando.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the trail neared Taggart Creek and for a good distance we followed the creek line on the north. The creek wasn't in clear view all of that time but we always heard it flowing nearby on our left. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBNPBF7xc7SsDNCg8Yr9eUbyg-vcjk8hZq9UF42ZDSxUi39-B8csrWYavTUw8wC0FytCYje_1ZYnzrMSIsYPoehfIA8q2no2G56kYtREiHJNUbWQHPGi9AeI2wVcf9h_FQtTpWpC6tB4bbByNayFO4i2QED5QRDt6imupoqJnJZsvAXfNOw66QpHPWAk/s1803/yn%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBNPBF7xc7SsDNCg8Yr9eUbyg-vcjk8hZq9UF42ZDSxUi39-B8csrWYavTUw8wC0FytCYje_1ZYnzrMSIsYPoehfIA8q2no2G56kYtREiHJNUbWQHPGi9AeI2wVcf9h_FQtTpWpC6tB4bbByNayFO4i2QED5QRDt6imupoqJnJZsvAXfNOw66QpHPWAk/w640-h426/yn%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our pace slowed down on the uphill. We took the hike at ease, chatting between us, nodding hello to other hikers and enjoying the walk. I also paused for the wildflowers whenever I saw any. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdd_OOUzr039nxbNW07kRYaxtOYqUPYW1JPY_xbue7UrLpu9GE65f20tvPXsXblkuXOhsDR-OoCpiv-iNwTZazKiKPHb_4PcCO45co-IQ1Thj0vWK0gErYYsfPbGQEDtrY66TOGh44pPT81-6p4f3-7cV49OVju8ae-LZ8Xdx5tg0hcFrSeYBDrGzP0I/s1455/yp%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1455" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdd_OOUzr039nxbNW07kRYaxtOYqUPYW1JPY_xbue7UrLpu9GE65f20tvPXsXblkuXOhsDR-OoCpiv-iNwTZazKiKPHb_4PcCO45co-IQ1Thj0vWK0gErYYsfPbGQEDtrY66TOGh44pPT81-6p4f3-7cV49OVju8ae-LZ8Xdx5tg0hcFrSeYBDrGzP0I/w640-h454/yp%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only flowers contributed colors to the hike. Ripe red berries hanged in bunches from shoulder-high bushes near the creak. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngujf23kqQN8NsaPy5Rg8FE2a8d3BIav7gf2_kw_pVe-bZbIMJWP2Afk15ytb2k7QOxBmFJe5f9-HuJE57XQJGya9sncw6PWQ2H_Ya4q4fJMS26eUZD7lFR-oMrrBYv5EDPyPjH5lHRrrirxtF717MGZM-AksU8cGCbCGMW44YyQt9PqwGQrTs9dJS0U/s1396/yr%20berries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1396" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngujf23kqQN8NsaPy5Rg8FE2a8d3BIav7gf2_kw_pVe-bZbIMJWP2Afk15ytb2k7QOxBmFJe5f9-HuJE57XQJGya9sncw6PWQ2H_Ya4q4fJMS26eUZD7lFR-oMrrBYv5EDPyPjH5lHRrrirxtF717MGZM-AksU8cGCbCGMW44YyQt9PqwGQrTs9dJS0U/w640-h466/yr%20berries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Higher up the trail the aspens closed in on us, creating a magical tunnel with their slender, arching trunks. We walked underneath the arched aspens listening the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ro3jRjMAnDZKYwybPtho2txt0Yrea2ygqj9RKrnSGUf87sYCRYIUSMGvf-i1Xk0Qk7ZxEqbDiO2FdU8KFf0HNdm-MXJCAqBNkJnpJAX6rEHvzzyIKJou1KBncXO_L8H8iIcWlWXxCfjm8B8TnkJQmXw8G0DEqmXw3X-bW1Afzs6QZcUDYQCUQJ2i4RI/s1803/yq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ro3jRjMAnDZKYwybPtho2txt0Yrea2ygqj9RKrnSGUf87sYCRYIUSMGvf-i1Xk0Qk7ZxEqbDiO2FdU8KFf0HNdm-MXJCAqBNkJnpJAX6rEHvzzyIKJou1KBncXO_L8H8iIcWlWXxCfjm8B8TnkJQmXw8G0DEqmXw3X-bW1Afzs6QZcUDYQCUQJ2i4RI/w640-h426/yq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before realizing it, we were at the top of the ascend. The trail leveled almost completely and widened. Walking was easier now, and we picked up our pace. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1kj-7TJLt8mtDUFHTESUJmLqOJKgc6oVGqBtF1NDY6UaftgXwtgZdGiLY-g7yFl-UG7noqjrkPVmQObgnQZTT_QRK1SPa_o6a_8whyf5fLoB7Af2Ssgo79QOyDke6WV2NPyPmKIapQ2JOuxvloCRntjOoTweHPTb4dwDS_iODGDEQhV8qpj76GT0z7c/s1803/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1kj-7TJLt8mtDUFHTESUJmLqOJKgc6oVGqBtF1NDY6UaftgXwtgZdGiLY-g7yFl-UG7noqjrkPVmQObgnQZTT_QRK1SPa_o6a_8whyf5fLoB7Af2Ssgo79QOyDke6WV2NPyPmKIapQ2JOuxvloCRntjOoTweHPTb4dwDS_iODGDEQhV8qpj76GT0z7c/w640-h426/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trees receded. The aspens were left behind and the heights were covered with low shrubs, mostly manzanite. Here and there was a conifer tree. Ahead of us, towered the Teton Mountains. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRxOu9ADIrf8cxmeOnoJBMLinCcruExTAdbcRYnC5GGxRNp7J5hLQxuFcQ8gx5Z8Yyju6UDnDhzrgxDcMEVqVZa1HTpZ3IiDNaFqZbkfrlZqx8IW5q1Uj0bV6MwuTTom0Zcrrwl5R9u9kKO-9XcJAWxhgVyTpqlFGgBKHoqE31wzPASHJ3KbVR-3xwIU/s1803/yu%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRxOu9ADIrf8cxmeOnoJBMLinCcruExTAdbcRYnC5GGxRNp7J5hLQxuFcQ8gx5Z8Yyju6UDnDhzrgxDcMEVqVZa1HTpZ3IiDNaFqZbkfrlZqx8IW5q1Uj0bV6MwuTTom0Zcrrwl5R9u9kKO-9XcJAWxhgVyTpqlFGgBKHoqE31wzPASHJ3KbVR-3xwIU/w640-h426/yu%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tetons<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Magnetized by the powerful view of the Tetons we stood in silence for a long moment, taking in the magnificent view. I noted the small glaciers on the mountain side. It was more snow than what I've seen there on my previous visit to Grand Teton NP in July of 2020. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuiko6474eO2bcR6SWB-RZhBYMHinih16sIwYMKkId5Qs2Pns6Sl9dcdFBx0afVFmuuDHfUS9cN-ZyrUBffYMqLTGIz8G0DmSEswMkyqTQEWizh9EeWcB6fXcjxzTDQy9l3ykeE2xE7vQ0YdmVlHbyobKgoi7ubnP5ruC4BhT3l2GVmP48feKZ0rIJAM/s1803/yt%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuiko6474eO2bcR6SWB-RZhBYMHinih16sIwYMKkId5Qs2Pns6Sl9dcdFBx0afVFmuuDHfUS9cN-ZyrUBffYMqLTGIz8G0DmSEswMkyqTQEWizh9EeWcB6fXcjxzTDQy9l3ykeE2xE7vQ0YdmVlHbyobKgoi7ubnP5ruC4BhT3l2GVmP48feKZ0rIJAM/w640-h426/yt%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Grand Teton</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A big rock on the side of the trail caught my eye. It had an X made of two separate dikes - filler rocks inserted inside a crack in the original bedrock this boulder eroded from. It made an interesting visual effect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YNa7sO8wwvz1yM5PGS-tQeXZoOgED77q0XwN8x5xkwV-ijswV5AlYZBGcv9hoFdkczeXM3mSwRLBCJ3mVgpkuKXb_yKvclJixIPFlnw74fRi2jlekG1cGhXZY-4mcSND5OjSCKv6aWWh4Pe8YgJ5d6qC0uPAQYLZqhoG6crv5p2QERt3AMw7S6ibvD0/s1803/yv%20rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YNa7sO8wwvz1yM5PGS-tQeXZoOgED77q0XwN8x5xkwV-ijswV5AlYZBGcv9hoFdkczeXM3mSwRLBCJ3mVgpkuKXb_yKvclJixIPFlnw74fRi2jlekG1cGhXZY-4mcSND5OjSCKv6aWWh4Pe8YgJ5d6qC0uPAQYLZqhoG6crv5p2QERt3AMw7S6ibvD0/w640-h426/yv%20rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again we were seeing aspens. This time in distinct pandos (genetically identical stand of underground connected aspens). Their golden foliage brought out even better against the blue sky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglYxilsxvxvoC4WmCDjsAqCAIb0MHQxPWgzFRDIeyhj4-k8_yxKbPYLJfkcl7X5g3dAKVUplwKdiHsj3PxMRG-54recp_dH0o-72xeRnWHdM6iMVBX-FEZhlbS9jgnY04Oe_sE0Gs9f92tZ8usmM5NNZk3P3K56IwVA3hKT0TG-G_BHCTIyd7N-ly4uM/s1803/yy%20pando.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglYxilsxvxvoC4WmCDjsAqCAIb0MHQxPWgzFRDIeyhj4-k8_yxKbPYLJfkcl7X5g3dAKVUplwKdiHsj3PxMRG-54recp_dH0o-72xeRnWHdM6iMVBX-FEZhlbS9jgnY04Oe_sE0Gs9f92tZ8usmM5NNZk3P3K56IwVA3hKT0TG-G_BHCTIyd7N-ly4uM/w640-h426/yy%20pando.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was hard to take my eyes off the grand view of the Grand Tetons, and off the grand scenery between us and them. Below us however, right by the trail, were wildflowers, and they too captured my attention. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0ywZPdWdUsZ5hgUrQqFhfzuYUQOoUtdb_SYV524CxAvoC30m9kRtc5nbeLI3sHCOzMC4h8cRaMsbIe_CrLz0lELBXijUCN48k8wZrKFs10FooTdNCKaa8gHOvDKJHkAvRVE6_8wkNTsN3bgJZdhAWL9JnLV5dMuzErfSNkUdcTNEpOruZBjIZW3vJmo/s1494/za%20bells.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1494" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0ywZPdWdUsZ5hgUrQqFhfzuYUQOoUtdb_SYV524CxAvoC30m9kRtc5nbeLI3sHCOzMC4h8cRaMsbIe_CrLz0lELBXijUCN48k8wZrKFs10FooTdNCKaa8gHOvDKJHkAvRVE6_8wkNTsN3bgJZdhAWL9JnLV5dMuzErfSNkUdcTNEpOruZBjIZW3vJmo/w640-h456/za%20bells.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Harebell, Campanula rotundifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were getting close to the lake. The mountains didn't seem like they were getting any closer though, but we didn't mind. The Tetons make the best backdrop ever. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46IYNBPQNgLoJpAXf1DMiLfcOR-fDUYkthBq46Utnm-AixuYSgKDwDmMfJdefsLLgQwDfX0cAyu1zfKubr2NK9HSR2ZdKsx2ZrtmoEFj9nbKS5uCmgHVdyFlaaBmhOQVf5k8s813nAvdwZ4wUMoYt-T_lQhtjX9Ymoc7z2qpJH4dwQYan704_4GFIhJY/s1803/zb%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46IYNBPQNgLoJpAXf1DMiLfcOR-fDUYkthBq46Utnm-AixuYSgKDwDmMfJdefsLLgQwDfX0cAyu1zfKubr2NK9HSR2ZdKsx2ZrtmoEFj9nbKS5uCmgHVdyFlaaBmhOQVf5k8s813nAvdwZ4wUMoYt-T_lQhtjX9Ymoc7z2qpJH4dwQYan704_4GFIhJY/w640-h426/zb%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Taggart Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail curved strongly to the south and entered a crowded forest of thin-trunked trees. To see which trees were they, I had to raise my eyes to the canopies - these were pine trees, of a species unfamiliar to me. A string of puddles lined the trail through the pine forest. Sunlight/shade reflection patterns played in these little puddles, giving them a fairy-like look. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n9qICfM6v1hVaQfbrGy9OMnAYRAFvrDr58O9G9b2OSubVi9Y2qSiIGEqTMdqq6yxSv7kw2daOMrhvlIIAH-pH9DQRfDQ_cwTYL8RRHrOkby0UUMHe9lLBreIVhHyvv9ehC0N2z413wRNtRN6DjkvQoayL2QZ4FNxHmMcAAAc82l711TSPdb-motra5Q/s1803/zc%20puddles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n9qICfM6v1hVaQfbrGy9OMnAYRAFvrDr58O9G9b2OSubVi9Y2qSiIGEqTMdqq6yxSv7kw2daOMrhvlIIAH-pH9DQRfDQ_cwTYL8RRHrOkby0UUMHe9lLBreIVhHyvv9ehC0N2z413wRNtRN6DjkvQoayL2QZ4FNxHmMcAAAc82l711TSPdb-motra5Q/w640-h426/zc%20puddles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we walked deeper into this forest the trees increased in numbers and pulled closer together. It actually felt as if they were drawing near us, moving through the earth. For a little while I felt as if I was going through the dark forest of Mirkwood in Middle Earth. Of course, part of the darker atmosphere was because of the ate afternoon hour, when the sun no longer illuminates directly down to the forest floor. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZGZ7EPON_0FKY_BZPejUb-TLG5Ow4pfUJliITEQa3m1wACWqoAMdl3QWhLFjvGgPVt9IrpueLaEXQseDjEplXkBNBdh5T2fxSkt2elrNDh61SMduEVDBz_NuwF7UGrYJU5-QEbdHEu4Vjq6ZX8iTQpoutauCZiCCGwhzSW_eQFaYdV2AlMtpe8We5l0/s1803/zd%20mirkwood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZGZ7EPON_0FKY_BZPejUb-TLG5Ow4pfUJliITEQa3m1wACWqoAMdl3QWhLFjvGgPVt9IrpueLaEXQseDjEplXkBNBdh5T2fxSkt2elrNDh61SMduEVDBz_NuwF7UGrYJU5-QEbdHEu4Vjq6ZX8iTQpoutauCZiCCGwhzSW_eQFaYdV2AlMtpe8We5l0/w640-h426/zd%20mirkwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mirkwood"</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dark pine forest wasn't very large though, and in reality that unearthly, fairytale feeling was present only for a few seconds. We exited the forest into a wide, flat trail. The lake was very near but we didn't see it yet - it was hidden by the trees. The trail curved around the forest and turned west and we anticipated seeing the lake at any moment. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQiDb8elpsHXjArwIQR5Rbp8NMRbSaRpl933UivI30O1XmXrBmxYtJDAFgZpwadj452EiZ_wx-jYiya7HtSzQH82F5Sw7Kksh3OTMOx4ehQeEW6n8DEJir8pmATytgiT4SEpSocnmqXMwfhEgw8gfu0_igbsjDXfyDhg2ohJzV51B773cQEL5-tSh0tE/s1803/ze%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQiDb8elpsHXjArwIQR5Rbp8NMRbSaRpl933UivI30O1XmXrBmxYtJDAFgZpwadj452EiZ_wx-jYiya7HtSzQH82F5Sw7Kksh3OTMOx4ehQeEW6n8DEJir8pmATytgiT4SEpSocnmqXMwfhEgw8gfu0_igbsjDXfyDhg2ohJzV51B773cQEL5-tSh0tE/w640-h426/ze%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One more curve and the trail plunged again into the forest. A few steps later and the trees parted, revealing a gorgeous lake - Taggart Lake. The tTeton Mountains loomed over on the other side. There were quite a few other people there by the lake and it was quite challenging to take photos without other humans in the frame. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGfVGXaBCcn8OgPnDibV1qmbN0jJMhEk0J6O7qTVvTOQrqr7HBgZk9PRoL_XF7zin7C3URkp5JpDPYGyOMggD_BNJhi-pZrZIZv83IcowCFSdYZZzAD3esO4cNM5PdDhSNF0Ql8qwDOiyzWKqIvj248le85FsH264RzPPkxU1E7HNRwzVExd-Iow8M0s/s1803/zh%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGfVGXaBCcn8OgPnDibV1qmbN0jJMhEk0J6O7qTVvTOQrqr7HBgZk9PRoL_XF7zin7C3URkp5JpDPYGyOMggD_BNJhi-pZrZIZv83IcowCFSdYZZzAD3esO4cNM5PdDhSNF0Ql8qwDOiyzWKqIvj248le85FsH264RzPPkxU1E7HNRwzVExd-Iow8M0s/w640-h426/zh%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted to climb the big rock that jutted into and over the lake but that rock was in the frame of a man who was poised with his camera on a tripod. While I waited for the man to be done I turned my attention to a little chipmunk that my sister saw and pointed out to me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwefHPk0NUSx_HCZALdgZGq8EPx5C5kUglmwbxFQzsnnWYt5xiNNzboe6wIhyphenhyphen8kTVAs-PjuGSgkH0s8GTiPjm8rgpAEv7XLa42sR2p2xCcMDyY2epejaJ60c8xde9wsKfD9NPHuMrCNf3dHdgYUD2FAMNsz1fN2LOOL2Zly3hPNfKO7DpQ3txTJS2SHc/s1662/zg%20chipmunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1662" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwefHPk0NUSx_HCZALdgZGq8EPx5C5kUglmwbxFQzsnnWYt5xiNNzboe6wIhyphenhyphen8kTVAs-PjuGSgkH0s8GTiPjm8rgpAEv7XLa42sR2p2xCcMDyY2epejaJ60c8xde9wsKfD9NPHuMrCNf3dHdgYUD2FAMNsz1fN2LOOL2Zly3hPNfKO7DpQ3txTJS2SHc/w640-h439/zg%20chipmunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I Climbed on that rock. My sister joined me and we sat there for a good long time, enjoying the beautiful afternoon by the lake, surrounded by the majestic Nature, one of the most spectacular I've ever been to. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-js2yj-GymK0gDU-FURAgbpf_iM6bZiTpLwwjdFgIImExsxNq14-WLmCCeSBwOUw2UCfv5-RMzaPl9njZnxdQJ4wWUpsDl7iKXm65PLGpYEHXkn2KN7GT5RlomAaefpi45jchXhTPbqWxecHLemXL5pcJoIC1yDJeYKeRgooOlAmlr8TZ5wfTfGjOngk/s1803/zj%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-js2yj-GymK0gDU-FURAgbpf_iM6bZiTpLwwjdFgIImExsxNq14-WLmCCeSBwOUw2UCfv5-RMzaPl9njZnxdQJ4wWUpsDl7iKXm65PLGpYEHXkn2KN7GT5RlomAaefpi45jchXhTPbqWxecHLemXL5pcJoIC1yDJeYKeRgooOlAmlr8TZ5wfTfGjOngk/w640-h426/zj%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a long time that was certainly insufficient we slid off the rock and started heading down the trail. I noticed a (living) twisted tree near the trail and wondered how it came to be this way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovSbUjSDtzzw0Bi3kJprfcikDncacqOtArvAZIY8_BCi68ItrHju3WU4-zctPkz78c-yv8UFFgLHiBsCdBMUI-_lfc5okqztEZes1l5SYM4unQbV63vhJlUqs-DGxImNdRuayrDe2iWDRk4GmD4pbVu1Ir-Yx_Q_C93m0W5fSBq5zE4DrdZFqMLg0Yxg/s1803/zl%20twisted%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovSbUjSDtzzw0Bi3kJprfcikDncacqOtArvAZIY8_BCi68ItrHju3WU4-zctPkz78c-yv8UFFgLHiBsCdBMUI-_lfc5okqztEZes1l5SYM4unQbV63vhJlUqs-DGxImNdRuayrDe2iWDRk4GmD4pbVu1Ir-Yx_Q_C93m0W5fSBq5zE4DrdZFqMLg0Yxg/w640-h426/zl%20twisted%20tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted Pine</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before delving once again into the dark pine forest we paused and observed. My sister too saw the fairytale aspect of this forest. The trail looked like it was disappearing into a maw of darkness. The sun didn't stop during the hour we sat at Taggart Lake. Now the tree shadows were long and reached all the way across the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwREdXx-PhD5JwhjX79KZD64OSD0IH7QzvG5VOzf7Xxra38uoDoHSRt_gqMyXi2VjSglPcqeITsluGUg2KiAWAr46E_tFki08Ta5VKKrVwGPELEd944kVnsk7D2xGfl7DwnyPb_OGD7PCDzWAXNin05iHsNqcr8ghynAY4G527-O33jiqtER23u5uI5w/s1803/zm%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwREdXx-PhD5JwhjX79KZD64OSD0IH7QzvG5VOzf7Xxra38uoDoHSRt_gqMyXi2VjSglPcqeITsluGUg2KiAWAr46E_tFki08Ta5VKKrVwGPELEd944kVnsk7D2xGfl7DwnyPb_OGD7PCDzWAXNin05iHsNqcr8ghynAY4G527-O33jiqtER23u5uI5w/w640-h426/zm%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggard Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our descent down the trail was quick. Pressed by the sense of the day's nearing end we walked briskly and took very few pauses on the way. Also, the wind picked up and the air became much cooler. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-wCR26MgbCYKgpngRooBRQ5wCj4_RNkN4CisblqIa0yZodSnYmCrUl-eDfDCWG9KeL4M0GQHTRjLFHYW8QfvZhzNfvsd4prfi1MJcWyJ3U_3eJTOhFpMC0u3QZNbiCCkkmN-__wZtOsMLHbOjOe7xo0vwSFl-ZSnYRGn6W4EOWtN6ab7-Cv7xsaGIY0/s1803/zn%20pando.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-wCR26MgbCYKgpngRooBRQ5wCj4_RNkN4CisblqIa0yZodSnYmCrUl-eDfDCWG9KeL4M0GQHTRjLFHYW8QfvZhzNfvsd4prfi1MJcWyJ3U_3eJTOhFpMC0u3QZNbiCCkkmN-__wZtOsMLHbOjOe7xo0vwSFl-ZSnYRGn6W4EOWtN6ab7-Cv7xsaGIY0/w640-h426/zn%20pando.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaking Aspen</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A squirrel crossed our path. Or maybe we crossed hers. I raised my camera quickly but all I could capture was her bushy tail as she hopped over a decomposing log. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKTNf5bI5oKoF7sCyp5e_bF-RZ0ViLelxf_Qw1LC1qM3oOXbK3fn52oRTlrCpZTk9dt6zheWB5T1Q2YSvmGMjR3sQ2Kc7qhPn-XdYg2pV0rzDUlDKxqFfAXR_M9w_39tW8FcJQIAIovKU2E12N7tXxmHDyjuLdIuQRx5W6xbO8eRLdP1vZADoYL3MGdc/s1066/zo%20squirreltail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1066" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKTNf5bI5oKoF7sCyp5e_bF-RZ0ViLelxf_Qw1LC1qM3oOXbK3fn52oRTlrCpZTk9dt6zheWB5T1Q2YSvmGMjR3sQ2Kc7qhPn-XdYg2pV0rzDUlDKxqFfAXR_M9w_39tW8FcJQIAIovKU2E12N7tXxmHDyjuLdIuQRx5W6xbO8eRLdP1vZADoYL3MGdc/w640-h450/zo%20squirreltail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sky was still bright and blue but a line of dark clouds appeared along the mountains. The earth below where we were walking was getting dark. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXpJeROXTMiUwhUmNOAbeaT_vcRZ9Sju3qmGXdEhIHTwCMJs2w-9lK9BYs4jCQSsV2rq25zkp89N2WoAvdyn4N2gRSbWdyfRwss1JmyrF7ydnHNrFBNJ-BTkv6EE2mB_OwhE8AMhSXjvXGecHGVpORGTzGy7wuPGlltDA6J553jHljwI2IqIL8Rh6ruc/s1803/zp%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXpJeROXTMiUwhUmNOAbeaT_vcRZ9Sju3qmGXdEhIHTwCMJs2w-9lK9BYs4jCQSsV2rq25zkp89N2WoAvdyn4N2gRSbWdyfRwss1JmyrF7ydnHNrFBNJ-BTkv6EE2mB_OwhE8AMhSXjvXGecHGVpORGTzGy7wuPGlltDA6J553jHljwI2IqIL8Rh6ruc/w640-h426/zp%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Taggart Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We hurried down the trail along Taggart Creek, under the bowed boughs of the quaking aspens. On the walk we discussed what to do next - I wanted to go to one of the places where moose were known to come at dusk. Although both of us were fortunate to see moose in Rocky Mountains National Park on the previous year, but we were both eager to see these magnificent animals again. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx4Kge1ouh9noNpzd8vswCe1u4Bo64K1U873tLgc67a3eGJ0p9pBQyd2cph19aqDP0kyhgTWI-xC7LfcaLg8hk68ez0DRUA-j94HhvT3IWoIxf9ldvTsDdKwhmaxcCgFIGExycAaYbB8BSOnfcoLhq1cFa6jt6hah4Rz0TAtZBnGo5g5Hq4UEjGYPoXw/s1803/zr%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx4Kge1ouh9noNpzd8vswCe1u4Bo64K1U873tLgc67a3eGJ0p9pBQyd2cph19aqDP0kyhgTWI-xC7LfcaLg8hk68ez0DRUA-j94HhvT3IWoIxf9ldvTsDdKwhmaxcCgFIGExycAaYbB8BSOnfcoLhq1cFa6jt6hah4Rz0TAtZBnGo5g5Hq4UEjGYPoXw/w640-h426/zr%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Taggart Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't stop much on the way downhill to take photos, but some of the things I missed on our way up I now had a second chance to observe. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiB3MkjSDex186Zk8LH_6CU4aJwkepEcsrAFMgzVaLoGr4u-_lME-lUexBexyNNb6s1rUHj_QG29T21NPAUlU0MYASxDHN5nqjbOUOgUw25M6uB-6skVSTJ5NIpUFBhXKbgZXOr2BZMVtJ-j3HvH8pRJYaAW5xtfKkf43uW3EMPfhGoQ0hRGSdtcLPdY/s1202/zs%20snowberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1202" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiB3MkjSDex186Zk8LH_6CU4aJwkepEcsrAFMgzVaLoGr4u-_lME-lUexBexyNNb6s1rUHj_QG29T21NPAUlU0MYASxDHN5nqjbOUOgUw25M6uB-6skVSTJ5NIpUFBhXKbgZXOr2BZMVtJ-j3HvH8pRJYaAW5xtfKkf43uW3EMPfhGoQ0hRGSdtcLPdY/w640-h456/zs%20snowberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowberry</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister and I agreed to go to Moose Wilson Road after the hike to look for the moose and to continue on that road back to Jackson where we were staying that night. My sister tightened her jacket around her - she was becoming uncomfortable in the chill wind. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBls0ErP3YenznSEBQf65gPPZjq-XQjfN5qF1T1CMwdcRRY6Bg_cYwdMo8knAJDtdU9UtiE__0BqsGtw9o1w9RpN9GHdcCYx1LKWfvdfE3M8F4TfnTHnxrBYMErdluGv0Ut9iaU9TZcJH-W2uAcCIgSXsY-kyGK_-KKeTIUsvFXegPPKjWRe0hKAD274/s1258/zt%20mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1258" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBls0ErP3YenznSEBQf65gPPZjq-XQjfN5qF1T1CMwdcRRY6Bg_cYwdMo8knAJDtdU9UtiE__0BqsGtw9o1w9RpN9GHdcCYx1LKWfvdfE3M8F4TfnTHnxrBYMErdluGv0Ut9iaU9TZcJH-W2uAcCIgSXsY-kyGK_-KKeTIUsvFXegPPKjWRe0hKAD274/w640-h452/zt%20mallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fremont's Geranium, Geranium caespitosum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the time we crossed Taggart Creek again the sun has already set. We didn't pause any longer to look at anything, but hurried down the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e1bJHRbVGfS9MHsv13yKQ9N8JV_pJeCNOTPrM_80P4fp9jmR4CdCxPU5uzRIl8ff8QtTyhyVnwzxIGkuaYMdbM6g_TwITS7VwLX-Q9H8EBy0l85L55oxRaiHxFVpWhj6zlQbn3Ev4llRtJkz1K4BC8vmTWIPkA15uMOzpdpLr8TbajWu3rmdVJKiDSc/s1803/zu%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e1bJHRbVGfS9MHsv13yKQ9N8JV_pJeCNOTPrM_80P4fp9jmR4CdCxPU5uzRIl8ff8QtTyhyVnwzxIGkuaYMdbM6g_TwITS7VwLX-Q9H8EBy0l85L55oxRaiHxFVpWhj6zlQbn3Ev4llRtJkz1K4BC8vmTWIPkA15uMOzpdpLr8TbajWu3rmdVJKiDSc/w640-h426/zu%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taggart Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before exiting the trail I turned around and looked at the Tetons. The line of dark clouds had extended to a thick gray blanket. I too wrapped my jacked around myself. The Teton Mountains looked majestic still, but darker and aloof. We would see the Tetons again tomorrow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhy46aVlqUMasKZW6BKQYl__33hYbnBBLVcIRWLy-Yr_R_BcDG_yQdQpmsOobq9c62GFC-q72zSl1Imhp6FF4ek4D94OJDNbJ3bif6a8bsXqm4v4zkVo1CewoSqUQzwFvpPr7-jaGmXp2aSnHuZjrRbcvZ1Apptju3LCfL_IUoW5vVxglUEkRp6TGdqA/s1803/zv%20tetons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhy46aVlqUMasKZW6BKQYl__33hYbnBBLVcIRWLy-Yr_R_BcDG_yQdQpmsOobq9c62GFC-q72zSl1Imhp6FF4ek4D94OJDNbJ3bif6a8bsXqm4v4zkVo1CewoSqUQzwFvpPr7-jaGmXp2aSnHuZjrRbcvZ1Apptju3LCfL_IUoW5vVxglUEkRp6TGdqA/w640-h426/zv%20tetons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Tetons</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the Taggart Trail we drove to Moose Wilson Rd where we met many other wildlife observers and joined them in staring down at the snake river. After half an hour when we saw nothing but a couple of mallards we decided to call it quits and to drive to Jackson back through the park. On the way out I decided on an impulse to turn east onto Antelope Flats Rd where on my first visit to this park 17 years ago we got to see a herd of pronghorn. We drove a bit along the Snake River which looked very beautiful in the dusk, but didn't see any pronghorn. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSIohY1zONibLPsDvfJr5M1DSn9acXKCnx6gvlA04pfT5jhUpQC2OYHIXqqmx-s6uUXlLYiy9IOexJwQRwnIGyz-GpdgX_V-rB72pT74kGAQbiULTX00U6Az-iNMG-GwzWMIY8awBtmkWF2vcn5EHrqiU6F0Tdz2qdH03pWTBnOLKfyKC6WzKfhZSbGo/s1803/zw%20moose%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSIohY1zONibLPsDvfJr5M1DSn9acXKCnx6gvlA04pfT5jhUpQC2OYHIXqqmx-s6uUXlLYiy9IOexJwQRwnIGyz-GpdgX_V-rB72pT74kGAQbiULTX00U6Az-iNMG-GwzWMIY8awBtmkWF2vcn5EHrqiU6F0Tdz2qdH03pWTBnOLKfyKC6WzKfhZSbGo/w640-h426/zw%20moose%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake River along Antelope Flat Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What we did see were a lot of cars parked in all of the pullouts and the road side too, and a line of wildlife observers standing near the edge of the river and staring at the other side. Needless to say, we found a parking spot, got out of the car and went to see what were all the others looking at.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWvM-jLWBN0H3Ky08omM-R0vHswUr_4eUAocK-_4PasU9ZDtvOfDPIizfaZMbga0AcawDLY7EQNQPTDWfVkdvFALEoeVHOtuJrkWLtYH1eehcOq_s6ytVUWC0sclHuJKsSgzrMJLFP1gXuGa7FozVsqUzDKFf7RmeE9LJx6a64zrGa97wLuKzjV0eC2w/s1803/zx%20watchers.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWvM-jLWBN0H3Ky08omM-R0vHswUr_4eUAocK-_4PasU9ZDtvOfDPIizfaZMbga0AcawDLY7EQNQPTDWfVkdvFALEoeVHOtuJrkWLtYH1eehcOq_s6ytVUWC0sclHuJKsSgzrMJLFP1gXuGa7FozVsqUzDKFf7RmeE9LJx6a64zrGa97wLuKzjV0eC2w/w640-h426/zx%20watchers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As it turned out, they all were looking at a pair of moose on the other side of the river. They were far and also hiding in the bushes and I had a really hard time seeing them with the naked eyes. Even with the camera zoom I had a hard time figuring where the moose even were. A fellow who had telescope trained on the moose invited us to look. Once seen, I had a better time aiming my camera. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpwGfvUbf7Gik5-2d-fzmSqHaWOmM9wAw1fvsQ-nA-5LyGJWk5t-go9SJmxSK1Fnn59nLSebLW8aLDjy-v1RgWi2arfEvSB2DG52uxJRLEvwxERwPOT310GggA25mrOoaNCQN9cEYlfJ85dLdt0KwA-ouDI7U7G2MobDz8qx0-ahuA_COI9FKXEsfsnI/s1803/zz%20moose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1803" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpwGfvUbf7Gik5-2d-fzmSqHaWOmM9wAw1fvsQ-nA-5LyGJWk5t-go9SJmxSK1Fnn59nLSebLW8aLDjy-v1RgWi2arfEvSB2DG52uxJRLEvwxERwPOT310GggA25mrOoaNCQN9cEYlfJ85dLdt0KwA-ouDI7U7G2MobDz8qx0-ahuA_COI9FKXEsfsnI/w640-h426/zz%20moose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the moose made it a bit easier by stepping, at least a little bit, out of the bushes. With my maximal zoom I got an acceptable image. At least we could see these were moose. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2xsHLh4Rwj0Af5X2hneizsMP-V3y0WkaGestAYbzKeyE3TqntMau-UdPNhWGldTkIOgzejc9u9YkT25IOESG4HMwumjyc2lG9XAJbArGNGV3Psh679gM1ABBir0br-OYW64yqtp40rEDpq-PC7QlMwyOCAnlJ3F4MNzbcKhsa6AYHBp9SstSnWOQj-M/s1213/zy%20moose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1213" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2xsHLh4Rwj0Af5X2hneizsMP-V3y0WkaGestAYbzKeyE3TqntMau-UdPNhWGldTkIOgzejc9u9YkT25IOESG4HMwumjyc2lG9XAJbArGNGV3Psh679gM1ABBir0br-OYW64yqtp40rEDpq-PC7QlMwyOCAnlJ3F4MNzbcKhsa6AYHBp9SstSnWOQj-M/w640-h442/zy%20moose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't mind that the moose were far. Seeing them was the perfect ending of a perfect day. While we watched the moose the night sneaked on us and darkness fell. We got back in the car and joined the long convoy of satisfied moose observers going back to town. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My plan for the morrow was to do a short walk along the eastern shore of Jenny Lake, then to drive north to Yellowstone and visit the Old Faithful Geyser before checking into the cabin we reserved at Lake Yellowstone. While thinking about hiking by Jenny Lake I remembered the last two times I've been there, and I realized that I wanted to post here about my previous experience there, e<a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/jenny-lake-twice-and-once-around.html">specially the hike from the summer of 2020</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-26264984664314709202024-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:002024-01-02T20:00:39.066-08:00Challenge's Sweet Rewards: Backpacking Surprise Canyon, Day 3<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUMVZ1oWPIzu-DbPoI7iTSOQZ-Xhmxp8Gr553UpQEQmJXEnVS3GXXSsW1avEFLh1IP3wfsVRLhe5n8ryEOMK9SIbRwjvBALSdBPhQPzj07JqiLQkNL7E161mf_d8bIpi81wK-JCgfPYNF7ouhbpq1d_rvd-Mhrwl-89DcMtSdzhzBLOrAX2roVYD0Wg0/s1856/zn%20top%20fall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUMVZ1oWPIzu-DbPoI7iTSOQZ-Xhmxp8Gr553UpQEQmJXEnVS3GXXSsW1avEFLh1IP3wfsVRLhe5n8ryEOMK9SIbRwjvBALSdBPhQPzj07JqiLQkNL7E161mf_d8bIpi81wK-JCgfPYNF7ouhbpq1d_rvd-Mhrwl-89DcMtSdzhzBLOrAX2roVYD0Wg0/w640-h426/zn%20top%20fall.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: December 20 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Surprise Canyon Wilderness, Inyo County</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.115455, -117.142173 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 3.5 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: extreme</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/visiting-ghosts-of-recent-past.html">Link to blogpost of Day 2 </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It rained for a few hours during our second night up Surprise Canyon. By midnight the rain had stopped, but the wind continued intermittently throughout the night. My sleep was also intermittent and disturbed with new worries about possible flooding. Where we camped was high enough from the creek and it was safe, but I worried about the possibility of getting stuck up the canyon if the water level rose too much because of the rain. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When I woke up for the final time in the morning, there were leftover clouds in the sky, and a lovely rainbow over the ridge on the east. The weather was cool and the air still - the wind had died down too. It was a beautiful morning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogAT-tzDmKTvNKslJpUGwAnLNeIIB9g9N9QKqVoHRl0N4toZ_wpqdGWUvyrJniCAj099fO4kQmq8ciT403N8FXspXnHR_05jxhyS-HN-L759XrmC9gjr4oKrbhAgY5bvDihgbQCXNDlYsB3DA_cV_QabWlZGFteOu2zBoA7d9jnnhdEX25ZIjyRmqT4Q/s1856/yh%20morning%20rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogAT-tzDmKTvNKslJpUGwAnLNeIIB9g9N9QKqVoHRl0N4toZ_wpqdGWUvyrJniCAj099fO4kQmq8ciT403N8FXspXnHR_05jxhyS-HN-L759XrmC9gjr4oKrbhAgY5bvDihgbQCXNDlYsB3DA_cV_QabWlZGFteOu2zBoA7d9jnnhdEX25ZIjyRmqT4Q/w640-h426/yh%20morning%20rainbow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The canyon below us looked as calm and serene as it was on the morning the day before. I listened carefully to the nearby creek trying to pick up if it sounded stronger than yesterday. It might have been louder, or perhaps it was my imagination. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMTrj9og8kYOupiPPFZTWUDu4BZ83BFP5C6MXXkViYWEUUPwS3R_dsfun_YmRO1okwN8F5M01-crKWd78yPRxBXnWpjyYxVjC9oVHnwN3TxALktB9TpB0UXsV9ohddO_g1f5EePVPGbXCoocoxd5FMJ1JnyHAzCFKi3XA0Ag3QpsJidqmyTZbH8WchcM/s1856/yi%20morning%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMTrj9og8kYOupiPPFZTWUDu4BZ83BFP5C6MXXkViYWEUUPwS3R_dsfun_YmRO1okwN8F5M01-crKWd78yPRxBXnWpjyYxVjC9oVHnwN3TxALktB9TpB0UXsV9ohddO_g1f5EePVPGbXCoocoxd5FMJ1JnyHAzCFKi3XA0Ag3QpsJidqmyTZbH8WchcM/w640-h426/yi%20morning%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had breakfast and broke camp without needless lingering. We both were in agreement that it would be best to get down the canyon right away, knowing already that the downhill path wasn't an easy one and would take time. We also had a long drive ahead of us after being done with the hike. We packed everything, and after a short discussion, decided to stay wearing our hiking shoes rather than change right away to the muck boots with which we ascended the canyon on our first day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciPfq3aVzGmW5KogQvQGCUlffd9wjEm-Iuk5M7TaVqU1uo8bOfmy32inuSURIJdcYd2SWL42JEeE6UNJ62_RdMngJhpyWsEi0q5HuGy2mkgE8-YbbKDnLs2mQEj-JkpPelpP7x8JsyYjQ3E4m6cDyxz252MKZIegRmUSzEN8KJFwuG_HQliEj1EzVr2g/s1657/3.3%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1657" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciPfq3aVzGmW5KogQvQGCUlffd9wjEm-Iuk5M7TaVqU1uo8bOfmy32inuSURIJdcYd2SWL42JEeE6UNJ62_RdMngJhpyWsEi0q5HuGy2mkgE8-YbbKDnLs2mQEj-JkpPelpP7x8JsyYjQ3E4m6cDyxz252MKZIegRmUSzEN8KJFwuG_HQliEj1EzVr2g/w640-h456/3.3%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we crossed the creek to the north side I tried to assess the flow. It did seem slightly stronger, but not by much. As far as I was concerned, we were good to go on. I had my half a liter thermal cup full with freshly brewed tea and A.S. had a single drinking bottle full. Neither of us bothered to fill the rest of our water containers. The creek was flowing all the way down from where we camped, there wpuld be no problem getting more water if we needed too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28jCNP2G5tO95Yz6HjdRf0nenG24msYpQVsrQv5JjE5J9_uMpDE5LzsxilQsFY175FVdUUP4FYN6nQLXdNvTI6H859qk9tLMjkBf1ZjZG8wc-C2QfTyApJBPLBgbmkZv8jut6kPlS1UJ9o703LhPGopeFhI4nxfsE3BW3vgvw6UqMyKTV5Xp1V_f7M5Q/s1856/yj%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28jCNP2G5tO95Yz6HjdRf0nenG24msYpQVsrQv5JjE5J9_uMpDE5LzsxilQsFY175FVdUUP4FYN6nQLXdNvTI6H859qk9tLMjkBf1ZjZG8wc-C2QfTyApJBPLBgbmkZv8jut6kPlS1UJ9o703LhPGopeFhI4nxfsE3BW3vgvw6UqMyKTV5Xp1V_f7M5Q/w640-h426/yj%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sky was slowly clearing up from the few clouds left of last night's storm. Inside the canyon it was still pretty dark though. Surprise Canyon is oriented east to west and we'd have to wait until the sun cleared the south ridge to get directly illuminated. So far we have not yet felt direct sun and I was hoping for that to happen. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtDnANFmxWohWeul7FsyWYP6Wh_53R8Gp5R2B5g-ZYDSaDkOQqUL91go9NCDcFkBT0zTD7a7ogN8Sp8bUMNJensCpnLeRu6iYsS92isrsd4g77A5UZIGo6O0IgXZZu-vuFDU6_pNy8vVUvPjyZO62blTewW3HvMN9p9e_5js6-9_ZGBdMJTw5fj739C8/s1856/yk%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtDnANFmxWohWeul7FsyWYP6Wh_53R8Gp5R2B5g-ZYDSaDkOQqUL91go9NCDcFkBT0zTD7a7ogN8Sp8bUMNJensCpnLeRu6iYsS92isrsd4g77A5UZIGo6O0IgXZZu-vuFDU6_pNy8vVUvPjyZO62blTewW3HvMN9p9e_5js6-9_ZGBdMJTw5fj739C8/w640-h426/yk%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon, view downhill</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first part of our descend was easy. We walked briskly along the narrow gravel trail on the north side of the canyon. I was in the lead and I paused briefly here and there to take a few photos, but hardly as many as I did on the way up. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy1B3njnlGWZZyh1mSqkhiiuvodz8IKLWheXKaHx6ziWOLXqi6AdzEsBbeS8-SgycUkXmzztg_PFlLz2TGgTW30UHVB3311xiJB1OzYfdzBsxXAKU8l8rAHJdoATZAVBFokryANYVlVNYo8ywI3qXP3jnLs63eEzt-4X_v7vxoQAlntZ8NqKvzpPejek/s1589/yl%20phacelia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1589" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy1B3njnlGWZZyh1mSqkhiiuvodz8IKLWheXKaHx6ziWOLXqi6AdzEsBbeS8-SgycUkXmzztg_PFlLz2TGgTW30UHVB3311xiJB1OzYfdzBsxXAKU8l8rAHJdoATZAVBFokryANYVlVNYo8ywI3qXP3jnLs63eEzt-4X_v7vxoQAlntZ8NqKvzpPejek/w640-h440/yl%20phacelia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notch-leaved Phacelia, Phacelia crenulata</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">We made a steady progress down the canyon. Meanwhile the peaks of the north ridge above us lit up with direct sunlight. There were hardly any clouds above us now. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF25DDfPL_ZNEajRHNmktdTMvVPvs-BNHNR6NXK9e-XDR_cGfn18tdZ6KIaE9UJhY1DFz0nozjAjVPh9j1qQsYbMpYiLERwsI3X89I6PFR4Wj8PCz7mxKnWgn5AJiUgxtlo8i8Hbk_qGgykGpa_NkakZ87aHS2jOJ7od3wDvtDxYqDHkN_ku4CYNv43oA/s1856/ym%20morning%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF25DDfPL_ZNEajRHNmktdTMvVPvs-BNHNR6NXK9e-XDR_cGfn18tdZ6KIaE9UJhY1DFz0nozjAjVPh9j1qQsYbMpYiLERwsI3X89I6PFR4Wj8PCz7mxKnWgn5AJiUgxtlo8i8Hbk_qGgykGpa_NkakZ87aHS2jOJ7od3wDvtDxYqDHkN_ku4CYNv43oA/w640-h426/ym%20morning%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon, sunlight on the north ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fairly quickly we reached the part of the hike where we had to get through water. Too quickly, I thought. I didn't remember having to walk through much water above the Limekiln Spring on our way up the canyons two days ago. I guess the creek flow was higher this morning. A.S.'s shoes were waterproof and the flow wasn't too high, so he stepped confidently in the water. My shoes which started their hiking career as waterproof, were too warn out to keep the water out. I didn't feel like switching to my muck boots though. I sighed and followed A.S., trying to be more careful where I stepped. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZr3oO9PEnBbmC8wFpmTqMn90rei0HVeitwNgAykyRN0Ih12GqyeDmB6x8B_yy5liM30O1M9z5yJM915uBbnfbfGeNIT-m9-Jt2YZ58WtnF1TlTIkEt9UQVOEW-7QRthPZM962vc07nFEhKsLDxxXz1kbJtiHVfgl-ymMpD5iDZZf-OIuioS_tfYBPhY/s1856/yn%20flooded%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZr3oO9PEnBbmC8wFpmTqMn90rei0HVeitwNgAykyRN0Ih12GqyeDmB6x8B_yy5liM30O1M9z5yJM915uBbnfbfGeNIT-m9-Jt2YZ58WtnF1TlTIkEt9UQVOEW-7QRthPZM962vc07nFEhKsLDxxXz1kbJtiHVfgl-ymMpD5iDZZf-OIuioS_tfYBPhY/w640-h426/yn%20flooded%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Naturally, we walked slower now. A.S. said that he was hopeful we'll get back to Chris Wicht Camp where we were parked by noon. My latest estimated time to finish the hike was at 2:00 pm. I didn't pause as much to take photos now, since we had come this way on our way up. Still, there were some sights that lured me too powerfully. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNwerRK6JI6emDOcYQTOuwZpp1QjWX0Njx_02Euwv5y0D1PwkfO8xdx3EhcrypMNOipB_4Qc7YgC5jcwQyN8rmfwpyhfuAVoYS_FGu7cx7RMlz2hGuw5ZjAtRv3vkX2JBNCAMxt3yvNdR-7p7VRafqmVWATbj0RtEVCTxFgUIjSkbXHUx55VtZdcnzYA/s1075/yp%20DV%20Penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1075" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNwerRK6JI6emDOcYQTOuwZpp1QjWX0Njx_02Euwv5y0D1PwkfO8xdx3EhcrypMNOipB_4Qc7YgC5jcwQyN8rmfwpyhfuAVoYS_FGu7cx7RMlz2hGuw5ZjAtRv3vkX2JBNCAMxt3yvNdR-7p7VRafqmVWATbj0RtEVCTxFgUIjSkbXHUx55VtZdcnzYA/w640-h450/yp%20DV%20Penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley Penstemon, Penstemon fruticiformis </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached Limekiln Spring and this time stayed away from the tentacles of the grapevine trap. We also weren't in any need of more water. I was alarmed to find out that my camera top display window had a crack. The lens filter also looked scratched. I wonder when did this happen because I though I was careful enough protecting my camera. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYyHwt077OrFcIr2sXA-SRbwQ7pY1mA1nw9DlAjd4lY5trWF2juCxS_AXaPWN5_hMwuuztWiWybXrXgETtho1fibOMP2Hy0CY-igwaUZezIfTTcfE6zPyGubvUxoL00NbMbMS2EMVhmMnWEhgPRl-d47XPvwkmyCPXPTYN3qgAJTDaK3PzrZD6LLdPZE/s1856/yr%20limekiln%20spring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYyHwt077OrFcIr2sXA-SRbwQ7pY1mA1nw9DlAjd4lY5trWF2juCxS_AXaPWN5_hMwuuztWiWybXrXgETtho1fibOMP2Hy0CY-igwaUZezIfTTcfE6zPyGubvUxoL00NbMbMS2EMVhmMnWEhgPRl-d47XPvwkmyCPXPTYN3qgAJTDaK3PzrZD6LLdPZE/w640-h426/yr%20limekiln%20spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limekiln Spring</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was certainly more flooded below Limekiln Spring. It occurred to me that last night's rain was only in our campsite elevation and that higher, in the Panamint City altitude where the night temperatures were sub-freezing, it had snowed. As the day warmed up that snow would melt and keep on feeding the creek throughout the day. By then my shoes were already wet and although I did try to avoid wading it was clear that there would be no point for me to change to the muck boots when we'd reach the waterfalls section. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuL76zTQe9BUhMx9JKbPcDFlp0pudsx58rAy_3XzG4FBSlTLSUS2BEN1qAyK_-kUk4eAcbNR6TW6BTPVFzaXP0oQ_cYdRTsAjHEAGMJwyFAMuoNurE3PNkqdnHC6G5aiGlt_qNpgLenx0eObe00HUrnjfxlsRjtjn9TG81ckUp_6CmV51yqHpNIgDzbY/s1856/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuL76zTQe9BUhMx9JKbPcDFlp0pudsx58rAy_3XzG4FBSlTLSUS2BEN1qAyK_-kUk4eAcbNR6TW6BTPVFzaXP0oQ_cYdRTsAjHEAGMJwyFAMuoNurE3PNkqdnHC6G5aiGlt_qNpgLenx0eObe00HUrnjfxlsRjtjn9TG81ckUp_6CmV51yqHpNIgDzbY/w640-h426/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trampled horsetail over the flooded trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past Limekiln Spring we needed to cross again to the south side of the canyon. Neither of us kept a clear memory of how did the trail go on our way up - there were too many dead ends and false pathways. Between us though, we figured it out much quicker this time. We still had to do quite a bit of bushwhacking, but at least we saved ourselves doing it back and forth along false paths. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3zgARP_M6x3JDAuZ6_HSpDw75CetzrThVMTOVirSeDyxVcTEGRSm6gh1fCWvmqcIk82We20nfj9AieOWvnQ_ZP22NfSccD3tSg_ifPJ_UD9JAYKYGVl-CDCK8O3CukpVg9q-h3esrqBiEQoCmDSXg7xNiYdz9zBcbIvMaucmBRjV6CW2O6ARNTy7Pco/s1856/yq%20riparian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3zgARP_M6x3JDAuZ6_HSpDw75CetzrThVMTOVirSeDyxVcTEGRSm6gh1fCWvmqcIk82We20nfj9AieOWvnQ_ZP22NfSccD3tSg_ifPJ_UD9JAYKYGVl-CDCK8O3CukpVg9q-h3esrqBiEQoCmDSXg7xNiYdz9zBcbIvMaucmBRjV6CW2O6ARNTy7Pco/w640-h426/yq%20riparian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The crossing point was pretty muddy and looked considerably deeper than it was when we passed this way on the way up. I took a while to recognize the creek crossing place, A.S. had to reassure me that he certainly remembers it to be the right place. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZahsdlQQ145xrQvmtAsHLhuG4N2G1YH4wpQlA4i_zQrNKgAmPr-o-2j-Gfnf541GJAYY2C9MhwJDYzDuiX4O27VIHLi71pbDFk9drQpm-XZFFssdSumcvk5gWlrpqGO59Y9agvNXPJeup6fClFvFAQ45cZK8k8ypWJHiMww79kFrQRzwQ9i27LzlT3o/s1856/yv%20mud.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZahsdlQQ145xrQvmtAsHLhuG4N2G1YH4wpQlA4i_zQrNKgAmPr-o-2j-Gfnf541GJAYY2C9MhwJDYzDuiX4O27VIHLi71pbDFk9drQpm-XZFFssdSumcvk5gWlrpqGO59Y9agvNXPJeup6fClFvFAQ45cZK8k8ypWJHiMww79kFrQRzwQ9i27LzlT3o/w640-h426/yv%20mud.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He was right, too. We crossed to the south side of the canyon and found the place (or a similar point) where we could climb the gravel canyon side and join the narrow, cairn-marked trail there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PsmcUneuo0p-zjf53egZpTAvNQgpex91lGgZhjgn6_N1QjemIpLXv1t97EUS_MolSJCocZOr3OJduEZV7WgD5bw46CuJ21FOzzerplQ1t0GVC0MfGpgD9pbeSEJ9zYrkc9KdAjKlyllj9EL10I_2psGc9ePBwAv1SRUD1Jgf4ba1XBZK0idHF6VbR_8/s1512/yw%20emory%20daisy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1512" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PsmcUneuo0p-zjf53egZpTAvNQgpex91lGgZhjgn6_N1QjemIpLXv1t97EUS_MolSJCocZOr3OJduEZV7WgD5bw46CuJ21FOzzerplQ1t0GVC0MfGpgD9pbeSEJ9zYrkc9KdAjKlyllj9EL10I_2psGc9ePBwAv1SRUD1Jgf4ba1XBZK0idHF6VbR_8/w640-h416/yw%20emory%20daisy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emory's Rock Daisy, Perityle emoryi </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I checked the stream again from above. When comparing with my photo of the same little water drop that i took two days ago, it does look like the flow was somewhat stronger. It was hard to estimate by how much though, because there were other channels of water flow in that segment of canyon besides the main one of the creek. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMNvBIZ87pCPdTD9uuP1KCHZXGIuwrtYSfgn7lKqLpLcljzW0_ebTwhgZsCxi7ZGq67SPYDC_6UHPMryiYCmcTJdBage4Se6Qt_wDLYcDVdVc6sabiGFOjdTCccO7ySqKXM9rsxkyugmct9kwQ7QfhYph3qKqMwLSnd4hLOdxGh_9RiRs-jFvYUHlyM0/s1856/yx%20mini%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMNvBIZ87pCPdTD9uuP1KCHZXGIuwrtYSfgn7lKqLpLcljzW0_ebTwhgZsCxi7ZGq67SPYDC_6UHPMryiYCmcTJdBage4Se6Qt_wDLYcDVdVc6sabiGFOjdTCccO7ySqKXM9rsxkyugmct9kwQ7QfhYph3qKqMwLSnd4hLOdxGh_9RiRs-jFvYUHlyM0/w640-h426/yx%20mini%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't usually get nervous about difficult trails. This one however, had a few points of challenge that had me concerned. The first of which was coming right up and that was the steep slope of loose dirt and gravel on which we were to descend back down into the canyon. For most hikers that would hardly be a challenge but after abusing my knees for years doing all sorts of sports, and after taking several damaging spills on exactly this sort of path, I was feeling apprehensive. There was no better way downhill though so I steadied my legs and walked slowly down the trail, testing each foothold before placing my weight on it. Soon I was down without any problems, having to use the butt-sliding technique only in a couple of iffy places. A.S. waited patiently until I was at the bottom then he followed me downhill. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3wZgFITbtq1TTHmnsBzMTrqUBjH7W2-CV7d12DpTuy94fQf1iNgWTavCRe2Y_SHbRUdSIle1W_G9nPB3rb52iIAxTDXJ9LVcfiKfDa9AV2ELzFm9TvL3D3G79saykX1kVASZ_L_pQ_skuntYhuHAgiK9PRzx4mzTrT8VI6ngwspFoVF6abma7Qf818g/s1856/yy%20view%20frop%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3wZgFITbtq1TTHmnsBzMTrqUBjH7W2-CV7d12DpTuy94fQf1iNgWTavCRe2Y_SHbRUdSIle1W_G9nPB3rb52iIAxTDXJ9LVcfiKfDa9AV2ELzFm9TvL3D3G79saykX1kVASZ_L_pQ_skuntYhuHAgiK9PRzx4mzTrT8VI6ngwspFoVF6abma7Qf818g/w640-h426/yy%20view%20frop%20top.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon, view downstream from the high trail point</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now we were walking in the difficult section of the canyon between the Limekiln Spring and the top of the waterfalls. This section is difficult because of having to identify the correct path and then bushwhack our way through. Relying on our memories from the way up helped making it easier, but we were walking there at about half the pace we were walking on the higher part of the canyon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XLtMeVfLJMImP2gGQKZX9-DANtbT6tN7AnrHUYWJjxLIHAUweB6sppMQjXx5-2QqnOlYoyDpK_mVC_mpYwq3vbID_QFO1ACN461RDLsugt6_KfNXxsXnAvjVYqWJQsfKOhK4wh_JDsv_-B7ALFQgh_o3W4GqmZoeAt40qFeyKtnx51rZj2nncfxCuzI/s1856/zb%20vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XLtMeVfLJMImP2gGQKZX9-DANtbT6tN7AnrHUYWJjxLIHAUweB6sppMQjXx5-2QqnOlYoyDpK_mVC_mpYwq3vbID_QFO1ACN461RDLsugt6_KfNXxsXnAvjVYqWJQsfKOhK4wh_JDsv_-B7ALFQgh_o3W4GqmZoeAt40qFeyKtnx51rZj2nncfxCuzI/w640-h426/zb%20vegetation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wading and Bushwhacking</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the canyon walls closed in on us and the numerous channels of water flow merged with one another it became obvious that the water level was higher now than it was two days ago. The night's rain and snow enhanced the creek very nicely. I thought about how it might affect descending down the waterfalls and cascades and came to the conclusion that it will probably be ok but with much higher probability of getting wet. I looked at the crack of my camera's display window and told A.S. that I would be packing my camera inside my backpack for the waterfalls section and asked him to take photos (he used his phone for that) and for permission to use them here. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8sT_KJXjNpSv5FTiUNW4lOWsurB0K7tCkFJ0xOhy-eEJ8vZjPDvO-SGLpresegTmS5PETOXNTjTI40kHM61RgkPDYoZuq3sUFX0sfQh8mYAxc2SCGlmL8HCq1NC7otcXVvfTesl0AclHfx8z6D3RQQIPjCktfQqms02U-iwDKGcKgRVNusfoeMBxWJc/s1856/za%20flooded%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8sT_KJXjNpSv5FTiUNW4lOWsurB0K7tCkFJ0xOhy-eEJ8vZjPDvO-SGLpresegTmS5PETOXNTjTI40kHM61RgkPDYoZuq3sUFX0sfQh8mYAxc2SCGlmL8HCq1NC7otcXVvfTesl0AclHfx8z6D3RQQIPjCktfQqms02U-iwDKGcKgRVNusfoeMBxWJc/w640-h426/za%20flooded%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wading and Bushwhacking</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That was still to come though. We still had to traverse a good chunk of overgrown thicket of riparian canyon vegetation to get there. It was nice to see the line of sunlight getting closer as we progressed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoHROrG-nJ-Hal-KFZrNqt7l0Ck2Bf694-HS3iwYDsA7sjhSJh575HWyfRtCMS5Rp-1s8q8GpgUEDqH4675XA5HPmaxYwUV3W9BmtyW5iFVkAsMFk1Jz3VQIixgYpEnxE73gbK32-5LgpnXm306qBnSrO5gTFJC3xDSHlDrwNrGPCTMmWAYbB-hvhhyphenhyphenE/s1856/zd%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoHROrG-nJ-Hal-KFZrNqt7l0Ck2Bf694-HS3iwYDsA7sjhSJh575HWyfRtCMS5Rp-1s8q8GpgUEDqH4675XA5HPmaxYwUV3W9BmtyW5iFVkAsMFk1Jz3VQIixgYpEnxE73gbK32-5LgpnXm306qBnSrO5gTFJC3xDSHlDrwNrGPCTMmWAYbB-hvhhyphenhyphenE/w640-h426/zd%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In one of the places where we had to bypass the vegetation by climbing the soft lower layer of the canyon wall I spotted a ripe coyote melon and pointed it out to A.S. He was ready to cut the fruit open and enjoy it right then and there but his enthusiasm subsided when I told him this fruit would make him sick. This beauty was for the eyes only, not a human food. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEIWLUTUQAEr_hyphenhyphen97rPjUM8daMbVZkgD-nNwMJrZzRnvQ3OUfFRuroXSBXioBx6dauboRcKx2G24byNhIrVqLnatlIjvhyphenhyphenh-JHvriqRck3mYrE9YZxAnecIArOYCXOzAiSQ-cXJxrbUNtjXF7cGMP5BlVNRMN9JCibkZPpQqncrqR76b_Ev0bjG2g0ss/s1856/ze%20coyote%20melon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEIWLUTUQAEr_hyphenhyphen97rPjUM8daMbVZkgD-nNwMJrZzRnvQ3OUfFRuroXSBXioBx6dauboRcKx2G24byNhIrVqLnatlIjvhyphenhyphenh-JHvriqRck3mYrE9YZxAnecIArOYCXOzAiSQ-cXJxrbUNtjXF7cGMP5BlVNRMN9JCibkZPpQqncrqR76b_Ev0bjG2g0ss/w640-h426/ze%20coyote%20melon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyote Melon, Cucurbita palmata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were enjoying a bit of easy walk on a dry part of the trail when we finally met with the direct sunlight. It was finally warm enough to remove my jacket. At last I could properly enjoy the gorgeous autumn colors of the canyon trees and bushes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7_rU2wgSogy7DMwvSZ60LPSJbO01qCHfDFBENk0SgWyF3d7rZYYXaOt3sZ1MtsF8KHyCO0rpvCEkbGo0SsJg3LoPWuwWZTAuqlPVBgGJo9LsglylSKJWLBKJTalyXun2AklMIRcpsYFevxmarkUR5KT9xmTvdMMka1hyphenhyphenqeMsJeqNuax16yicys2atxo/s1856/zf%20riparian.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7_rU2wgSogy7DMwvSZ60LPSJbO01qCHfDFBENk0SgWyF3d7rZYYXaOt3sZ1MtsF8KHyCO0rpvCEkbGo0SsJg3LoPWuwWZTAuqlPVBgGJo9LsglylSKJWLBKJTalyXun2AklMIRcpsYFevxmarkUR5KT9xmTvdMMka1hyphenhyphenqeMsJeqNuax16yicys2atxo/w640-h426/zf%20riparian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most times of the year direct sunlight isn't a desired thing in the Panamint area, but after the cold wintery days we'd had, basking in the sun was a welcomed change. We took a short water break, but I wanted to wait until we've reached the top of the high waterfall before taking a more serious break. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JnEl2JL3q1_WYP5WOLr_s2RDeZ-tNbiEr2-BnPWBINEZTJHLmPZxvOTqqPSYIaaj_VSSsLG5E3GlMt6HJmFdcW3uUYWdOOG0JHpf7QUZUv34qiJoNhw7cIjNYEmCX2dlTbq-oV9KXbMBJHTxmVeFNWGR8kYmvoM-KWP9eJKjVCqIXuy6YblsQf7LVGw/s1035/zg%20cactus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1035" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JnEl2JL3q1_WYP5WOLr_s2RDeZ-tNbiEr2-BnPWBINEZTJHLmPZxvOTqqPSYIaaj_VSSsLG5E3GlMt6HJmFdcW3uUYWdOOG0JHpf7QUZUv34qiJoNhw7cIjNYEmCX2dlTbq-oV9KXbMBJHTxmVeFNWGR8kYmvoM-KWP9eJKjVCqIXuy6YblsQf7LVGw/w640-h440/zg%20cactus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus), and Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our easy walk above the creek was over and we descended back into the bush. The line of trees leading to the waterfall section of the canyon looked much more bare now that it was two days ago. Last night's wind had done its part giving he canyon a more wintery look. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VTv4QYo86E3_6yD6S1STDv4o2M4iL0aqyGvcyU-5ITMmJysmorjXttJx-drbDWkgjtlXpFtpewkeKnwfubr2HzhZklitjc-z1h9HgKFYKBrsGomAoW6Z-J6eqxNXiXvbtRGnx-Yg6jbQ3WaPsUALlp8MPpVQFHF4qKiW4ZFHYEIDFNP6XahHilDN9Z0/s1856/zi%20riparian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VTv4QYo86E3_6yD6S1STDv4o2M4iL0aqyGvcyU-5ITMmJysmorjXttJx-drbDWkgjtlXpFtpewkeKnwfubr2HzhZklitjc-z1h9HgKFYKBrsGomAoW6Z-J6eqxNXiXvbtRGnx-Yg6jbQ3WaPsUALlp8MPpVQFHF4qKiW4ZFHYEIDFNP6XahHilDN9Z0/w640-h426/zi%20riparian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riparian Vegetation</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was in the lead again when I spotted the old deserted pickup truck. I suppose some future flash flood would drop it down the canyon where it might block it. Would the BLM or the park's authorities clear it if this happens? Or would they simply let Nature take its course and eliminate the human evidence in its own good time? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT122rg5fg48qXlH-UEa9Dyb7XhdwUrGGN4VKE7CsRDmEanuE1s5jh9r8z0OnjHWNIvXI0dU7AZSEybTS3CWQJtlELgBd4CgDEpkaSjcxgvq_rf4yiXH6YTvK5UMiri3rURZr6_XwI_YYJvD-Nd-Yf0i4alc70b0ynSmwdPL1EcAmLS3me03Qf8Osg0To/s1856/zj%20wreck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT122rg5fg48qXlH-UEa9Dyb7XhdwUrGGN4VKE7CsRDmEanuE1s5jh9r8z0OnjHWNIvXI0dU7AZSEybTS3CWQJtlELgBd4CgDEpkaSjcxgvq_rf4yiXH6YTvK5UMiri3rURZr6_XwI_YYJvD-Nd-Yf0i4alc70b0ynSmwdPL1EcAmLS3me03Qf8Osg0To/w640-h426/zj%20wreck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Truck Junk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the rocky ledge at the top of the higher waterfall we sat down to rest and eat an early lunch. It was somewhat past 11 am and I was less optimistic about finishing the hike before noon, but there was no reason to be in a hurry - we were far from being pressed for time. I told A.S. of my decision to remain wearing my hiking shoes, which were already wet from al the up canyon wading. I didn't mind that because I had dry sneakers and a new pair of socks waiting for me in the car. A.S. decided to continue with his hiking shoes as well - better traction and maneuverability this way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLQw1yvSe_qZTwbjhGlLIAiuJCRhmOHlBTkdrosXsyfcJGksSqYk2kMpNv72la3VjG-uB2SmMQnLqnzs1YDMLuNiiTxremxpqCOU2A9qGjC0WWA4XW3Jo1stryIH3jM3uauqxubrUlbwHe2E0pgT9CxMJPclSrZ0UaLgfSvkk4kQ8NZDwwDwqZ1oW3M4/s1856/zl%20going%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLQw1yvSe_qZTwbjhGlLIAiuJCRhmOHlBTkdrosXsyfcJGksSqYk2kMpNv72la3VjG-uB2SmMQnLqnzs1YDMLuNiiTxremxpqCOU2A9qGjC0WWA4XW3Jo1stryIH3jM3uauqxubrUlbwHe2E0pgT9CxMJPclSrZ0UaLgfSvkk4kQ8NZDwwDwqZ1oW3M4/w640-h426/zl%20going%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I remembered to go to the water and take some photos. Most of the higher waterfall was hidden from view behind a thick wall of horsetails but I had a nice view of the water funneling int the waterfall rock chute. One of these photos heads this blogpost. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RKQ2KrJOy-2ot9x6LJugrifqk37LKj_DL3IPBthNxX3G1-jPgOl92lT-Jd1ZOXXJSMSLjyTQjHxxnGJnTzdEIWM7pDL8APplP5XjT4KUE5eIoktmPB9LzCKOHYh-AeTr8J9vXAqn243DXv9BYR7ZzOUC4hI9lsAf2hyuh9v55h8DqtANkffu8JLcD94/s1856/zm%20top%20fall%20slide.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RKQ2KrJOy-2ot9x6LJugrifqk37LKj_DL3IPBthNxX3G1-jPgOl92lT-Jd1ZOXXJSMSLjyTQjHxxnGJnTzdEIWM7pDL8APplP5XjT4KUE5eIoktmPB9LzCKOHYh-AeTr8J9vXAqn243DXv9BYR7ZzOUC4hI9lsAf2hyuh9v55h8DqtANkffu8JLcD94/w640-h426/zm%20top%20fall%20slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the higher waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the break I took the lead. I snapped one last photo looking down the chute that was plugged with vegetation on the north side. Then I wrapped my camera well inside my jacket, stuffed it inside my backpack, and started descending carefully between the vegetation and the smooth rock of the canyon's north wall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiEXPZ6UcJOQ5XYtafG1l-2DHl5y-1zc7-60yJgoBGku4KEWKz7GSOWiM-toTfAYfSVvN9FcF8tA0SrBahJ2e_NNhSIRujXo0hw6yxw2H549aiP0zkEEsx3ACR0DuthrYWCVS4vaDE78VEVaNTLjJN9vfJERD3yP8EsgntA6Q-Pr4TRIePtV_6vUQWEM/s1856/zo%20top%20fall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiEXPZ6UcJOQ5XYtafG1l-2DHl5y-1zc7-60yJgoBGku4KEWKz7GSOWiM-toTfAYfSVvN9FcF8tA0SrBahJ2e_NNhSIRujXo0hw6yxw2H549aiP0zkEEsx3ACR0DuthrYWCVS4vaDE78VEVaNTLjJN9vfJERD3yP8EsgntA6Q-Pr4TRIePtV_6vUQWEM/w640-h426/zo%20top%20fall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the higher waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A.S. caught me on camera as I was making my way to the rock ledge, where I eventually sat down, tossed my hiking poles ahead of me, and butt-slid my way to the bottom of the waterfall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZYWyO0zKqhNIxo6m0K43ci4_4t1PWD0iJHEDPVTPSw6Na6ZMnlOAJxBXZxz2GDrqIl0ZWKqXIpr9gRuLGx8QUpJpTWOFyBWrycFK6am3ysi1kB9Nk7bW6JH9LqFdrDvT4Iraz61b0eiX1mobGOzoKW78T_o3zo0fkFq08LHDhBcLo2naMJDbgN-R2wg/s5712/as%20zz%20going%20down%20top%20fall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZYWyO0zKqhNIxo6m0K43ci4_4t1PWD0iJHEDPVTPSw6Na6ZMnlOAJxBXZxz2GDrqIl0ZWKqXIpr9gRuLGx8QUpJpTWOFyBWrycFK6am3ysi1kB9Nk7bW6JH9LqFdrDvT4Iraz61b0eiX1mobGOzoKW78T_o3zo0fkFq08LHDhBcLo2naMJDbgN-R2wg/w480-h640/as%20zz%20going%20down%20top%20fall.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going down alongside the higher waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When he reached the bottom A.S. took a phot looking up. The bottom part looked like a mild cascade but up the chute it is pretty steep and the flow was fast and strong. I was glad we didn't have to climb this one inside the water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tgwEBafRieHqC86sZpQQTl_i61x5_ueF1SuyTYfBNLd52EosecJADM8hc-HUnrBdE3xHktaxwqODSzG7qfwzs3bET5HHQnpgieGofm3Ee1B6u9Ip-y6yJ06xwvam6AVTZGautYutI9E2bJg_wyeKfxe7NHrlYFojsbneex-moXHOsSPmsfk0Muwmb28/s5712/as%20zy%20cascades.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tgwEBafRieHqC86sZpQQTl_i61x5_ueF1SuyTYfBNLd52EosecJADM8hc-HUnrBdE3xHktaxwqODSzG7qfwzs3bET5HHQnpgieGofm3Ee1B6u9Ip-y6yJ06xwvam6AVTZGautYutI9E2bJg_wyeKfxe7NHrlYFojsbneex-moXHOsSPmsfk0Muwmb28/w480-h640/as%20zy%20cascades.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the higher waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple of cascade stretches later we reached the top of the middle and most formidable waterfall. When I looked down I saw four hikers looking at us curiously, as if wondering how we'll get down from there. In fact, I was asking myself the same question - this waterfall, now running faster than it did two days ago, was the second challenge point for me. I wasn't very trusting of my balance and I already mentally resigned to having to butt-slide this one down. A.S. saved my grace again by going first, testing the best route down the waterfall. I followed suit, and made it down on my two feet all the way. We both got soaked to the knees in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, but what of it. It felt nice. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8HAoS08LxpYSGIJu6YaZkkqSXAfjzCh6C5y2AYR3rdHsrU7vYcRlbsGZQxi5GPw80L3LGxcnd06l8OguCmUIhvgcfJDAbF6a0sGDTeeuWkr7JJqritCqSABukEjjAMeh691xYN2W-hS0kZy4otFkktH6oQRJrGfvTMZWQNUF0kHIKuldFIKDi8p1P7M/s4032/as%20zx%20stupidity%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8HAoS08LxpYSGIJu6YaZkkqSXAfjzCh6C5y2AYR3rdHsrU7vYcRlbsGZQxi5GPw80L3LGxcnd06l8OguCmUIhvgcfJDAbF6a0sGDTeeuWkr7JJqritCqSABukEjjAMeh691xYN2W-hS0kZy4otFkktH6oQRJrGfvTMZWQNUF0kHIKuldFIKDi8p1P7M/w480-h640/as%20zx%20stupidity%20falls.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed a few minutes chit-chatting with the four hikers we've met at the bottom of the waterfall. One of them, I assume she was relatively local, said this was the highest flow she'd ever seen in Surprise Canyon. they were day hikers and didn't plan to go to Panamint City. Later we saw that they didn't continue any higher than where we've seen them. I retrieved my camera from my backpack and snapped a few dark shots before realizing it was in the wrong settings. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbec3Z9Ehqx8b7GmHiLz03ZV2R-tOFecz_TpgG0SXfeGyoR09XgDVEKL3uw0X0xOH-QkIILe1H5U7AGuf4CU5P8zW-6eSILWhAYSga7JXGHbtRLGPh730XF31W08k4TQ1xmSmvLjKxW1PFMstmdsK3pgg5ksNY7prMUbM7a6Iru5_k31IUJi8pHxyS4yg/s1856/zr%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbec3Z9Ehqx8b7GmHiLz03ZV2R-tOFecz_TpgG0SXfeGyoR09XgDVEKL3uw0X0xOH-QkIILe1H5U7AGuf4CU5P8zW-6eSILWhAYSga7JXGHbtRLGPh730XF31W08k4TQ1xmSmvLjKxW1PFMstmdsK3pgg5ksNY7prMUbM7a6Iru5_k31IUJi8pHxyS4yg/w640-h426/zr%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Soon we were back in the realm of pathfinding and also some more (albeit lighter) bushwhacking. Somehow we ended up walking along the south side of the canyon when we passed the bottom waterfall, and I missed taking photos of that one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egcv-ptTnhLTt4bbf5gmnTz3rDKrdRCk6BwHhBnBdZMnAH0_bzlkHOllBQ-0rcAENZIYMIr9v7Kwf1R5q-auhmDVFlZ9W_RoB7TlKxWfF-lvaoQbZ-JaoYehovKuJjosaIVZnYVAn_Ow0B2AgMQjJ9rbs7I_s3fJsv4Px9CZ0_c_TFjh84Ckcaq_KVA/s1856/zs%20flooded%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egcv-ptTnhLTt4bbf5gmnTz3rDKrdRCk6BwHhBnBdZMnAH0_bzlkHOllBQ-0rcAENZIYMIr9v7Kwf1R5q-auhmDVFlZ9W_RoB7TlKxWfF-lvaoQbZ-JaoYehovKuJjosaIVZnYVAn_Ow0B2AgMQjJ9rbs7I_s3fJsv4Px9CZ0_c_TFjh84Ckcaq_KVA/w640-h426/zs%20flooded%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did get notice a dry rock chute that looked like once it was a running waterfall, but the stream got diverted to the north side of the canyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZK5rCfx0ab9Mz8V2jG2iXBtUQQrQavo-T73Myh3k8pi80AzZ9uK_-7ubj4LDhKuKr5-DGmpQ2nQZEiSN2P_25K6kq2CWDlqMvjrWU56ttbWbwk8dc76NjWauyBV_s1zIrZd6P1beocJRlzdH6sDFtK9btv_eBdKh2vusk5wZo0maKK_dCVg6iAUCEmQ/s1856/zu%20dry%20slide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZK5rCfx0ab9Mz8V2jG2iXBtUQQrQavo-T73Myh3k8pi80AzZ9uK_-7ubj4LDhKuKr5-DGmpQ2nQZEiSN2P_25K6kq2CWDlqMvjrWU56ttbWbwk8dc76NjWauyBV_s1zIrZd6P1beocJRlzdH6sDFtK9btv_eBdKh2vusk5wZo0maKK_dCVg6iAUCEmQ/w640-h426/zu%20dry%20slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below that we had some more wading and bushwhacking to do but we were getting close to the end now. Not much longer we would end the hike. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvkoTPV8k4oJ2EPp0PjzWK3GI0H_GYX9dEmsIFenoALz2AYB88FBzolpxM5OVthcI4hObM_fkEmgaQttIIFnERVp_ce8Sqq3huij2Gs9Q-p6qnFh5IQ4FqI_tAZ4T8G3Htkxrki-6jloQxENMhuyp3vypEwFX_YeIE_HYA0bcOoFpuJsQNLit1ihN5x8/s1856/zt%20vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvkoTPV8k4oJ2EPp0PjzWK3GI0H_GYX9dEmsIFenoALz2AYB88FBzolpxM5OVthcI4hObM_fkEmgaQttIIFnERVp_ce8Sqq3huij2Gs9Q-p6qnFh5IQ4FqI_tAZ4T8G3Htkxrki-6jloQxENMhuyp3vypEwFX_YeIE_HYA0bcOoFpuJsQNLit1ihN5x8/w640-h426/zt%20vegetation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One big surprise I had n my Surprise Canyon hike of 2016 was sighting an American dipper bird there, very far away from the nearest dipper habitat. I wondered how it found this stream in the first place, and I learned that apparently, this individual was known to the local birders. I was hoping to see it again on this hike but I didn't. I don't know what is the lifespan of a dipper. It likely had passed away without sharing the location secret with any of his kin. My romantic hear however, told me that it was just hiding somewhere in the bush, waiting for the noisy humans to go away. No dipper then, but lots of lovely fall colors at the bottom of the canyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVgi0G0EFYWRMtZuLoiAR6E8H_R3dHBNy0l5RTxM8daI8Jm3Fk3GRdvK5xur-qtc8HlWhwsljLYbsZ5w9nJj_a_17OeGMuGgfiyQvo8z-3tEJdXnmB0lGkwg88M8dpkpsPTLPharYwUfBJkMMcr-UAb6V2B3nNV7zjJ_VkYY6U63cQZWbh6pLruZiybc/s1856/zv%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVgi0G0EFYWRMtZuLoiAR6E8H_R3dHBNy0l5RTxM8daI8Jm3Fk3GRdvK5xur-qtc8HlWhwsljLYbsZ5w9nJj_a_17OeGMuGgfiyQvo8z-3tEJdXnmB0lGkwg88M8dpkpsPTLPharYwUfBJkMMcr-UAb6V2B3nNV7zjJ_VkYY6U63cQZWbh6pLruZiybc/w640-h426/zv%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Attempting to find an easier path through the cattail and cottonwood I led us to the north side of the canyon where I found a faint trail above the stream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxLzxx-DYyq403KAkeH_2YSkc8rn6j1BtHQ3rvM8prVUADPxx9rS75MPBZoytvnwnuT_dgAgubA5yAImgC386LVCy6TieBROh2acbWrN9Uzk2rTtK54Ks5QIIsBWB2FkwREovJkfHJMe6nlQrEWQPM965DqPhyW09DNDkasDEnkDO6mgdFkxiHB2AcLs/s1856/zw%20looking%20out.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxLzxx-DYyq403KAkeH_2YSkc8rn6j1BtHQ3rvM8prVUADPxx9rS75MPBZoytvnwnuT_dgAgubA5yAImgC386LVCy6TieBROh2acbWrN9Uzk2rTtK54Ks5QIIsBWB2FkwREovJkfHJMe6nlQrEWQPM965DqPhyW09DNDkasDEnkDO6mgdFkxiHB2AcLs/w640-h426/zw%20looking%20out.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked easily on that trail for a while, watching the four hikers we've met earlier struggling a gravel slope on the south side. When it was time to cross the creek again to reunite with the main trail however, we found that it was impossible. The stream hud cut a deep furrow in the creek bed, the sides f which were muddy and crumbling, and very unsafe. Should we go back and try crossing higher? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBe5SMb6yMfuFX7LbE4GIbdLOgDI7Obx-voWnxrEald59AP8mQ6crzPog3vnW6hbaMZm6yzK6hmfxBMcUVygertlxuFH3p1zOAhK5SM8_FiuCS32rPbRn65tp_MTLevWGmHCnBylRpwwyAQMhi9hd91gZzv7CKDbXljSR4I-5Gy5eVVY_R126rM92dp0/s1856/zx%20erosion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBe5SMb6yMfuFX7LbE4GIbdLOgDI7Obx-voWnxrEald59AP8mQ6crzPog3vnW6hbaMZm6yzK6hmfxBMcUVygertlxuFH3p1zOAhK5SM8_FiuCS32rPbRn65tp_MTLevWGmHCnBylRpwwyAQMhi9hd91gZzv7CKDbXljSR4I-5Gy5eVVY_R126rM92dp0/w640-h426/zx%20erosion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I decided it would be better to continue on the north side to the facility ruins at the Chris Wicht Camp and cross there. I hoped it would be easier there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ZDi-pSs6jpYPrtKpzDfmdz0AbpddQX2zAhfxId311KhW78_X-PliTTGV-Y3Q2TZvqWUrYW49L0Dfo8nLYryW1k1saJIoZF-JljX_HpeYih8Phk0-zo72464S955IcoteQ8oPUzBqBaNhbkg-ScoiIHr8B-NMDc51XobYrIvzSBIwyJkmP8OHLyTe3g/s1856/zy%20Chris%20Wicht%20Camp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ZDi-pSs6jpYPrtKpzDfmdz0AbpddQX2zAhfxId311KhW78_X-PliTTGV-Y3Q2TZvqWUrYW49L0Dfo8nLYryW1k1saJIoZF-JljX_HpeYih8Phk0-zo72464S955IcoteQ8oPUzBqBaNhbkg-ScoiIHr8B-NMDc51XobYrIvzSBIwyJkmP8OHLyTe3g/w640-h426/zy%20Chris%20Wicht%20Camp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the facility ruins we had a clear view of the camp site and of my car, still waiting there, undisturbed. Now we needed to get down to the creek and across it to the other side. A.S. captured a photo of me descending a short flight of stairs that ended in a slipperry gravel slope and a high ledge. There was and old, rusty cable there and I used it to balance myself down the gravel slope. Then I sat on the ledge and cvarefully lowered myself down to the bottom. A.S. followed suit. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtzGXd48deJB_Hi6QOWV9aWw4d0f2IuhnbIqryMi-51h4_6yRxckJwfHMHQOmjdItTesPPJvyqajHt39sYcSsYUC4pIvTAwUdFof3ASYC1u2RT1N9aL_PybC0qvXm7Mxqw1ii-qi9e5fLWkiYGXJPFpYjC-CRYBu5SagZXf_E4N0SjuKc6I0BYsednFw/s5712/as%20zw%20chris%20wicht.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtzGXd48deJB_Hi6QOWV9aWw4d0f2IuhnbIqryMi-51h4_6yRxckJwfHMHQOmjdItTesPPJvyqajHt39sYcSsYUC4pIvTAwUdFof3ASYC1u2RT1N9aL_PybC0qvXm7Mxqw1ii-qi9e5fLWkiYGXJPFpYjC-CRYBu5SagZXf_E4N0SjuKc6I0BYsednFw/w640-h480/as%20zw%20chris%20wicht.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crossing the creek below the ruins was a non issue. We then found a path up the south side to the main trail and all of a sudden, we were done with our hike. I took a goodbye photo of Surprise Creek fall colors and went to the car. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AnACWamq5B8frpPTPQF_EUh2PKiX2rQpRuWJkLJ4iXvyOnjVKkoKjFWPXtPYzUkt1gk6YXC2jgCwvToXr3_PbVy05D7Y0dOTEVrFdNHTMZSqLCMZHwPV-D8EFN6HXRP0QqdZpFpqTBXZnPE2bM3xBDlE9RTg5Ikl_Qw4gkxmipJtJL6vEtaFm42nhss/s1856/zz%20canyon%20mouth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AnACWamq5B8frpPTPQF_EUh2PKiX2rQpRuWJkLJ4iXvyOnjVKkoKjFWPXtPYzUkt1gk6YXC2jgCwvToXr3_PbVy05D7Y0dOTEVrFdNHTMZSqLCMZHwPV-D8EFN6HXRP0QqdZpFpqTBXZnPE2bM3xBDlE9RTg5Ikl_Qw4gkxmipJtJL6vEtaFm42nhss/w640-h426/zz%20canyon%20mouth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were relieved to take off our backpacks. It was 1:00 pm - right between A.S.'s estimation of our arrival time, and mine. We took a few more minutes at the Christ Wicht Camp to rest and snack. I changed my pants, socks and shews. A.S., who didn't have spare shoes changed only his socks. We then faced the third point of concern - driving out on a really bad dirt road that may have been even more damaged by last night's storm. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4S1QXJs2lE9ga65rKv_3K_fMKzBVRlIBT65yeqh1i2KaPOAacsPsmPlg_0XBPWDWSzfjB8hhbJEQp5vLH-rbwW3MPHqsjMZWoqEFb8D1ReNP9zW44Wxv9ENff7ceul6aUykl0SsTLxy8x3FMman32-VJordQEO-CBrhC7Ib0Ra-xz8ya99KKIitpjw8/s5464/as%20zv%20car.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5464" data-original-width="4284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4S1QXJs2lE9ga65rKv_3K_fMKzBVRlIBT65yeqh1i2KaPOAacsPsmPlg_0XBPWDWSzfjB8hhbJEQp5vLH-rbwW3MPHqsjMZWoqEFb8D1ReNP9zW44Wxv9ENff7ceul6aUykl0SsTLxy8x3FMman32-VJordQEO-CBrhC7Ib0Ra-xz8ya99KKIitpjw8/w502-h640/as%20zv%20car.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail's End</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thankfully the car was up to the challenge. There was n significant creek flow we had to cross and the car went up the scary step with only minor protests. It took me an hour of slow and calculated driving to get us out to the ghost town of Ballarat at Panamint Valley, and from there an easy 20 minutes drive to Trona, where we stopped to eat a late lunch and have the pleasure of using a real toilet and to wash our hands and faces in a real sink. In Trona I yielded the wheel to A.S. and I was grateful that he was willing to drive all the long way back to the Bay Area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>A few times that day I asked A.S. how did he like this trip, it being his first backpacking experience. This trip was immensely challenging to me, and I'm experienced. This was hardly a suitable trip to initiate a novice on. A.S. told me different things at different times on the trip. It was hard on him too - he said he had certainly pushed his limits on this one. He said that he was close to a breaking point a few times on this trip but he was glad to have stuck on and pushed through, and that all and all, he mostly enjoyed the trip and that he was glad that he came along. With light cynicism he added that it was god for the trip to have been this hard because from now on all the other trips he'll go on would seem a piece of cake in comparison. He also admitted that next time I'll invite him on a backpacking trip he'd take care t interrogate me better for the details ... I contemplated that and answered in truth that I didn't know what I could have done to be better prepared fr this trip. I have talked with the park ranger, and I've read other hikers' accounts, trying to find the most recent ones. We were well prepared for the cold - more so than we needed, since we didn't reach the heights of Panamint City, and we were prepared for wading in the water ,and for treading up and down the waterfalls. We weren't prepared for the amount of bushwhacking we needed to do - none of my information sources indicated more than 'light bushwhacking here and there', nor for the deteriorated state or the nonexistence of a real trail for a large part of the hike. Considering how much work was going up from where we had camped to Panamint City, I don't think we would have made it there in one day no matter how early we would have started, certainly not on a short December day. Come to think of it, we made the best decision to camp where we did rather than to try and push it farther up the canyon. The bottom line was that I didn't think I could have prepared any better for this trip. I didn't hide any information from A.S., all the surprising challenges were just as surprising to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>I told as much to A.S. It might not have been fair on my side to invite him on a trip that I knew would be challenging (although I did not know just how challenging it would be), but I was glad that he had joined me. It is very possible that had I've been there on my own I might not have reached Panamint City. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>A.S. had seen enough of this trail. I however, was left again with the taste of missing out. My original plan was to spend some time exploring the Panamint City area. I was glad that we did get there and saw some of it, but I felt it was too short and not satisfying. I don't really know if I'd go up there again - I want to, but I'd have to be better prepared and plan for a longer trip with shorter daily hikes that would suit my physical abilities. I probably won't bother with muck boots - they're too heavy for their worth. A second, old pair of light hiking shoes would be a much better choice for the wading in the water section. And I would definitely bring a machete next time around, and a tube of cortisone ointment. But who knows? Maybe by next time Surprise Canyon will prepare other surprises for me. That's how desert hikes go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many thanks for A.S. for the photos he allowed me to use on this blog, and for joining me on this trip and being a great company! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-14133163566449597232024-01-01T23:10:00.000-08:002024-01-02T20:01:24.258-08:00Visiting the Ghosts of Recent Past: Backpacking Surprise Canyon, Day 2<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Md3tuobcRBXJkfBXLR_f8JT7YDLE1OSGKwcrL50bVcIIed75s52BVm666iemYTTfIXIkQdWdLJKNZ32AbFwDBkRwro36EIA_ngu_a4M4_bgNoh-Q_V3Chg5-zl9cHKkivsJ4MaXDG4im9qggBRuKZfTsJEsb3wW8RIszjMwwAlHi3p59jtfmbwLwnfs/s1856/yy%20cabin%20toilet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Md3tuobcRBXJkfBXLR_f8JT7YDLE1OSGKwcrL50bVcIIed75s52BVm666iemYTTfIXIkQdWdLJKNZ32AbFwDBkRwro36EIA_ngu_a4M4_bgNoh-Q_V3Chg5-zl9cHKkivsJ4MaXDG4im9qggBRuKZfTsJEsb3wW8RIszjMwwAlHi3p59jtfmbwLwnfs/w640-h426/yy%20cabin%20toilet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do Not Open, Devil Inside</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Date: December 19 2023</div><div>Place: Surprise Canyon Wilderness, Inyo County</div><div>Coordinates: 36.115455, -117.142173 </div><div>Length: 7.8 miles round trip</div><div>Level: very strenuous</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/12/up-for-unanticipated-challenge.html">Link to blogpost of Day 1 of this trip</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our first night up Surprise Canyon was uneventful. I was thankful that my legs didn't give me any hard time during the night. Other than my usual amount of tossing and turning and the one obligatory answer to Nature's call in the middle of the night, I slept relatively well. It wasn't very cold either, which made me regret carrying all the heavy duty cold weather gear that weighs a ton. Then again. we camped much lower than we had expected, and likely the night in Panamint City would have been much colder. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v3ijT6Q4GN5YZbI3_90WfDieDaGh-GyZ5QUnhphd9FF4CUVM7rqbwAkk_oWnX3rMraagrskx37wA2ybCdslU3KA966DX-t-77gktILj8mYeZoo4_KWPqu1oBtR_oBWlvXxlE2adqQLhGU44Wykqwn0WiEbLGFa1ph7TFapgFah5Y3ddnMUt48B0Wl2M/s1856/wx%20morning%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v3ijT6Q4GN5YZbI3_90WfDieDaGh-GyZ5QUnhphd9FF4CUVM7rqbwAkk_oWnX3rMraagrskx37wA2ybCdslU3KA966DX-t-77gktILj8mYeZoo4_KWPqu1oBtR_oBWlvXxlE2adqQLhGU44Wykqwn0WiEbLGFa1ph7TFapgFah5Y3ddnMUt48B0Wl2M/w640-h426/wx%20morning%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn view down Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I got out of my tent and went down to the creek to wash my face and to fetch water. When I came back up I saw that A.S. was also outside, going through his morning activities. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMcGQInNkomG8p7th15Wb6n3Get9ZICwTs_MQuH8idemfTw8k_c-hLLf6TuATzv6RfiZ48dHz05U3xwK8EH5Zt0ggulbbPhBMysyokykMXi-q6G9WK61h2aSax3Kv_G9dR3exjhyphenhyphenKnVafaA-EhGPtHbGuGCF3mGHKcPJEuzECknMWHPS4FEOlmuCwzPU/s1856/wy%20campsite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMcGQInNkomG8p7th15Wb6n3Get9ZICwTs_MQuH8idemfTw8k_c-hLLf6TuATzv6RfiZ48dHz05U3xwK8EH5Zt0ggulbbPhBMysyokykMXi-q6G9WK61h2aSax3Kv_G9dR3exjhyphenhyphenKnVafaA-EhGPtHbGuGCF3mGHKcPJEuzECknMWHPS4FEOlmuCwzPU/w640-h426/wy%20campsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite up Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was a cool morning but not cold enough to merit lighting a morning campfire. The evening breeze had died down too. We sat on flat rocks near our stove and had our morning hot beverages and breakfast. packing for the day's hike to Panamint City was simple enough - most of our heavy gear we were leaving at the campsite. We packed a reasonable amount of water for a day's hike, strengthen our tents in anticipation of stronger wind later that day, then set out up Surprise Canyon on our way to Panamint City. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKnACNt_RhEhls9kQhNPNtWvuX_ornSe41-a8hZHaIc7zbSVHGIVBPAtlAope8fyDwfofs_59S4xnwKJCz5PNs06cr1yDO4CE6dRIpxymr7ohE4Xuv7uNLQ53Wg_IMBGV144iTWHc6L90FHPaCENAVNTS-lcxvcRRiulEctSQwH4-L82RGjESh2OSD18/s2323/7.9%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="2323" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKnACNt_RhEhls9kQhNPNtWvuX_ornSe41-a8hZHaIc7zbSVHGIVBPAtlAope8fyDwfofs_59S4xnwKJCz5PNs06cr1yDO4CE6dRIpxymr7ohE4Xuv7uNLQ53Wg_IMBGV144iTWHc6L90FHPaCENAVNTS-lcxvcRRiulEctSQwH4-L82RGjESh2OSD18/w640-h382/7.9%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Starting our day's hike we simply went back on the same trail we had stepped off of yesterday, and resumed walking up the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wJ35hJYHdI1gMYkBzaPDn_sfsQtfm_itUInd0kLmkfuRKaAVHoKCZ-zLSiBDzuQO7EH-zip5IQACTc-oFRmWbqgnM0cw242NtU1gQYggGSc32DXG8yLYIi_ZDNn9XDoSRGxXgrv9LDTSS-jfAMbPz-VicOVhjXhXy3bMAnayNMgPAMgpkAXYyEJQu1c/s1856/wz%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wJ35hJYHdI1gMYkBzaPDn_sfsQtfm_itUInd0kLmkfuRKaAVHoKCZ-zLSiBDzuQO7EH-zip5IQACTc-oFRmWbqgnM0cw242NtU1gQYggGSc32DXG8yLYIi_ZDNn9XDoSRGxXgrv9LDTSS-jfAMbPz-VicOVhjXhXy3bMAnayNMgPAMgpkAXYyEJQu1c/w640-h426/wz%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The beginning was easy. The trail was clear and without complications. We made nice progress at a good pace, and I paused only when seeing the beautiful wildflowers. Surprise Canyon provided surprising bloom in mid-December, at quite cold temperatures. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTwxrlTiAttdh2MInbOHbxRWB_3qklrgx7GlCrFONkBIgDX0hh3H8_pnDScSmw1NUSXKpJoiOEWCV0yqwvp9huew8oG3Auk_UgPPW1BGAcmHeNuExC4rwdiDYxj2mEpqZ2DJ4h6wl7BXw0pGX5s_OA3gnnqQ-TyhJXSskFzvhrg3FVKczBjaoGrdiBds/s1856/xa%20DV%20Penstemon%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTwxrlTiAttdh2MInbOHbxRWB_3qklrgx7GlCrFONkBIgDX0hh3H8_pnDScSmw1NUSXKpJoiOEWCV0yqwvp9huew8oG3Auk_UgPPW1BGAcmHeNuExC4rwdiDYxj2mEpqZ2DJ4h6wl7BXw0pGX5s_OA3gnnqQ-TyhJXSskFzvhrg3FVKczBjaoGrdiBds/w640-h426/xa%20DV%20Penstemon%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley Penstemon, Penstemont fruticiformis </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Death Valley Penstemon I've seen yesterday already, and it was new to me. The desert paintbrush I've seen before, but seeing it bloom in winter, up the Panamint Range was truly surprising. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5r64TEEUkABhZ_54BwHjLkim3_HXnpbig46yRnrIZ7SbubBa94SazgxO0gB5wQSn-7svAIkhgtdP7UyV42nVIQDlf57ekFJ55DZOlXa-N-muBqXrOAnmDD21g-kWLSDetEeyw5T0n1OSin3btsP4ZFkSQIdEf-jmPgpULwP6okh4YMiG1aYNA6vLoYE/s1856/xb%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5r64TEEUkABhZ_54BwHjLkim3_HXnpbig46yRnrIZ7SbubBa94SazgxO0gB5wQSn-7svAIkhgtdP7UyV42nVIQDlf57ekFJ55DZOlXa-N-muBqXrOAnmDD21g-kWLSDetEeyw5T0n1OSin3btsP4ZFkSQIdEf-jmPgpULwP6okh4YMiG1aYNA6vLoYE/w640-h426/xb%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Paintbrush, Castilleja chromosa</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The trail followed the creek, which was flowing still, quite higher than the Limekiln Spring. Now after checking my map again, I noted another spring up the canyon, a short distance into the park's boundary. I checked my navigator: we had crossed into the area of Death Valley national park. Soon we will reach Brewery Spring. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ItWjnpGOSDiYEYitrgb2FHzpszg1nsCOiK-55yR86-pGmOGlHeoZPnSWXG-iSyXYSPFB7Do7TjhFvZwERynegEtqKWcIJWgv5S9KFekJTohRsxj8SiDI4DVZLyvMqgE0n_dvO0ZUdB6SRsZyML2FSlhL2iIofSKrEOgz0tqPX4nkZLrVI2Ia7ZXFVpM/s1856/xe%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ItWjnpGOSDiYEYitrgb2FHzpszg1nsCOiK-55yR86-pGmOGlHeoZPnSWXG-iSyXYSPFB7Do7TjhFvZwERynegEtqKWcIJWgv5S9KFekJTohRsxj8SiDI4DVZLyvMqgE0n_dvO0ZUdB6SRsZyML2FSlhL2iIofSKrEOgz0tqPX4nkZLrVI2Ia7ZXFVpM/w640-h426/xe%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A.S. spotted a small bird perching on a large rock by the trail side, far away ahead of us. With some sneaking and maximal zoom I managed to take recognizable photos of that bird - it was a canyon wren. It didn't let us come any closer - it flew away into the vegetation when we continued forward. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODp3_JxYZMUMEq7TbjX2RcZtjtp-6hHiuRIusQWaC_C4Jgn9WADJRuYaj2f0wEEtWErJot8bgVYTPml5le0nuRvSvvtyIaYhx2fppZ0uwW641EE2OMKACPHD9DdVwGXx60x4jcEhLH1U_bN4sHMzONV3LnvsYmhT4UsVLUctPJvL6eirSZIPZfcY4REo/s2060/xg%20canyon%20wren.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="2060" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODp3_JxYZMUMEq7TbjX2RcZtjtp-6hHiuRIusQWaC_C4Jgn9WADJRuYaj2f0wEEtWErJot8bgVYTPml5le0nuRvSvvtyIaYhx2fppZ0uwW641EE2OMKACPHD9DdVwGXx60x4jcEhLH1U_bN4sHMzONV3LnvsYmhT4UsVLUctPJvL6eirSZIPZfcY4REo/w640-h456/xg%20canyon%20wren.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Wren</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail descended from the canyon side down to the creek bed. For a while we were walking alongside a thicket of willows and other riparian bushes. The path was clear enough but too many branches grew across the trail and we ad to move them aside to pass through. The branch moving movement became more and more frequent, until we found ourselves, similar to yesterday, doing some active bushwhacking to make progress up the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaM3XshXXY4QY-kUxY_X7J9din86WSYCqvEpSG8aUDBJs1f6MJzJrAiJP7M3eetreO3nlY8huCeqJ0vrHClKhy8rs3akBxAJXyLM2GnXP1ZLtUu3HVK58FVW3z2uZCgQw_CR8z7W4kUW4uO51qyk35HYuwvpAkJkuYQWv0VDxy4vDTGlWgfjnrVL2kZ8/s1856/xi%20willows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaM3XshXXY4QY-kUxY_X7J9din86WSYCqvEpSG8aUDBJs1f6MJzJrAiJP7M3eetreO3nlY8huCeqJ0vrHClKhy8rs3akBxAJXyLM2GnXP1ZLtUu3HVK58FVW3z2uZCgQw_CR8z7W4kUW4uO51qyk35HYuwvpAkJkuYQWv0VDxy4vDTGlWgfjnrVL2kZ8/w640-h426/xi%20willows.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willows in Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The willows are much taller here. The boughs form a canopy over our heads and we walk through a vegetation tunnel. I suppose asking for the tunnel to be sufficiently tall was too much because we do need to stoop as we walk to avoid getting smacked on our heads. Even so, many branches are in our way and we have to move them or move around or over or under them to get through. I feel my arms accumulate scratches and A.S. gets hit by a branch under his eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM5mlDEKC7x0xaO67JcUbYUGYAh970r_CdcPAs0Jn9L77BPUzBKr1VfSrF1u7smg1oE2beN3dGcblVo4l7K2RNLhELzm_oqF_5K4-5JvJNF-aSvu9L-aK84cOnrLQeqwfHptzvg4L19RSL3xIvnDm3od-jpWjAU8sz3OyysGGSaCnDQJzv4FLvvg5XCU/s1856/xj%20tunnel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM5mlDEKC7x0xaO67JcUbYUGYAh970r_CdcPAs0Jn9L77BPUzBKr1VfSrF1u7smg1oE2beN3dGcblVo4l7K2RNLhELzm_oqF_5K4-5JvJNF-aSvu9L-aK84cOnrLQeqwfHptzvg4L19RSL3xIvnDm3od-jpWjAU8sz3OyysGGSaCnDQJzv4FLvvg5XCU/w640-h426/xj%20tunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ignoring my pains and inconveniences, I mush admit that this vegetation tunnel is very beautiful and impressive. One more of the many surprises that Surprise Canyon presents us, in the middle of the vast desert, shown only to those who venture up the canyon's trail-non-trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK5SSb3edTdTu74kmsfJwWR-1IxspaQbJucecctDWakQ88CpuyMeRmu196FZRI9MQKW1eyTm89CdaKEZRIRBA_X2_Q0lHaLxkKumH0ufPCqVNOzILah70FWaUAEf84RL1RsWp4C-beV_ioszw8FgvVbBMxg2iK69gNOJY0IGyRZ1NeLG7jZIzDRK52vs/s1856/xl%20clematis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK5SSb3edTdTu74kmsfJwWR-1IxspaQbJucecctDWakQ88CpuyMeRmu196FZRI9MQKW1eyTm89CdaKEZRIRBA_X2_Q0lHaLxkKumH0ufPCqVNOzILah70FWaUAEf84RL1RsWp4C-beV_ioszw8FgvVbBMxg2iK69gNOJY0IGyRZ1NeLG7jZIzDRK52vs/w640-h426/xl%20clematis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Clematis, Clematis ligusticifolia </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail leaves the tunnel but doesn't become any easier because the willows still wall us on the left while the canyon wall flanks us on the right. We still need to push away willow branches but at least we can walk upright for a while. Then the trail curved sharply into the vegetation again. I was in the lead and I stopped. I was tired of bushwhacking so I looked for an alternative route on the canyon side. There was none. What we did find was a makeshift bench and a small, single tent sized campsite right by the trail. I thought that this was a poor location to camp but was happy to make use of the bench. We sat down for a breather and a snack before going on again, into the vegetation once more. </div><div>What we saw after we turned the curve was that the trail turned into a brook. The main creek flowed nearby, but some of the water spilled over into the trail. It wasn't high but it was very wet and muddy. Not anticipating any wading today, neither of us had our muck boots, so we had to walk carefully, hopping along the sides, stepping on protruding branches and on clamps of vegetation, sometimes bridging the trail with our legs to avoid wetting our shoes. A.S. was wearing new, waterproof shoes but my shoes, which were waterproof when I purchased them years ago, were too worn down to keep the water out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwGFydJzwihyphenhyphenlXtm7O-hIIrnlKmTmvXByqnkAxsCNy0An_Utp1abqbBASulATta48z55QV73HCYiiMIDciYgQ6HNb2wANbUPuNMx-4lNpmiwoaqvFc0FF0tpaC6KED2aOyEDkChHt8MBZxSFvaVgNJif_OCihny_tALF_wqoOAX3ZpzZe8AE5Gpo4SYM/s1856/xm%20flooded%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwGFydJzwihyphenhyphenlXtm7O-hIIrnlKmTmvXByqnkAxsCNy0An_Utp1abqbBASulATta48z55QV73HCYiiMIDciYgQ6HNb2wANbUPuNMx-4lNpmiwoaqvFc0FF0tpaC6KED2aOyEDkChHt8MBZxSFvaVgNJif_OCihny_tALF_wqoOAX3ZpzZe8AE5Gpo4SYM/w640-h426/xm%20flooded%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The vegetation canopied over us again, narrowing our path so much that we had to struggle and push through. Then, all of a sudden, we reached the source of the water - Brewery Spring. Right there the willows closed in on the trail from all sides like a sphincter. The only way through was on our hands and knees and the way ahead looked dense with vegetation. I was exasperated. I didn't feel like crawling through, not knowing if the path even continued beyond the thicket I could see ahead of us. Here, even a machete wouldn't have helped, only a chainsaw, and we had neither. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_04PMURAolPdSp0vUB4ltQSwYZ5j2NJ5WL03wjHcNlYwPkIu3ZSq1Dzx4EUXFsmU_jVnUtcyls_3yz_L0vCKgSYHxmFufLbacZppqgjqIxP7g5Qxj0k8hhFZoux9GgZ8CwvfDGsMPgOB2LtU4V8W5JHv_KHjKD9yxUzPOckRdkHNtl-F4POomPqq-0A/s1856/xn%20brewery%20spring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_04PMURAolPdSp0vUB4ltQSwYZ5j2NJ5WL03wjHcNlYwPkIu3ZSq1Dzx4EUXFsmU_jVnUtcyls_3yz_L0vCKgSYHxmFufLbacZppqgjqIxP7g5Qxj0k8hhFZoux9GgZ8CwvfDGsMPgOB2LtU4V8W5JHv_KHjKD9yxUzPOckRdkHNtl-F4POomPqq-0A/w640-h427/xn%20brewery%20spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewery Spring</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A.S. saved the moment, volunteering to go first through the bushes and scout ahead. I was very thankful and waited patiently as he crouched down and duck-walked under the thick overhang vegetation. In a short distance he vanished from my view and I heard his voice, not far away, saying that he found a cave. Soon after he called me to follow him, saying that there was an exit on the other side of the vegetation tunnel. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjtbf_MrfXlYeV9FAcT9wV_Knm05I27o9D06GIp4iDmjDxyatFJCKWoODQH9436qN1hgtXzMbVCTTQ6GoAbU4JspZMhcdvgjw8H3nkq9nj3ZmQItNO-zB7YW1xpQIjE_UZf588YgCEKfDyD8Ev0R4PdJirYTgSyh41YZnIrN0_lM3GKdnfubfIRY-TgI/s1856/xo%20cave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjtbf_MrfXlYeV9FAcT9wV_Knm05I27o9D06GIp4iDmjDxyatFJCKWoODQH9436qN1hgtXzMbVCTTQ6GoAbU4JspZMhcdvgjw8H3nkq9nj3ZmQItNO-zB7YW1xpQIjE_UZf588YgCEKfDyD8Ev0R4PdJirYTgSyh41YZnIrN0_lM3GKdnfubfIRY-TgI/w640-h426/xo%20cave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>At this time of my life I'm not very bendable, especially not in my knees. I couldn't duck-walk my way through so I went down o9n my hands and knees and crawled through the narrow path in the vegetation. When I was finally through I struggled back on my feet and looked at the low tree arch I had just crawled under, realizing I'd have to do it again on the way back down the canyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVEv9rU-bdEzgY0vWHQADIzYf1jKQlSkUlDRkc77bu7p9Pa6KLvkgthYR0DMJlytuKOQ0ZPpNn_rrcr2cnL3NTqz6uJC_N_Uf0PMdP4FhkVKxiYtONJbjN05nWqWx4RC1R8aojLWS1ARYq4nmHTOTttNFaRIS4T3ZYwOjUYZ_G4BRi4WOnA2YhAPltBA/s1856/xp%20low%20arch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVEv9rU-bdEzgY0vWHQADIzYf1jKQlSkUlDRkc77bu7p9Pa6KLvkgthYR0DMJlytuKOQ0ZPpNn_rrcr2cnL3NTqz6uJC_N_Uf0PMdP4FhkVKxiYtONJbjN05nWqWx4RC1R8aojLWS1ARYq4nmHTOTttNFaRIS4T3ZYwOjUYZ_G4BRi4WOnA2YhAPltBA/w640-h426/xp%20low%20arch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was no more water past Brewery Spring, and thankfully, no more bushwhacking or crawling through vegetation. A few steps away I realized that I can no longer see the hole where we just crawled through so I took a photo of the place, hoping that it would be easy to find on our return from Panamint City. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6GMKnUTX9Zf5GWtSTwDUkpESknjmQST4B0EZePSJoHH5va1Mwb4FsDwrV8zqbMYIWzaHLwyQSRbO9FUV3JE0kpHVPCIIdF4f7ztVrefISx4LGPXeMYvxWPPeMF0EDR1YSufYiFdzPtoFohHvrrqp3lc0fu9qBDVMy-Dl-8JMYNpUhyuKVbQCobzehQM/s1856/xr%20tunnel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6GMKnUTX9Zf5GWtSTwDUkpESknjmQST4B0EZePSJoHH5va1Mwb4FsDwrV8zqbMYIWzaHLwyQSRbO9FUV3JE0kpHVPCIIdF4f7ztVrefISx4LGPXeMYvxWPPeMF0EDR1YSufYiFdzPtoFohHvrrqp3lc0fu9qBDVMy-Dl-8JMYNpUhyuKVbQCobzehQM/w640-h426/xr%20tunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Plug<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>The canyon stretched ahead of us, curving between the mountain slopes of the Panamint Range. For a while the walk was easy enough, on a reasonably clear path on the dry creek bed of large pebbles. Cheered up, we picked up our pace and marched up the creek. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHrc0wSdAKwWLDi1nrDKP8I56JEtPaycG_nNyUGubz0pb4MU0ZcoGrJKOVYeHbmVtnHJq4WqL5XPbDu6y5IZMzzJKaJ7K-EKNDs2eufu28Jr6ugUO6xQSPLsYdSp3kr5WFr9lGCH6HDUVoqzxD0hPQzK8qPa8XaR37wCLyPfEJ7AMLAyzYYcPVmmdEIA/s1856/xt%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHrc0wSdAKwWLDi1nrDKP8I56JEtPaycG_nNyUGubz0pb4MU0ZcoGrJKOVYeHbmVtnHJq4WqL5XPbDu6y5IZMzzJKaJ7K-EKNDs2eufu28Jr6ugUO6xQSPLsYdSp3kr5WFr9lGCH6HDUVoqzxD0hPQzK8qPa8XaR37wCLyPfEJ7AMLAyzYYcPVmmdEIA/w640-h426/xt%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We were near 5,000 ft high now. It was cloudy and cold, but there were wildflowers blooming here and there. Hardy beings, these desert plants are. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNgqwF8SoTBmSjjQ0t_MROv0yy5KdM-xytApgI2yxdmG5fa2Y3Z5upIb3j5l2Ia4Oh01XhBZxJRkx3I15K7RRU_0hSZdhDkIcFR2aDLbuyq6PS63aIv7RHDM8N6dixvJ3sdmiv-dqB_rUcV3SdSzfe-uuKvmsLliYjlUcFHNRB-3HuMJA8nVvxXncb00/s1257/xu%20brittlebush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1257" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNgqwF8SoTBmSjjQ0t_MROv0yy5KdM-xytApgI2yxdmG5fa2Y3Z5upIb3j5l2Ia4Oh01XhBZxJRkx3I15K7RRU_0hSZdhDkIcFR2aDLbuyq6PS63aIv7RHDM8N6dixvJ3sdmiv-dqB_rUcV3SdSzfe-uuKvmsLliYjlUcFHNRB-3HuMJA8nVvxXncb00/w640-h460/xu%20brittlebush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittlebush, Encelia farinosa </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>My hope for an easy hike for the rest of the way to the ghost town dispelled when we soon reached a part of the creek that was greatly affected by the latest floods. The trail became obscure, then disappeared altogether. Once again we needed to search for the path of least resistance to progress up the canyon. That meant climbing mounds of scree, bypassing piles of flotsam and digging footholds in barriers of layered soil and lightly packed gravel. It was all passable and doable, but it slowed us down considerably, and it was tiring. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d-gXsnKaOD2fIuXPk2AMytgGcPzoLlupmjfMwQKfx8E0pgsPU9oQYTIHMj7itZASlJHa6nk58Nw8gT3vgBG8M29FWHyAZjj2o9iI5mqKRcf68h8dmUGyVzNjFH8JwEJswaIXRllcA_nZotwfvfdPcTxFpOPGuIIXNEhv7e4QV7P6SxWQp1Bg2zP6IV0/s1856/xv%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d-gXsnKaOD2fIuXPk2AMytgGcPzoLlupmjfMwQKfx8E0pgsPU9oQYTIHMj7itZASlJHa6nk58Nw8gT3vgBG8M29FWHyAZjj2o9iI5mqKRcf68h8dmUGyVzNjFH8JwEJswaIXRllcA_nZotwfvfdPcTxFpOPGuIIXNEhv7e4QV7P6SxWQp1Bg2zP6IV0/w640-h426/xv%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We pass another cave and go near to take a look. It's short and flat-floored and looked like it's been used as someone's shelter sometime in the past. Was it natural or carved by people? I didn't know. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b8MGFtNBviBL8MEJCONdJtFg5I-JtS2TeKnSduB14-FmbUfIGuesXF-pd7hs669yIvF8LNJCGNJso-ErFfLjRf8lGkTQGbZfCeGjWthN2I3G97DyB3jiXJh9lxigQ-1Qw7EArX8IW0FwkwTY35g5RixXBwOgyreXl_m2qfgoggPEHYe3_lXyDXw8suE/s1856/xw%20cave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b8MGFtNBviBL8MEJCONdJtFg5I-JtS2TeKnSduB14-FmbUfIGuesXF-pd7hs669yIvF8LNJCGNJso-ErFfLjRf8lGkTQGbZfCeGjWthN2I3G97DyB3jiXJh9lxigQ-1Qw7EArX8IW0FwkwTY35g5RixXBwOgyreXl_m2qfgoggPEHYe3_lXyDXw8suE/w640-h426/xw%20cave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>At some point A.S. and I had different ideas on where the path of least resistance was. A.S. climbed a ridge of piled up rocks and large pebbles and walked along it while I continued below. Eventually I noticed that where I was walking looked like a deeply rutted vehicle route. It was what remained of the road that used to run up the canyon from Panamint Valley to Panamint City. How did they build the road over the lower, waterfalls part of the canyon, I've no idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpVZkfywJslTwl7ZHSoQBGv5x2QBvRGGmOsIG5Y9CgJrdWVE8ROtl6ak-VjU4DAnk4mWnTz379ooAHY13wgyoAyP80ixSQSKBF090iaeDPMZ1THqGhKOPPKsGasuW-Pw8PdM-hRqxFkvF1PwpTJRPbyZ7wUExrZcRiA4gnhMJCXWsoEOsEMAHq3gKOfw/s1856/xx%20south%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpVZkfywJslTwl7ZHSoQBGv5x2QBvRGGmOsIG5Y9CgJrdWVE8ROtl6ak-VjU4DAnk4mWnTz379ooAHY13wgyoAyP80ixSQSKBF090iaeDPMZ1THqGhKOPPKsGasuW-Pw8PdM-hRqxFkvF1PwpTJRPbyZ7wUExrZcRiA4gnhMJCXWsoEOsEMAHq3gKOfw/w640-h426/xx%20south%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A.S. joined me and after some struggle up the deteriorated road remains we were once again on an easier part of the creek bed. Ahead of us the clouds gathered, and it looked like a storm was brewing. It was cold and breezy, but the exertion of the hike had warmed me enough to keep my jacket off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO4Mwjk1C_b2X_E_WAtL6yxIAmWkuaKl81k7HP69plRcb7QUS82AFboQCqovSWzTiky8LDuareFn9waM2d5O8l2PS8FTyQD8AXwqC1SDkF50Sh8Rzpsdz4eAg_aVVIl-kVlflIukdwkY8M9cI59BGwchTQevyF7FXXUE_jxRd_ncU5frS1ZeatIKZ5gc/s1856/xy%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO4Mwjk1C_b2X_E_WAtL6yxIAmWkuaKl81k7HP69plRcb7QUS82AFboQCqovSWzTiky8LDuareFn9waM2d5O8l2PS8FTyQD8AXwqC1SDkF50Sh8Rzpsdz4eAg_aVVIl-kVlflIukdwkY8M9cI59BGwchTQevyF7FXXUE_jxRd_ncU5frS1ZeatIKZ5gc/w640-h426/xy%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped for a water break and A.S. questioned me on the distance to Panamint City. It wasn't too far now, I thought. According to what I remembered from my reading, perhaps half a mile away. I had forgot to pack my enlarged map printouts so I couldn't measure more accurately. It looked like we've been walking forever now, so it must be near, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n2vsgLrzS7dNEmwKj7vYe-IK_V_vmQsZN12l9D_7-1FMYkcqSb7nnFzoX3dsGZNg2ikxsDsBNeUw2SZbJs1wHRD8JgxPZB2YYusyCeLnTb3wL0QQwUQk6YgRli-lXva3AxdCdc0v0B7vVOWmuzzPeJWSJNTpKe-iuqP_O0Ay9TNhZXgRSQGacoItGTE/s1856/xz%20wall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n2vsgLrzS7dNEmwKj7vYe-IK_V_vmQsZN12l9D_7-1FMYkcqSb7nnFzoX3dsGZNg2ikxsDsBNeUw2SZbJs1wHRD8JgxPZB2YYusyCeLnTb3wL0QQwUQk6YgRli-lXva3AxdCdc0v0B7vVOWmuzzPeJWSJNTpKe-iuqP_O0Ay9TNhZXgRSQGacoItGTE/w640-h426/xz%20wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't sound very convincing. I didn't want to commit to any actual number. Before we continued on, A.S. asked politely for permission to voice a complaint. He them proceeded with, "what on Earth were you thinking?" To which all I could do was to shrug and answer the truth - that I did my best to prepare and gather the relevant information before the trip. That I had no reason to believe it would be this challenging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1fuGkD5kKH8vkxd0y0XKiyiwVlnDKcTVH75RYIGZYOP_Wk49nYygg_z_rSPv1SqCgXWp3AuH4LyZa1_aQVcMn2tH5Quz4Y22Lau-rs84qBiukhxbo-Z2C6NwnLgdDefrPCS722HZ0pMINn8WbRUL4AxvyHLebjqvHLzIkCI4Q6RYuE3yJzuNK1STvnI/s1856/ya%20pinion%20juniper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1fuGkD5kKH8vkxd0y0XKiyiwVlnDKcTVH75RYIGZYOP_Wk49nYygg_z_rSPv1SqCgXWp3AuH4LyZa1_aQVcMn2tH5Quz4Y22Lau-rs84qBiukhxbo-Z2C6NwnLgdDefrPCS722HZ0pMINn8WbRUL4AxvyHLebjqvHLzIkCI4Q6RYuE3yJzuNK1STvnI/w640-h426/ya%20pinion%20juniper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A.S. said something about the ghost town not being real and that he'll believe it when he sees it. We hoisted our backpacks again and moved on up the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufBWE_TL1h_0-0MM77W0uY42OvL8-L3o3xlSXehhqEU-cjbweXpNmV7uNhWPwwOuKyC3HgspjPKbHmkqzRkLv8UbYlZoVTHkbwual6vu_vYPSr4lWiItvSs-MDdbYNOkkOrfyB8DJLY2BS7DRJhwAGweN9L4324GGJ5JukyRBbtkwRHdNGDmRGIntd3s/s1459/ye%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1459" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufBWE_TL1h_0-0MM77W0uY42OvL8-L3o3xlSXehhqEU-cjbweXpNmV7uNhWPwwOuKyC3HgspjPKbHmkqzRkLv8UbYlZoVTHkbwual6vu_vYPSr4lWiItvSs-MDdbYNOkkOrfyB8DJLY2BS7DRJhwAGweN9L4324GGJ5JukyRBbtkwRHdNGDmRGIntd3s/w640-h444/ye%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupine, Lupinus sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was farther than half a mile but not by much. Soon we started seeing more serious remains of human past settlement and activities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUavPbGp1oUYNvHzQulk_C7iPK-aeqFUUP37gFVcF4J1notmIA5qdnMEf4uoxj8ggVyiWEeZUJzBpt6e0bG9qVk_tFdWTQURAp__Nfidf_jRp13Pg5rNC1BxyO2wwJNW0uY6ilxh2offpFnROCcVX7FNCa5AjQue6bt2J2cDZlg4K-jyeoQn2UiitDFf8/s1856/yf%20wall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUavPbGp1oUYNvHzQulk_C7iPK-aeqFUUP37gFVcF4J1notmIA5qdnMEf4uoxj8ggVyiWEeZUJzBpt6e0bG9qVk_tFdWTQURAp__Nfidf_jRp13Pg5rNC1BxyO2wwJNW0uY6ilxh2offpFnROCcVX7FNCa5AjQue6bt2J2cDZlg4K-jyeoQn2UiitDFf8/w640-h426/yf%20wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Unrelated to the human relics, there were many more trees growing on the mountain slopes and inside the canyon up at this height, nearly all pinyon pines and junipers. </div><div>It was A.S. who saw first the old Panamint City smelter's chimney, far ahead, below the eastern wall of the Panamint Mountain, and we booth whooped with delight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r7ioEg7qM_3UZ3XdEoY5nFCBp08YXLj56Zmd-hYXINOOnLEWLJoYs5fKIjdzlnPiZpjfBGqI5oX6tyIFf6wgvJdwZozckH0O8SXRwMV35FOcwbWQ8zYI-5__vykWJQs3XqKbg_ygExiuLLcRIhUSp1g9cCoxypJ3uO0KEJd07fLa24gWgbbEwgNmvHw/s1856/yi%20chimney.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r7ioEg7qM_3UZ3XdEoY5nFCBp08YXLj56Zmd-hYXINOOnLEWLJoYs5fKIjdzlnPiZpjfBGqI5oX6tyIFf6wgvJdwZozckH0O8SXRwMV35FOcwbWQ8zYI-5__vykWJQs3XqKbg_ygExiuLLcRIhUSp1g9cCoxypJ3uO0KEJd07fLa24gWgbbEwgNmvHw/w640-h426/yi%20chimney.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panamint City smelter's chimney</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Half an hour of trudging through the large pebbles A.S. said that the chimney didn't look any closer. I took the lead. Fired up by the sight of the chimney I marched on, probably faster than I hiked all day. I did pause briefly however, when I saw a bush that still had some flowers on. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxsTfq4P7O8OF-uu6zLHqdnzME7Sf7ciDuJYqxElZh0cThPs1vIewrpZgvPcmxhnsiK-2T-XdRLpmjjt2ExNHS-EvQZhHJVQoVm0wT7NXJ7P5yEUx0ArOO7LmOfavIOEQVQMorWNkiVgIuECtw5u3-aL6jKH4BMdH5Hb_Eo2p3HZnHGtIlu1LmbZWVhw/s1366/yl%20mountain%20mohagony.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1366" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxsTfq4P7O8OF-uu6zLHqdnzME7Sf7ciDuJYqxElZh0cThPs1vIewrpZgvPcmxhnsiK-2T-XdRLpmjjt2ExNHS-EvQZhHJVQoVm0wT7NXJ7P5yEUx0ArOO7LmOfavIOEQVQMorWNkiVgIuECtw5u3-aL6jKH4BMdH5Hb_Eo2p3HZnHGtIlu1LmbZWVhw/w640-h448/yl%20mountain%20mohagony.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Cliffrose, Purshia mexicana </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div>The cloud that hang low over Panamint Mountain lifted as we neared Panamint City. For a few short moments the western slope of Panamint Mountain was lit with direct sunlight. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mH2KcEqXGkYvKLZ4sQfEmDiwD6VQOXZvCXPIsmr9hZZDQbeg8ydsIitOBNHAbVq8jc3rFlLlj4uZ3FXpGTlR-r205ExKRtLVeqaipclwctH1Wv9KDrlDBza4diP9B17TuLmXP_hMbzyYVheLvcE0gyt5UTKVQeTRQ7YWy3pBIrcnBVDsr94wr3UR5H8/s1856/yn%20panamint.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mH2KcEqXGkYvKLZ4sQfEmDiwD6VQOXZvCXPIsmr9hZZDQbeg8ydsIitOBNHAbVq8jc3rFlLlj4uZ3FXpGTlR-r205ExKRtLVeqaipclwctH1Wv9KDrlDBza4diP9B17TuLmXP_hMbzyYVheLvcE0gyt5UTKVQeTRQ7YWy3pBIrcnBVDsr94wr3UR5H8/w640-h426/yn%20panamint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eventually even A.S. had to admit that we were close to town. We started joking around about checkin in the local hotel and checking out the local pub. Once upon a time, both were functional establishments in Panamint City. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yik2r4Q3ud57Os8sQuYCaKvrAHeYcl6KxupG_HKgOCFd8HeZW8DFe0h1P0rn0KG-T9t2AXg1olgHSUKQ_25XuuVhJknOPCi3WNHen5bjGOqIxrX29cgsdq1Xzv1yIIf6VN_6vdTyh8iejy63CCR7gDVgiz5iPyj3V_MV5t4CV86iKqGqUXDb68fSfpg/s1856/ym%20smokestack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yik2r4Q3ud57Os8sQuYCaKvrAHeYcl6KxupG_HKgOCFd8HeZW8DFe0h1P0rn0KG-T9t2AXg1olgHSUKQ_25XuuVhJknOPCi3WNHen5bjGOqIxrX29cgsdq1Xzv1yIIf6VN_6vdTyh8iejy63CCR7gDVgiz5iPyj3V_MV5t4CV86iKqGqUXDb68fSfpg/w640-h426/ym%20smokestack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Panamint City had been in ghost town status for a while, and accordingly it was losing bits of itself with every storm draining down Surprise Canyon. We came upon more and more relics from this once living, inhabited town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9x9hqB7xP6uM3uWg_F_TJkRWv2REWgSNGXAM5GqAu4sNH8YKLXJXuS4CLXQRMHoVqhuR5ChOHO_kazf8iDLaMoSLC8i-uU1ojip3Dxjz047iL6cWf_idHKA7NDqHqDlM51-uX_vC0o6jiT3mGXW222m9In16DsE4ct-CcLKFm9oGFVB0hypXFEn7p8E/s1856/yp%20relic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9x9hqB7xP6uM3uWg_F_TJkRWv2REWgSNGXAM5GqAu4sNH8YKLXJXuS4CLXQRMHoVqhuR5ChOHO_kazf8iDLaMoSLC8i-uU1ojip3Dxjz047iL6cWf_idHKA7NDqHqDlM51-uX_vC0o6jiT3mGXW222m9In16DsE4ct-CcLKFm9oGFVB0hypXFEn7p8E/w640-h426/yp%20relic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Many of the junipers we saw were already bearing berries. In contrast, the pinyon pines were just growing out their cones. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBoxurkwTcY5OPvGVu-VSfs0ZOBXGM-nMtf9EN5KhE9Y6vEGu0OghxbCUOSBZ4kCIiZXn2QSsONHytYnsqMyssApNdHOK3nhF64beXUdSv87AOYAsLxnbE07tJtwQtRzdrLcm1nEhZEMNm1v4mhoGTXZFewr35wUpv_X2tudSV8PQDKC8mZT0bxrdj0/s1639/yr%20pinion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1639" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBoxurkwTcY5OPvGVu-VSfs0ZOBXGM-nMtf9EN5KhE9Y6vEGu0OghxbCUOSBZ4kCIiZXn2QSsONHytYnsqMyssApNdHOK3nhF64beXUdSv87AOYAsLxnbE07tJtwQtRzdrLcm1nEhZEMNm1v4mhoGTXZFewr35wUpv_X2tudSV8PQDKC8mZT0bxrdj0/w640-h452/yr%20pinion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single-leaf Pinyon, Pinus monophylla, female cones</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>At last we were passing by the old mining town's smelter. The chimney loomed on our right, built of red bricks, some of which were missing. Behind the chimney on the hillside was an old green structure, which was where I assume the ore was processed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3l0g3vYXVazmDLEk8zDoOJI_R8PRPQ-BvgMIQpdqg0GySQwEakHejkyrtbI8GdpZzujVxsrxcI069nM736yyQRnkYnzgYoc_MlVgmflTdm7l7P7z4I984vw5vOXGElfWNzFlvA78vSN86vkXr-ibeqlPbSoUtl-PdqHCQRt4hPxgq5w68K29CSIDALM/s1856/ys%20facility.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3l0g3vYXVazmDLEk8zDoOJI_R8PRPQ-BvgMIQpdqg0GySQwEakHejkyrtbI8GdpZzujVxsrxcI069nM736yyQRnkYnzgYoc_MlVgmflTdm7l7P7z4I984vw5vOXGElfWNzFlvA78vSN86vkXr-ibeqlPbSoUtl-PdqHCQRt4hPxgq5w68K29CSIDALM/w640-h426/ys%20facility.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting to the chimney meant scrambling up the hillside. Both A.S. and me were tired and hungry. Without discussion, we directed ourself to an old cabin that we read about, that was named 'Panamint City Hotel' by other hikers who have taken shelter there in the past. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe7mixKDaNQhlAfkCG8pWzwJNOft-yp7I0XiHSNGDhf_VCoZX6OsI-wcG1xLQW0WTEuh9w3jv7EVgCFIyZgQqYgnebhmfDr0C-42JnWMWuWvkunN8rf4pgjuj3hkTsYy_F_VNalFVbBa01uv35dWjTtjjpLe_jqFseP6c7WYwHB89K09709LMuLmfeto/s1856/yv%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe7mixKDaNQhlAfkCG8pWzwJNOft-yp7I0XiHSNGDhf_VCoZX6OsI-wcG1xLQW0WTEuh9w3jv7EVgCFIyZgQqYgnebhmfDr0C-42JnWMWuWvkunN8rf4pgjuj3hkTsYy_F_VNalFVbBa01uv35dWjTtjjpLe_jqFseP6c7WYwHB89K09709LMuLmfeto/w640-h426/yv%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way there I spotted numerous other houses in various states of disrepair. We were walking on the creek bed still, where once might have been this town's main street, surrounded by ruins and junk. The wind was now whipping at our faces and the clouds descended again, darkening everything. Honestly, Panamint City is the first ghost town I've visited that actually felt ghostly to me. I shivered, and not only from the cold. Suddenly I was glad to not have stayed there last night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6ojnpjhyphenhyphenLvDwp9pqLEgXsyDHS37bn6Ix_mspy_-w3CGDD_ISnEHZVFG2e-oKWk4g9VlMEuWnnHSmhqBSWBXS-ejaAmJ689Bh4Cm8PuEglkz1uXfJNNDpmaMDHwM80IH0rkTUMNtw3vY8wX-pNU2Vp-cGIv9dG-E-2YduPdDEt0PZrexoa0WC99X1V-U/s1856/yt%20villa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6ojnpjhyphenhyphenLvDwp9pqLEgXsyDHS37bn6Ix_mspy_-w3CGDD_ISnEHZVFG2e-oKWk4g9VlMEuWnnHSmhqBSWBXS-ejaAmJ689Bh4Cm8PuEglkz1uXfJNNDpmaMDHwM80IH0rkTUMNtw3vY8wX-pNU2Vp-cGIv9dG-E-2YduPdDEt0PZrexoa0WC99X1V-U/w640-h427/yt%20villa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A.S. lingered a bit behind me to take photos of the ruins while I scrambled up the creekside toward the 'Panamint City Hotel' cabin. On the way I noticed electricity cables connected to nothing on one side and to an old car battery on the other, broken water pipes (where did Panamint City get its water from? A seasonal spring uphill, or shuttling water from the springs down the canyon?) There was also a patch of irises, their blade-like leaves looking lush and healthy, none yet blooming. I thought that in its prime, Panasmint City had families living there. These irises were likely the descendants of once a tended to garden. I took many photos of all that I saw, but there's no reason to load all of them here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span>In front of the cabin were three improvised benches arranged in a three-sided square with a large fire pit in the middle. the ranger I spoke with before the trip said that fires and wood gathering were forbidden at Panamint City but it was clear that people did build fires in that place. I sat on the bench facing the cabin, took off my backpack and donned my jacket, wool hat, and mittens, and waited for A.S. who was making his way up the slope toward the cabin. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ebeG09pSlR22LzWaFQ5aFA3e_Dgl7XA8t0r2WW7aVO9f9I4pDnIz0TvX0hTgTwamQu1OC4DVlDJhEh0zO7R_0SEqI2dFumXiKf0Oa_jJ5YjpiUkEoa14Zyxr0b49Rb3xN4A9dlPcxlDClufxfJ23dV_3iaZrGA-yvtZ_T_KZ5RHIvaL0y4b4zYuDgw/s1856/yw%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ebeG09pSlR22LzWaFQ5aFA3e_Dgl7XA8t0r2WW7aVO9f9I4pDnIz0TvX0hTgTwamQu1OC4DVlDJhEh0zO7R_0SEqI2dFumXiKf0Oa_jJ5YjpiUkEoa14Zyxr0b49Rb3xN4A9dlPcxlDClufxfJ23dV_3iaZrGA-yvtZ_T_KZ5RHIvaL0y4b4zYuDgw/w640-h426/yw%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Panamint City Hotel'</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>When A.S. joined me we went up to the cabin's front porch where we hoped was a bit more protected from the wind chill. It was, but only slightly. We sat down on the bench fe found there and ate our lunch. Prior visitors had left their mark on the place, adding strange, sometimes ghastly decorations, weird sculptures, bone structures, old relics and graffiti. When we were done with our lunch we left our backpacks on the porch and ventured inside the cabin. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_RGGCsGvlhYAmWs9dpc2zZRFJhN6_i9iwVJoobCrcBUQ8iQ5xVqqAm3RtVInkXeab2kPYff16YQ2upxkU55yGE672laj8NSX5G28e2q0b0_BaAwCwsSQdLXintSwp3-oUcw6mPXs9CnrWYLvhnt2M8pWIjeKuGkLk-op076A-KuJbaC7O3s2euO7gFY/s1067/yx%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1067" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_RGGCsGvlhYAmWs9dpc2zZRFJhN6_i9iwVJoobCrcBUQ8iQ5xVqqAm3RtVInkXeab2kPYff16YQ2upxkU55yGE672laj8NSX5G28e2q0b0_BaAwCwsSQdLXintSwp3-oUcw6mPXs9CnrWYLvhnt2M8pWIjeKuGkLk-op076A-KuJbaC7O3s2euO7gFY/w640-h480/yx%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside 'Panamint City Hotel'</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On my call to the park prior to the trip the ranger warned me against staying the night inside the cabin. She said it was infested with rodents and that the area was positive for the deadly rodent-carrying hantavirus. Careful, we both covered our mouth and nose with cloth when we entered the cabin. There were mattresses there, evidence that at some point people did sleep in there. There were other evidence of hikers use: a display of used camp fuel canisters, a first aid kit, a guest book (no pen though), empty plastic bottles, and a pile of firewood adjacent to an iron fireplace. There was also a thick layer of dust everywhere, and abundant rat feces on everything. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI1R5VH9Qp07jNrPWC4MuXwafbsdfRZCs7nu5Y38NRS01BSJS-OfAt6ysU46JSBkKqBE-UwPwbXY1MaG6OSb0USDFmEB8TGVzW2wwHxu9qmMg-BxMKQyMO98897i5zjiVGqZIULlhBFfqETYxkKQ7egJwEo-Ko4Nr4cd-_f-VqDiTHDbk7TC-0DRUjfc/s1856/yz%20cabin%20stove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI1R5VH9Qp07jNrPWC4MuXwafbsdfRZCs7nu5Y38NRS01BSJS-OfAt6ysU46JSBkKqBE-UwPwbXY1MaG6OSb0USDFmEB8TGVzW2wwHxu9qmMg-BxMKQyMO98897i5zjiVGqZIULlhBFfqETYxkKQ7egJwEo-Ko4Nr4cd-_f-VqDiTHDbk7TC-0DRUjfc/w640-h426/yz%20cabin%20stove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I looked inside every room in the cabin, including the bathroom where I found the toilet taped shut with a sinister comment written on it: Do Not Open Devil Inside. I sure would believe that statement. I chose the toilet photo to head this blogpost - I think it's a true representation of what I felt being in Panamint City ghost town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YcxNWZLn7VTUo9sHAQ79v1Dqif0gwRdUtWPJGq0ob8lIxq17g8sy6kS-UkugMTzwF15_GcyEvrls2g-vKu5KyEhzXhyG9UEByH2MnY-o7tHzQUXtSLKve3Qi9jNxkdZfa-L0ZnBdCzxS1sQ6gs5SvvezqP7zMgBtYDQbwG06PxoB2bm7zfU2qXcDza0/s1856/zb%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YcxNWZLn7VTUo9sHAQ79v1Dqif0gwRdUtWPJGq0ob8lIxq17g8sy6kS-UkugMTzwF15_GcyEvrls2g-vKu5KyEhzXhyG9UEByH2MnY-o7tHzQUXtSLKve3Qi9jNxkdZfa-L0ZnBdCzxS1sQ6gs5SvvezqP7zMgBtYDQbwG06PxoB2bm7zfU2qXcDza0/w640-h426/zb%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Outside the clouds thickened and the wind strengthen. We didn't want to stay any longer in Panamint City. It was time to return to our campsite. We left the cabin and started immediately down the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3UohtaKho7rNAKBFudhLcAM8Zy35M6Vud9jNQKJquvxIWgemTZmnma9P8ePcHDz_KItAU_WFXFSk5b5Devx63naqKK5j7iwImSOMLK0CVfpbfTMOPzzhNIpRurtUQDebfXlkbAWacaivWTHIH6RFC1blU19dQOMZhFpIaxG23bc8BzrVdvflVoGtufk/s1856/zc%20pinion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3UohtaKho7rNAKBFudhLcAM8Zy35M6Vud9jNQKJquvxIWgemTZmnma9P8ePcHDz_KItAU_WFXFSk5b5Devx63naqKK5j7iwImSOMLK0CVfpbfTMOPzzhNIpRurtUQDebfXlkbAWacaivWTHIH6RFC1blU19dQOMZhFpIaxG23bc8BzrVdvflVoGtufk/w640-h426/zc%20pinion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single-leaf Pinyon, Pinus monophylla, male cones </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A.S. noticed anther cave on the southern slope of the canyon, just outside Panamint City. We didn't go there to check it out but we did notice that a primitive wall was built at the cave's mouth, partially blocking the entrance. It must be that someone used this cave too as a shelter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkGVQbo5tg1b88F-3z8Iu8XINt-8TUJzyLzynohhW16aG4Ix-ACLJUhRBGysl_izXnCZTJ859wCtekWKw6rKhtK_Tj1KDR-i-m-b-HNegqd-UZggFXTzHNVEeYixxeLeD70CTh9up39vojfJDWQsvLOFGhgW7efd2t1wZfhEHROuGRhxmhU3Xv3cjv_E/s1856/zd%20caves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkGVQbo5tg1b88F-3z8Iu8XINt-8TUJzyLzynohhW16aG4Ix-ACLJUhRBGysl_izXnCZTJ859wCtekWKw6rKhtK_Tj1KDR-i-m-b-HNegqd-UZggFXTzHNVEeYixxeLeD70CTh9up39vojfJDWQsvLOFGhgW7efd2t1wZfhEHROuGRhxmhU3Xv3cjv_E/w640-h426/zd%20caves.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I looked down the canyon and I could see a bit of Panamint Valley all the way down, visible at the bottim where the south and north canyon walls meet in the image. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAiL0RZZIb37URRoL83Y8MA_oOuox2Y4ew0iKAvkjHHvVOmw9QIezvq1AtmRe_S96_1y1t6n4GP2iApkS39RHBLM_94fetTko2X850IXW9tUNdpRACnyaJ_0d6opUbDcuGHuC20WcDTyxo0WpnRY2Ey3HcyOVhaWcdXzEmNkeraki-jfEfSait_HV9e8/s1856/zg%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAiL0RZZIb37URRoL83Y8MA_oOuox2Y4ew0iKAvkjHHvVOmw9QIezvq1AtmRe_S96_1y1t6n4GP2iApkS39RHBLM_94fetTko2X850IXW9tUNdpRACnyaJ_0d6opUbDcuGHuC20WcDTyxo0WpnRY2Ey3HcyOVhaWcdXzEmNkeraki-jfEfSait_HV9e8/w640-h426/zg%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley View down Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I zoomed my lens to maximum. Yes, it definitely was the Panamint Valley floor that I saw. And also the outline of the Inyo Mountains west of it. The valley seemed very far down. Tomorrow we would descend the canyon to get there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4r8I_iwTiWq_upAGM98Bv2r6Z7RJ-hzYCZpFyEmHwxUJGcaMOeYjSeNdqIgrVtnjz-SivQCUD5qYiB1Ti10Z-2hTYm16ncy_bmQDjF-BJGE4GeatbZa2WDZWI9P533LQInK2t-V9dj__CrszK5YtMk-m5GjagCQQ3YUCvDwsw_4iNfaYAGHMGzdaROQ/s1856/zf%20valley%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4r8I_iwTiWq_upAGM98Bv2r6Z7RJ-hzYCZpFyEmHwxUJGcaMOeYjSeNdqIgrVtnjz-SivQCUD5qYiB1Ti10Z-2hTYm16ncy_bmQDjF-BJGE4GeatbZa2WDZWI9P533LQInK2t-V9dj__CrszK5YtMk-m5GjagCQQ3YUCvDwsw_4iNfaYAGHMGzdaROQ/w640-h426/zf%20valley%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panamint Valley View</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We walked down on the creek bed. Among the pebbles I saw a squer, red brick. Could be from the smelter, or from another building that was buit with these bricks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46iAxFGqRDkF1d2QJ4yKinKJsXJEwmMjCflADRr-XumU6Agwl5fS9UeKCbXP1WVBEU1C86BJHouM2gIPgm6irVSHw-dMzog5rjYcLmAYmzJ07TkOWuQCAAbCKOSMoZN5PGp83Xwy6TLjM0Gq6XmLvDKqxgy7W41ErNJZdhp-CKtrOMaK70129jez4knQ/s1280/zh%20brick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46iAxFGqRDkF1d2QJ4yKinKJsXJEwmMjCflADRr-XumU6Agwl5fS9UeKCbXP1WVBEU1C86BJHouM2gIPgm6irVSHw-dMzog5rjYcLmAYmzJ07TkOWuQCAAbCKOSMoZN5PGp83Xwy6TLjM0Gq6XmLvDKqxgy7W41ErNJZdhp-CKtrOMaK70129jez4knQ/w640-h444/zh%20brick.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Brick</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Further down the crick I saw another brick. This one had its corners rounded. It was on its way to become yet another pebble, one of the many that lined Surprise Creek bed. The bricks were of clearly softer material than the rock pebbles. They didn't take long to weather. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHnLqTUdBk9d3rdtXY7_fHUdDnxsvg58EJR_8AB8X-ZmZWIsEGWGVZJU80OHCa7r3qr60t8hngJHOOvKvev65jVObxMF94Tb-zvpY_TeLMr_fwmiQY-rhOx21MlNKiwrQt4xVXyhb3K78GR03o6hjARHHYYTGXVr2F5i3UII5yyjtBC6fmC6Wjs5Zkjs/s1856/zk%20brick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHnLqTUdBk9d3rdtXY7_fHUdDnxsvg58EJR_8AB8X-ZmZWIsEGWGVZJU80OHCa7r3qr60t8hngJHOOvKvev65jVObxMF94Tb-zvpY_TeLMr_fwmiQY-rhOx21MlNKiwrQt4xVXyhb3K78GR03o6hjARHHYYTGXVr2F5i3UII5yyjtBC6fmC6Wjs5Zkjs/w640-h426/zk%20brick.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rounded Red Brick</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There were other bricks, in various stages of rounding. Generally, the farther the bricks were found from Panamint City, the smaller and rounder they were. It was interesting to see the weathering process as a function of distance down the creek. The further down they were, the longer the creek floods had to weather them, shape them into pebbles. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsGW01MplYdorL_dQ-p5MKsIcjywyrlSIwM5TgtA9bQKkkNwOL3v15uWTsWM2Jds3hgb06wBDb0bFWWrj69khw5gnkTiwOPI8HJCVdr472wfle9PI-yhUDvBDbGsDuxsokPSrVgIhpm7C0yjsBIs7zQWkSHlG_ZEvY1xZKNHivjPlEiWqSS88QgMDepo/s1856/zl%20brick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsGW01MplYdorL_dQ-p5MKsIcjywyrlSIwM5TgtA9bQKkkNwOL3v15uWTsWM2Jds3hgb06wBDb0bFWWrj69khw5gnkTiwOPI8HJCVdr472wfle9PI-yhUDvBDbGsDuxsokPSrVgIhpm7C0yjsBIs7zQWkSHlG_ZEvY1xZKNHivjPlEiWqSS88QgMDepo/w640-h426/zl%20brick.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Brick Pebble</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A.S. pointed out to me another interesting thing - a dead barrel cactus with its insides exposed. It loked like something else was hiding inside but it was just the shrivelled core of the cactus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5Hm1p-Hlxdzzqeutw-1GeR-ITX5cKOsgUfX7qqgN8WM1mFTkaJiFhVSWDMPIEEhHkV7F7Elj9n-ylnL42QTwMIzvJ2eI_xF7IdsqUKBKtw5N5j1HpGsZ6Swys8JKYLLhIIzZH3Qj7rd2fucpUSceqUpD1tWck9FjLHMF2U88551HLlFfu2ZK2tb6MMc/s1231/zm%20dead%20cactus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1231" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5Hm1p-Hlxdzzqeutw-1GeR-ITX5cKOsgUfX7qqgN8WM1mFTkaJiFhVSWDMPIEEhHkV7F7Elj9n-ylnL42QTwMIzvJ2eI_xF7IdsqUKBKtw5N5j1HpGsZ6Swys8JKYLLhIIzZH3Qj7rd2fucpUSceqUpD1tWck9FjLHMF2U88551HLlFfu2ZK2tb6MMc/w640-h440/zm%20dead%20cactus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Goung down the creek was certainly faster than going up, not only because gravity was working with us rather than against us, but also because we remembered mostly where the path of least resistance was, and didn't need to do much pathfinding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdbgCVEaXnUMGMIB_9tiBD-VJ1zReyIRBXaKFKGgkkUR-IzBU_1eZY4h2LN7AZntqW2XrAIiRcQh1BaIlbEO86dKEGKvCW53CkzJ4I4dn5QG3YLWR2ade8MpaM5HT_f0fllMQBwkvjDJokBWyoQBXJOBsuq6X1ViTlecxJORNBqtg4PqU4Rdg10YEMX0/s1856/zn%20wash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdbgCVEaXnUMGMIB_9tiBD-VJ1zReyIRBXaKFKGgkkUR-IzBU_1eZY4h2LN7AZntqW2XrAIiRcQh1BaIlbEO86dKEGKvCW53CkzJ4I4dn5QG3YLWR2ade8MpaM5HT_f0fllMQBwkvjDJokBWyoQBXJOBsuq6X1ViTlecxJORNBqtg4PqU4Rdg10YEMX0/w640-h426/zn%20wash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After we past the large section of the flood-impacted section of the creek we stopped for a brief water break. We chatted a but, estimating when we would be back at the camp and wether we'll get there before it started raining. We felt some few rain drops already but so far it didn't develop into anyactual rain. When we got up to resume our hike I lifted my backpack and immediately dropped it with a sharp cry of surprise - a huge tarantula had climbed my backpack while we were sitting. After my initial surprise I took a closer look at the beautiful creature: it was a very large specimen, very likely a male, either in search of a mate or after the act of mating. He looked old and tired. I felt sorry for him as I prodded him off my backpack with my hiking pole. Offended and defensive, it curled between the pebbles. I assumed it climbed on my backpack attracted to the warmth left by my back and I felt bad about leaving him exposed to the cold again. What could I have done, though? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS9XNwezCVFCaIz1JG5M141XmmbeMByrSC6HMVkCJSaM3Ugw0dhoyWIp9X_ovjvVfoovrCfP3pTCfD5Dft9VbHuVYqrBybE4lb5he3fh4j3fqDV7im0dUiANCPdU3tMEW-wPPxBoAN2sBIYoXrZtowVbYWqU_4hRDvtQ4aYSj-SZxVI2x5EPyFxyp98o/s1856/zp%20tarantula.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS9XNwezCVFCaIz1JG5M141XmmbeMByrSC6HMVkCJSaM3Ugw0dhoyWIp9X_ovjvVfoovrCfP3pTCfD5Dft9VbHuVYqrBybE4lb5he3fh4j3fqDV7im0dUiANCPdU3tMEW-wPPxBoAN2sBIYoXrZtowVbYWqU_4hRDvtQ4aYSj-SZxVI2x5EPyFxyp98o/w640-h426/zp%20tarantula.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarantula </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A but further down the canyon A.S. showed me where he had seen feces of bighorn sheep. I knew they lived in the area and I kept looking for them, but we weren't so lucky as to see any. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIgYTc_ecpYCBHYXZ06gbHk43eWZRfCIvK86yIznMUb3mm3h5FpLOyN1YmS6j7nRc_Yl-otitmdwL6XEYcukYDXdsJM6rcR0gJBO0Z1xjkp6NJKBBTe10trtluPhEhCHFK1oEJxQ2IGGHB14Sp8A8S13lLyZum2im1EIkaOM_ba8o1ksE3-Z3WfhkS0g/s1856/zt%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIgYTc_ecpYCBHYXZ06gbHk43eWZRfCIvK86yIznMUb3mm3h5FpLOyN1YmS6j7nRc_Yl-otitmdwL6XEYcukYDXdsJM6rcR0gJBO0Z1xjkp6NJKBBTe10trtluPhEhCHFK1oEJxQ2IGGHB14Sp8A8S13lLyZum2im1EIkaOM_ba8o1ksE3-Z3WfhkS0g/w640-h426/zt%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We kept on going, down and down and down. It seemed like we were walking a long time now but the creek stretched forever. The droplets intensified into a light drizzle for a minute, but ceased before either of us got noticeably wet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs7Awq8nyW7p8DPT_K2PTsdXnATXZzXSmRxu0NyQXSnbY-43LlRgQYXyc1MfBqj0qqofrU5t91JANO7sylJ6R_VadIQg_0czcD842zg41OA_O_I9YpBZMvPDJd2yVGotgHYorBeet57cBKOMAyV4yiZCv8YTiz0EUMLvX46SqaxxSZ2a_Z6mVdsNixOM/s1856/zu%20higher%20campsite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs7Awq8nyW7p8DPT_K2PTsdXnATXZzXSmRxu0NyQXSnbY-43LlRgQYXyc1MfBqj0qqofrU5t91JANO7sylJ6R_VadIQg_0czcD842zg41OA_O_I9YpBZMvPDJd2yVGotgHYorBeet57cBKOMAyV4yiZCv8YTiz0EUMLvX46SqaxxSZ2a_Z6mVdsNixOM/w640-h426/zu%20higher%20campsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old, used fire ring we found on the way</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Eventually we reached the detectable trail and followed it down. Walking became easier for at least a little while. We still hat to go through the willow tunnel of Brewery Spring, though. I wasn't looking forward to that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ob61uxsJ4DqmXhF6vziozu7d1qYG-_GR5ffL5htfrUlvkc7fpD0PYTM9TXsj7MLEPwC50uSqyXCEdlOCL9FFywV8kSqJsmn5VensTyRYIsE7U1I2a-SYzxekhiscl0MueD8n_Vhlo3W-CH6zXTmCupBEvHsiTT0GmCwpausRkh8fT7Fn2t_EZI9u7yQ/s1856/zv%20canyon%20walls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ob61uxsJ4DqmXhF6vziozu7d1qYG-_GR5ffL5htfrUlvkc7fpD0PYTM9TXsj7MLEPwC50uSqyXCEdlOCL9FFywV8kSqJsmn5VensTyRYIsE7U1I2a-SYzxekhiscl0MueD8n_Vhlo3W-CH6zXTmCupBEvHsiTT0GmCwpausRkh8fT7Fn2t_EZI9u7yQ/w640-h426/zv%20canyon%20walls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was no avoiding the willows though. eventually we came to the place where the willow thicket plugged the canyon and we had to go into the vegetation tunnel. This time I did it differently though. A.S. went in there first as he did on the way up. I followed suit but instead of going on my fours I took off my backpack and sat down. I pushed my backpack before me and butt-scooted after it. A.S. saw what I was doing and pulled my backpack away, moving it with him and allowing me to butt-scoot through the vegetation more efficiently. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1WInHo5SCo8zlFzYzj7yGX6aviSBqO0EnKJNGLvGVLRemreZPamkACeWdwvQAkTQmL7ohZQPj3mZLssngzDxw9FlqzIxxhl7rvAfDrk5VRuhCz4a7NRi7NnEA485T2FPZcYSZOvheeWfPkrZBHX35GJAMZD3yXv6RqgSrGXk1iu5Ak-V9a-ANxAAOp0/s1856/zw%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1WInHo5SCo8zlFzYzj7yGX6aviSBqO0EnKJNGLvGVLRemreZPamkACeWdwvQAkTQmL7ohZQPj3mZLssngzDxw9FlqzIxxhl7rvAfDrk5VRuhCz4a7NRi7NnEA485T2FPZcYSZOvheeWfPkrZBHX35GJAMZD3yXv6RqgSrGXk1iu5Ak-V9a-ANxAAOp0/w640-h426/zw%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Willow Plug</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We also walked faster and more sure-footed on the flooded trail section. It was better when we knew this was the actual path and didn't have to second-guess if we were even on the right track. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzi2JxD-upR6BFnxadOzt7RgTpGDhOX6s2pxDTCfP3w4P2TG5qTnzhIDWeMEZDu52XezGxBWafG0V4_mfG6EYKLv4O5o4fXk862D_B88QGZuNZtjTPCUPa5nng-7JfG5idS8MB8tGPmj_ZWvHz4aGXjZV9rQMzWQtghf_9y2sNXYbuv_3K0e8n1XtSCk/s1856/zx%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzi2JxD-upR6BFnxadOzt7RgTpGDhOX6s2pxDTCfP3w4P2TG5qTnzhIDWeMEZDu52XezGxBWafG0V4_mfG6EYKLv4O5o4fXk862D_B88QGZuNZtjTPCUPa5nng-7JfG5idS8MB8tGPmj_ZWvHz4aGXjZV9rQMzWQtghf_9y2sNXYbuv_3K0e8n1XtSCk/w640-h426/zx%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We sat briefly on the bench at the small campsite below Brewery Spring The day wasn't getting any younger though, and we wanted to get to the campsite before any serious rain started, and definitely before dark. There was one place where we did get momentarily confused as to where we should walk but we were quick to resolve the confusion and get back on the right path. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA636ykNca2n1R0uE5rNDsT0kwpRKGwnPGYUVgieT-9mM5ZLBvecila6SIAz3ay74XnQ0Rtul3mmL665dJJuk4prfUlJzliP_PHxJyQ-v8a37eyDl4GWhUzwQEF80QGQ2RGVycFO3QfDEBB2Xio91YgNM9UGltTFw7dOR2xFrantFvDSiI8gJg6eEuOU/s1856/zy%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA636ykNca2n1R0uE5rNDsT0kwpRKGwnPGYUVgieT-9mM5ZLBvecila6SIAz3ay74XnQ0Rtul3mmL665dJJuk4prfUlJzliP_PHxJyQ-v8a37eyDl4GWhUzwQEF80QGQ2RGVycFO3QfDEBB2Xio91YgNM9UGltTFw7dOR2xFrantFvDSiI8gJg6eEuOU/w640-h426/zy%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We reached our campsite with very little daylight to spare. A.S. had to lift his tent again since one of his tent poles fell down. I went quickly to the creek to fetch water. In a short time we were seated by a lovely campfire, cooking and eating dinner and chatting about today's hike and of other things. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBCe6Wdt9LuWn2-iXM5sB4mUch9vHQ-CKYeHlDBgiT2Ci9m9hwVpQvtI96LDq3E60e2fFMZCUi0zaLkzbsD6zvw2TJi8IH9wQofsioldop5UVWiLsN1gNYIlwsmYf83Ryok5bDFiyI4vwJey-gPf0-I3B-b8shGzWcS2hHrFabEWasdK31Z7qpDp90KU/s1856/zz%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBCe6Wdt9LuWn2-iXM5sB4mUch9vHQ-CKYeHlDBgiT2Ci9m9hwVpQvtI96LDq3E60e2fFMZCUi0zaLkzbsD6zvw2TJi8IH9wQofsioldop5UVWiLsN1gNYIlwsmYf83Ryok5bDFiyI4vwJey-gPf0-I3B-b8shGzWcS2hHrFabEWasdK31Z7qpDp90KU/w640-h426/zz%20sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Colors</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>We turned in somewhat earlier than the night before. In my tent I took my clothes off and checked my body. During yesterday, but mostly today's hike I managed to accumulate numerous scratches on my arms and legs from the vegetation that we struggled through, and my knees were decorated with purple bruises from my crawl through the willow tunnel. The areas where I was marked by the plants were red and very itchy. I sighed and tucked myself into the sleeping bag, hoping that the itch would subside after a restful night. <div>I fell asleep almost immediately, but I was woken shortly after by the sound of pounding rain. The storm that was brewing all day finally broke. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/challenges-sweet-rewards-backpacking.html">To blogpost of Day 3</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-22856376069815866362023-12-31T16:38:00.000-08:002024-01-01T23:11:01.412-08:00Up for an Unanticipated Challenge: Revisiting Surprise Canyon, Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZOklfM96Qs_uq0xrVeNMSizySQnFGMmAQabNL5nVKhffA5GlkwqibX58JO3jlMn_1TnPBizIde8axCpbnpSku8ZlBp-ehhvg2jGrBeIDKjBygxflYzBiIbWdNExzrxVfP6z6SeZ7tQx9WSgKHVOelmmOh6FSgyRQGTOqUZR2IcaN24XY7-TXhCqhWjU/s1856/xy%20stupidity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZOklfM96Qs_uq0xrVeNMSizySQnFGMmAQabNL5nVKhffA5GlkwqibX58JO3jlMn_1TnPBizIde8axCpbnpSku8ZlBp-ehhvg2jGrBeIDKjBygxflYzBiIbWdNExzrxVfP6z6SeZ7tQx9WSgKHVOelmmOh6FSgyRQGTOqUZR2IcaN24XY7-TXhCqhWjU/w640-h426/xy%20stupidity.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Human Stupidity Has No Limits, 1997</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: December 18 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Surprise Canyon Wilderness, Inyo County</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 36.112598, -117.175423 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 3.5 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: extreme</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seven years ago I went on a fantastic road trip with a childhood friend of mine in the deserts of California. One of the hikes we did was <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-fleeting-flow-in-with-long-lasting.html">up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Range</a>. It was a strenuous and very exciting hike, and although we toyed with the idea of backpacking up to the ghost town of Panamint City we were not prepared for it, so we settled for a day hike up and down the running water part of the canyon. Ever since that hike I kept the desire to go back there again, and to climb up all the way to Panamint City. When the opportunity presented itself recently, I immediately grabbed it and started planning this trip. I invited a friend (who allowed me to refer to him as A.S. here), who has been wanting for a while to go on a backpacking trip to join me, and he accepted my invitation. When the day came we left the Bay Area early in the morning and drove a full day to Panamint Valley. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The dirt road to Chris Wicht Camp Parking (used to be Novak Camp last time I was there) has deteriorated considerably since the last time I was there. It takes a high clearance 4WD to get all the way to the trailhead now. Good for us, I have such a vehicle. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVKhvAOqfLFqwJB0j4tWSRBS-okM9fupXuUhe6ahUwYP08fRoluzgtfw1kbGfNnKadsOXotpcuZxHk-Dv6mKl1_DipnEhQgW50P8417b_R4y935FOzheOu16AqEha9ykdvN4CAu6_SNm0L9_Jm8pm7UdPPI2MDjTCB9RSGl2GvlUPeM1EqfOTFu-MUxE/s1856/wq%20car.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVKhvAOqfLFqwJB0j4tWSRBS-okM9fupXuUhe6ahUwYP08fRoluzgtfw1kbGfNnKadsOXotpcuZxHk-Dv6mKl1_DipnEhQgW50P8417b_R4y935FOzheOu16AqEha9ykdvN4CAu6_SNm0L9_Jm8pm7UdPPI2MDjTCB9RSGl2GvlUPeM1EqfOTFu-MUxE/w640-h426/wq%20car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Chris Wicht Camp Parking</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We camped at the Chris Wicht Camp on the night of December 17. We passed a nice evening by the campfire, chatting and discussing our upcoming adventure. A.S. had done some reading about the place, I had my memories from my previous hike here. Just before darkness fell I noticed a low plant blooming near our campsite. It was too dark to photograph it then, but I did remember taking some photos of this plant in the morning before we set out on our hike up Surprise Canyon. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As we were packing up and getting ready for the hike we saw three young men striding up from below toward the trailhead. I don't know where they had parked but they seemed very surprised that we drove a car up to Chris Wicht Camp. We wished each other a good hike and they swooped speedily by us and disappeared up the trail. I sighed. I hoped to have the canyon all to ourselves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3r-FzIgHZCASEZkFopzmIRft9rGv55RO0i85BZUcH00CSIWD2fUSHsbDXCyFMQ8Um6rMEcbltnAIs9ZckFQuo5ROSvDJIPpKENZ5gq7FX6lopu2SZBSKe-67sLviCMFbRqaWIJtrGZmz1Nrk079fPKw68p4QTgFZe2x70lyVMW75CKm_xwKYlBkfkrU/s1434/wp%20milkvetch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1434" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3r-FzIgHZCASEZkFopzmIRft9rGv55RO0i85BZUcH00CSIWD2fUSHsbDXCyFMQ8Um6rMEcbltnAIs9ZckFQuo5ROSvDJIPpKENZ5gq7FX6lopu2SZBSKe-67sLviCMFbRqaWIJtrGZmz1Nrk079fPKw68p4QTgFZe2x70lyVMW75CKm_xwKYlBkfkrU/w640-h426/wp%20milkvetch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silky Dalea, Dalea mollissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My backpack was quite heavy. Unusually, it wasn't the water that weight me down, but the winter gear. My plan was to get to Panamint City on the first day and set camp there for two nights, and the forecast was of very cold, sub freezing temperatures, and possible snow on the second night. I therefore packed a heavy duty sleeping bag and an insulating sleeping pad, both heavier than those I take on my summer trips. I also packed heavier clothing, including a warm hat and a pair of gloves. Fearing an icy trail I packed shoe chains as well. We also included muck boots for the wading part of the hike, which turned out to be much longer than I expected. All and all, on the morning we set out on the trail, when I heaved my backpack on my shoulders I thought this was the heaviest pack I ever carried on a backpacking trip. (In hind sight, I do think that the pack I took up Mount Whitney on the summit day was heavier, but that's because I was carrying a lot of water, a weight which does diminish throughout the day). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWtK9FTLyK9qVTKhOk2h5Q_5tADWwdjVz9IXwE9J_Rzg8A-xVV3dzQ9sYbEuqGLLjjM__5Ll0oYCm0H9L12_EV5dFtMe2R6KiymrGVIOenBsuqVzTvLgSGJRwCapK6Sj-ZHhxrHZ3sTkgM42LlUHzMFKDAvzvtwsCpaTiDQwwJK8d0AauYszZacI4aQ8/s1718/3.6%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1718" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWtK9FTLyK9qVTKhOk2h5Q_5tADWwdjVz9IXwE9J_Rzg8A-xVV3dzQ9sYbEuqGLLjjM__5Ll0oYCm0H9L12_EV5dFtMe2R6KiymrGVIOenBsuqVzTvLgSGJRwCapK6Sj-ZHhxrHZ3sTkgM42LlUHzMFKDAvzvtwsCpaTiDQwwJK8d0AauYszZacI4aQ8/w640-h450/3.6%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Day 1 Hike as Captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the canyon mouth stand the old remains of a mining structure that was operated at the Chris Wicht Camp. The structure was ruined by floods but the remains still dominate the view of the canyon from the trailhead. It is on the north side of the creek though, and the trail starts on the south side, so we merely looked at the structure but didn't visit it. Not that day, anyway. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP0071F-ipFKsm3pWO_SL7dL4cKt14d6pFmtrL-D-zHmHZMROihFcivz4m92cgypALbE7fXrhTrrVsLtb_5p7b2vbKPXqXYD8fLLS17WGEHR8E5u6UvQKR7Vc6kA-b49xS3lj8Q-UVzRQxD0Iib6SJqxefOHLQb0-uj8wS_24Fu4z08J8B0Moaa0HfRE/s1856/wv%20chris%20wicht%20camp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP0071F-ipFKsm3pWO_SL7dL4cKt14d6pFmtrL-D-zHmHZMROihFcivz4m92cgypALbE7fXrhTrrVsLtb_5p7b2vbKPXqXYD8fLLS17WGEHR8E5u6UvQKR7Vc6kA-b49xS3lj8Q-UVzRQxD0Iib6SJqxefOHLQb0-uj8wS_24Fu4z08J8B0Moaa0HfRE/w640-h426/wv%20chris%20wicht%20camp.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I signed us at the trailhead log box and realized that the trio ahead of us were going only for a day hike. They'll return down today and we'll be there on our own for the rest of the trip. We started walking up the trail, and right on the beginning I saw some flowering plants, one being a familiar California desert plant - the brittlebush. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KEqd-McKmKadM9tVa43CgKhYvsZAzP3L4OcdGdGECgEjHX6bvuUOhNVbLhrfNUFNBb-7WfnLHe1SMSnmYkYwiJhFWKCMOenZ1mTen13TiaYlIlW2LB2La0e2obeuxP0Uc74vqVKoQpTUg6zYDD6Teo8tg9Q7KvLoCPWRukbHz8-kMBN4QNb_3WqYNaw/s1631/wt%20brittlebush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1631" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KEqd-McKmKadM9tVa43CgKhYvsZAzP3L4OcdGdGECgEjHX6bvuUOhNVbLhrfNUFNBb-7WfnLHe1SMSnmYkYwiJhFWKCMOenZ1mTen13TiaYlIlW2LB2La0e2obeuxP0Uc74vqVKoQpTUg6zYDD6Teo8tg9Q7KvLoCPWRukbHz8-kMBN4QNb_3WqYNaw/w640-h430/wt%20brittlebush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittlebush, Encelia farinosa</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next I noticed the apricot mallow. I was familiar with this pretty desert plant from other hikes in the California deserts and I love the intense color of its flowers. I was surprised however, to see it, and other plants, blooming in mid-December. Then I remembered the hurricane that swept through southern California last August. The accompanying downpour explains the uncommon winter bloom in the desert. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5lI5u3xtygMAVlqysj9NEuQMT8fqXMfAC4m7uGOAzV5d4NCO9uxUGAK8WhYmf73GROtisWhtGZUp7qgpkP8TcZCswOvjGQNvtajKFRSjCcXr6zMBHnv5QUtRlcbuhw_DBhuWT16ujdBtOtC6UQIYr77i1XFNsOyqu7c6nhFbTVinHN5_n46cTTGdGug/s1687/wx%20mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1687" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5lI5u3xtygMAVlqysj9NEuQMT8fqXMfAC4m7uGOAzV5d4NCO9uxUGAK8WhYmf73GROtisWhtGZUp7qgpkP8TcZCswOvjGQNvtajKFRSjCcXr6zMBHnv5QUtRlcbuhw_DBhuWT16ujdBtOtC6UQIYr77i1XFNsOyqu7c6nhFbTVinHN5_n46cTTGdGug/w640-h428/wx%20mallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot Mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail started ascending the canyon side, which at the lower side was made of packed gravel. After a short ascent we run into a dead end and had to walk back down. Two steps down I slid and fell down, scraping my hand, which started bleeding. I decided that the scrape was minor enough, got back on my feet, and continued walking. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3N-EFnn0Kxmcw_wCbnN2KswWhyphenhyphenw3U_33TOo0Ip2ojG-m7IDycG4cANS49B3bLMBaZTt3WoiNU5rnqP4kRr4pT7jW_mnTPeWSA9yTaxOZ47xcDNoe_y0S6NAq3BUt7GVnzTNOrgIsyZb-uYPOACwD0nOJM4dxJbvTYIT1e0IB-jOKvNFZ6kQ4zhQlLoY/s1540/xh%20cress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1540" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3N-EFnn0Kxmcw_wCbnN2KswWhyphenhyphenw3U_33TOo0Ip2ojG-m7IDycG4cANS49B3bLMBaZTt3WoiNU5rnqP4kRr4pT7jW_mnTPeWSA9yTaxOZ47xcDNoe_y0S6NAq3BUt7GVnzTNOrgIsyZb-uYPOACwD0nOJM4dxJbvTYIT1e0IB-jOKvNFZ6kQ4zhQlLoY/w640-h436/xh%20cress.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cress</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Surprise Canyon is a rare gem indeed and well worth its name - it has a short year-round running creek that originates in springs up the mountain and disappears underground, before reaching Panamint Valley. This flow of water is singular indeed in a vast desert that is mostly devoid of ant surface water, and is only seen by those who venture into the canyon. After the 2023 August hurricane the flow of Surprise Creek was particularly high and long. The creek was considerably higher than what I remembered from January 2016. We hardly got any distance into the trail when we had to switch to our muck boots because there was no avoiding wading in the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_wERu5J-NvDk09wNQ47nyjNjBN4u05mVB8ttvD_bJrAjzV6jPU278BAXzOXW9h8fthHA_CY4xalBFjl33V5xsG7oxvcpBCRd2fcM3awc_XLdFVn1t0E5wuPTRL2_fkQaBRRmNKdZhLiEyL2EEiMiQMaSFpHNQhfFRVx84Ip3PhDwOVQuOelbD7Bp0o/s1856/wy%20fall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_wERu5J-NvDk09wNQ47nyjNjBN4u05mVB8ttvD_bJrAjzV6jPU278BAXzOXW9h8fthHA_CY4xalBFjl33V5xsG7oxvcpBCRd2fcM3awc_XLdFVn1t0E5wuPTRL2_fkQaBRRmNKdZhLiEyL2EEiMiQMaSFpHNQhfFRVx84Ip3PhDwOVQuOelbD7Bp0o/w640-h426/wy%20fall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The flowers were pretty but the dominant vegetation colors were those of fall. All the riparian trees and large bushes were changing their leaves and the fall colors effect was stunning. It looked in places like a line of gold running through the canyon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapvZxQuU1zXpY1xV00kU1MthGI7rDr0yfPhuI8_mfA0XWg597eZJAjmxq2h8Hbx-gvKrQEJMwUAP59MK21VZoDVs2z1BT8BLxLuFngaz5h8p3ooI7d1tpBwam9p2Bjdo6yo6YZG-aIRBoXiSVXaJugkbTT2V5CQgFZbQtNZltGOt969wrGICeYfCxfr4/s1856/xf%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapvZxQuU1zXpY1xV00kU1MthGI7rDr0yfPhuI8_mfA0XWg597eZJAjmxq2h8Hbx-gvKrQEJMwUAP59MK21VZoDVs2z1BT8BLxLuFngaz5h8p3ooI7d1tpBwam9p2Bjdo6yo6YZG-aIRBoXiSVXaJugkbTT2V5CQgFZbQtNZltGOt969wrGICeYfCxfr4/w640-h426/xf%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Very different plant community was growing on the canyon walls, only a short distance away from the water. Naturally, there were fewer plants. Of these plants the dominant was the California barrel cactus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8t3CsZMRFl6sK8muAtGnvDsIBvUl4UeoLWOd2npJwFZRW-R69kExxRUqFUpHjXerP7_YOCw_jvn3pAQ1uZMmPMhJtt5T_Bfi4lshNkwxT5TtmquU_sDITT3WCyddo-kv9G1wYPqWkEbqEANi3pB7ccfnzWrui_vg9rSa3dgt_3v8rv4D4d0YTydRotk/s1856/xe%20barrel%20cacti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8t3CsZMRFl6sK8muAtGnvDsIBvUl4UeoLWOd2npJwFZRW-R69kExxRUqFUpHjXerP7_YOCw_jvn3pAQ1uZMmPMhJtt5T_Bfi4lshNkwxT5TtmquU_sDITT3WCyddo-kv9G1wYPqWkEbqEANi3pB7ccfnzWrui_vg9rSa3dgt_3v8rv4D4d0YTydRotk/w640-h426/xe%20barrel%20cacti.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">None of the barrel cacti were blooming, nor did I expect to see any of them bloom. The cacti however, were too affected by the August rain - they all looked very healthy and plump. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiZpQD7N1mP-jpnlED0uRdDjgbTmXl9HrEjqT-22qyrCRz9KrQor1YjOVSQrsKBnwZBfZ_hsw4zkFT_pedZLYRbjF0PLAOnQmutkobmQw9D1o7O7ESfwMIKGJ8u5zVHpzpDTyXEehWvQMKj41tC2TzKW8M2iQ3FlU2OHOedsXKYy8_QCmbLztriNOeUA/s1422/xd%20cacti.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1422" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiZpQD7N1mP-jpnlED0uRdDjgbTmXl9HrEjqT-22qyrCRz9KrQor1YjOVSQrsKBnwZBfZ_hsw4zkFT_pedZLYRbjF0PLAOnQmutkobmQw9D1o7O7ESfwMIKGJ8u5zVHpzpDTyXEehWvQMKj41tC2TzKW8M2iQ3FlU2OHOedsXKYy8_QCmbLztriNOeUA/w640-h454/xd%20cacti.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Barrel Cactua, Ferocactus cylindraceus</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Between the rocky canyon walls and the creek was an intermittent strip of gravel ground. There were plants growing there too, and some were also blooming. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ002IAeas8-gLSkLcWoKFafF2s5OU7uN0pLyBNLjPNAcakxTmRVKLnyXggbkNsBslL02WAqhfVakgnC0bQpGl45lTGJfsaQe7tw822cQvwPsQKyHkQVUHOB2EMTdAiArtJIfYDvkmtVv5c3uuUatrWfzbmt76SPLQI2mW_PFTaHMZPVlISI22-xuOto/s1556/xi%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1556" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ002IAeas8-gLSkLcWoKFafF2s5OU7uN0pLyBNLjPNAcakxTmRVKLnyXggbkNsBslL02WAqhfVakgnC0bQpGl45lTGJfsaQe7tw822cQvwPsQKyHkQVUHOB2EMTdAiArtJIfYDvkmtVv5c3uuUatrWfzbmt76SPLQI2mW_PFTaHMZPVlISI22-xuOto/w640-h452/xi%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Trumpet, Eriogonum inflatum</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I said earlier, very early on we had to start wading in the flowing creek. Besides the higher flow level, another very big change since my last hike here was that the trail was not obvious at all. There was no one clear trail to walk on, but numerous paths trampled through the vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQ2cvT1ebx1RFc_niq3FC3XXjeCFR-U-6RWEyO0Bn5LDbPIkR4vW1vYjBZWLAxGQm0zSvYgegE30gZQc-rYhpDB5M6LwFPpcuUNHsnhhupNUaZQhjmktoBW6o-2gJGPwQcb705cUquT5JhmMhayZqAEsJ1UOr7B4HAjJXx36zKqQCRR15zx7M8ncrrw/s1856/xj%20riparian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQ2cvT1ebx1RFc_niq3FC3XXjeCFR-U-6RWEyO0Bn5LDbPIkR4vW1vYjBZWLAxGQm0zSvYgegE30gZQc-rYhpDB5M6LwFPpcuUNHsnhhupNUaZQhjmktoBW6o-2gJGPwQcb705cUquT5JhmMhayZqAEsJ1UOr7B4HAjJXx36zKqQCRR15zx7M8ncrrw/w640-h426/xj%20riparian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving through the creek was very slow, because it took time to figure out the path of least resistance, and managing the resistance that we met even in these paths. The slow movement allowed me also to notice more details in our surroundings. Whenever I raised my eyes from the terrain we walked on I would look at the slopes looming over the canyon. Ahead, just before the next curve of the canyon I saw a dark, vertical line running down the canyon wall. I pointed it out to A.S.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic_AzQeXCDgOrORI8sjBTFnvgWezsT_oLilI4uO2G1gSM-dVT8T1r0hAgGSaaxTz9FwpwAjmIhj4df3AW5OVNaRAsoX5yx9J5B0-YmsFBx1t_SVPoC_gOQy6-y2aT7uHaEc0VqGawWA4mqE5iP-Wx4HEc2xxY8ur6Qw7HbcfKsFp81-FBEQd4krgVNSs/s1856/xk%20canyon%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic_AzQeXCDgOrORI8sjBTFnvgWezsT_oLilI4uO2G1gSM-dVT8T1r0hAgGSaaxTz9FwpwAjmIhj4df3AW5OVNaRAsoX5yx9J5B0-YmsFBx1t_SVPoC_gOQy6-y2aT7uHaEc0VqGawWA4mqE5iP-Wx4HEc2xxY8ur6Qw7HbcfKsFp81-FBEQd4krgVNSs/w640-h426/xk%20canyon%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took some more struggle up the creek to get closer to that dark rock line. This was a dike - an igneous rock that rose as magma through a crack in the existing rock and solidified there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2ilB8mJ27J-uNA3iJ0jBbIX06w_naJ1R0_rdSEL7e6hVN-io42lFWlvx9ElatWUPQaNsV8gn-NYSK5-y8jC8YwcSHxITn90gay8ntmy9sl9kykxprL1HMo8OUVsfBiNrWJ1-pxGF3SEjWhnrj3Rpv0MNxEDebgGFwf367T4vXZTETKGd5q59sF8g070/s1856/xo%20dike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2ilB8mJ27J-uNA3iJ0jBbIX06w_naJ1R0_rdSEL7e6hVN-io42lFWlvx9ElatWUPQaNsV8gn-NYSK5-y8jC8YwcSHxITn90gay8ntmy9sl9kykxprL1HMo8OUVsfBiNrWJ1-pxGF3SEjWhnrj3Rpv0MNxEDebgGFwf367T4vXZTETKGd5q59sF8g070/w640-h426/xo%20dike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dike</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The canyon narrowed. This made the pathfinding much easier - there were much fewer options in the narrow width of the canyon. On the other hand, the water wading was almost a must throughout this entire section of the hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2upbY6ZjmgGDJWEA4qM5xxZrh1kDlK4Nj_LPShFJIoFgSb1gWsw2-PITXVHcUR_Z4YLeKA_CnVBbCv1sfzZ9O-ncnYSW_1W2E1hcRhBQu5fI9SkGKm7x3ZfqYL0-6fQhuf3IHbT1VBi2YRzJCzsAofgFcwzbmnpGyQadEhpX0R23tGzn_pmizkaN4k/s1856/xn%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2upbY6ZjmgGDJWEA4qM5xxZrh1kDlK4Nj_LPShFJIoFgSb1gWsw2-PITXVHcUR_Z4YLeKA_CnVBbCv1sfzZ9O-ncnYSW_1W2E1hcRhBQu5fI9SkGKm7x3ZfqYL0-6fQhuf3IHbT1VBi2YRzJCzsAofgFcwzbmnpGyQadEhpX0R23tGzn_pmizkaN4k/w640-h426/xn%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The vegetation we were walking through became a bit easier to negotiate too. It comprised mainly of horsetails. The few willows and other trees that we did encounter were actually useful as handholds and support islands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUiHvRvfEjCeb35QxJ67TVQiqqBkEYAOfwxPERzweI0wjLwaTb24o4pWDfpxu50UEvo8dvt2zLYDXpMyS_UBnECZzPfFwCtyzqHVDdsj7f4JVO4cG0DjS5SVhO3gi58tlJA_qY1SwnlKo9_M6woKLbWTkdPOyxydmU-z1-kLoeyNTfnXZUwC-IVFWgc8/s1856/xq%20muddy%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUiHvRvfEjCeb35QxJ67TVQiqqBkEYAOfwxPERzweI0wjLwaTb24o4pWDfpxu50UEvo8dvt2zLYDXpMyS_UBnECZzPfFwCtyzqHVDdsj7f4JVO4cG0DjS5SVhO3gi58tlJA_qY1SwnlKo9_M6woKLbWTkdPOyxydmU-z1-kLoeyNTfnXZUwC-IVFWgc8/w640-h426/xq%20muddy%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were rising up the canyon. Most of the uphill was not too difficult, but then there were also the cascades and the waterfalls. There are three distinct waterfalls in Surprise Canyon and a number of cascade streaks in between.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtaM7t62ahdz9ItLX4z9y7T-dQZxZDieju0UjBpyRIZxEmn4eb6uka_nhY15mUp8oAL37Cwj_x50FR6fV2L1KJHRlSmeuazj27paXbew5VO-LTUGnIyBeno-7O1BE-hX1VK93dDAIny1PZXctGyZ3qe3SYn_VMFeDZBUxF0aHsSgAe4OZr0Ugl4hgpc0/s1856/xr%20cascades.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtaM7t62ahdz9ItLX4z9y7T-dQZxZDieju0UjBpyRIZxEmn4eb6uka_nhY15mUp8oAL37Cwj_x50FR6fV2L1KJHRlSmeuazj27paXbew5VO-LTUGnIyBeno-7O1BE-hX1VK93dDAIny1PZXctGyZ3qe3SYn_VMFeDZBUxF0aHsSgAe4OZr0Ugl4hgpc0/w640-h426/xr%20cascades.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lower waterfall is relatively small and we were able to bypass it and ascend through the vegetation on the side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmGAUI9HXJTKc1GnPqryKocoFX0MlTgFQm7rtzVzg8cKJVj0DwTfLd7q82GfTrJfP6adf4u_KtxewiVTYYp0SPHoRFNzPTII6284BNtPO5jgfwLvIwDwm3vbTL7SLqM8hS3-YkUwhDm7FSt6XtMIX7x77LzpHMWTMqFJRseAlpFwdcLPoar1TKIH1Hq8/s1856/xt%20lower%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmGAUI9HXJTKc1GnPqryKocoFX0MlTgFQm7rtzVzg8cKJVj0DwTfLd7q82GfTrJfP6adf4u_KtxewiVTYYp0SPHoRFNzPTII6284BNtPO5jgfwLvIwDwm3vbTL7SLqM8hS3-YkUwhDm7FSt6XtMIX7x77LzpHMWTMqFJRseAlpFwdcLPoar1TKIH1Hq8/w640-h426/xt%20lower%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The vegetation in the 'splash zone' of the waterfall was very lush and very sleek. I felt very sorry for any trampling that we did, trying to minimize the damage as much as I could. The easiest way was to walk in the footsteps of people who walked through ahead of us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjCgvnaOIFdUkXV2LZZFbrvKNwB0iON_BEQ-gR5UwqCygRpXuL_ldwKI7cqtR9G55_8805f6srPqUh4EL5Zkh9QLpWjeLbe9MY9Q4WnS3mX49Qxu8kXl7_LExjbXTdBd-J3UxQIclPkzjw6kawP5U6Ff3LLVB9T5gpGJtIu78u83e69WvDeXSUbQ_OPs/s1856/xs%20lower%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjCgvnaOIFdUkXV2LZZFbrvKNwB0iON_BEQ-gR5UwqCygRpXuL_ldwKI7cqtR9G55_8805f6srPqUh4EL5Zkh9QLpWjeLbe9MY9Q4WnS3mX49Qxu8kXl7_LExjbXTdBd-J3UxQIclPkzjw6kawP5U6Ff3LLVB9T5gpGJtIu78u83e69WvDeXSUbQ_OPs/w640-h426/xs%20lower%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached the middle waterfall shortly after we walked around the lower one. The middle waterfall was wide, from the south canyon wall to the north. There was no bypassing the water on this one. There was also a pool at the bottom of the waterfall. We poked at the pool with our hiking poles, trying to assess how deep it was. There was a good chance the the muck boots would not be enough to keep our feet dry. I was worried that the rocks would be too sleek and risky to ascend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxtGLe04Vy1-jkCK6KJurzERgak9-sh9gO9zZBEFrvH2Usv4KCEdgitbOV79_fTJL9UxjWqwGs7vUAP7Rh8geJ2CuIrJj01sgRGT4kkgJDViIYvQpBfsbFkZ5WWIL2igwJQXZ3g47S-Sh660BSAjEG7doNqatg9D0KQpXemtFv769Lu9oTCJQptT3Iz0/s1856/xw%20stupidity%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxtGLe04Vy1-jkCK6KJurzERgak9-sh9gO9zZBEFrvH2Usv4KCEdgitbOV79_fTJL9UxjWqwGs7vUAP7Rh8geJ2CuIrJj01sgRGT4kkgJDViIYvQpBfsbFkZ5WWIL2igwJQXZ3g47S-Sh660BSAjEG7doNqatg9D0KQpXemtFv769Lu9oTCJQptT3Iz0/w640-h426/xw%20stupidity%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a few minutes of looking and assessing, A.S. took the lead and pointed out what looked like the optimal route up the waterfall. I was glad to have him try it first - I didn't trust my balance very much. When he made it up the waterfall safely and reasonably dry I followed suit. I waded carefully through the bottom pool on the south side and pondered the bit of wisdom that was etched in the rock, saying: Human Stupidity has no limits". This writing was dated to 1997. I noticed it on my previous hike in 2016. It seemed a little harder to read now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZSJD6zVb5GAJHEPmSsMgQsRZ_OGBapTs0TUfW2i28-RQB6vy7PPemc-QdfYcjK6U1fBPbHVrwI3nn7c3sHWy9RpMoRVTG6DdpJIIsy9gqVqi2gQKAiIL0MjVbgY8ok51fz-ddOQ0dUXrz9FaEoUwD641FuuV4mEggrRtwR4ALeh7FPMn6PYx7flxioY/s1856/xy%20stupidity%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZSJD6zVb5GAJHEPmSsMgQsRZ_OGBapTs0TUfW2i28-RQB6vy7PPemc-QdfYcjK6U1fBPbHVrwI3nn7c3sHWy9RpMoRVTG6DdpJIIsy9gqVqi2gQKAiIL0MjVbgY8ok51fz-ddOQ0dUXrz9FaEoUwD641FuuV4mEggrRtwR4ALeh7FPMn6PYx7flxioY/w640-h426/xy%20stupidity%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I too made it safely up the middle waterfall. There were more cascades higher up the canyon and we walked up them slowly and carefully. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-x0mbkpSJEpZA5E1HSI1CtAX5N_drc4PhyphenhyphenckFT88xIqR0wpbJq9eQy9yKVXKx3N3VGfFx2kzT7HpAPzIAjWpymolB0QmSIVbVJFybPnoSyeOpZgqKtjX8Xta-m-yJujEqj5091s0qAeDSgkVsmvU93N99xdraHvjTZGt7E23PvTmbMOCoR4ofpNtLl8/s1856/xu%20cascades.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-x0mbkpSJEpZA5E1HSI1CtAX5N_drc4PhyphenhyphenckFT88xIqR0wpbJq9eQy9yKVXKx3N3VGfFx2kzT7HpAPzIAjWpymolB0QmSIVbVJFybPnoSyeOpZgqKtjX8Xta-m-yJujEqj5091s0qAeDSgkVsmvU93N99xdraHvjTZGt7E23PvTmbMOCoR4ofpNtLl8/w640-h426/xu%20cascades.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next cascade section was in a much narrower part of the canyon. We were able to walk up it mostly dry by climbing the rocks on the side, and switching back and forth between the south and north sides. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KaObxXlZXjqEPmCxpTtupApsme0RDeyjKp8t3RuugpKohCB2bplIi2gekPUNN5aXj4kz_0gnWM4wdRQKGiRh2KW2VdN7lpBMOFHtCDbrDfmIXE6dBLv4JjLrUp5pdHR8BOM-mQVDDTfXB4HSn25WcQfPVUiL2wP4vy6zy1CLPgyISiuyrH8z_H14iwI/s1856/ya%20waterfall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KaObxXlZXjqEPmCxpTtupApsme0RDeyjKp8t3RuugpKohCB2bplIi2gekPUNN5aXj4kz_0gnWM4wdRQKGiRh2KW2VdN7lpBMOFHtCDbrDfmIXE6dBLv4JjLrUp5pdHR8BOM-mQVDDTfXB4HSn25WcQfPVUiL2wP4vy6zy1CLPgyISiuyrH8z_H14iwI/w640-h426/ya%20waterfall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above the higher cascades section the canyon widened and we found ourselves once again struggling with the vegetation, and with figuring out which was the best path to walk on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaCTLxT2vKau0Lz94XWCCJ0c7E139Sk3Nale7SDyGbmlU0LTtGPBvlNKKDzRQXfJAef-c8c8siqQQkb6Ov2fxuhaa7MER0ups3DUiiqkqUxXP-C1IaTgELtqhCunfBAZ5ownphMkzGOuTG3P0SksiVICbGeu16JN2FVRxY-xJdFFRhyphenhyphenbHrn68pCglEwI/s1856/yb%20riparian.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaCTLxT2vKau0Lz94XWCCJ0c7E139Sk3Nale7SDyGbmlU0LTtGPBvlNKKDzRQXfJAef-c8c8siqQQkb6Ov2fxuhaa7MER0ups3DUiiqkqUxXP-C1IaTgELtqhCunfBAZ5ownphMkzGOuTG3P0SksiVICbGeu16JN2FVRxY-xJdFFRhyphenhyphenbHrn68pCglEwI/w640-h426/yb%20riparian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As soon as we got out of the vegetation snag we came upon the next series of cascades, which we had to ascend through the water again. It was beautiful and not very hard, but it was tiring. It was time for lunch, but we were not yet in any place suitable for taking a break. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8W9cEbJjZwjsGV8dhHbRmcXgBY5XncSnyDHlNCJ6h7CVkTY6t2q0RJ1wrLUjImGQFWLHwBpKlxxB-QuTx-S4aokltwVjRHqmshEyJBPptRH5Zq4sPW_DijD8mXYMyAyq6kJWgmUc7oibgcATreenGOt78y5tzn2RQ5U8YzPzrODG3Aq1pJaHFNiEIk/s1856/yc%20slide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8W9cEbJjZwjsGV8dhHbRmcXgBY5XncSnyDHlNCJ6h7CVkTY6t2q0RJ1wrLUjImGQFWLHwBpKlxxB-QuTx-S4aokltwVjRHqmshEyJBPptRH5Zq4sPW_DijD8mXYMyAyq6kJWgmUc7oibgcATreenGOt78y5tzn2RQ5U8YzPzrODG3Aq1pJaHFNiEIk/w640-h426/yc%20slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>At the top of the cascades we saw a very strong and beautiful colorful growth of, I'm not sure if bacteria or algae. We avoided stepping on it, it looked very sleek. </div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnc096BrpvgXjVcZUEpNuke3knoEzsL1SoMoGU_PNmJTliwCz5kaWaFYXf2-GDzgJFC13mTvbXotdnFHfoRgjiZJhyphenhyphenqR6VavQuzwA78_pk15Df1dHkpylG2MWFhAjr0xxSHh0LPx3NCDWqdhVyy0l2YT3V7L31lYPFraAJVHdq4e_lOWue0EB_cwN8KQ/s1856/ye%20red.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnc096BrpvgXjVcZUEpNuke3knoEzsL1SoMoGU_PNmJTliwCz5kaWaFYXf2-GDzgJFC13mTvbXotdnFHfoRgjiZJhyphenhyphenqR6VavQuzwA78_pk15Df1dHkpylG2MWFhAjr0xxSHh0LPx3NCDWqdhVyy0l2YT3V7L31lYPFraAJVHdq4e_lOWue0EB_cwN8KQ/w640-h426/ye%20red.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microorganism color mat</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were getting pretty tired and there was one more waterfall, one which I didn't remember existed, coming up. The three hikers that started up before us were now coming down and they told us that the trail becomes easier once we ascended that third, higher waterfall. That was a big fat lie but they didn't know it because they didn't continue much further above that waterfall. Anyway, we decided to have our lunch break on top of the higher waterfall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6V3muKR23l6ewP1HKuPeS7IHAzNpP9w0Fn0fPE92ti30cz4n_nCDomwBRQYSZmT2Pgce5sjpyLvAATJbHrC5ZrLM9t6jW_luTTeZ7MzvRT0y_FpX2T4KQPINbNbZT98UzJzgjp4U6wExvJSNreiiLENZ4L20jzEEVkfXMyxAH-1tSa1UZZ0E4G-5Wpg/s1856/yg%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6V3muKR23l6ewP1HKuPeS7IHAzNpP9w0Fn0fPE92ti30cz4n_nCDomwBRQYSZmT2Pgce5sjpyLvAATJbHrC5ZrLM9t6jW_luTTeZ7MzvRT0y_FpX2T4KQPINbNbZT98UzJzgjp4U6wExvJSNreiiLENZ4L20jzEEVkfXMyxAH-1tSa1UZZ0E4G-5Wpg/w640-h426/yg%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The third waterfall cut through a very narrow part of the canyon and it wasn't really visible from the bottom because it was all plugged with thick riparian vegetation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eXXzEtrBFDTmM95aT7l5Da4DPps0Jw0ywjjSgp3eWzZFfgUtPaGFMq3AzNrTurdMs7bYMDzTLXz63-mr82jZ_oxNbaooeQNC2uy2fbRk0oMEiF_Xr2aMIS-qDf5k09Km70EDWmKvCl4_Ezu_NFlpZNITY7vrFdAndk459vu89OTKWF9rrRQS8mHOoOQ/s1856/yh%20plug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eXXzEtrBFDTmM95aT7l5Da4DPps0Jw0ywjjSgp3eWzZFfgUtPaGFMq3AzNrTurdMs7bYMDzTLXz63-mr82jZ_oxNbaooeQNC2uy2fbRk0oMEiF_Xr2aMIS-qDf5k09Km70EDWmKvCl4_Ezu_NFlpZNITY7vrFdAndk459vu89OTKWF9rrRQS8mHOoOQ/w640-h426/yh%20plug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>We found a reasonably dry path to ascend on on the north side of the waterfall. When we reached the top we slumped on the rocky ledge there and dropped our backpacks down. I was too hungry and tired and I forgot to take a photo of the top of the waterfall. I did so on our way back, two days later, though. We ate, filled our water bottles, and rested for a good while before we were ready to get going again. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pDC30Chn0gZVJyKHj0JPl8D9UGNSNPbmO_tPT3VCnTmnL3O_J7u7kgrL9UhFAEsbeCYluS8gmp5d0ah7Ue4K2tFh1YavwShuUxlOlrJMvt_bgiwviMhASK3S_Eddjg_mYPlXWwE0ltXg7HFYUITJlmZnWCBV_TaBDH_86cpnhYXOmPGQ9keaxiQEwjA/s1856/yk%20vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pDC30Chn0gZVJyKHj0JPl8D9UGNSNPbmO_tPT3VCnTmnL3O_J7u7kgrL9UhFAEsbeCYluS8gmp5d0ah7Ue4K2tFh1YavwShuUxlOlrJMvt_bgiwviMhASK3S_Eddjg_mYPlXWwE0ltXg7HFYUITJlmZnWCBV_TaBDH_86cpnhYXOmPGQ9keaxiQEwjA/w640-h426/yk%20vegetation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There used to be a road that went all the way up Surprise canyon from Panamint Valley to Panamint City. That road no longer exists - Nature had claimed back her canyon since, but evidence of human vehicular travel were present in various places throughout the canyon. One of these, an old pickup truck, is fairly close to the top of the higher waterfall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvcEo_AfGlYTaqGRD5hHT0yviMC4ONW37P-fNuSmLR1pBz71CUzr2PKowevK5mDDhyphenhyphenu8DxSzVxUcJkR8NG1ALxtPsCk462hvuutsxB_G15cG28oXkl-XRpkrdkZoRiXwTVrQOddVM2zUjsuYP11iZRkmr5fiAzw_pD8eYavTFXrDPax7DdA9avO-d_NY/s1856/yl%20truck.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvcEo_AfGlYTaqGRD5hHT0yviMC4ONW37P-fNuSmLR1pBz71CUzr2PKowevK5mDDhyphenhyphenu8DxSzVxUcJkR8NG1ALxtPsCk462hvuutsxB_G15cG28oXkl-XRpkrdkZoRiXwTVrQOddVM2zUjsuYP11iZRkmr5fiAzw_pD8eYavTFXrDPax7DdA9avO-d_NY/w640-h426/yl%20truck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a short distance it seemed as if the hiker trio we've met were right - the trail did seem somewhat easier. All too soon however, we found ourselves once again neck-deep in hostile vegetation, having to figure out where the path of least resistance was. Of all the things I didn't pack, I think I missed most a long and sharp machete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugYro4WFlTgvFrBdr_aECv44mnKxTj5LOcVRi6ZRVP6Lkiz0ADhtXqhBQdPRYVTMKUzlHtP1figskci4JuTR7948sA9lsvHIo5V3bqRfgKutPqfsqEDaVUdfhRq48vyMXvlgMgXmI2Ropnxhaz556DrL55vPffLw1zS3x2w_0704Bn_S0BGdwm3Fu9k0/s1856/ym%20fall%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugYro4WFlTgvFrBdr_aECv44mnKxTj5LOcVRi6ZRVP6Lkiz0ADhtXqhBQdPRYVTMKUzlHtP1figskci4JuTR7948sA9lsvHIo5V3bqRfgKutPqfsqEDaVUdfhRq48vyMXvlgMgXmI2Ropnxhaz556DrL55vPffLw1zS3x2w_0704Bn_S0BGdwm3Fu9k0/w640-h426/ym%20fall%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the vegetation I was happy to see though, especially the plants that were in bloom, and even more so the plants that didn't get in our way up the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0HtQLaG3k9VFDwqYMeFGCD78_DshnxOyDz00aLeD7ARA41gH2eXYM3iy_x3TMt8WuKfkB-tE0pN1H8jgkAKNi2FkmaH21uxn0KL9zE-r_TL8GYWgR4cdq9qacVW0I-ukeLPiScOC4QjMtmur-wSUOwBKQ-OnGe-R973w-tC1ZjdpafPlQxYyCpIBGvc/s1422/yo%20emory%20daisy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1422" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0HtQLaG3k9VFDwqYMeFGCD78_DshnxOyDz00aLeD7ARA41gH2eXYM3iy_x3TMt8WuKfkB-tE0pN1H8jgkAKNi2FkmaH21uxn0KL9zE-r_TL8GYWgR4cdq9qacVW0I-ukeLPiScOC4QjMtmur-wSUOwBKQ-OnGe-R973w-tC1ZjdpafPlQxYyCpIBGvc/w640-h428/yo%20emory%20daisy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emory's Rock Daisy, Perityle emoryi</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were done with the waterfalls and the cascades section of the canyon, but we were certainly not done with wading in the water. We were glad we remained in our boots rather than change back to our regular hiking shoes. At least we didn't have to worry abot getting our shoes and socks wet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNz9s8dSKrLwh2_OGEUubhI7LjhCTfkJBQHy-0TiuwYCy3hhHeemOCTniU0J7KaY6G_8n2niHWoIU-vAIqS8eWxOOZ2FZyydswn-FQdMF-FC2o11aWDGQavR8tgQlT2RswZNKBw9Q81g1jvCxzKFUukSTM_ic7kuDgxek8BqT7VwIBal_vAhn3RhSxQ8/s1856/yp%20thicket.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNz9s8dSKrLwh2_OGEUubhI7LjhCTfkJBQHy-0TiuwYCy3hhHeemOCTniU0J7KaY6G_8n2niHWoIU-vAIqS8eWxOOZ2FZyydswn-FQdMF-FC2o11aWDGQavR8tgQlT2RswZNKBw9Q81g1jvCxzKFUukSTM_ic7kuDgxek8BqT7VwIBal_vAhn3RhSxQ8/w640-h426/yp%20thicket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Clematis, Clematis lingusticifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The canyon itself was much wider now, and the slope was much more gentle. Going up wasn't a problem anymore. The real challenge was finding a continuous path to progress up the canyon on. Many times we thought we were following the trail when it turned into yet another dead end, forcing us to retreat and search for an alternative path. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnydtuFOwf6mLQmqLQ_fMAlgtPfRQD6fWwNTEdp288zdxVzYHtVOMMnnRW7tWPHhJUM0o_HUKVqTIfHUsVO8OrIvTiYhXdvVPn9R14lrY99ze_PuxXPlTk9wVaj5PZ-1DVwpGOazQZ9acpVK7fyXugJ8N36XBCLYbKBPxiuT644bu7sdjAkGk4gfNfSQ/s1856/yr%20riparian%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnydtuFOwf6mLQmqLQ_fMAlgtPfRQD6fWwNTEdp288zdxVzYHtVOMMnnRW7tWPHhJUM0o_HUKVqTIfHUsVO8OrIvTiYhXdvVPn9R14lrY99ze_PuxXPlTk9wVaj5PZ-1DVwpGOazQZ9acpVK7fyXugJ8N36XBCLYbKBPxiuT644bu7sdjAkGk4gfNfSQ/w640-h426/yr%20riparian%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Throughout our struggle through the vegetation I kept pointing out plants to A.S., not questioning even once if he even wanted to know. He did ask me a couple of times about plants he was curious about, though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7thfgeaoRr69IA2ApSInZw5XhLOkW3qe9aVZry_PXMz2S7uqTEE9G2babxj-LvoJ_1pW4e-GfQPv9stOS-AJFsi99zEDcGOHo-y9T3mTYPUStQZpk-OSHKGxh7GrHfGDkfN9C-BSnI_pmTrvyMDem76YbEYObl-Z0hSRMcd6fC10G7G9-uFT3UfGDU/s1562/yu%20datura.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1562" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7thfgeaoRr69IA2ApSInZw5XhLOkW3qe9aVZry_PXMz2S7uqTEE9G2babxj-LvoJ_1pW4e-GfQPv9stOS-AJFsi99zEDcGOHo-y9T3mTYPUStQZpk-OSHKGxh7GrHfGDkfN9C-BSnI_pmTrvyMDem76YbEYObl-Z0hSRMcd6fC10G7G9-uFT3UfGDU/w640-h452/yu%20datura.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimsonweed, Datura wrightii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the wildflowers I encountered, I had no idea what they were. Especially those of the aster family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NS_t0PE_M2FzIvxteFWS7_U0vyrcxHJSUsRGSCR_jbVJtXIOzgwooimYS08SU0E8pcoX-W6ZAvxBcUB_qeUtVbygXv78qtI6YSALphBzqKawqj0GrWDl3by41rfgXvE88SLZTo0Uwm5C56xQI3yeiAzD2FJRj_bsGURqxRtG2yp54uc6JvjlgaPju4E/s1455/yx%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1455" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NS_t0PE_M2FzIvxteFWS7_U0vyrcxHJSUsRGSCR_jbVJtXIOzgwooimYS08SU0E8pcoX-W6ZAvxBcUB_qeUtVbygXv78qtI6YSALphBzqKawqj0GrWDl3by41rfgXvE88SLZTo0Uwm5C56xQI3yeiAzD2FJRj_bsGURqxRtG2yp54uc6JvjlgaPju4E/w640-h445/yx%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our progress up the canyon was very slow and very tiring. We didn't stop all too frequently, but our pace was almost crawl speed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iccbsCqCAZe8b4pKjWdKa7Q3Y1lHPylsns_cpL_JLfTjqHXwkCM2hzo9bpLAdebwaSytrg2zY5oVobmMBVR5IJ8yvN9S9ffKIRqFr41ja273WPWSbvFdtH_B0qjdupuNgrvjsbYrw3hWfydgtnCSEkJVS0XV2VhLBFd40czmQL2ZkOzx-mCq9HFfkEs/s1856/yw%20white%20dike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iccbsCqCAZe8b4pKjWdKa7Q3Y1lHPylsns_cpL_JLfTjqHXwkCM2hzo9bpLAdebwaSytrg2zY5oVobmMBVR5IJ8yvN9S9ffKIRqFr41ja273WPWSbvFdtH_B0qjdupuNgrvjsbYrw3hWfydgtnCSEkJVS0XV2VhLBFd40czmQL2ZkOzx-mCq9HFfkEs/w640-h426/yw%20white%20dike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was more wading in the water still, and a lot more bushwhacking, before we found ourselves facing yet another apparent dead end, having to scout again for a possible route up the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OptlvvGnX4nbzuVz_NLi7UYsnKAYqw8_gu8B_TScC4V8ta9VXRgylecdUKwrChB5Gh9dwqmsoe9rb3-sEl8-SrXTY1n7eZ4j5tJN3jAdLBCtqeJa2RlHnQfHlv0oLKaDBafiV6dyeqFF6glj3PhxSReo8B_zsqHBnicGVqu1ukPcFiUpuC4YCZFWfKE/s1856/yz%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OptlvvGnX4nbzuVz_NLi7UYsnKAYqw8_gu8B_TScC4V8ta9VXRgylecdUKwrChB5Gh9dwqmsoe9rb3-sEl8-SrXTY1n7eZ4j5tJN3jAdLBCtqeJa2RlHnQfHlv0oLKaDBafiV6dyeqFF6glj3PhxSReo8B_zsqHBnicGVqu1ukPcFiUpuC4YCZFWfKE/w640-h426/yz%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We ended up scrambling up a scree path up the side of the canyon. This was the only possible, the only passable option. The path led us by an old brick structure that looked like it's been used as a sheltered campsite at some point, and quite possibly what it was built for. By whom? I had no idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGdSarnDUFASjGNKOKGk5ICkjSewEp3zzkmaG0Cqwc4FxeJQcyXDSN5RLgSia_d43N9rvGAGjiD3htxqOLCwdB31A_i_VPz3oU2zXCr7nUgMDmyxy4WMXFwTTrEBio5hdTJs3naVzhoQw820K-h1gJdhiUPoEkqAmzjf9YBrX6uLNpAElKFe6FUi6-i8/s1856/zc%20windshield.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGdSarnDUFASjGNKOKGk5ICkjSewEp3zzkmaG0Cqwc4FxeJQcyXDSN5RLgSia_d43N9rvGAGjiD3htxqOLCwdB31A_i_VPz3oU2zXCr7nUgMDmyxy4WMXFwTTrEBio5hdTJs3naVzhoQw820K-h1gJdhiUPoEkqAmzjf9YBrX6uLNpAElKFe6FUi6-i8/w640-h426/zc%20windshield.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't dwell on the ruins. I snapped a couple of shots of the structure and of the blooming plant which I thought was an Ericameria bush next to it, and we moved on - back down to the creek and to bushwhacking. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJmhtKgivTFAzA3L35bC9A_BgbZqGGzV-RoMh8dPxR8QZXPQgBHxid0a6T-HNSwBHqmOR0w1uGj3gu2lmthGSxFfqJTVIdpbvo126w_mz6kBZx2WSsdNpeCJvP-thM0pzb3Iv7bUIb7ICEs2JawR44aOTr71vAYbpgKL3OBhx_WdYiEGoWgNL9ND4Stk/s1310/zd%20rabbitbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1310" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJmhtKgivTFAzA3L35bC9A_BgbZqGGzV-RoMh8dPxR8QZXPQgBHxid0a6T-HNSwBHqmOR0w1uGj3gu2lmthGSxFfqJTVIdpbvo126w_mz6kBZx2WSsdNpeCJvP-thM0pzb3Iv7bUIb7ICEs2JawR44aOTr71vAYbpgKL3OBhx_WdYiEGoWgNL9ND4Stk/w640-h450/zd%20rabbitbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ericameria?<span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It didn't take long and we had to climb the scree canyon wall. This time we were more sure of ourselves because the path was marked with cairns. I wondered if it was the park rangers who marked the path - we weren't yet within the the national park's boundary. I could only hope it was someone who knew what she was doing. The trail up the canyon wall was clear enough, but it was also pretty steep. Going up it was ok enough, but I already saw in my mind's eye having to butt-slide this path downhill on our return. I don't hold my balance well on gravel slopes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihigDH-dUgS1H9MnX_OxVKj4t2GcpfUagjPTjiP3HSDnVcAGFVKXPzRjCymSWpRRAS_oUUsSwuYM5INgYYwvGI0KYSimbY_LEIHVSKruFIs1EBv7_g7g2w6YjapG465NfTJyO75jgKEjO1U4RDDDV5ovadXdZUG_oynVxuQU-VgXbVzq-xvhrr9zsmoS0/s1856/zf%20climbing%20the%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihigDH-dUgS1H9MnX_OxVKj4t2GcpfUagjPTjiP3HSDnVcAGFVKXPzRjCymSWpRRAS_oUUsSwuYM5INgYYwvGI0KYSimbY_LEIHVSKruFIs1EBv7_g7g2w6YjapG465NfTJyO75jgKEjO1U4RDDDV5ovadXdZUG_oynVxuQU-VgXbVzq-xvhrr9zsmoS0/w640-h426/zf%20climbing%20the%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went first up the path. A.S. waited for me to confirm that this was indeed the way to go before following me up the canyon wall. As the trail leveled above the creek I came upon a sprawled California grape. I usually love seeing this plant on my hikes. It certainly surprised me to see it here, in the middle of the deep desert. I didn't know then how I'd hate this plant before the day's hike would be over. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm6nEfVqKZKJEdTZprlnIGC4xcsaospWpUMTECR_3OLEWBVMiGHbhi42KipRftKswgyitrFjogupetjvj_1Z9O2thJrmBCaZLuecoD4N2ov0FHFFsxLxkuVouLcv2BWfT35Q5ZqdZFjhTM-WY1NPOkF9MCBZ1BO257iv3u3R-dHk93ngUamxvPlM-zPQ/s1856/zg%20vitis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm6nEfVqKZKJEdTZprlnIGC4xcsaospWpUMTECR_3OLEWBVMiGHbhi42KipRftKswgyitrFjogupetjvj_1Z9O2thJrmBCaZLuecoD4N2ov0FHFFsxLxkuVouLcv2BWfT35Q5ZqdZFjhTM-WY1NPOkF9MCBZ1BO257iv3u3R-dHk93ngUamxvPlM-zPQ/w640-h426/zg%20vitis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild California Grape, Vitis californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The shadows were deepening. It was getting late in the afternoon, and for the first time A.S. and I started openly discussing the possibility that we won't get to Panamint City that day. Certainly not if the trail remains as difficult as it has been so far. On the northern canyon wall ahead of us I saw a large triangle of brown vegetation. Far as it was, I recognized the vegetation to be fall-foliaged California wild grape. The intensely thick grape growth was hiding beneath it Limekiln Spring, the major source of water supplying Surprise Creek. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXF5vkzw93utiOw3DtFOsK6ZgGpU8CccWJicf6EkG1sYZJYmV22KOPL5JqfoVE9xqzekIay-uPF8GzvwOJEI6-VO7bd7vS3dWXahCCEhxfN12F6H5lYN62_mVo5Qee0ESmbcUulFCl6oImNxgwuG3tvr03hT_KNBdw0s4VoPnl0w9N0-3oiOiwEkmFCc/s1856/zh%20northfacing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXF5vkzw93utiOw3DtFOsK6ZgGpU8CccWJicf6EkG1sYZJYmV22KOPL5JqfoVE9xqzekIay-uPF8GzvwOJEI6-VO7bd7vS3dWXahCCEhxfN12F6H5lYN62_mVo5Qee0ESmbcUulFCl6oImNxgwuG3tvr03hT_KNBdw0s4VoPnl0w9N0-3oiOiwEkmFCc/w640-h426/zh%20northfacing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I trained my camera on the creek below and zoomed in. the creek didn't seem to flow very high but there might have been more channels of flow besides the one I was seeing. Some of the flow was probably going beneath the thick pebbles of the creek bed.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8p_BPzIgvepAbWlT3WG4yXY3BMd9SXXVt1AVz97zur19YRFpbfjHv5aVo2MBaIdOA9yUJirbnUFzLf7BeJJhZxYsyqVm_9ftg9j94b7A2WNcA75-LFAF8LFyMeUlOxhri6pXD9MLNqsEuiq7cea2ffzbRb2i7dB613HwxfUKlYmHNiVmaLYJL9Ingx_Q/s1856/zi%20Minifall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8p_BPzIgvepAbWlT3WG4yXY3BMd9SXXVt1AVz97zur19YRFpbfjHv5aVo2MBaIdOA9yUJirbnUFzLf7BeJJhZxYsyqVm_9ftg9j94b7A2WNcA75-LFAF8LFyMeUlOxhri6pXD9MLNqsEuiq7cea2ffzbRb2i7dB613HwxfUKlYmHNiVmaLYJL9Ingx_Q/w640-h426/zi%20Minifall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail started descending slowly back towards the creek. I feared that the trail above the creek, which so far was quite ok to walk on, would become difficult again once we were at the bottom by the creek bed once more. I didn't voice my concerns though. I focused on getting down the gravel slope without slipping, and on the plants I saw along the way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_AUqnJP4Up5lP7hZvuzzW0kFfo2Sxittt9BXIINM-PMWAlTAIWpfJBrZAsoMGd6lLtah47p3qg2dR81l7a4bpQefah6cxxbe1gHMlZYZDUg0zINptJZsFfvHPysKxoFTqpZuydILDuvWODoSgAjapgIAM8UEgdAogsuLBkvLohnjqM0DLo4eiOyqACw/s1856/zj%20polygonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_AUqnJP4Up5lP7hZvuzzW0kFfo2Sxittt9BXIINM-PMWAlTAIWpfJBrZAsoMGd6lLtah47p3qg2dR81l7a4bpQefah6cxxbe1gHMlZYZDUg0zINptJZsFfvHPysKxoFTqpZuydILDuvWODoSgAjapgIAM8UEgdAogsuLBkvLohnjqM0DLo4eiOyqACw/w640-h427/zj%20polygonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eriogonum sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We followed what seemed to be a clear enough path to the north side of the canyon. We had to cross the flow on our way there, and once again I was glad to have my boots on rather than the hiking shoes. On the other side we stopped for a short break, and while munching our snacks we discussed our options. Part of the problem was that I wasn't sure exactly how far ahead the ghost town was from where we were. What was worse was that we had no reason to believe that the trail would actually get any better higher up the canyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVvZCi6PE1_j9chVZqqhNvZHuDIH7slCsRFtCwHXyhTy-FHCE-on5l2agu1NECUsjwp33W9IKF6TmbTp1SqNPl9op_v42upEfRGVBbcCvZaGRmOYz3FEzqE1DI_23PtZ3audGGM-q14quOUiZMLdloZkkUGkz7tmutiRfcp5sNd-hHC4A6bwqozRxbQU/s1727/zk%20bush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1727" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVvZCi6PE1_j9chVZqqhNvZHuDIH7slCsRFtCwHXyhTy-FHCE-on5l2agu1NECUsjwp33W9IKF6TmbTp1SqNPl9op_v42upEfRGVBbcCvZaGRmOYz3FEzqE1DI_23PtZ3audGGM-q14quOUiZMLdloZkkUGkz7tmutiRfcp5sNd-hHC4A6bwqozRxbQU/w640-h440/zk%20bush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before embarking on this trip I did what I usually do before heading out on trips of this sort - I called Death Valley National Park with questions about the location. One of the top questions on my mind was how far up the canyon will water be available. The ranger who answered me said joyfully that she'd been up at Panamint City merely two weeks before and that there will be no water above the spring. She said there was certainly no water by the ghost town itself - we'll need to haul all of our water needs with us from the spring. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqATEUZ3n2ZPDhN0yp_VqE79gtk1T-MnS7R4lObREyn7Q3W0TtYqZFDoLyMxtKa2W2rkhX3TGXos0WOeXnA0u5m1ZQ4HRin5MQKHHBgtUlYriV9ccFxPwdAlqLToxa_IVe8spCYSXIdzjozPprYalYd5lJcQQqzPgS4Q7Zm7wVLWlFT2HS_k41FBJk3Yg/s1856/zq%20Limekiln%20spring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqATEUZ3n2ZPDhN0yp_VqE79gtk1T-MnS7R4lObREyn7Q3W0TtYqZFDoLyMxtKa2W2rkhX3TGXos0WOeXnA0u5m1ZQ4HRin5MQKHHBgtUlYriV9ccFxPwdAlqLToxa_IVe8spCYSXIdzjozPprYalYd5lJcQQqzPgS4Q7Zm7wVLWlFT2HS_k41FBJk3Yg/w640-h426/zq%20Limekiln%20spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limekiln Spring</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure what it was the ranger said that had me focused on, but I came out of that conversation believing that Limekiln Spring was the last place where we could stock on water. Based on that I led us into the thicket of California wild grape, attempting to reach the spring. Pushing through what looked like a path through the incredibly knotted vines, attempting to reach the spring. I've actually seen the water flowing from the spring beneath all the vine mesh, but it was clear that there was no reaching it. I motioned A.S. to get back down to the trail and look for the actual path. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj361oGsFZRhkcjAC9anLouv9Q8uRREj1LWhwQrlHTL70ToCJ7ntXkQuK5v-dKkulQoUlocVTxCp4iMlqW0ltvq-Eo67Iad4Zl9bCTPB8uqBDGYuyToIASGFuNV7IsKrZqeqoiPfW9zXSYMEtWbbeTMmTXkaK4XohhtQ2MZkMX7BRcUvnbvHRrslK8KtbQ/s1856/zn%20vitis%20trap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj361oGsFZRhkcjAC9anLouv9Q8uRREj1LWhwQrlHTL70ToCJ7ntXkQuK5v-dKkulQoUlocVTxCp4iMlqW0ltvq-Eo67Iad4Zl9bCTPB8uqBDGYuyToIASGFuNV7IsKrZqeqoiPfW9zXSYMEtWbbeTMmTXkaK4XohhtQ2MZkMX7BRcUvnbvHRrslK8KtbQ/w640-h426/zn%20vitis%20trap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild California Grape, Vitis californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We continued up the trail, our shoes, clothes, and hair full of dry leaves. Ahead of us the tall vegetation thicket continued, changing from wild grape to willows. Putting aside the bushwhacking struggle, it was a very beautiful sight, seeing all the willows wearing their autumn yellow, marking the creek line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRygUc-2yIe_kL94h2bkBBBX_oDYe2tjQQN4s6VzC_Qpfs5bej0IElIJldox_q-xDQzyX9zFd9BMLyDWs1jFd3_dIKxCR8SnH8NywPVnOEKwLkMO9b21Uhyphenhyphenb_O_jOVgMAZ67vCfCs9LAgTg0ZQ1ViVGXkHQ7uzeAqX4KStpCMg2_EaEQt_lB1rBBq-MQ/s1856/zo%20gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRygUc-2yIe_kL94h2bkBBBX_oDYe2tjQQN4s6VzC_Qpfs5bej0IElIJldox_q-xDQzyX9zFd9BMLyDWs1jFd3_dIKxCR8SnH8NywPVnOEKwLkMO9b21Uhyphenhyphenb_O_jOVgMAZ67vCfCs9LAgTg0ZQ1ViVGXkHQ7uzeAqX4KStpCMg2_EaEQt_lB1rBBq-MQ/w640-h426/zo%20gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I kept listening for the water. When the sound of water flow silenced we retreated a bit, looking for a place to fill up all of our containers. We had to return down the trail a couple hundred yards, lamenting every foot descended before we found access to the water and filled up on water. All of a sudden both of us were laden with five to six kilograms more and the backpack was almost unbearable. We moved slowly uphill, feeling every additional gram. The weight-generated ache is what must been the reason I thought the Penstemon bush I saw in full bloom was a sage plant. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoF2ric53JVALV9nvUe7g13WGGRUp0_BANStAQMxr-NlQsUOO8DBlT4hkQ6isTK13q7ixBNwF_tqKqdGZoG16C-kWUMJ6jpSKvWhAUuC39qd-Vhstjsm8t2JCK-SSZi5PTxZ7GzMOcfGZlu-lWoNeSmlfiSsNZZPnrwwS1phwqLjlefthixKkImoJwW0/s1856/zs%20DV%20Penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoF2ric53JVALV9nvUe7g13WGGRUp0_BANStAQMxr-NlQsUOO8DBlT4hkQ6isTK13q7ixBNwF_tqKqdGZoG16C-kWUMJ6jpSKvWhAUuC39qd-Vhstjsm8t2JCK-SSZi5PTxZ7GzMOcfGZlu-lWoNeSmlfiSsNZZPnrwwS1phwqLjlefthixKkImoJwW0/w640-h426/zs%20DV%20Penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley Penstemon, Penstemon fruticiformis </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At home I identified from the photos that this plant, a lifer bloom for me, was a rare species of Penstemon - the Death Valley Penstemon. I was fortunate indeed to se it there, blooming in mid- December. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wwOladYgf7_FJJyOJnPnwER-jZ0WmoweyBOUp-YejXOwLiv0ItTq5A5DWcGrwP1VwYnTRUMNwCqXxNnl2unu_7iUXlV7ZdgOJk049ZjGiUrQtE2WmB5sXMX2TW4YrnlKsrzcsxg3YzxrgmKPjDEmovCP1P7XSDwE01L-R-77X6ADiuAABGdSOubv5w8/s1856/zt%20DV%20Penstemon%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wwOladYgf7_FJJyOJnPnwER-jZ0WmoweyBOUp-YejXOwLiv0ItTq5A5DWcGrwP1VwYnTRUMNwCqXxNnl2unu_7iUXlV7ZdgOJk049ZjGiUrQtE2WmB5sXMX2TW4YrnlKsrzcsxg3YzxrgmKPjDEmovCP1P7XSDwE01L-R-77X6ADiuAABGdSOubv5w8/w640-h426/zt%20DV%20Penstemon%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley Penstemon, Penstemon fruticiformis </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A bit further up the trail I was ready to dump some of the water I was carrying. There was no way I was able to haul this weight much further without causing myself damage. A.S. didn't look like he was faring much better than me. I was just beginning to share these thoughts with him when my ear caught a familiar sound below - flowing water! Soon we were seeing it too - a thin flow in the creek below us. A.S. gave me two thumbs down and I shrugged and took off my backpack. Soon both of us dumped all the water we had collected near Limekiln Spring. We had lost nearly an hour collecting the water we were dumping now on some very fortunate plants. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPnWjSik3H87LsDV2R8nSAnoqZBImMF8VnZfE2pFa3WestSIBcPKcrwj2dyNRVIL286pmssTMQw3qIuEfqvqqDoz47Pj9YfTwh7pfiNx2JOTpVjDWuZzSqsR2uVFHRkkxsCrak7k5DVLDNFO9LA6L-BKJyXhWJpxp_K7uyybpANCQz1UIPImcbQ25vAk/s1856/zu%20view%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPnWjSik3H87LsDV2R8nSAnoqZBImMF8VnZfE2pFa3WestSIBcPKcrwj2dyNRVIL286pmssTMQw3qIuEfqvqqDoz47Pj9YfTwh7pfiNx2JOTpVjDWuZzSqsR2uVFHRkkxsCrak7k5DVLDNFO9LA6L-BKJyXhWJpxp_K7uyybpANCQz1UIPImcbQ25vAk/w640-h426/zu%20view%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving on seemed miraculously easy now that our backpacks lightened up all those kilograms of needlessly carried water. It didn't salve our dilemma though - where we would stay for the night. It was clear by then that we won't get to Panamint City that night. In fact, I wasn't sure that we would even get into the perimeter of Death Valley National Park, which was still up ahead. I started looking for possible places that would be suitable for camping, hoping that the creek would still be flowing nearby when we find it. I did find a blooming Phacelia on our way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8kPmxH0ul1Lu6xxD9hxfeRNyK1qrRrV-dkT9-QHBC15Oo3pHvMoDbeaIF7CgFx1iUMdyIbOUpo9N6rpTV3priXWkpvv5DFFbMIkIWlPb4BQEHkKle-FCSbOWCkaG9XWXh2RXSWSPusIxdpXv_pwV-tXvuDDE_h4Z1WqL7XC_4vOHwUU8aRLsPKGzQE/s1734/zv%20phacelia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1734" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8kPmxH0ul1Lu6xxD9hxfeRNyK1qrRrV-dkT9-QHBC15Oo3pHvMoDbeaIF7CgFx1iUMdyIbOUpo9N6rpTV3priXWkpvv5DFFbMIkIWlPb4BQEHkKle-FCSbOWCkaG9XWXh2RXSWSPusIxdpXv_pwV-tXvuDDE_h4Z1WqL7XC_4vOHwUU8aRLsPKGzQE/w640-h437/zv%20phacelia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notch leaved Phacelia, Phacelia crenulata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> One good thing was that the trail became easier to walk. For a while now we didn't have to struggle with thick vegetation or with scree slopes. The trail descended mildly to the creek where we crossed it easily with a short hop, then started up the south side. Just a little above the creek crossing I spotted a camp site - A previously used are with spaces cleared for two tents and a used fire ring o0f stones. I pointed it to A.S. who was thrilled to stop right then and there. We had enough daylight left to pitch our tents and collect some firewood. We were still on BLM land, thankfully, because campfires aren't allowed in Death Valley NP backcountry. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOtaeMWU6Ho6udlLZynwambkVHiMd4u5rI9rkzPwv_zVLPRhKO5ekOWTL_yGUQV1GVv2x7N4jzQhP-b_WnQ1GWfwX7NBPbpKWqmBS8WELWDWiRDtpBn6FXNYE4gkA4ixlN99Z1FXkkRVz0Qj9_DURwuo1vvoWphcCW91KdwYTEDUSKrHmdhshp-asBjA/s1856/zy%20last%20sunlight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOtaeMWU6Ho6udlLZynwambkVHiMd4u5rI9rkzPwv_zVLPRhKO5ekOWTL_yGUQV1GVv2x7N4jzQhP-b_WnQ1GWfwX7NBPbpKWqmBS8WELWDWiRDtpBn6FXNYE4gkA4ixlN99Z1FXkkRVz0Qj9_DURwuo1vvoWphcCW91KdwYTEDUSKrHmdhshp-asBjA/w640-h426/zy%20last%20sunlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last sunlight up Surprise Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Due to a combination of the canyon's orientation and depth, and the clouds that overcast the sky most of the day, we haven't been under direct sunlight at any point today. As we made our camp we watched the line of sunlight ascending the eastern mountain slope above us until it vanished. I used the last light of the day to photograph the canyon below us. We ascended about 3.5 miles today, a relatively short distance but which intense effort which included pathfinding, waterfall and cascade ascending, and lots and lots of bushwhacking. Both of us were exhausted and ready for the night's blessed rest. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbClOQt9uimUjM-vqEvkdzCKEN8XRYHnoSNy0hTO4S0WbtkOi-RTxXauUIhBXY_8-c5NCkYv3xl8PranAc-uMNJbIPj5HgnKVvsrcw-ehVWYQ1t-dYOE-IXdY-s6CYbCK4hNoCC3PsVC1EgtcUTTY3ZvgsMv43fg1uPs1g8WbgO6rHatEFAC79ufMxSbs/s1856/zz%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbClOQt9uimUjM-vqEvkdzCKEN8XRYHnoSNy0hTO4S0WbtkOi-RTxXauUIhBXY_8-c5NCkYv3xl8PranAc-uMNJbIPj5HgnKVvsrcw-ehVWYQ1t-dYOE-IXdY-s6CYbCK4hNoCC3PsVC1EgtcUTTY3ZvgsMv43fg1uPs1g8WbgO6rHatEFAC79ufMxSbs/w640-h426/zz%20sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Canyon, view down after sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The daylight disappeared shortly after 5 pm and the temperature dropped almost instantly. We sat by a lovely campfire which we kept small because of the evening breeze. We cooked and ate our dinner and chatted away. Both of us were in light spirit now, despite not having reached our planned destination. Now our plan was changed to leaving our tents where we camped and go up to Panamint City as a day hike. With a much more optimistic outlook than we had before the sunset, we quenched the fire and went each to her and his tents. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2024/01/visiting-ghosts-of-recent-past.html">To Blogpost of Day 2 of this trip</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many thanks to members of the California Native Plants Society for their help in identifying pants!</div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-3061600097749426002023-12-24T21:04:00.000-08:002023-12-24T21:04:11.957-08:00Descending from Heaven: Backpacking Marble Mountain Wilderness With Friends, Day 4<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbelDCvyK1muTo-qMFRoy4FBDYfiqj_NYV8ZqNUfqdqDivuH95QwyrNOvUaZ9iZlKwFCOSUs-wsy9AGS1OtZPRkjWFJ5DcziUOVA__H3BSqfnXzYybfAd-YRTznQzi6GIWKGPapM80rH81JpZM4pd-HVTP4GmO73l1Ja7LghC0brh26DVJZymTuuYGYQ/s1657/yt%20checkermallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1657" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbelDCvyK1muTo-qMFRoy4FBDYfiqj_NYV8ZqNUfqdqDivuH95QwyrNOvUaZ9iZlKwFCOSUs-wsy9AGS1OtZPRkjWFJ5DcziUOVA__H3BSqfnXzYybfAd-YRTznQzi6GIWKGPapM80rH81JpZM4pd-HVTP4GmO73l1Ja7LghC0brh26DVJZymTuuYGYQ/w640-h434/yt%20checkermallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checkermallow, Sidalcea oregana</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: August 6, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Marble Mountain Wilderness, Yreka, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 41.551258, -123.177149 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 7 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/12/lost-in-grand-splendor-backpacking.html">Link to Day 3 Blogpost</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although last getting into the tent last night, and despite how tired I was, I was still the first one to wake up in the morning. Like the day before, I made my way to the lake to wash my face and to fill up the water bottles. It was very quiet. Most of the other campers in the area have left yesterday. If anyone else was there, they kept themselves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYk277eDufyJ3TI0RjxaAyx5KMtEtefknqziFM49udPuamZvEdQ1MxV1hSXALAG60Fa64xBBrN75tJT81rPxLwqZpaV9bsHQCHoRtK6q7C5rqJ1XZjXNDHuQ2bzRavz2Sl3HFU-9XPrLoGWcod9kWORO59Csr61Ef9DnyPIct27IQJha-dG5NaQZzMmM/s1856/yj%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYk277eDufyJ3TI0RjxaAyx5KMtEtefknqziFM49udPuamZvEdQ1MxV1hSXALAG60Fa64xBBrN75tJT81rPxLwqZpaV9bsHQCHoRtK6q7C5rqJ1XZjXNDHuQ2bzRavz2Sl3HFU-9XPrLoGWcod9kWORO59Csr61Ef9DnyPIct27IQJha-dG5NaQZzMmM/w640-h426/yj%20reflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our last morning of our Marble Mountain backpacking trip was relaxed. We took leisure time getting up, eating breakfast, and breaking camp. Without much ado we packed up and set out across the meadow on the same trail we took off on yesterday to go to Marble Valley. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi4LPTmnFnnjwRnwjX_TtMDooHeCOWOHeaQyONEqKUDPxN9KGKCloICrw2ZcaFphZT_pa3rRX-uM_awdV8aBr6DC_u5Ttlt5aU4ylbbh2zq1ZI6pIIjEVzCBQe0qg5LSpT8pBmic_-U1li1dwkHtzwdQiIGB_qM_ZTJtzwUZlsldkNZ3WCeS-zfcYWFk/s1856/yk%20meadowmoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi4LPTmnFnnjwRnwjX_TtMDooHeCOWOHeaQyONEqKUDPxN9KGKCloICrw2ZcaFphZT_pa3rRX-uM_awdV8aBr6DC_u5Ttlt5aU4ylbbh2zq1ZI6pIIjEVzCBQe0qg5LSpT8pBmic_-U1li1dwkHtzwdQiIGB_qM_ZTJtzwUZlsldkNZ3WCeS-zfcYWFk/w640-h426/yk%20meadowmoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the meadow on the north loomed Marble Mountain. Gorgeous Marble Mountain, a pinnacle of beauty in northern California. I bade goodbye in my heart to Marble Mountain, with the hope of possibly making it back there one day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim1mMd1GOygyxAUM-ccBqXN4k5kWbKdtmQWzuAolIT4YEStB9rF8PF8sFycpR1D1vNGILwyFD0a8IF9itOoYM-TdqJiMvYg7xOiVMr0Ab0hWlm_Rdnfs8xdbEr6tkVzPhUdsciGPyaqSy0eXTbthf-n0IcjuJhtZyMY9YoS33KpZte6L2w6AcS1PAen4/s1856/yo%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim1mMd1GOygyxAUM-ccBqXN4k5kWbKdtmQWzuAolIT4YEStB9rF8PF8sFycpR1D1vNGILwyFD0a8IF9itOoYM-TdqJiMvYg7xOiVMr0Ab0hWlm_Rdnfs8xdbEr6tkVzPhUdsciGPyaqSy0eXTbthf-n0IcjuJhtZyMY9YoS33KpZte6L2w6AcS1PAen4/w640-h426/yo%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a second day in a row, we were crossing this meadow, and the wildflowers were no less lovely than they were yesterday. We didn't stop frequently, but we walked slow enough for me to snap photos while on the move. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsNvfwra3G9bD4ovnIQ7m05a4vrdvKTsYZierGGmRjPaaSEG53d2ZQEH32R0EvxRFyT_sHVNB217X5OyIdbGHvP1TFA2CW9kq47rb7IrB3Kw4YToj_nVxFCQqx7FPE8CidPVvdt12a2Nh7dcaGJLFcE9FTCrm-6bKaF6qaHw0rpqZ0jYjgvdNezeAecM/s1327/ym%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1327" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsNvfwra3G9bD4ovnIQ7m05a4vrdvKTsYZierGGmRjPaaSEG53d2ZQEH32R0EvxRFyT_sHVNB217X5OyIdbGHvP1TFA2CW9kq47rb7IrB3Kw4YToj_nVxFCQqx7FPE8CidPVvdt12a2Nh7dcaGJLFcE9FTCrm-6bKaF6qaHw0rpqZ0jYjgvdNezeAecM/w640-h454/ym%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Red Paintbrush, Castilleja miniata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was our last day on this trip, but also the first day that was completely clear without a hind of cloud in the sky. The sun was answered with many little sunflower relatives blooming down in the meadow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6e75jr5b1eAazSET_OTvG6VyYwC5NX-fq9-PMxlYoB11s7IXisRZCZVjczux2BO6vdXJeWsbMIGI4EthCjkRsBLP5OdknUbe0As7BJkRbt_ZHZpFzi0hPUi2kbNJ3zWK0EN7YqzLPNWnRg-AVAD0a0Vw-eforANKhC7iDtkZRithUDR4SLPunlBVK0Q/s1600/yp%20tarplant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6e75jr5b1eAazSET_OTvG6VyYwC5NX-fq9-PMxlYoB11s7IXisRZCZVjczux2BO6vdXJeWsbMIGI4EthCjkRsBLP5OdknUbe0As7BJkRbt_ZHZpFzi0hPUi2kbNJ3zWK0EN7YqzLPNWnRg-AVAD0a0Vw-eforANKhC7iDtkZRithUDR4SLPunlBVK0Q/w640-h436/yp%20tarplant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarplant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went over the little ridge that separated Sky High Valley from the next meadow on the north, this time without stopping. Marble Mountain hid behind the trees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmAzXatDjj19McRjQk0Ybca8QpjSOh5k1Eby6Pm_YFq8PHOpTRLDouUrc4bAnT0N-PVSyunGfF4QyyUNyc3_CXs8bqgH1_tHpOY5f34K_qSouiDD-82T_wsccSrrszqfdpghwviN-IDn2JRcScYDB2r8fjUnXmwIN99wCfchoohrZVAiLwiNzrM05I1o/s1856/yq%20meadow%20below.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmAzXatDjj19McRjQk0Ybca8QpjSOh5k1Eby6Pm_YFq8PHOpTRLDouUrc4bAnT0N-PVSyunGfF4QyyUNyc3_CXs8bqgH1_tHpOY5f34K_qSouiDD-82T_wsccSrrszqfdpghwviN-IDn2JRcScYDB2r8fjUnXmwIN99wCfchoohrZVAiLwiNzrM05I1o/w640-h426/yq%20meadow%20below.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next meadow had much bloom too. I already knew that from our yesterday's walk there, but it was nice to see all the flowers again. Below the mountains the advanced summer had already parched all the wildflowers, but up here in the mountain heights, all was still green and colorful.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiby5zoX_FfsL-pZkT5OSMfmZA29wVtdd7gKLyvGdpl0zrhZ8bP0Z_UX8aegz4pC_GvzTbz8iw_iXL84h0QL0IN-QF0PGuoSo986HSFa3Ghe8zm1M-mhwhYlOlwYraMegUr7u1ORx-1jKxnFtsl10Unr_o_smGS-sEFDYqFDRx5AIr9A10_W9y_zQ0Yt8/s1483/ys%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1483" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiby5zoX_FfsL-pZkT5OSMfmZA29wVtdd7gKLyvGdpl0zrhZ8bP0Z_UX8aegz4pC_GvzTbz8iw_iXL84h0QL0IN-QF0PGuoSo986HSFa3Ghe8zm1M-mhwhYlOlwYraMegUr7u1ORx-1jKxnFtsl10Unr_o_smGS-sEFDYqFDRx5AIr9A10_W9y_zQ0Yt8/w640-h432/ys%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleabane, Erigeron sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We crossed the little creek that hydrated the meadow, hopping on the stepping stones. Our packs were lighter, and since we had plenty of water we didn't stop to fill bottles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGLQKZUy0LwXkMqbT59Q8GTT2HeS9Ifgajz6x1g3sbNdtvcO_4d3iXtsW6eMkM6Rq5oZezUAT-dWRdssJtViztBaPlUSi9_l195ABtIKwxzycIBuGswJrDGDFd6_0QBNvM7PAg8fDMjLWe5EUbyc9ym-EXBTwOJ-ghDL6wsImq1nNWrcKUe87OC0oKNk/s1856/yu%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGLQKZUy0LwXkMqbT59Q8GTT2HeS9Ifgajz6x1g3sbNdtvcO_4d3iXtsW6eMkM6Rq5oZezUAT-dWRdssJtViztBaPlUSi9_l195ABtIKwxzycIBuGswJrDGDFd6_0QBNvM7PAg8fDMjLWe5EUbyc9ym-EXBTwOJ-ghDL6wsImq1nNWrcKUe87OC0oKNk/w640-h426/yu%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was feeling my legs from yesterday's march up and down the Marble Rim Trail, so when we ascended the next ridge I slowed my pace a bit. It was a good excuse to look again at the murky pond below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjxkkGuJH1nzgTN9tEezCLo5_GASHgcWVQRFGoRewrQM4Vs6bQcxL1NZ95Hk3Z0RsRAfXj_ddHPTnKYVzDx41NxqNvDpLACMVqazkQHAiItm3LkzdrRn298zMbMogk0O35f9zHHa_21hVPEF6kLpCIKm1nXPXTiZJYLUco32-5Sgc41Qyj1unwokH8I/s1856/yv%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjxkkGuJH1nzgTN9tEezCLo5_GASHgcWVQRFGoRewrQM4Vs6bQcxL1NZ95Hk3Z0RsRAfXj_ddHPTnKYVzDx41NxqNvDpLACMVqazkQHAiItm3LkzdrRn298zMbMogk0O35f9zHHa_21hVPEF6kLpCIKm1nXPXTiZJYLUco32-5Sgc41Qyj1unwokH8I/w640-h426/yv%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day was getting very hot. At the top of the ridge I looked back at the mountains we were leaving. They looked round and inviting. The sun was not yet in the middle of the sky, it was morning still. Soon we would go into the forest, into the welcomed shade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7HT-PYthUh1FLgxXEDhVHP3rOjb5cWbKdvX8k7zPRhhzROX_vzoERNMJuinaq9N49iLiOV6x0dYSFRFa96mIbE8uzyQpHDy19gxh63-He5UCxnThc51_sbJMEHPE64TlVwjv9lMMAe5F_GG1-tC6jspPxLY75w7aVBKjmpvZ1iekoVrUWotV4TEo1pY/s1856/yw%20view%20east.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7HT-PYthUh1FLgxXEDhVHP3rOjb5cWbKdvX8k7zPRhhzROX_vzoERNMJuinaq9N49iLiOV6x0dYSFRFa96mIbE8uzyQpHDy19gxh63-He5UCxnThc51_sbJMEHPE64TlVwjv9lMMAe5F_GG1-tC6jspPxLY75w7aVBKjmpvZ1iekoVrUWotV4TEo1pY/w640-h426/yw%20view%20east.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Going into the forest meant leaving behind the meadow with its full sunlight wildflowers and entering the realm of shade or partial shade loving plants. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYOtgESCCuUr8c5OoBfujsSxLGAeTZLJFzFuruSc6kdkXZ9RouMtUGDpp12_7bxl1_ktubFZ1awssjHUl0zzn9NguAHpLBnd0CBtPdu5M7hBIKkgGe7Yh05kOnWDwxYtQA5egtsCRgLoJxhqCFIL8J9za1zR8ftY576czpp92sdDoYxfrtUAxr3gvRoA/s1569/yx%20pedicularis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1569" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYOtgESCCuUr8c5OoBfujsSxLGAeTZLJFzFuruSc6kdkXZ9RouMtUGDpp12_7bxl1_ktubFZ1awssjHUl0zzn9NguAHpLBnd0CBtPdu5M7hBIKkgGe7Yh05kOnWDwxYtQA5egtsCRgLoJxhqCFIL8J9za1zR8ftY576czpp92sdDoYxfrtUAxr3gvRoA/w640-h450/yx%20pedicularis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curved Beak Lousewort, Pedicularis contorta</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of these forest undergrowth plants have a very modest bloom. They don't have to advertise themselves far and wide by their looks because there is no far and wide line of vision inside the forest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XvB0D5U18ivqTh-ac4YoKZx-mz7rVD2AyjpQ03LBYPtIh3mjZOwJYpBDJSh7ocip3E7-nK0jNhEIuqGK3vH_p1FA4EeVrgcypx-vcPF3B1pZSXDBmw-pNRcSGgNMH2T-wriexO6XK_T3RFW4d4ZwXK-HUd40uLT50wWXIq2Ua1DHWQ3VJfFwVSZ4ao4/s1828/yz%20drops.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1828" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XvB0D5U18ivqTh-ac4YoKZx-mz7rVD2AyjpQ03LBYPtIh3mjZOwJYpBDJSh7ocip3E7-nK0jNhEIuqGK3vH_p1FA4EeVrgcypx-vcPF3B1pZSXDBmw-pNRcSGgNMH2T-wriexO6XK_T3RFW4d4ZwXK-HUd40uLT50wWXIq2Ua1DHWQ3VJfFwVSZ4ao4/w640-h454/yz%20drops.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-sided Wintergreen, Orthilia secunda</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made it quickly down to the trail junction where we turned yesterday northwest to go to Marble Valley. Today we continued east and downhill to Lovers Camp. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWsVBnUhLX1dJh7uAeONWCaDIGcZZ-qAOU6ckfrG2F0fWKFGS5cX7Y_fvIjumGplSot0sLoJ0q35nBqlASZGfOov8qAVWATZoTzTsI8vBAenOA9vZ8mCA8FPdfgADfDRsRObjh0hDJKi_DSt8IBKTP7GtuuPD5pkea2pakqdTjj_2LLD_9UHqDymnL8I/s1856/yy%20junction.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWsVBnUhLX1dJh7uAeONWCaDIGcZZ-qAOU6ckfrG2F0fWKFGS5cX7Y_fvIjumGplSot0sLoJ0q35nBqlASZGfOov8qAVWATZoTzTsI8vBAenOA9vZ8mCA8FPdfgADfDRsRObjh0hDJKi_DSt8IBKTP7GtuuPD5pkea2pakqdTjj_2LLD_9UHqDymnL8I/w640-h427/yy%20junction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail leveled for some distance, then started sloping downhill, mildly at first, then at a steeper grade. One by one I was saying goodbye to the higher elevation wildflowers as I was seeing them on my way downhill, for the last time in a while. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB9GHWMNDSmE61dvv-duK64BZsW0DRyW6s6QFv-xZYEobuEC19lk-tNisW5Ychqf81ILMYtEPJ0ATLBdIKKaNKEbYyk-oWsf5NEEbF43r2DD_7yiiFFfw6uJbHs1fHlKiZjl-eIve8gX-ijwYe6lBzmTda_EegORNT-LtJ_qwGIBYV3BYQ9os8SQ7Kt0/s1574/zb%20anemone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1574" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB9GHWMNDSmE61dvv-duK64BZsW0DRyW6s6QFv-xZYEobuEC19lk-tNisW5Ychqf81ILMYtEPJ0ATLBdIKKaNKEbYyk-oWsf5NEEbF43r2DD_7yiiFFfw6uJbHs1fHlKiZjl-eIve8gX-ijwYe6lBzmTda_EegORNT-LtJ_qwGIBYV3BYQ9os8SQ7Kt0/w640-h432/zb%20anemone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windflower, Anemone deltoidea</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we made our way down I was also saying hello to lower elevation wildflowers as I was seeing them appearing, one species at a time, along the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvRirzbA-B5aKKbNlpkXBhM9L-6yi-E_ZTlu3s-xoCBmqWwKrBe2mYa2_DXGnKhAeEO3E82UA46lQpgYqkR1iWruijl3fSuPEsM76b7GvLPeXepp0sSCbiveij9e-SZKsTCEuCyTklhhYIetkjr-cICTrw3iHzJ1Ird683qyH1osJBecxA9y87q3wVL0/s1350/zc%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1350" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvRirzbA-B5aKKbNlpkXBhM9L-6yi-E_ZTlu3s-xoCBmqWwKrBe2mYa2_DXGnKhAeEO3E82UA46lQpgYqkR1iWruijl3fSuPEsM76b7GvLPeXepp0sSCbiveij9e-SZKsTCEuCyTklhhYIetkjr-cICTrw3iHzJ1Ird683qyH1osJBecxA9y87q3wVL0/w640-h434/zc%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Beardstongue, Penstemon heterodoxus </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not all of the bloom I saw was of herbaceous plants or of small shrubs. In sunlit clearings large bushes also stood in full bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAPQsjuOigvtL1_ZOirTd2e-a4d4qW6GlqXJ9FA72SJBKUuoyrIC6g79V5K0yGuNQwNRB4ZG48B4FYXYGMyA4A5aBPDyjUaV0jvdLv4hjly9gcYWpv3L496E4Iv57ntB-QGu0nzuEi3bhO_KBUzHW9SpUWOKgVP3D5FSWFqaEgxbK-pTsEs1LDJUxPRo/s1655/ze%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1655" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAPQsjuOigvtL1_ZOirTd2e-a4d4qW6GlqXJ9FA72SJBKUuoyrIC6g79V5K0yGuNQwNRB4ZG48B4FYXYGMyA4A5aBPDyjUaV0jvdLv4hjly9gcYWpv3L496E4Iv57ntB-QGu0nzuEi3bhO_KBUzHW9SpUWOKgVP3D5FSWFqaEgxbK-pTsEs1LDJUxPRo/w640-h424/ze%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of these plants I knew to be favoring wet environments<span> </span>were preceding a wide creek we were coming across. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNAalQut0BMEKZPhxuQNJKviOWcseZ1xsrIZ-nmYVtknnGFi6n0mzIJrGee2SMDqDpN8NNAQB4_S9sAmMWVF1b6hdETknFok7tZ4hHRA2PrZeztUz9tVzoJtqcmgDs5eQbJllMSyFFdgMFdl0PpWjZn2ESgvZ_ZVB7ycbthvvKw9iiAEKvUKIPx2Z_k/s1550/zd%20monkshood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1550" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNAalQut0BMEKZPhxuQNJKviOWcseZ1xsrIZ-nmYVtknnGFi6n0mzIJrGee2SMDqDpN8NNAQB4_S9sAmMWVF1b6hdETknFok7tZ4hHRA2PrZeztUz9tVzoJtqcmgDs5eQbJllMSyFFdgMFdl0PpWjZn2ESgvZ_ZVB7ycbthvvKw9iiAEKvUKIPx2Z_k/w640-h442/zd%20monkshood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkshood, Aconitum columbianum </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This creek was the first of a series of creeks running down from the range to our north that would cross the trail. These were the creeks that the hikers couple we've met going up on our first day were referring to when they'd told us that there will be plenty of water on our way up. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm0cG_005LQ-vmOBzZHOJm56JBodrVP_C9RMBhYmR2NamfdPhnG-fblThqWos169MEVmHs4twi6ERC8LNezasS0_WuaylkZQSka4ASfnInZkj4FK5L7ki5yBu1t7wWRyEe29r4IKtPnsHGwEnetcD4_eT3daWXK0-JDEL6tbyP-sWdMBVHjJMyOJ5-0A/s1856/zf%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm0cG_005LQ-vmOBzZHOJm56JBodrVP_C9RMBhYmR2NamfdPhnG-fblThqWos169MEVmHs4twi6ERC8LNezasS0_WuaylkZQSka4ASfnInZkj4FK5L7ki5yBu1t7wWRyEe29r4IKtPnsHGwEnetcD4_eT3daWXK0-JDEL6tbyP-sWdMBVHjJMyOJ5-0A/w640-h426/zf%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The creek displayed a lovely waterfall coming down the uphill slope, north of the trail. There was an even taller waterfall going down the downhill slope south of the trail, falling its way to join Canyon Creek. There was no good place to observe the lower waterfall, let alone photograph. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVi4-5jvqQals6e5rpqIwi_3XVUnYVsStTGnZ27NKMtujnZaIH9zL4GG3kYRRUDArJPDSFRsfOE2FC7enfwmaG8AG-uBbao1LsaTLRp5ekmrr8iyh2bZz8Tdie886O3TSn8q_kOCZUaGIRNpdnCFej6VDM3nrmTFe3YTGfJ79biBYugrIYmCSVENSI2Q/s1856/zi%20waterfall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVi4-5jvqQals6e5rpqIwi_3XVUnYVsStTGnZ27NKMtujnZaIH9zL4GG3kYRRUDArJPDSFRsfOE2FC7enfwmaG8AG-uBbao1LsaTLRp5ekmrr8iyh2bZz8Tdie886O3TSn8q_kOCZUaGIRNpdnCFej6VDM3nrmTFe3YTGfJ79biBYugrIYmCSVENSI2Q/w640-h426/zi%20waterfall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shortly after we crossed this creek the trail suddenly dropped in elevation. We came down an endless series of large steps which felt like they were made for mule rather than human size legs. This was true, of course, because mule caravans were and still are used to bring people and equipment up to Marble Valley. I personally was glad that we chose to hike up the Red Rock Valley Trail and didn't have to ascend the Canyon Trail through all those giant stairs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRdKmmGkbKxRJSwQx7v9a9xj_CEK2Kf9FUnZ4KNL7WxHpC7kuoV_ZyHhgvtk4F-WfuRUaXF_LgZo2D4YVhRdpAvgk_P0KeWYyAt1CULvT6jTnMTBbOhYfxCV7v5KESdr2b28KC2TLALmdlcRaj9CjaeUHMrNbw94TJ1bp7yuZP-12Ti0u6mY_U-hXjOI/s1856/zj%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRdKmmGkbKxRJSwQx7v9a9xj_CEK2Kf9FUnZ4KNL7WxHpC7kuoV_ZyHhgvtk4F-WfuRUaXF_LgZo2D4YVhRdpAvgk_P0KeWYyAt1CULvT6jTnMTBbOhYfxCV7v5KESdr2b28KC2TLALmdlcRaj9CjaeUHMrNbw94TJ1bp7yuZP-12Ti0u6mY_U-hXjOI/w640-h426/zj%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the bottom of the stairs we sat for a short break near another creek that crossed the trail. It was also a good place to refill our water bottles. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr60wFw8GgX3MLiOzWTLdLp_josWrjjmRHr8bYtinZOFS7NKZDoHAWu1IESeQcV7Hrdw8yF0Nq4RqBG128TA8Ou3D45Sd5vq2NxVsilUAmAgOLdqsvpy8la35rMvOYawK5oRGUA8dsBB8soWwhmfKer53B71_4VKhpL10h3FFI2nl0PUr8tbaKKUXl9Y0/s1856/zk%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr60wFw8GgX3MLiOzWTLdLp_josWrjjmRHr8bYtinZOFS7NKZDoHAWu1IESeQcV7Hrdw8yF0Nq4RqBG128TA8Ou3D45Sd5vq2NxVsilUAmAgOLdqsvpy8la35rMvOYawK5oRGUA8dsBB8soWwhmfKer53B71_4VKhpL10h3FFI2nl0PUr8tbaKKUXl9Y0/w640-h426/zk%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I detected a slight movement on the ground and I saw it was a spider. The spider was so well camouflaged that I only saw it when it was moving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC5hcU5xpcsXe4OK3bWbtXyZ831crCcmpqIPwGntDQltQ_bqAL5I2XE9jL-r8pwQM_qYibtbVvIpwrBZqVS95teJ601RMbe2iChA3kUTBlo0wN5aglQLPbDBZMe_EYIV4Z-alVmzug-hab2u9vkTIdFTG_Ela9b3MCpoNKePPXdFjlf4pvUYdf5b1MvQ/s1508/zm%20spider.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1508" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC5hcU5xpcsXe4OK3bWbtXyZ831crCcmpqIPwGntDQltQ_bqAL5I2XE9jL-r8pwQM_qYibtbVvIpwrBZqVS95teJ601RMbe2iChA3kUTBlo0wN5aglQLPbDBZMe_EYIV4Z-alVmzug-hab2u9vkTIdFTG_Ela9b3MCpoNKePPXdFjlf4pvUYdf5b1MvQ/w640-h478/zm%20spider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We kept going down, now a much milder slope with no more stairs. Most of the time we hiked under the tree shade, which was a good thing because the day was hot. We crossed a good number of creeks, only a some of them I photographed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jFwZUcSPnOliFFGyY495D4sbxVJ4s_06y22VynvCZ1OmaVdXcwk7jwczaChZRD8V__7tM-30_o9eDVgjhTWm3Mn-OH6USQ-S3EcjQE4viRvJ4-S1bKX2CDcf4dWYIMiaSYKp4u97nu5lVoIy6dY_8GU9cviOGdKaRehVvIzfanVCBA02axJA-ZUXm8g/s1856/zn%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jFwZUcSPnOliFFGyY495D4sbxVJ4s_06y22VynvCZ1OmaVdXcwk7jwczaChZRD8V__7tM-30_o9eDVgjhTWm3Mn-OH6USQ-S3EcjQE4viRvJ4-S1bKX2CDcf4dWYIMiaSYKp4u97nu5lVoIy6dY_8GU9cviOGdKaRehVvIzfanVCBA02axJA-ZUXm8g/w640-h426/zn%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were fewer wildflowers blooming along the lower part of the trail. The season was more advanced, but the shade was deeper too. Most of the wildflowers I saw there were the forest undergrowth type. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vHHgwBvy4-4Y-XittrssfD0vvEMo130_rGwb1EieDSF9fdJPDY0MK7No-RpuS4GGYhr7KSO0Zw18CbteSl6YRWgx9rQakQIUT2sFCF_h74E-ae6OeqVCJk9M3JzqwRG10DKaEbBZacheLex6nqcqj1Ynx8laRmoNkeyY97QoFVXzpXkexqiKQfuMy_I/s1856/zo%20saxifrage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vHHgwBvy4-4Y-XittrssfD0vvEMo130_rGwb1EieDSF9fdJPDY0MK7No-RpuS4GGYhr7KSO0Zw18CbteSl6YRWgx9rQakQIUT2sFCF_h74E-ae6OeqVCJk9M3JzqwRG10DKaEbBZacheLex6nqcqj1Ynx8laRmoNkeyY97QoFVXzpXkexqiKQfuMy_I/w640-h426/zo%20saxifrage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alum Root, Saxifraga sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were mushrooms blooming too, some of them grew to pretty impressive size. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyaKXA5hpAHiOXpFx2lO1UeGObcYe9thVQL_dtYqhyP8EcVHfmSEDgw40pKv7BGkLR1LqT1q7IIdbYCxIB_OY_Zlbnc9en4yTUSGalg7YFFlNeaagwTyKFnW6_XmUUUUnzpDaLr3SQOt1Zc1xX4oYizfNVYDQp9XbFiInEqMWPRXPhKYWj3TF2k5zd7I/s1856/zp%20fungus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyaKXA5hpAHiOXpFx2lO1UeGObcYe9thVQL_dtYqhyP8EcVHfmSEDgw40pKv7BGkLR1LqT1q7IIdbYCxIB_OY_Zlbnc9en4yTUSGalg7YFFlNeaagwTyKFnW6_XmUUUUnzpDaLr3SQOt1Zc1xX4oYizfNVYDQp9XbFiInEqMWPRXPhKYWj3TF2k5zd7I/w640-h426/zp%20fungus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We took another short break to snack and relax a bit. While we were sitting down by the side of the trail a small caravan of horse riders moved past us. We chatted with them a bit, and they told us that during summertime they take people up on horses on a regular basis. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSEV3S56IsyyRpWlrkk93iYVtfsjnUN6QuP1H-_iEZOFH46CLad-UmPVIk0IR8fasrJdTkdTQ06UV9wXBXnk96QS2gsi8LJwj72xtoHKGzfXGwHGt06MY4tkF6EqvVkqzTlsLDhxvOF8a7HufDrMnLLfVdWidco1E1fGaBHlZiCcfdc-8DVR2lCEIvOU/s1856/zq%20horsetail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSEV3S56IsyyRpWlrkk93iYVtfsjnUN6QuP1H-_iEZOFH46CLad-UmPVIk0IR8fasrJdTkdTQ06UV9wXBXnk96QS2gsi8LJwj72xtoHKGzfXGwHGt06MY4tkF6EqvVkqzTlsLDhxvOF8a7HufDrMnLLfVdWidco1E1fGaBHlZiCcfdc-8DVR2lCEIvOU/w640-h426/zq%20horsetail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Creek Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We crossed one more creek and I filled my bottle again in this one. It was nice not to have to carry a full load of water, knowing there are many flowing creeks on our way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvSavW2hJINU90zIIAAfNKWN6imsxitYxAqKcD2tW531bVYfSiHuHUQ-A0omgTf6_aKguKxlm3hklG_mJHh2j6eYwL7j-KvFjq1uYH7iJh34gUusd94GMoX60nA64AmwZThEIFh5TKv5mz_Jsrppa_oQXiOdd81ZEDvAkUI4B8FTwAGnu1jop5UrfUW0/s1856/zs%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvSavW2hJINU90zIIAAfNKWN6imsxitYxAqKcD2tW531bVYfSiHuHUQ-A0omgTf6_aKguKxlm3hklG_mJHh2j6eYwL7j-KvFjq1uYH7iJh34gUusd94GMoX60nA64AmwZThEIFh5TKv5mz_Jsrppa_oQXiOdd81ZEDvAkUI4B8FTwAGnu1jop5UrfUW0/w640-h426/zs%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't stop again. Feeling that the end is near, and thinking of the long drive home, we pushed forward at a brisk pace. We paused a little when we reached the trail junction where we had turned on our first day on Red Rock Valley Trail, had a sip of water, and continued on. We did pause briefly one more time at the sight of an interesting looking mushroom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GgZ87QR0EdwB5rLhX3CwXuLLYRux3fSMCDScaAtyAoj8c2D-3l_KDbyN543Hfu3VdsCJ08VOZ_b64c3aIm1f9NZCK7m775yxbseBCMgUCA5i7CwjdJo1ITwclGekc1AAFq2aQl4dJqYNzLRfAupYPb2EYdlqb8VvB4rBzsLnqKQR5e8NAafTt-PE_cA/s1482/zx%20mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1482" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GgZ87QR0EdwB5rLhX3CwXuLLYRux3fSMCDScaAtyAoj8c2D-3l_KDbyN543Hfu3VdsCJ08VOZ_b64c3aIm1f9NZCK7m775yxbseBCMgUCA5i7CwjdJo1ITwclGekc1AAFq2aQl4dJqYNzLRfAupYPb2EYdlqb8VvB4rBzsLnqKQR5e8NAafTt-PE_cA/w640-h420/zx%20mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of us were fascinated by the bright yellow mushroom, but it seemed that only me found the spiderwebs a lovely sight worth stopping for. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAt0OhyphenhyphenTDcH8KFnbRSzeup4_ISFuR4LqM-E1DUJ1phepb7rNnKa-OBnleSvMscG29cq8HfSxy5QAXdsHYPTMOw4RUMfA6tL7_hxSyTpAzS_eGFaKn4tHDdLn07tBrT3E8Db-2iqgzwxt4b1KGAk7Z-rf0ZJIYwW88twyzC5B1xES1L7giIHLaqiFTsGY/s1856/zy%20cobweb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAt0OhyphenhyphenTDcH8KFnbRSzeup4_ISFuR4LqM-E1DUJ1phepb7rNnKa-OBnleSvMscG29cq8HfSxy5QAXdsHYPTMOw4RUMfA6tL7_hxSyTpAzS_eGFaKn4tHDdLn07tBrT3E8Db-2iqgzwxt4b1KGAk7Z-rf0ZJIYwW88twyzC5B1xES1L7giIHLaqiFTsGY/w640-h426/zy%20cobweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider Web</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final stretch we walked on the hikers trail, and not on the stock trail like we did on our way up by mistake, so we didn't have to ford Canyon Creek again. Within sight of the parking lot we stopped by a picnic table that was there and cleaned ourselves up a bit. After some discussion we decided we could spend a bit more time together before going each her own way and decided to eat lunch together in Yreka. We then split into our separate cars and drove down the mountain to the town below. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_y5yBtM5SuCzGIVIs3rb1XCqKjrcDogJri0SMFKFdMFmFLP9hpKZqrg2WTRQG9iesnWPX3LWX259_c1WF4WTva1NH-GMfCi-h8vlVLhnWr9jbRt5JkP3Omq6l1lVVBnlhYCcxCXw3JD5nd0nPSx8CM4zzawyBKRUfNUZGg7sBD5pYGlJaYwLcpB_cF4/s1856/zz%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_y5yBtM5SuCzGIVIs3rb1XCqKjrcDogJri0SMFKFdMFmFLP9hpKZqrg2WTRQG9iesnWPX3LWX259_c1WF4WTva1NH-GMfCi-h8vlVLhnWr9jbRt5JkP3Omq6l1lVVBnlhYCcxCXw3JD5nd0nPSx8CM4zzawyBKRUfNUZGg7sBD5pYGlJaYwLcpB_cF4/w640-h426/zz%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Creek Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Marble Mountain Wilderness is indeed a very beautiful area. We sampled only a little of it, and there's much more to explore there. Although I do not share the guide book author's opinion that it is more striking than Yosemite, Marble Mountain Wilderness does have the whopping advantage of not needing any permits and of not being even one percent as crowded as Yosemite's wilderness. It is however, not as well maintained and preparation and ahead planning is important. I would love visiting there again and checking out other parts of this wilderness, hopefully within the near future. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-60220101485482721902023-12-20T18:47:00.000-08:002023-12-24T21:05:05.846-08:00Lost in Grand Splendor: Backpacking Marble Mountain Wilderness With Friends, Day 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjX3jhKAt-H38mKjQQ1nG5KHU7mBUWAghLmMnoanebDujKK2cBAoFrfdMNFNb5i4A3hqRRF25VF9rjTeHn_-CHxvIK4ChJ1g1tXEyneJPJjAclN-dLZC_Dqevck6LrzycJ7sUN-H6TSpx5XhYBKqUfIv8GD5viAD0kA1uMnRO2JvDwh-eERsNevbpVjk/s1856/ys%20view%20north%20from%20ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjX3jhKAt-H38mKjQQ1nG5KHU7mBUWAghLmMnoanebDujKK2cBAoFrfdMNFNb5i4A3hqRRF25VF9rjTeHn_-CHxvIK4ChJ1g1tXEyneJPJjAclN-dLZC_Dqevck6LrzycJ7sUN-H6TSpx5XhYBKqUfIv8GD5viAD0kA1uMnRO2JvDwh-eERsNevbpVjk/w640-h426/ys%20view%20north%20from%20ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Valley, Viewed from the Marble Rim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: August 5, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Marble Mountain Wilderness, Yreka, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 41.551258, -123.177149 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: estimated 10 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/11/sky-high-bound-backpacking-marble.html">Link to Day 2 Blogpost</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The morning of our third backpacking trip in the Marble Mountain Wilderness was quiet and beautiful. I woke up before sunrise and crept out of the tent, leaving my chika to sleep in a bit longer. The people we met at the trailhead two days ago had warned us that wildlife, deer specifically, roam through the campground and mess with people's gear, chewing on clothing and such, but I haven't heard anything throughout the night and no animal was in sight when I got out. I made my way quietly to the lake to wash. The sunlight had just touched the western ridge above the lake. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK2hk_ROr027vVomzmFO2ptpHrPtD9kt6mindsxY6Sli-cfjeVIHy4Z3IGPSeN-R4_ALlM5RcAOGzgBl6hW8jC7ukAgOHCoZ-QLigDmjkV8CxN3OQVLsmSTWp_lEc6PpMem0XNEF15Jj4SS_lQ2lxwkxxA1n499VgPkQSlKqvHjG4oOs7W5W3Wicqjv8/s1856/up%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK2hk_ROr027vVomzmFO2ptpHrPtD9kt6mindsxY6Sli-cfjeVIHy4Z3IGPSeN-R4_ALlM5RcAOGzgBl6hW8jC7ukAgOHCoZ-QLigDmjkV8CxN3OQVLsmSTWp_lEc6PpMem0XNEF15Jj4SS_lQ2lxwkxxA1n499VgPkQSlKqvHjG4oOs7W5W3Wicqjv8/w640-h426/up%20reflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I walked back to our campsite and stood for a while on the large sitting rock where we had our dinner last night. Everything was very still and no sound came out of either tent. In fact, no human sound came from anywhere in the Sky High Lakes area. I knew there were quite a few campers there that night, I guess they were all sleeping still. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOW-qG6hfGl_Nm57aqZJPvHc_yOklxi1kJePuvx1CSiemGAxBmc3_WT-h-CbmBp58p_eKUENVuBv3OOoGgmALYFVbRGxwdRfc5docnzlUVTZZnktJKzGGnfI-Yex1OfqHhAqJvE5ioAKgGNMXyiu6n9P886C7vK2OEDB8VGeXbaLO8cskU18tezsSr2k/s1856/ut%20campsite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOW-qG6hfGl_Nm57aqZJPvHc_yOklxi1kJePuvx1CSiemGAxBmc3_WT-h-CbmBp58p_eKUENVuBv3OOoGgmALYFVbRGxwdRfc5docnzlUVTZZnktJKzGGnfI-Yex1OfqHhAqJvE5ioAKgGNMXyiu6n9P886C7vK2OEDB8VGeXbaLO8cskU18tezsSr2k/w640-h426/ut%20campsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to walk around the area and explore a bit on my own. I went up higher above the lake and watched the line of sunlight slowly making its way down the slope. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMkctDfvv_HdI9EUzh0e6IvcnJgwsEbbGtP5U2mbGr12KvPRZf1N1KoflHH-0RnE6-QboJ2t-cAWzDuYTRZYKUdiXc2z6XbF4dT9ni7bR6SrweYgRxaloVGv4T5g1YtnobwA2MNyCJ8n-p_oFKlMAttqQa-4u7LsmLqusgKh8nFV5OX2fH8rM0UeJUk/s1856/uu%20sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMkctDfvv_HdI9EUzh0e6IvcnJgwsEbbGtP5U2mbGr12KvPRZf1N1KoflHH-0RnE6-QboJ2t-cAWzDuYTRZYKUdiXc2z6XbF4dT9ni7bR6SrweYgRxaloVGv4T5g1YtnobwA2MNyCJ8n-p_oFKlMAttqQa-4u7LsmLqusgKh8nFV5OX2fH8rM0UeJUk/w640-h426/uu%20sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The area where we camped was still deep in the morning shadow but the sun has already lit up Marble Mountain. It looked goprgeous and inviting. Today we would get very close to it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OBu_sYy0tEQrO_5CyzQhHGFvYg1k-F_8IpzogDjaDQUSZDtr-V7FR_C9OxAoxp0rS6iTjvy8mmyNicOC-NKCe6RPy-9f-xv2uZvkBdR7HoqurRGuI2fvfNCyUiIpP2CmHd7pKp8f44XJPjsgTnP3tK9Mbg8eqejq9fGyz0pbHedmG9ty_sBXnXt59IA/s1856/uv%20mountain%20sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OBu_sYy0tEQrO_5CyzQhHGFvYg1k-F_8IpzogDjaDQUSZDtr-V7FR_C9OxAoxp0rS6iTjvy8mmyNicOC-NKCe6RPy-9f-xv2uZvkBdR7HoqurRGuI2fvfNCyUiIpP2CmHd7pKp8f44XJPjsgTnP3tK9Mbg8eqejq9fGyz0pbHedmG9ty_sBXnXt59IA/w640-h426/uv%20mountain%20sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wandered around the Sky High Lakes area, looking primarily for wildlife, which I've been told were roaming the place in multitudes, but I didn't see any. The only animal larger than a crow that I've seen was a border collie which burst out of a nearby stand of trees and run towards me barking loudly. I retreated carefully and moved in a different direction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiV-PvkffRzeDOPpGiWZk6Lg1369fzQBcwMOBOh_PJrLyaYIiLeclyPKd1MvFLEh1eXn_R1waZaEER-n7qm8TeBjjZXpTPCn8RGcouD8eEOjclNFbCuJ-QyEkbZ0XlOVcPO3XeZW-ChxU1hF6WAkOwNqXxHKnbEvt3IwrL-r84uW3KyXd-6vExy6O-Tk/s1195/ux%20onions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1195" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiV-PvkffRzeDOPpGiWZk6Lg1369fzQBcwMOBOh_PJrLyaYIiLeclyPKd1MvFLEh1eXn_R1waZaEER-n7qm8TeBjjZXpTPCn8RGcouD8eEOjclNFbCuJ-QyEkbZ0XlOVcPO3XeZW-ChxU1hF6WAkOwNqXxHKnbEvt3IwrL-r84uW3KyXd-6vExy6O-Tk/w640-h450/ux%20onions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From further away I could appreciate the calm and shelter of the campsite we found. I loved the aspen stand juxtaposed wit the dark conifers and the mountain backdrop. when I approached our campsite I saw that my chika was already outside the tend. She scolded me for leaving without telling her where to. Our friends were still inside their tent but I heard them moving inside. A few minutes later, they too got out of their tent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA9SlH_os3eLe9y64HVwKywVGvgKcgBYH8ttTVg9I9NYnOioqR36PHLeSx9J7lbCyd02YFrTamg6uhCeBIoKemNAoDrn1xMd2T1WznfE0wwUZ6B13zdpZpzrebvWweYCLaHEfgyECiZ-x4OXDJfNqiyqynL4uWOH-iu-muTAZildXg_UJyXUiCW0mlRs/s1856/uy%20campsite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA9SlH_os3eLe9y64HVwKywVGvgKcgBYH8ttTVg9I9NYnOioqR36PHLeSx9J7lbCyd02YFrTamg6uhCeBIoKemNAoDrn1xMd2T1WznfE0wwUZ6B13zdpZpzrebvWweYCLaHEfgyECiZ-x4OXDJfNqiyqynL4uWOH-iu-muTAZildXg_UJyXUiCW0mlRs/w640-h426/uy%20campsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had our breakfast and I went again to the lake with my friend's daughter to refill the bottles and to take morning photos of the gorgeous reflection on the mirror like lake surface. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcr_U2cAbk-mDkqi09-bdGiR75AKJQ_DLsnriKRoPUrrlqmXq_fHCIH0CeJDgybls16cEShIN94MFefnueJwEStD177574jujVt02AS7ah7mifKgC0d2WYGChIsaLRQQQpnZXa7tTyhTEL1Gm3TZhPcozVkspjWVgbjDHYs_iC7rpE7Lu8LdMuBq7CgA/s1856/va%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcr_U2cAbk-mDkqi09-bdGiR75AKJQ_DLsnriKRoPUrrlqmXq_fHCIH0CeJDgybls16cEShIN94MFefnueJwEStD177574jujVt02AS7ah7mifKgC0d2WYGChIsaLRQQQpnZXa7tTyhTEL1Gm3TZhPcozVkspjWVgbjDHYs_iC7rpE7Lu8LdMuBq7CgA/w640-h426/va%20reflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was also light enough to take proper photos of the newts in the water. They are funny little creatures. i stood there for a long while, watching them swimming around. Occasionally one of them would rise up to the surface and take a gulp of air, showing off its orange belly. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiIVwuyKG1O4Knx8-gDohIMiv2SeS7ib_TrSD4xSjOfy-erPhJXvzmvtR3-bORQGzWkBL0-17yRrGsyNQi-KxAa7x6ljKZ73aWxdBubPEbmllnCdpcxfg8VZLJ7-Ws_gJBgc4G8K4lM0q4Fdm6HUhJw9gu8sB1aYCxG9cXCnEtHEyQR7gM38ipO6D7aU/s1506/vb%20newt1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1506" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiIVwuyKG1O4Knx8-gDohIMiv2SeS7ib_TrSD4xSjOfy-erPhJXvzmvtR3-bORQGzWkBL0-17yRrGsyNQi-KxAa7x6ljKZ73aWxdBubPEbmllnCdpcxfg8VZLJ7-Ws_gJBgc4G8K4lM0q4Fdm6HUhJw9gu8sB1aYCxG9cXCnEtHEyQR7gM38ipO6D7aU/w640-h450/vb%20newt1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough-skinned Newt</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had big plans for today. We wanted to explore Marble Valley and Little Marble Valley, and to a loop hike on the Marble Rim and back via Big Elk Lake . Because we were staying in the same place tonight too, we would go light, taking supplies only for the day's hike. My navigator was at half charge and I decided to turn it on for today's hike. The first recorded stretch is of our hike up to the PCT/Rim trail junction, about 4 miles long. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElKmee1nYnLYl0MUDnHNlMBJk_fUtwZE9bWY1hT1mTCH2RmApA-E-LzCWN-zatZsafufyz6Am7olQuOFG2aQU_cJry6goTcnbk3UZ1NI6RYwlfKBZoMQb9b9mf9hflA4_ChzxCcoPljiFOv85NLq_0QodX39X8_mkSdFvTIJSTa7rw_bg4KXHeDas0p4/s1539/4%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1539" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElKmee1nYnLYl0MUDnHNlMBJk_fUtwZE9bWY1hT1mTCH2RmApA-E-LzCWN-zatZsafufyz6Am7olQuOFG2aQU_cJry6goTcnbk3UZ1NI6RYwlfKBZoMQb9b9mf9hflA4_ChzxCcoPljiFOv85NLq_0QodX39X8_mkSdFvTIJSTa7rw_bg4KXHeDas0p4/w640-h564/4%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We started down the trail to Canyon Creek. This would be the exact same trail we'd take tomorrow to exit the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Today however, we would shift directions to go up Marble Valley. Ahead of us loomed Marble Mountain, now basking fully in sunlight. This was promising to be a wonderful day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-eK2y69dsQ2gjGI5U8Dp-fEfxTLTcNase6h242Om4SQm_L5Jy4nfTa724WM_drvrvJ9yX6pUd5xpCIFK-Gzxy-CQwWtIIuGcH62kqePTCoY7BxIzXtG0kqgzr5pYrZNOgApBFZiTSlLpkKP5OpyMX2G_mN9JgqR8YHWrXFfL3ETWnSj95p4v0Z2msSU/s1856/vc%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-eK2y69dsQ2gjGI5U8Dp-fEfxTLTcNase6h242Om4SQm_L5Jy4nfTa724WM_drvrvJ9yX6pUd5xpCIFK-Gzxy-CQwWtIIuGcH62kqePTCoY7BxIzXtG0kqgzr5pYrZNOgApBFZiTSlLpkKP5OpyMX2G_mN9JgqR8YHWrXFfL3ETWnSj95p4v0Z2msSU/w640-h426/vc%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The meadow we were walking through was alight with bloom. Many of the wildflowers there I was seeing for the first time on this trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo6uryXsvVZ_QlB_JqE9BQypsuVPDMrMtg4rBrH-foLft09fiiunoRszXulyEpW27toNsvR0I750EPEieU-fIR5tPNPK4X3b33ys9k2G9M3CkITCN5EmlN7KbEXFsECFULvNN6_u0pQe0u7Gv2h1JMks22MxJQNTJTEA8OIbUhLOyy8iWXSjKF_u3ftQ/s1351/vd%20tarweed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1351" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo6uryXsvVZ_QlB_JqE9BQypsuVPDMrMtg4rBrH-foLft09fiiunoRszXulyEpW27toNsvR0I750EPEieU-fIR5tPNPK4X3b33ys9k2G9M3CkITCN5EmlN7KbEXFsECFULvNN6_u0pQe0u7Gv2h1JMks22MxJQNTJTEA8OIbUhLOyy8iWXSjKF_u3ftQ/w640-h452/vd%20tarweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of these species surprisingly, was the fireweed, a very common occurrence on many of my hikes. I found it interesting to not have seen it on this trip until this morning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwmweDiA1ROgwqnby9Fb1MiRCDvdaD-A6waRrOFVXzFzVrJWc1KbmW4YQ0EullPEYAlNv3t9uVa2B5gTuykOZ2sKHq4UlJSCZQtyMgBBhAVBtERWLrE7drTufSL__6qfNNSAg8ZELL6pLH9MWSNykcxnTRnQYEEeYovhiE-ni5dkSd3yyIC_deMRrFFw/s1856/vi%20fireweed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwmweDiA1ROgwqnby9Fb1MiRCDvdaD-A6waRrOFVXzFzVrJWc1KbmW4YQ0EullPEYAlNv3t9uVa2B5gTuykOZ2sKHq4UlJSCZQtyMgBBhAVBtERWLrE7drTufSL__6qfNNSAg8ZELL6pLH9MWSNykcxnTRnQYEEeYovhiE-ni5dkSd3yyIC_deMRrFFw/w640-h426/vi%20fireweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lupines I have seen earlier, but in much fewer numbers than I anticipated. In similar areas in the Sierra Nevada range, lupines of numerous species dominate the understory vegetation. Even in the Sky High Lakes basin lupines were only few. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj647uEP58elFi6KWfx6GAjks8sZB3mchb70CpYAhJV9vQK1MRB_Op43Uw7FfCW0Mc0feBb1H10aHcYptSjKSscXysz5S8X14uGpfpojd6M5ZoTUElTnUUUdJsrysm2-F6qv2qViAH1ibX7CUnTlXScUlUkTRW82DpiqZi5sPJ27NCg2yEUz1znPy9vHU/s1414/vf%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1414" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj647uEP58elFi6KWfx6GAjks8sZB3mchb70CpYAhJV9vQK1MRB_Op43Uw7FfCW0Mc0feBb1H10aHcYptSjKSscXysz5S8X14uGpfpojd6M5ZoTUElTnUUUdJsrysm2-F6qv2qViAH1ibX7CUnTlXScUlUkTRW82DpiqZi5sPJ27NCg2yEUz1znPy9vHU/w640-h460/vf%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then there were plants I didn't recognize at all. This one in the photo below was only budding at the time, and I believe it belongs to the composite family. It was so beautiful in its budding stage that I stopped everyone's march to point it out to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f12WZSH56PGzF5qOiXJL3hT5pHbvlUVgc52gyabWizBjp_AJp0sFEhWnyHr-41YzHBmCRJIBnzWg6_qnK2tvV9jdfOjTEKE3CrAvKOvri9rXkFFL0tUWAPwxoCC543yG4htdlaiLJIZws4fayqHE-N1qtis0RBe7ocFc8POyGeW9zVYKKKmF5CMuFmQ/s1583/vh%20red%20dots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1583" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f12WZSH56PGzF5qOiXJL3hT5pHbvlUVgc52gyabWizBjp_AJp0sFEhWnyHr-41YzHBmCRJIBnzWg6_qnK2tvV9jdfOjTEKE3CrAvKOvri9rXkFFL0tUWAPwxoCC543yG4htdlaiLJIZws4fayqHE-N1qtis0RBe7ocFc8POyGeW9zVYKKKmF5CMuFmQ/w640-h440/vh%20red%20dots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started in the lead again this morning, and I was keeping good pace, but on one of the incidents in which I stopped to take some photos the rest of our party passed me and went ahead. They waited for me at the point where the trail was about to descend into a different basin and a smaller meadow, and pointed out the view for me to appreciate. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwtW2lKC2SvWnfJmXMHXNIPX7FtmqFQ2TogwWlc9HHlYURYjHrLscJXjTvZf7clq77lqP5cFhixjIZnLBGxEde6kVKpe62Ffh6GVGI-dzayRAaqdH-t9PPXqmjTfTK0uFI-gjzlDh8s7ujaPSFPtJE47oGmv_-Sm1AiOM2Wjw2ZCv6KDbZpq6CHE9sUQ/s1856/vj%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwtW2lKC2SvWnfJmXMHXNIPX7FtmqFQ2TogwWlc9HHlYURYjHrLscJXjTvZf7clq77lqP5cFhixjIZnLBGxEde6kVKpe62Ffh6GVGI-dzayRAaqdH-t9PPXqmjTfTK0uFI-gjzlDh8s7ujaPSFPtJE47oGmv_-Sm1AiOM2Wjw2ZCv6KDbZpq6CHE9sUQ/w640-h426/vj%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The view was indeed nice, although obstructed but a few inconsiderate trees. At least for now we were going downhill and I was able to set a nice, brisk pace. I knew this wouldn't last though, and I hoped that the good night's sleep meant that my leg pain would hold off for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRg1j4_PMuRgsSCYtVYvD5A3fs2AR16qlxplIDZGaW6bKEyQnXwQvHFImnUOXlGEqoCn9OckdQo3aLkuM5a2SCYjH4qESwMrS0svxS7Js5R1iz_B3lOV-Sr-sWitOV2HB5u2tmXBa-Kw8ceT3mF31KCDtGEyZy7m745qCZG3-_evB27Q2kyOoTPzGO0M/s1856/vk%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRg1j4_PMuRgsSCYtVYvD5A3fs2AR16qlxplIDZGaW6bKEyQnXwQvHFImnUOXlGEqoCn9OckdQo3aLkuM5a2SCYjH4qESwMrS0svxS7Js5R1iz_B3lOV-Sr-sWitOV2HB5u2tmXBa-Kw8ceT3mF31KCDtGEyZy7m745qCZG3-_evB27Q2kyOoTPzGO0M/w640-h426/vk%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were some interesting botanical sights along the way that were not flowers or flower-related. Strange looking leaf fringes caught my eye. Their color was intense pink and their texture velvety. I believe these were galls - a growth induced by insects. I don't know which insect thought. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05aoPWkiMFwiZSDicxQl8TkgtALksgBO1rkbDS-8ZKTa4WE58AuH1G5UUHcR2_q4VQmU5mV_o5VFDKp7ykvDb-gUHIQkXnslG_gueR6DhIIrPB8vnlyeGZpxVflyAKCFKnFThW42BWc7dSm1qkAAbA95TnR-NRzrU5BVdf7jJ8yq3y1wkh70Ssfd7n_o/s1457/vl%20galls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1457" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05aoPWkiMFwiZSDicxQl8TkgtALksgBO1rkbDS-8ZKTa4WE58AuH1G5UUHcR2_q4VQmU5mV_o5VFDKp7ykvDb-gUHIQkXnslG_gueR6DhIIrPB8vnlyeGZpxVflyAKCFKnFThW42BWc7dSm1qkAAbA95TnR-NRzrU5BVdf7jJ8yq3y1wkh70Ssfd7n_o/w640-h458/vl%20galls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the most part, our trail followed the line of the forest. At times, it dipped deeper into the meadow, cutting through waist-high vegetation. Thankfully, none of the plants were thorny, or otherwise irritating. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT5rjE_EnFj-xAZx_MktewLJ8PIV72NmLsUK7h0LDTWwCaSKH3HeshZFPQ0XzVoWUBJ8T861H8phwYr8qRYxMu8MoE99nds2Jq2ympQmLOZJfng2jFFwhRo148U7cTxct5cVYp212vtwLrGSupiOk3EojG6_IjCZGP_ppywCwcH93YIfL2w6dURkJQJY/s1856/vq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT5rjE_EnFj-xAZx_MktewLJ8PIV72NmLsUK7h0LDTWwCaSKH3HeshZFPQ0XzVoWUBJ8T861H8phwYr8qRYxMu8MoE99nds2Jq2ympQmLOZJfng2jFFwhRo148U7cTxct5cVYp212vtwLrGSupiOk3EojG6_IjCZGP_ppywCwcH93YIfL2w6dURkJQJY/w640-h426/vq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On these meadow trail stretches I had the opportunity to take some nice wildflower close-ups, even for very familiar and commonly seen plants. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW0GR8yO3s9ZQ8BYWhTcA5z2XgnZRWLF3Y6crUr0TK20ITbEqA98KGcMYGy5gxXM1_DzqFTnGelwLNp3m8wXmF0fU-Cj2NpIXCUFDW7kEedXpF-2VpLpEZr0sFDEgUAcmBnW_iFfZUliHvYMkUYxVzwT3D76enYIqGs7fZwAydtxk1FE6O2IzHsKCmSA/s1856/vp%20angelica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW0GR8yO3s9ZQ8BYWhTcA5z2XgnZRWLF3Y6crUr0TK20ITbEqA98KGcMYGy5gxXM1_DzqFTnGelwLNp3m8wXmF0fU-Cj2NpIXCUFDW7kEedXpF-2VpLpEZr0sFDEgUAcmBnW_iFfZUliHvYMkUYxVzwT3D76enYIqGs7fZwAydtxk1FE6O2IzHsKCmSA/w640-h426/vp%20angelica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelica</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We came upon a small creek on the way. Not needing to fill our bottles yet, we crossed it without stopping. Without stopping to fill up water that is, because I did stop for the bog orchids that bloomed in the mud by the creek. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBYsEPHMQ6zAFoaCR50evluKSaPiOAa5pu461cqoAyhcTYCOGU83ZgiXVxDuMmTbxmsdKy8F8_WJcGU1IDY7ARg7Yd2JNbEoO3SmRxD0CCXlAQDJENqAW7lBLxM0iRl85h-O70S-zw3r5rW-9fnuboYW_HQkmeQQxfXrkRNYF0cSKrXgEhHJ-vsJr72o/s1237/vr%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBYsEPHMQ6zAFoaCR50evluKSaPiOAa5pu461cqoAyhcTYCOGU83ZgiXVxDuMmTbxmsdKy8F8_WJcGU1IDY7ARg7Yd2JNbEoO3SmRxD0CCXlAQDJENqAW7lBLxM0iRl85h-O70S-zw3r5rW-9fnuboYW_HQkmeQQxfXrkRNYF0cSKrXgEhHJ-vsJr72o/w518-h640/vr%20orchid.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pst the creek we started going uphill. It wasn't very steep though, and my leg was behaving itself, so we kept a nice pace even on the way up. At some point we paused and looked at a pond scum -covered little pond below us. I was glad we weren't in any need of water then. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-WPAnDOOFjKVjGqp21hJz7hkU_ldbcPmC6hvCMrhOAWkW5K-UNkC4v0T0GjxoQ94EzRiuMzv6vadxWl1HcOejcQX7gc_F-Iokk4i1v0g68TJMQny1ryRA1Z8NgqI2yAUU8wIjulzhmfnJCqkUSd_vJJaaRKhaOvNBw7cZC1uic4b2frOjgCFJvYHyPQ/s1856/vv%20mucky%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-WPAnDOOFjKVjGqp21hJz7hkU_ldbcPmC6hvCMrhOAWkW5K-UNkC4v0T0GjxoQ94EzRiuMzv6vadxWl1HcOejcQX7gc_F-Iokk4i1v0g68TJMQny1ryRA1Z8NgqI2yAUU8wIjulzhmfnJCqkUSd_vJJaaRKhaOvNBw7cZC1uic4b2frOjgCFJvYHyPQ/w640-h426/vv%20mucky%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muck Pond</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We kept going uphill until we reached the top of the ridge that separated the lakes basin with Marble Valley. From the top of that ridge Marble Mountain looked closer and much bigger. We also had a great view of that huge marble layer that extended below the peak, the layer that gave the mountain its name and its splendor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1lRKHoG4-PTmenSjC4UC2061s5cc2lgFFO30PibXR2vRHxnLkvovx04wPu91KOuR17FLcKb3cg4fbItZek_yznivhlaBlDRnq-sy4gXYShJV_I59XUBQ7AcPTY_QxCeOB0HalPH6MeLWKwY-0BwXpfHmyZ1SSTV-W-MpmF1erEcuJaqjS-YkzMNbnC0/s1856/vy%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1lRKHoG4-PTmenSjC4UC2061s5cc2lgFFO30PibXR2vRHxnLkvovx04wPu91KOuR17FLcKb3cg4fbItZek_yznivhlaBlDRnq-sy4gXYShJV_I59XUBQ7AcPTY_QxCeOB0HalPH6MeLWKwY-0BwXpfHmyZ1SSTV-W-MpmF1erEcuJaqjS-YkzMNbnC0/w640-h426/vy%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We dropped into the valley and started looking for the Little Marble Valley trail junction. The junction wasn't labeled though, and we passed it and reached the junction with the Canyon Trail where we had to stop and figure out where we were and how come we missed the trail junction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46OxQKeR1gJ3nIbW0cg5SbJqa2H3ddULL63hDeGGHedzrHn43KyE-ZPVv77m7MLSyH_OiUt1aI_bSuAjrWBwB2ycmqPopxQ8HrbL_SNqSUIF3bal6CgiXUDvnDkYhfFVc6fgada0gM2w9oWurqxoM61Bid6KJhDXYbqUnfs2OpPrRrKsj3DKf0JaUheY/s1856/vz%20PCT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46OxQKeR1gJ3nIbW0cg5SbJqa2H3ddULL63hDeGGHedzrHn43KyE-ZPVv77m7MLSyH_OiUt1aI_bSuAjrWBwB2ycmqPopxQ8HrbL_SNqSUIF3bal6CgiXUDvnDkYhfFVc6fgada0gM2w9oWurqxoM61Bid6KJhDXYbqUnfs2OpPrRrKsj3DKf0JaUheY/w640-h426/vz%20PCT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend went ahead a bit to scout, and I wend back t where the junction was supposed to be according to our map and my navigator. The girls remained at the Canyon Trail junction and snacked. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFkMm4PDtW2HSwX_3KQ3LZplEXaEoBMdSt9Yq0rvcnlpw8Kb348A_o9h0VFyvQXE4jTYyI9kqWR6F0hVxE5-6LCKNTDnT8SEwvKKQNUbpkA1hKb9ZQTxbR8Rihai5cX8CEXf8gQlaLDhmgIv5YRqB9B8AvIElhsYPwWU4GNcuBKmdZnkYf6meH6YtbxU/s1460/wa%20monardella.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1460" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFkMm4PDtW2HSwX_3KQ3LZplEXaEoBMdSt9Yq0rvcnlpw8Kb348A_o9h0VFyvQXE4jTYyI9kqWR6F0hVxE5-6LCKNTDnT8SEwvKKQNUbpkA1hKb9ZQTxbR8Rihai5cX8CEXf8gQlaLDhmgIv5YRqB9B8AvIElhsYPwWU4GNcuBKmdZnkYf6meH6YtbxU/w640-h442/wa%20monardella.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually we figured out that the trail to Little Marble Valley was right where it was supposed to be, but the powers at be decided to axe this trail. The sign was removed and the trail was allowed to get overgrown. A faint foot path was barely recognizable there, and we decided to not follow it but to go directly to Marble Valley itself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCboK-jpjSdLcpUE8C_j0H8uT7tUfh5AO4Dd-CDcJh5SqtXlIDA6MkiD3PlTt1YSMFx5LjLVfa7IwZEeE8htcjUoBmCGFWlFskQU3M5riketH0vhGcS9Tejbv4oV6uV1RqqfOa3Bx4PT3c8dl5GhY53CeLF753fCBHbxazVrHExrCKy3KGRaakv0PInDE/s1238/wb%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1238" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCboK-jpjSdLcpUE8C_j0H8uT7tUfh5AO4Dd-CDcJh5SqtXlIDA6MkiD3PlTt1YSMFx5LjLVfa7IwZEeE8htcjUoBmCGFWlFskQU3M5riketH0vhGcS9Tejbv4oV6uV1RqqfOa3Bx4PT3c8dl5GhY53CeLF753fCBHbxazVrHExrCKy3KGRaakv0PInDE/w640-h442/wb%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The way to Marble Valley was on a mildly ascending trail, through a forest that thinned away the higher we got. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mRutqMn6Ri4OblYsJAMDNlpgj5ODxgxL6Yp9ttmmlM9VUAeWN2_NFrtcxV8qsWiZ7UsCHkNBZk-W11dinjF64doWrNta32pQ6ffOaoTePh18kYGcIxSH3edaOcdTKid-eneMEZxku1UjPAG8EkyYJyK96VD4gTRi4Hp7LAdezTDhGlr5Sag0Jwwsiz4/s1856/wc%20PCT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mRutqMn6Ri4OblYsJAMDNlpgj5ODxgxL6Yp9ttmmlM9VUAeWN2_NFrtcxV8qsWiZ7UsCHkNBZk-W11dinjF64doWrNta32pQ6ffOaoTePh18kYGcIxSH3edaOcdTKid-eneMEZxku1UjPAG8EkyYJyK96VD4gTRi4Hp7LAdezTDhGlr5Sag0Jwwsiz4/w640-h426/wc%20PCT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The constant chatting in our group subsided. We were walking briskly, anticipating that any moment the trees would part to reveal the most beautiful mountain valley in the world, or at least in California. The author of the book that I had about the Marble Mountain Wilderness was a Yreka resident of some years now, and a ranger of the Klamath National Forest. In his book he described Marble Valley as the most beautiful place he and his wife had ever seen, claiming it was more awe striking than Yosemite Valley. With these superlatives I couldn't think of missing seeing it, and together with my friend we planned our trip to include going through Marble Valley. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL13X6fyv0SlCnfIS0rOAsdQ5CZdZKVGsuiVkISAMXqAhmOy45W8DeDZ21qS4Mk_-jA3fgh2E7w0IoLozrbeVAgTqx5JBdKU9hjajaZ_uTVdhOitNhb4brWZZeOI8p7UfWDR7hUGYcRwRDtG9QrG5Bg5cNralWZXYTggMujExTioHdaoilAs8hR4PbdO4/s1514/wd%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1514" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL13X6fyv0SlCnfIS0rOAsdQ5CZdZKVGsuiVkISAMXqAhmOy45W8DeDZ21qS4Mk_-jA3fgh2E7w0IoLozrbeVAgTqx5JBdKU9hjajaZ_uTVdhOitNhb4brWZZeOI8p7UfWDR7hUGYcRwRDtG9QrG5Bg5cNralWZXYTggMujExTioHdaoilAs8hR4PbdO4/w640-h446/wd%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleabane, Erigeron sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, Marble Valley is indeed very beautiful, and I was duly impressed. But in comparison to Yosemite, well, I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion on landscape beauty, even when taking into account how overrun with tourist is Yosemite. And after going on a number of High Sierra backpacking trips, I'd say that although Marble Valley is very beautiful, it is not really in the same league with some of those alpine valleys. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5mgEs3wonZdZyQVSDnYXPs-qvA25LHnsgDb_tlmFVE1HHewGPaYSKDRDRDC4HPA-3ByZVPYa_xdeQt0rMUS63iJNji3oceRGdFPOfQEo0zOGVzRKJu1Sldd1QEN9i60AZdz9DQpB35MGWprC9iQAX_wWwWrRQYhBhPmh_4qQOikYpDDSyZFKSmFQL7A/s1856/wf%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5mgEs3wonZdZyQVSDnYXPs-qvA25LHnsgDb_tlmFVE1HHewGPaYSKDRDRDC4HPA-3ByZVPYa_xdeQt0rMUS63iJNji3oceRGdFPOfQEo0zOGVzRKJu1Sldd1QEN9i60AZdz9DQpB35MGWprC9iQAX_wWwWrRQYhBhPmh_4qQOikYpDDSyZFKSmFQL7A/w640-h426/wf%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cabin in Marble Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Marble Valley had its allure to visitors a long while now. Old cabins used t service the old time visitors. The easy way up from the trailhead is on a horseback. Horses and mules still go regularly up and down Canyon Trail during summer. We didn't see any equine visitors while when we were there but we did see a buck roaming the area not too far from the old cabin. We watched the buck for a few minutes until he moved out of our sight, walking slowly south. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsX2SUA_RB0VXWpxGjCPlSH9_SwQv5RzOxP6YHXIyaYqW0iY3S_3inq_7vWXixXFiRNijclC7o9oqLzViw-pol77srxN0xs3jCWzB-4usay28bqXJSHZ0CpVCL59h-9wmkNUuYkObQqSGkgyRZ6ErTl9pWJQZG__2zAjSYgoZOHhAQDilitdDWJ5_wms/s1856/wg%20buck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsX2SUA_RB0VXWpxGjCPlSH9_SwQv5RzOxP6YHXIyaYqW0iY3S_3inq_7vWXixXFiRNijclC7o9oqLzViw-pol77srxN0xs3jCWzB-4usay28bqXJSHZ0CpVCL59h-9wmkNUuYkObQqSGkgyRZ6ErTl9pWJQZG__2zAjSYgoZOHhAQDilitdDWJ5_wms/w640-h426/wg%20buck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mountain ridge doesn't loom very high over the valley floor so the area didn't have much of a 'valley' feel to it. We reached the PCT and decided to go north on it for a little bit, do see if we can get a different, perhaps a more revealing point of view on Marble Valley. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNUPSUspC3rG1LU3N0sAefy2Qi_hwnUdSxBQ6ZHrpeUtXGf1tyFzqCcpDT2pgUqPopEq5V72VyWuv2Z0NVTIKRkhn62e5sG5JKEg-xBg8zjw1hNPH7iUrYZn2dxXqzWfg3fj_YJqAJ7ZNm0PNfp5GUxjZOJFhPZmKaGf4qlhphsVSzQhDQlHWGEF4mM0/s1856/wh%20Marble%20Valley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNUPSUspC3rG1LU3N0sAefy2Qi_hwnUdSxBQ6ZHrpeUtXGf1tyFzqCcpDT2pgUqPopEq5V72VyWuv2Z0NVTIKRkhn62e5sG5JKEg-xBg8zjw1hNPH7iUrYZn2dxXqzWfg3fj_YJqAJ7ZNm0PNfp5GUxjZOJFhPZmKaGf4qlhphsVSzQhDQlHWGEF4mM0/w640-h426/wh%20Marble%20Valley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't see much that was different though, only more wildflowers, which I was glad to see. We did run into more PCT backpackers and occasionally got into small chats with them. Many of them were through hikers, but some where there only for short trips like us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNToonwv0z9Buvk5jSv26UP3ZyhRNmqkMHaauDWs5QsRfUftL2oXGgOacAA9TTD2miFyU7ufbVrHl8OgKcKKMd7k_ey6wzbvigykOQZvBJorqiWpxVrVkHFqhwp2MJRh18PUAHNQyMOMv7b23zAaaTaMaL9uY-TYR_AHfZ34-4qJVn86GMJrPbyR2FAPQ/s1910/wi%20ground%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1910" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNToonwv0z9Buvk5jSv26UP3ZyhRNmqkMHaauDWs5QsRfUftL2oXGgOacAA9TTD2miFyU7ufbVrHl8OgKcKKMd7k_ey6wzbvigykOQZvBJorqiWpxVrVkHFqhwp2MJRh18PUAHNQyMOMv7b23zAaaTaMaL9uY-TYR_AHfZ34-4qJVn86GMJrPbyR2FAPQ/w640-h460/wi%20ground%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail started rising toward Marble Mountain, and all the time deep in the forest. On another hike we might have continued to summit the mountain, but that wasn't our plan for today. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3CWWMkp3StNMn4xJAMkjWxkR6EywyOL6sxDLiCdicrVL8QEqnONivvw1zfPC91kql2SsP-m0vzpWo8QIUe-3Gx7TIzjSLFdn9cCTZK0aZXHR8B2ZwDlp9RvDok8x5SjL254_k3oxI2RkT0E_ATZ49wusPwKjofy9putbOFE618ezMUOwWhmirUPMFOs/s1506/wj%20cornlily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1506" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3CWWMkp3StNMn4xJAMkjWxkR6EywyOL6sxDLiCdicrVL8QEqnONivvw1zfPC91kql2SsP-m0vzpWo8QIUe-3Gx7TIzjSLFdn9cCTZK0aZXHR8B2ZwDlp9RvDok8x5SjL254_k3oxI2RkT0E_ATZ49wusPwKjofy9putbOFE618ezMUOwWhmirUPMFOs/w640-h440/wj%20cornlily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caliufornia Cornlily, Veratrum californica</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked up a bit longer and the forest thickened more. Looking ahead we didn't see where the view int the valley would open up. We decided to turn around and return to ur original plan - to go to the Marble Rim. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-4iwZIx-nECtsiR6VG6RCGqHuS5lKN6yqxQVr5OXxFxiIiLA_0rPh1WsESe3RepL4ZxMQW4qs0Nhj9Q_3Kg4MeH2DPFWYBJf6U_zc5a9yXuwdjp0m4OaAoMoPr6SOqaDb1ewXuUdt-0bHH7R6Ui9Qm-ZNhhXq7KOov-utTfzPM34_NzpGAiMcEXfeok/s1856/wk%20PCT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-4iwZIx-nECtsiR6VG6RCGqHuS5lKN6yqxQVr5OXxFxiIiLA_0rPh1WsESe3RepL4ZxMQW4qs0Nhj9Q_3Kg4MeH2DPFWYBJf6U_zc5a9yXuwdjp0m4OaAoMoPr6SOqaDb1ewXuUdt-0bHH7R6Ui9Qm-ZNhhXq7KOov-utTfzPM34_NzpGAiMcEXfeok/w640-h426/wk%20PCT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A narrow creek crossed the PCT on the south side of Marble Valley. It was time for us to fill our water bottles, a process which took time time. I took that time between filtering to check out the nearby flora. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6r7HRVqlV3W5iaHndO7sa_3nYxjsosFFKWyQ0KnZG6Oc_WaId1MxakRAka46bZXpMkhSKo9FkfHPnCClRON5yfpwFfFx7Q0uKmoMNLbWGox1NxCqNELHbkzWzyZlWDU4cUtELPP-nRt77p_p2r9WkWsh0J1XGrwR6EFBfKiGVfRJQ2Hu0_wyu-DlDJQ/s1856/wl%20tiger%20lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6r7HRVqlV3W5iaHndO7sa_3nYxjsosFFKWyQ0KnZG6Oc_WaId1MxakRAka46bZXpMkhSKo9FkfHPnCClRON5yfpwFfFx7Q0uKmoMNLbWGox1NxCqNELHbkzWzyZlWDU4cUtELPP-nRt77p_p2r9WkWsh0J1XGrwR6EFBfKiGVfRJQ2Hu0_wyu-DlDJQ/w640-h426/wl%20tiger%20lily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiggins' Lily, Lilium Pardalinum ssp. wigginsii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My chika found a patch of white lilies and turned my attention to them. They looked like little stars on the ground, certainly fitting their name - bride's bonnet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6EOpZfBkYx8Fv6oTYv5ug3kc86nXeUJEL8C-wpEXdp8hlWShJeT0hdXjONva-Qh7Wiqtk79tlUGwS4GJY-zUQOw9VQErrrlLSk3M78oe31IBifGqkByMm2s133bDkHXd-mc8pjeEFEj9q28fxhEv6MwOsyYRRVdRAcVkhQQJFyDNkm1VkZDbCtfTepw/s1542/wm%20Bead%20Lily%20Clintonia%20uniflora.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1542" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6EOpZfBkYx8Fv6oTYv5ug3kc86nXeUJEL8C-wpEXdp8hlWShJeT0hdXjONva-Qh7Wiqtk79tlUGwS4GJY-zUQOw9VQErrrlLSk3M78oe31IBifGqkByMm2s133bDkHXd-mc8pjeEFEj9q28fxhEv6MwOsyYRRVdRAcVkhQQJFyDNkm1VkZDbCtfTepw/w640-h426/wm%20Bead%20Lily%20Clintonia%20uniflora.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bride's Bonnet, Clintonia uniflora</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just as we got moving again we saw a buck looking at us. I think this was the same buck that we've seen earlier in Marble Valley. We stared each other down for a bit, then we moved on south on the PCT, leaving the buck behind. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEPXwysrEy98BBxpor9hnkvKMYmBmOUedXg5cPHzr1aCTA0GBJ0FoND5Tl4MvtBsXSoHNKUQyyATKEi6q1ZE0qyNZcKnImd6mCLKiieQCR0Kt4krFHcKdvpphC2s__PMXXYkpIz2mVV8o1nKXgI1M0D7w8spHO3mf2vILrZp4K-o7v5cX3oCFUrewKiU/s1199/wn%20buck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1199" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEPXwysrEy98BBxpor9hnkvKMYmBmOUedXg5cPHzr1aCTA0GBJ0FoND5Tl4MvtBsXSoHNKUQyyATKEi6q1ZE0qyNZcKnImd6mCLKiieQCR0Kt4krFHcKdvpphC2s__PMXXYkpIz2mVV8o1nKXgI1M0D7w8spHO3mf2vILrZp4K-o7v5cX3oCFUrewKiU/w640-h468/wn%20buck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buck</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail sloped uphill now, leading us out of Marble Valley. Shortly into the ascent we found ourselves walking along a wall of marble - the very marble that the mountain and the wilderness were named after. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyO9PC26hyQjDwjm2x91qUS6zv5acS5f4tKItEU0SM0rrUXWF2PgCYk4jeyR4WGhma0L4xcCLmvzJFxk6KU3XoSq0xSF7YjntM1jGx8Y0J0l94ZnQKIsifn8BrPwMcuEQl9SzTNZ0oY5LkE1CeQ8ZGcUNBFJtI0E_bR9vXhh7WIN4FA426Kn0J2OmUVo/s1856/wo%20Marble%20wall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyO9PC26hyQjDwjm2x91qUS6zv5acS5f4tKItEU0SM0rrUXWF2PgCYk4jeyR4WGhma0L4xcCLmvzJFxk6KU3XoSq0xSF7YjntM1jGx8Y0J0l94ZnQKIsifn8BrPwMcuEQl9SzTNZ0oY5LkE1CeQ8ZGcUNBFJtI0E_bR9vXhh7WIN4FA426Kn0J2OmUVo/w640-h426/wo%20Marble%20wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Wall along the PCT</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Marble is a hard metamorphic rock, used by humans since ancient times for sculpting. I couldn't help myself and touched the rocks and my trip mates followed suit. The marble was cool to touch and its texture was grainy, nothing like the smoothness of the polished sculptures. It was gorgeous to look at and I could clearly see why would an artist choose this rock to create three dimensional images. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8N0HX0LDXsx_ldEH6llOp556MUAmx6b7x2lvhI9GsNpsSwWLez4mgQKaplLhqQdM1TiXMTa0jxnXvNis6m8G7pd2KI-ymW0e3p5qkkp9XmkJDZIkaYfNOCBHTlKA5-9lKS03jlCsyX3K9h8wwKjJjljdU5wu_M9OFltZbJCH1prVaUSkekInYZTLSx4/s1856/wp%20Marble.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8N0HX0LDXsx_ldEH6llOp556MUAmx6b7x2lvhI9GsNpsSwWLez4mgQKaplLhqQdM1TiXMTa0jxnXvNis6m8G7pd2KI-ymW0e3p5qkkp9XmkJDZIkaYfNOCBHTlKA5-9lKS03jlCsyX3K9h8wwKjJjljdU5wu_M9OFltZbJCH1prVaUSkekInYZTLSx4/w640-h426/wp%20Marble.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many plants grew in the cracks of the marble layer, even in the small ones. We were there at the right time to see them all at peak bloom, and it was magnificent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7EyE04EKayrtRJNwyvKYITvMcYGx1O8kRHa-FAN0-23B5buhVumS96ly2vAzHDibXh3xDib9sDFkqol83PCLeDQxRVzChc0iJ4u_1aDjebaZODnzTOxQEhr75-LMqghm9cCCU6lnTNhPsV8D2SKXS_Qh9PmZ0j-Ibi2cZ92W4J712WlNl5sOlgxFZc/s1856/wr%20oceanspray.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7EyE04EKayrtRJNwyvKYITvMcYGx1O8kRHa-FAN0-23B5buhVumS96ly2vAzHDibXh3xDib9sDFkqol83PCLeDQxRVzChc0iJ4u_1aDjebaZODnzTOxQEhr75-LMqghm9cCCU6lnTNhPsV8D2SKXS_Qh9PmZ0j-Ibi2cZ92W4J712WlNl5sOlgxFZc/w640-h426/wr%20oceanspray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw another patch of ground level white flowers. Some were the bride's bonnet lilies but many of them were anemones. This particular wildflower was a lifer for me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVqxBKfSl1eyyf5Dv6qBdFsKrdSVsIG_BDNg9DFxTLzWhT-uV6ha3B3ZJdxTOdct6-HUyMv_2nGZlgCKaiwV8ULu5TqdHKz0gW-BqN0mqzZ4ob6nD_QAAXIDVPdhaRHUQ-z9kfkgXKmVP-qhNFqImWwE9M2Viv9LrlT_OHxL0qYlwGEbTglFxSzUT-6g/s1504/wu%20Anemone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1504" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVqxBKfSl1eyyf5Dv6qBdFsKrdSVsIG_BDNg9DFxTLzWhT-uV6ha3B3ZJdxTOdct6-HUyMv_2nGZlgCKaiwV8ULu5TqdHKz0gW-BqN0mqzZ4ob6nD_QAAXIDVPdhaRHUQ-z9kfkgXKmVP-qhNFqImWwE9M2Viv9LrlT_OHxL0qYlwGEbTglFxSzUT-6g/w640-h448/wu%20Anemone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windflower, Anemone deltoidea </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail continued steadily uphill. I was glad to see all f the wildflowers around not only because they were so gorgeous but also because they gave me the perfect excuse to slow down my pace. My left hip was already giving me trouble. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QBkRiaYclhxYtNmFgRmjpZUvzz7TO-XnLWkvVesbzklQf1YUgTYiKzlAqq5Xw-o8VhredSVpF-D-KPYA9lgCnEAUsKzQuYqPFTmCHM1qn1MOVyiJWDqsbJuZWqHtRkBe5TMmaej9CnpENEFS3VNSmbo-AamkdAMfgkz6uDCI-UEHkABFXtgkV08hxes/s1856/ww%20Scarlet%20Gilia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QBkRiaYclhxYtNmFgRmjpZUvzz7TO-XnLWkvVesbzklQf1YUgTYiKzlAqq5Xw-o8VhredSVpF-D-KPYA9lgCnEAUsKzQuYqPFTmCHM1qn1MOVyiJWDqsbJuZWqHtRkBe5TMmaej9CnpENEFS3VNSmbo-AamkdAMfgkz6uDCI-UEHkABFXtgkV08hxes/w640-h426/ww%20Scarlet%20Gilia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The junction with the Marble Rim trail wasn't too far now, and the slope became milder. The day was getting warmer, but not too hot yet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Mnk8J5DWm5F74t0fhpMdquceR3xOsuGQ4iqFmUj65E1xpnGx3WR4VrweqzEgRaalJKA99EhiR6O42l14qltuor7lix3lgyNLKAW_Gbh6YAUHyzwRnERItokGqb3cJykpn6_Qh19EzMa2Ry3gwWTbeVXoP78R9mBjogIdVapfWEm4TEbX0wBBXgLDKQ/s1856/xd%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Mnk8J5DWm5F74t0fhpMdquceR3xOsuGQ4iqFmUj65E1xpnGx3WR4VrweqzEgRaalJKA99EhiR6O42l14qltuor7lix3lgyNLKAW_Gbh6YAUHyzwRnERItokGqb3cJykpn6_Qh19EzMa2Ry3gwWTbeVXoP78R9mBjogIdVapfWEm4TEbX0wBBXgLDKQ/w640-h426/xd%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCT</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ascended above the marble layer and the earth changed from rocks to soil. The vegetation became much thicker and for a short stretch we had to push our way through a thigh-high thicket. Despite the PCT being kind of a hikers freeway, the at part of the trail was sometimes hard to see for all of the vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwf_slZp7Xr8GlQ69Ov_YVPhToaZ2CUXa9uwUtBeHqofqNPkH3SGjqCoRlDoIrnZlXhyJQI2JgIQTfPya7OnDn2n-W1kru59FfZTcDhjEHy-hL272AxoeG4KpuzWUPVXlC5CJz4gfjjXOoxHytUW6GTcrKjis3fwX1nRvCRDQ7GtNZp8tYHz-J_d7fqk/s1856/xb%20Trail%20decoration.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwf_slZp7Xr8GlQ69Ov_YVPhToaZ2CUXa9uwUtBeHqofqNPkH3SGjqCoRlDoIrnZlXhyJQI2JgIQTfPya7OnDn2n-W1kru59FfZTcDhjEHy-hL272AxoeG4KpuzWUPVXlC5CJz4gfjjXOoxHytUW6GTcrKjis3fwX1nRvCRDQ7GtNZp8tYHz-J_d7fqk/w640-h426/xb%20Trail%20decoration.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Red Paintbrush, Castilleja miniata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was in that trail segment that I saw the tall, blue candles of larkspur blossom. It also the only place where I've seen them on this trip. Despite wanting to push on, I had to stop and snap some photos of these lovely flowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rmceeAGleYoTbLvJDk1au2CRAky814SkgBNXlJGxDwCm3fI8a9hrPP06LZQrR-484N7AMPbi_FXxFWFnZt9_c7zNrzORCX_dXYAl-dMTXWAz3MhTNd4xWkrFrWk44F5KJPHLTzZ0_Tu4bEzlPYJbIxX803P205e35C74nY0SwlxVT1GrViNKngsd4L0/s1856/wz%20Larkspur2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rmceeAGleYoTbLvJDk1au2CRAky814SkgBNXlJGxDwCm3fI8a9hrPP06LZQrR-484N7AMPbi_FXxFWFnZt9_c7zNrzORCX_dXYAl-dMTXWAz3MhTNd4xWkrFrWk44F5KJPHLTzZ0_Tu4bEzlPYJbIxX803P205e35C74nY0SwlxVT1GrViNKngsd4L0/w640-h426/wz%20Larkspur2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glaucus Larkspur, Delphinium glaucum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From a higher point on the trail we had a nice view point on Little Marble Valley - the valley we didn't go into from below because the trail was cancelled. Like the big Marble Valley, Little Marble Valley looked beautiful, but it didn't entice us to leave the PCT to go down and explore it more on this trip. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEl7oC4qObM14J5hK-a_C65tqxKjUSLbtociGxtytejSSJfWW642Sy25FCmqbGw2D_jhqJiUHQChzxq5W4i4hhv3JYsWauVod27A07dgnhfpYmH_43_5YX7zz-geZQBi7pu7oenmT5M1FR9v3lBf7NaogkqbNqVgm1F0Ge1goG0Sy-xaWwZ2_XTIosJs/s1856/xc%20Little%20Marble%20Valley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEl7oC4qObM14J5hK-a_C65tqxKjUSLbtociGxtytejSSJfWW642Sy25FCmqbGw2D_jhqJiUHQChzxq5W4i4hhv3JYsWauVod27A07dgnhfpYmH_43_5YX7zz-geZQBi7pu7oenmT5M1FR9v3lBf7NaogkqbNqVgm1F0Ge1goG0Sy-xaWwZ2_XTIosJs/w640-h426/xc%20Little%20Marble%20Valley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Marble Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We left Little Marble Valley behind us and continued ascending. The thicket subsided, revealing the dry trail below our feet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMu1Q4v01zxPpVABq7t6x5DbgqVzXncrDTuxPiIQMz1FMZPvDKa9w5FspYJzSNQuE3gLcpXV_a_nuaQz3emd7PuAGgd4zf5GxrFF68IWcw4Q6XeeY-2cDbAAGCpHV7VQvdwkpdNIuaj70rpq95G4jVUQA7sIeyYTJ3KEKVu3QDIxwNKaYEf-ChphUqng/s1512/xi%20Horsemint.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1512" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMu1Q4v01zxPpVABq7t6x5DbgqVzXncrDTuxPiIQMz1FMZPvDKa9w5FspYJzSNQuE3gLcpXV_a_nuaQz3emd7PuAGgd4zf5GxrFF68IWcw4Q6XeeY-2cDbAAGCpHV7VQvdwkpdNIuaj70rpq95G4jVUQA7sIeyYTJ3KEKVu3QDIxwNKaYEf-ChphUqng/w640-h432/xi%20Horsemint.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Mint, Agastache urticifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A fast running caterpillar was crossing the trail. It was climbing over a pile of dung which blocked its way. From the point of view of the caterpillar I guess it didn't see that it could go around it. It was moving as fast as I've ever seen a caterpillar move. Perhaps the fly was giving it advice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlTMFe4gVC8z8eQkw_liDHS8zVLdRURc97NKx2-QUXZ-KLrr80QZHZGUB1TyudS9UPoeow4WEQwnmulL_cOhyphenhyphenDkvEu1SA_uexKfyiQ4iGGie9iWRgUShshYZ8araigbXoFno3DnBBY_L6iaQ4QadnSBbduatzsthvfWd-dOhTtUn6ZUS2X5rW6LjeHpQ/s1473/xf%20shit%20caterpillar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1473" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlTMFe4gVC8z8eQkw_liDHS8zVLdRURc97NKx2-QUXZ-KLrr80QZHZGUB1TyudS9UPoeow4WEQwnmulL_cOhyphenhyphenDkvEu1SA_uexKfyiQ4iGGie9iWRgUShshYZ8araigbXoFno3DnBBY_L6iaQ4QadnSBbduatzsthvfWd-dOhTtUn6ZUS2X5rW6LjeHpQ/w640-h412/xf%20shit%20caterpillar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At last we reached the Rim Trail junction. It was an excellent place to stop for a lunch break and relax before moving on to the Marble Rim. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JTC7ATdDxLrYwGkSKcALLacu8F44s2jioTVQp_h6A_55GoUBlkWypDF_vjMRs4xHLOd9xqDODcAX7XIAzv0INIJ_msce1RNu1SKkgi7Ww7m4RkqR6a6wVL_junqOctKcnoAEcl1hpNGlFvVtjyz5sZ0W_xCaSxaUEjG7qEE_z7YlkVqxjmrlCh2tcjc/s1856/xk%20ridge%20pct%20junction.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JTC7ATdDxLrYwGkSKcALLacu8F44s2jioTVQp_h6A_55GoUBlkWypDF_vjMRs4xHLOd9xqDODcAX7XIAzv0INIJ_msce1RNu1SKkgi7Ww7m4RkqR6a6wVL_junqOctKcnoAEcl1hpNGlFvVtjyz5sZ0W_xCaSxaUEjG7qEE_z7YlkVqxjmrlCh2tcjc/w640-h426/xk%20ridge%20pct%20junction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCT/Rim Trail Junction</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our plan was to go west along the Marble Rim and drop into the valley south of the rim to Big Elk Lake. According to the map the trail was expected to drop west of the rim, then curve south and back east around a pyramid shaped peak and down to Big Elk Lake. From there the map shhowed a trail back up to the PCT. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ajFg6J2gCH6v60Nh1kTG_fkE6IHU0IP8b7cHLZeJJ6KHOVYSjvI8ANvi-TidRP0v3NqYv6KKJetXqg5IwDZjaD4WaTm_JMYZm_4V0HLDtqob_JS0CStn5u_a3yTUrPUzlO2h6mjK71cBifFVd4a7gam2CmJQX3S28VRoBtqnseVjOQcz5sEP_LQUJAY/s1651/2%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1651" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ajFg6J2gCH6v60Nh1kTG_fkE6IHU0IP8b7cHLZeJJ6KHOVYSjvI8ANvi-TidRP0v3NqYv6KKJetXqg5IwDZjaD4WaTm_JMYZm_4V0HLDtqob_JS0CStn5u_a3yTUrPUzlO2h6mjK71cBifFVd4a7gam2CmJQX3S28VRoBtqnseVjOQcz5sEP_LQUJAY/w640-h468/2%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike from the trail junction until my GPS run out of battery.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first part of the Rim Trail was a mild ascend through a forested area. There were a few logs on the ground, blocking the trail, but they were small and few, and very easy to walk around or hop over. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GXeiyQDxb4OiBv23JmNQDRrSnun_U4F6jGM1sk0pl2ErO8KwMifEEwyOoJ0evb4RsJXcMhAMxnOb_YnLRHQUFtn3hQ2IzphbSt73f9K5PXEKJ9zrrKVzVDDuTuR2Z3bNcc-N5MASepZ22y400SytZR4rogRo8dntMOJUlZ9q_EavC0SebrE9ha8b2WQ/s1856/xm%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GXeiyQDxb4OiBv23JmNQDRrSnun_U4F6jGM1sk0pl2ErO8KwMifEEwyOoJ0evb4RsJXcMhAMxnOb_YnLRHQUFtn3hQ2IzphbSt73f9K5PXEKJ9zrrKVzVDDuTuR2Z3bNcc-N5MASepZ22y400SytZR4rogRo8dntMOJUlZ9q_EavC0SebrE9ha8b2WQ/w640-h426/xm%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Rim Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we left the first stand of trees we saw that we were right an the saddle before the trail delved below the lip of the rim to the south. From that saddle we did have a nice view north to Marble Mountain and that massive layer of marble that we walked through earlier that morning. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue4x7FPGmkGWycfQ0zmha3MXcVH80uLna39okeODalmy19BtU3SFT1lW3IOb6-qDF8raENMh-yWrSTfcT8vj530OsXXxFtWbraYsShfMsJiFCH6BVcos5S1yBIUB5ra_gyrvzvNWkvNhxZmS29jQNQA_8ODkzRE9OgrWXvknn6VkD7P468Aik3FEeAvo/s1856/xp%20Marble%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue4x7FPGmkGWycfQ0zmha3MXcVH80uLna39okeODalmy19BtU3SFT1lW3IOb6-qDF8raENMh-yWrSTfcT8vj530OsXXxFtWbraYsShfMsJiFCH6BVcos5S1yBIUB5ra_gyrvzvNWkvNhxZmS29jQNQA_8ODkzRE9OgrWXvknn6VkD7P468Aik3FEeAvo/w640-h426/xp%20Marble%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We continued on westward. We were on the rim crest at first, having for a little while the view to the northeast, but soon the rim rose above us on the north, cutting our view in that direction.,</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuc1z5e9xc3LgGc2C_ai6xgsR-QK2yPUmfwQmp3_erGBSKUBxQBNyySXbu2PggGP9wkLTa83QsXEhyphenhyphen2uLKAaxhb4cs4Zsgdt1hdhyrftTzhIbbQKC36NfI-adGrBtDZTVqYQBljicJkZdBoNZWk9iw3pqL49J3kWHpGaBxNOUlbBcJrEysIw-PYNqQL8/s1856/xq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuc1z5e9xc3LgGc2C_ai6xgsR-QK2yPUmfwQmp3_erGBSKUBxQBNyySXbu2PggGP9wkLTa83QsXEhyphenhyphen2uLKAaxhb4cs4Zsgdt1hdhyrftTzhIbbQKC36NfI-adGrBtDZTVqYQBljicJkZdBoNZWk9iw3pqL49J3kWHpGaBxNOUlbBcJrEysIw-PYNqQL8/w640-h426/xq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Rim Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not having the grand view on the north I diverted my attention to closer sights. There were plenty of wildflowers blooming along the Marble Rim Trail. Not all of them I identified. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb893jNF15HSitXFUihGCCHq5i6pEdW2luMLw4vUijcu751a70lnsatnCA2Pxb87UIRnlGv2OnzkLUDRPmHPLScEs-msqJtSSCI-ia3kAp7qKHUhdgxI782H3QhjRCXPqdnvvFK4Xizw2e9LCkXn9Ra-_GTyRzZ_8QYwj4-X5NSwu74D5acedCWDQMU-I/s1684/xn%20Woolly%20DYC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1684" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb893jNF15HSitXFUihGCCHq5i6pEdW2luMLw4vUijcu751a70lnsatnCA2Pxb87UIRnlGv2OnzkLUDRPmHPLScEs-msqJtSSCI-ia3kAp7qKHUhdgxI782H3QhjRCXPqdnvvFK4Xizw2e9LCkXn9Ra-_GTyRzZ_8QYwj4-X5NSwu74D5acedCWDQMU-I/w640-h440/xn%20Woolly%20DYC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not wanting to slow our pace I took most of the photos while on the move. There was a lot of photo selection to be done at home afterwords. Photographing on the go meant I also didn't take a close look at the details of the plant, which made it harder to identify some of them from the photos later.<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbgpHmOA7TDZHx2kfqDQpLJY2yFKRgPPTu367kwd2jsw_MhkE9clx_GBSNJnz3dfdoBWxcEe5pmam38J11yv0eOjurG8_kBdHWXYmZfeLGMQ8St3vA-Fr71znRX7-uhg8SuDhua50xM_NnZOm4NkdGvx6IxBB-yPEGt1U2BSpABPtCNvqq5oK8QilCaI/s1682/xs%20buckwheat%20and%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1682" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbgpHmOA7TDZHx2kfqDQpLJY2yFKRgPPTu367kwd2jsw_MhkE9clx_GBSNJnz3dfdoBWxcEe5pmam38J11yv0eOjurG8_kBdHWXYmZfeLGMQ8St3vA-Fr71znRX7-uhg8SuDhua50xM_NnZOm4NkdGvx6IxBB-yPEGt1U2BSpABPtCNvqq5oK8QilCaI/w640-h438/xs%20buckwheat%20and%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulphur Buckwheat, Eriogonum umbellatum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Marble Rim was coming into view now. It looked like saw teeth jutting to the sky. Where the rocks were exposed from the vegetation there were bits of marble exposed. We were going into the marble layer again. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrZe1e54jJda4UCjk6qOgyC5qKEn4IusxdGwz5LwmhTse4m_fpe8HV75z5HPHs1jn28W-gKadPT6VSm9r9Nnzz3Cspz-laBu4YBTAznIrKqQZ4cHr6PFICEVYor1-VtqxFVo9EwLr54p84qzBbOqdR4gi5kUno7WXtekh2mZhrQDu9NnTUIgb8NO7IFY/s1856/xy%20ridge%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrZe1e54jJda4UCjk6qOgyC5qKEn4IusxdGwz5LwmhTse4m_fpe8HV75z5HPHs1jn28W-gKadPT6VSm9r9Nnzz3Cspz-laBu4YBTAznIrKqQZ4cHr6PFICEVYor1-VtqxFVo9EwLr54p84qzBbOqdR4gi5kUno7WXtekh2mZhrQDu9NnTUIgb8NO7IFY/w640-h426/xy%20ridge%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Rim<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Between the marble rocks bloomed patches of lovely wildflowers. Many of these flower species I've seen on the previous couple of days, but that didn't stop me from stopping for them again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0qZqX0D9i_t14Q6FUDACjVKM8gnkUQrG1CR-2ibE9PbLtV-N_R2otU_l-0WUfISdYLLTBZhyphenhyphenQsZmPz5TCSm2_UeTO7kG93UzUJV8VTHZ24f5Veet-OmdwMlVG-hiF9iMr-PR5kyjWL-YZAywVDXZQeZJYr8JvsIvb86hUWhhkgasr0w8eD9Ju5Anlf0/s1668/yb%20checkermallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1668" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0qZqX0D9i_t14Q6FUDACjVKM8gnkUQrG1CR-2ibE9PbLtV-N_R2otU_l-0WUfISdYLLTBZhyphenhyphenQsZmPz5TCSm2_UeTO7kG93UzUJV8VTHZ24f5Veet-OmdwMlVG-hiF9iMr-PR5kyjWL-YZAywVDXZQeZJYr8JvsIvb86hUWhhkgasr0w8eD9Ju5Anlf0/w640-h442/yb%20checkermallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checkermallow, Sidalcea oregana</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plants are fascinating, and not only because of their beautiful flowers. An unusual stem swelling caught my eyes and I paused to take a closer look. Perhaps that was a gall too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDxb4XqnQI-D1RqV3EAei1T9PIHmTwxBV3ydqLhXmKk944_nd8ievHbE-GkcuH_-CY9vSNuSwrfdu-5a6tAWO8HCitT1SU_Y62Fu4kwOY0YTg0sCmRXsYwWU0nxU1nkBrP5jZpAu08fdDK_iMLeqSEBcoyvagg-7rj_BunYRx76i-Q006wCUz3uiK4Ts/s1826/xz%20swollen%20petiole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1826" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDxb4XqnQI-D1RqV3EAei1T9PIHmTwxBV3ydqLhXmKk944_nd8ievHbE-GkcuH_-CY9vSNuSwrfdu-5a6tAWO8HCitT1SU_Y62Fu4kwOY0YTg0sCmRXsYwWU0nxU1nkBrP5jZpAu08fdDK_iMLeqSEBcoyvagg-7rj_BunYRx76i-Q006wCUz3uiK4Ts/w640-h460/xz%20swollen%20petiole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail stretched just below the rim on its south, more gentle side. The view of the deep gorges and the rugged mountains to the southwest was absolutely magnificent. The sky was very pretty to: there were little white and fluffy clouds floating there gently. Ignoring the very undesert-like ground, the sky looked like it was taken from a Geoegia O'keefe painting. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZwgKetI10q-AcMmOO1EoWhocJne1QUv_d3nA4eNHBKB00cXJJcyaKBddsIrpP1EHWzLiNkiBJPvTMlzCABb4HF_OFjcyxNahn-A9IaVKpNBbPYUQUAMG1_z7Ox4JNSUEEkoMwbIG5om53YmRhm7WOYtMxxFF3q8SeWDB-PR6SGwfl2Ajr-Am7cx4ipI/s1856/yg%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZwgKetI10q-AcMmOO1EoWhocJne1QUv_d3nA4eNHBKB00cXJJcyaKBddsIrpP1EHWzLiNkiBJPvTMlzCABb4HF_OFjcyxNahn-A9IaVKpNBbPYUQUAMG1_z7Ox4JNSUEEkoMwbIG5om53YmRhm7WOYtMxxFF3q8SeWDB-PR6SGwfl2Ajr-Am7cx4ipI/w640-h426/yg%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View southeast from the Marble Rim Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was sloping up again. The clouds above gave us an occasional welcomed relief from the day's heat but we were much more pleased to stop for a short break in the shade of a small stand of trees that the trail run through. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKhfTl6iJcAq50YvAK2ohsKmgk5iROpenftoycNGipni3WsnqLw8t7002iyPBhvoUpxlRwz8ze1MoM9h2fyl1bx5BK3DEODbhNT2PLQeQxt0O5iHXfcOZc2VsTAEpmoy5UCpfwvjFsrFkbEQBXeJgjA5CRRTv59tSfcNqo3C-tgBSVXPYpFLaWplMeoc/s1856/yh%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKhfTl6iJcAq50YvAK2ohsKmgk5iROpenftoycNGipni3WsnqLw8t7002iyPBhvoUpxlRwz8ze1MoM9h2fyl1bx5BK3DEODbhNT2PLQeQxt0O5iHXfcOZc2VsTAEpmoy5UCpfwvjFsrFkbEQBXeJgjA5CRRTv59tSfcNqo3C-tgBSVXPYpFLaWplMeoc/w640-h426/yh%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Rim Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the other side of the trees we the view opened up completely to the west. The outline of the rim continued all the way to a chain of three small peaks, the nearest of them was the one we were supposed to go down and around on our way to Big Elk Lake. What we also saw was the devastation left after a forest fire had burned this area some years ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDFxwpQUVoMLMeOUyqYYsZkuUkNAzecYC3w_PwxPEivSMbaiVcF7OD8ecQqsQstQh2ARwdjix5mFhrctsPzW6bxeCru6LS9yPm0kTnrFpyaOXvkpNJLgCmXnbbhyphenhyphenkj1feB8cy7qDjO2wIAnZfXJRyi8NCUx0xcT_imj8Co5cKhOuqD54zz1dEpn9uy7A/s1856/yi%20view%20southwest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDFxwpQUVoMLMeOUyqYYsZkuUkNAzecYC3w_PwxPEivSMbaiVcF7OD8ecQqsQstQh2ARwdjix5mFhrctsPzW6bxeCru6LS9yPm0kTnrFpyaOXvkpNJLgCmXnbbhyphenhyphenkj1feB8cy7qDjO2wIAnZfXJRyi8NCUx0xcT_imj8Co5cKhOuqD54zz1dEpn9uy7A/w640-h426/yi%20view%20southwest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Far below us to the west we glimpsed Big Elk Lake. The lake looked small, actually, and quite murky. We planned on filling up on our water there before ascending back to the PCT. As it happened, we never got anywhere near that lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uF96vsNUu5jf45eYNICjbxDAbBt6_-vhMopgnJrxJob9LSTKQ0wnGY6y9Y-cOh_sr6RjpcFjOHUs3nIg6dgTogRXsN2c-4dv76pQsMa5EnGPiXK9eaAk0daNcC3xxCgTRvq3f1GudmJr9AfSphlZtPfT34i8-Mqp_E6SjCmb-zI2HGmtZBcIeMBQsJI/s1856/ym%20Big%20Elk%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uF96vsNUu5jf45eYNICjbxDAbBt6_-vhMopgnJrxJob9LSTKQ0wnGY6y9Y-cOh_sr6RjpcFjOHUs3nIg6dgTogRXsN2c-4dv76pQsMa5EnGPiXK9eaAk0daNcC3xxCgTRvq3f1GudmJr9AfSphlZtPfT34i8-Mqp_E6SjCmb-zI2HGmtZBcIeMBQsJI/w640-h426/ym%20Big%20Elk%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Elk Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The marble rocks that littered the slope by the trail congealed into slabs, and the slabs merged into the large marble rim that we were walking on. Still, much of the marble was covered with eroded soil and vegetation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc2eErx29nyYhAxwR6nEZx-F44T2j8XVXp7IifmGUCjqEmLyubWhtHdAjJ9UAzCaQYiderCfY1dSQF7xFQrKPaYQXExGA1IKAl7aJCWa2GKaY56OrtYR2hrO9JkscAL2J2bdGzao0WOIkWJYFLSU0ebH_HUnqofdqtUx-f9Gu2HjrAizpSQERqUsfn1c/s1283/yp%20DYC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1283" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc2eErx29nyYhAxwR6nEZx-F44T2j8XVXp7IifmGUCjqEmLyubWhtHdAjJ9UAzCaQYiderCfY1dSQF7xFQrKPaYQXExGA1IKAl7aJCWa2GKaY56OrtYR2hrO9JkscAL2J2bdGzao0WOIkWJYFLSU0ebH_HUnqofdqtUx-f9Gu2HjrAizpSQERqUsfn1c/w640-h446/yp%20DYC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Closer to the lip of the rim my trip mates passed me and went ahead while I linger behind to take photos of on hyperactive butterfly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2Grg1Dmi1FYaq2br7UCOhIKpFON6_3MYTOT5I7CMLzIxeRzDV5nryRMWxEBAdo2ardG7ZEQZCy1YMnr0e4HgaQIMBZzY7-_0aw_NA-LuS5_hR5o9c6gUBgf838DPf79H0dn7ul_YcD9X_eRR2zjKQD8LxX9ZNcowgYc9XdqEi6vGIjada8XIdjFnXYE/s1766/yn%20blue%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1766" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2Grg1Dmi1FYaq2br7UCOhIKpFON6_3MYTOT5I7CMLzIxeRzDV5nryRMWxEBAdo2ardG7ZEQZCy1YMnr0e4HgaQIMBZzY7-_0aw_NA-LuS5_hR5o9c6gUBgf838DPf79H0dn7ul_YcD9X_eRR2zjKQD8LxX9ZNcowgYc9XdqEi6vGIjada8XIdjFnXYE/w640-h438/yn%20blue%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">i reached the lip of the rim after everyone else, and for a long while I stood there, gaping. Here at least, the guide book author did not exaggerate - the view was breathtaking. Literally. The green and lush Rainy Valley lay right below us on the north side of the Marble Rim, and the height difference was making my head spin, and I'm not prone to fear of heights. I felt like spreading my wings and flying over the valley. When I recovered from my initial wow I started snapping pictures. I chose the nicest broad view as a header for this post. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1bQNf4I-MrFOHRcCqCa1fUwuMlAubwHSvFE9qKh3GjY48tOYdwIrVdQe8B-_uCfmEFn1kkzcM2ywHYU6Pb06CPyhfpN9yolNSJaOzm0BrgS4Br7ZaeqahCVDLo1dO6nz4MQfeb0eNXT92EFnI5I3tjmU_R1S_a9CvYBe5MMGGfJusBtya_q4M6KvITM/s1856/yt%20view%20north%20from%20ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1bQNf4I-MrFOHRcCqCa1fUwuMlAubwHSvFE9qKh3GjY48tOYdwIrVdQe8B-_uCfmEFn1kkzcM2ywHYU6Pb06CPyhfpN9yolNSJaOzm0BrgS4Br7ZaeqahCVDLo1dO6nz4MQfeb0eNXT92EFnI5I3tjmU_R1S_a9CvYBe5MMGGfJusBtya_q4M6KvITM/w640-h426/yt%20view%20north%20from%20ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Valley, Viewed from the Marble Rim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The view of the rim itself from the lip was also spectacular. The thick marble layer that made the rim continued directly below the peak of Marble Mountain, looking like a massive wall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26tqDb9vwoB7AmXiKZq98TIZyuSk1TsmQyGvXawNte89hX3Dt9yIPKY9c2Eo0J-fd8pjST9UbQFh2JYZ1WzI9IPXP82qXWQyB6rbXFpIBKr8xbJPViii-yKIqdDXQ2q3n7wHV1ieMUGQE5ToiZfUu4tPN2hhez-aiek_TWImhUIz4yJ-JRd8RjVoKyEk/s1856/yv%20Marble%20Ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26tqDb9vwoB7AmXiKZq98TIZyuSk1TsmQyGvXawNte89hX3Dt9yIPKY9c2Eo0J-fd8pjST9UbQFh2JYZ1WzI9IPXP82qXWQyB6rbXFpIBKr8xbJPViii-yKIqdDXQ2q3n7wHV1ieMUGQE5ToiZfUu4tPN2hhez-aiek_TWImhUIz4yJ-JRd8RjVoKyEk/w640-h426/yv%20Marble%20Ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View Northeast from the Marble Rim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spend a long while enjoying the view and taking photos of each other with that magnificent backdrop. Eventually we had to get moving. The trail stretched along the lip of the rim and disappeared into the trees on the west. We couldn't see any other trail splitting off or this trail changing direction. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_nvsOIkNPdrUQhTKj-w9TCYaBoL4h63o63q8OGCU41t51PVrZJrJne5mvWshgQsMJ1shlzGm-_CJeFnOOFP_n33yy2dZuaxnUipu5cHqdWPdT0g3f4O2J4-qg7d0CLaAcqeCOBN1vMxWIwsvDhmgSSZmBToNB5v4lJltcUXLvqYdYE2aU1m-7kGWc0/s1856/yw%20Marble%20Ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_nvsOIkNPdrUQhTKj-w9TCYaBoL4h63o63q8OGCU41t51PVrZJrJne5mvWshgQsMJ1shlzGm-_CJeFnOOFP_n33yy2dZuaxnUipu5cHqdWPdT0g3f4O2J4-qg7d0CLaAcqeCOBN1vMxWIwsvDhmgSSZmBToNB5v4lJltcUXLvqYdYE2aU1m-7kGWc0/w640-h426/yw%20Marble%20Ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View west along the Marble Rim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend reached out to me and pointed to the horizon on the southeast. A prominent snow-capped double peak rose over the mountainous horizon. We were wondering which mountain was that. The only one we could come up with was Mount Shasta - all the area's mountains had already shed their whites and changed to their summer colors. Mount Shasta was also in the direction we were looking at. The shape looked odd, though. But then again, I've never seen Mount Shasta from this point of view before. Either way, I couldn't think of any other mountain that would fit the bill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5O4f-f8FW-qV6vYTMq5gvgcCZM3oYnDXaSJYC4fmZLLpmlajA0x6MLwo8mGC6QXtNBBKg33EqCc9WWfn13VduKJ3fvafl_4X1CIczVeRLobK6wXfaDGd53eskVoX44aJYCoyCRNcgAkwSUrhFWAPKSQzbstDfc8UczyD0y7rZfydBhFmfVc2G8JxCjk/s1856/yy%20snow%20peak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5O4f-f8FW-qV6vYTMq5gvgcCZM3oYnDXaSJYC4fmZLLpmlajA0x6MLwo8mGC6QXtNBBKg33EqCc9WWfn13VduKJ3fvafl_4X1CIczVeRLobK6wXfaDGd53eskVoX44aJYCoyCRNcgAkwSUrhFWAPKSQzbstDfc8UczyD0y7rZfydBhFmfVc2G8JxCjk/w640-h426/yy%20snow%20peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The stand of trees was, apparently, all that had remained from a completely forested mountain slope. When the exited the living trees we found ourselves in an open grassland which was a cemetery to a multitude of charred, standing dead trees. Many of the dead trees were also fallen, and we started having to circumvent logs that were blocking our way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dAVr2i4EPK3OKeHeC9jJZB0VzYAD6kSoSj3tbJzIT4QlO4oMIRN0f4WsaNcNcju-KEe9y-6jOSBF1vgadQIsHPZ-P1KDe28f93GEMJAQFfskvdMgzrox_nYQsGpaw7cu7Ds-hBkWL1d9FmZw7chsmnnf5Cb_NjNk6UMAkPjJTnGHhaMm4VZKhS6xYJk/s1856/zb%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dAVr2i4EPK3OKeHeC9jJZB0VzYAD6kSoSj3tbJzIT4QlO4oMIRN0f4WsaNcNcju-KEe9y-6jOSBF1vgadQIsHPZ-P1KDe28f93GEMJAQFfskvdMgzrox_nYQsGpaw7cu7Ds-hBkWL1d9FmZw7chsmnnf5Cb_NjNk6UMAkPjJTnGHhaMm4VZKhS6xYJk/w640-h426/zb%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Rim Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking south into the valley and the mountains beyond we saw that the burnt forest extended far. This wasn't a small fire that burned through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaJLWC6rDfOTc3DvTK4h0jbnI-YW6mUU_JqZBmlRpkjXaFfVkIuy4SzbsmhqwnN8rzvU-SO_NbNJATgvDDNNcLGRJ-DloFsfhINJcMeRICiaNPAHbBaZNTapR4-Tn-we3kDaxGsh3zFpfS67xH_BpmQrENZCWw02HC_Y_r0VHfz4U2l0sYu8K2kyXUsg/s1856/zc%20view%20south.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaJLWC6rDfOTc3DvTK4h0jbnI-YW6mUU_JqZBmlRpkjXaFfVkIuy4SzbsmhqwnN8rzvU-SO_NbNJATgvDDNNcLGRJ-DloFsfhINJcMeRICiaNPAHbBaZNTapR4-Tn-we3kDaxGsh3zFpfS67xH_BpmQrENZCWw02HC_Y_r0VHfz4U2l0sYu8K2kyXUsg/w640-h426/zc%20view%20south.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The vegetation thickened and in some places it became a struggle to push through the thigh-high thicket. At some point my chika requested a break and we stoped in the middle of the overgrown trail to catch our breath and to have some water. After that we reached the saddle that split off the rim, started our descent on the other side, and almost immediately things took a turn to the worse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpotzo7_KvH2OtkksWqEiqV2xKayz9y98cIc-tbFfBfRV9YfuuV_kUCLunYZwoyyJOTjMxr06H_eBoqM8itcTbVY_7zCwymWt9QpuOwyWKyLEJ0uw29OlG8AWMACbgR8U2OWV0pxC2vZyAWOMO3VuPXP-1l_w63neJF8XPVaTpmWeknFtQao6JtRhnKls/s1856/zg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpotzo7_KvH2OtkksWqEiqV2xKayz9y98cIc-tbFfBfRV9YfuuV_kUCLunYZwoyyJOTjMxr06H_eBoqM8itcTbVY_7zCwymWt9QpuOwyWKyLEJ0uw29OlG8AWMACbgR8U2OWV0pxC2vZyAWOMO3VuPXP-1l_w63neJF8XPVaTpmWeknFtQao6JtRhnKls/w640-h426/zg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was clear that no trail maintenance was taking place on this part pf the trail. Hasn't yet, anyway. There were many more fallen logs that blocked the trail, and many of them were very thick. We slowed down considerably to either climb over the logs or figure a way around them. Soon it became difficult to follow the actual trail for all of the circumventions. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCdSnJ94t2vYtu7sGu9KBXbIJS6_YCwrI6na1dnMhjSeW3T4KRTMyAq079MJLDhv73VVyUPM_1dOLSi5aBmm6h89L_wOIW6aZ_2Z3FzBS795OAt3EHTp8Bqoae8go_ac8w-f95e2oT-zkbQGT1hmFc4vNZHqY5XJSt7bKARTqwpNzTuTdfRckgjeVZqM/s1856/zf%20logs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCdSnJ94t2vYtu7sGu9KBXbIJS6_YCwrI6na1dnMhjSeW3T4KRTMyAq079MJLDhv73VVyUPM_1dOLSi5aBmm6h89L_wOIW6aZ_2Z3FzBS795OAt3EHTp8Bqoae8go_ac8w-f95e2oT-zkbQGT1hmFc4vNZHqY5XJSt7bKARTqwpNzTuTdfRckgjeVZqM/w640-h426/zf%20logs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above and behind us we could see the continuation of the rim, stretching off to the northwest. It looked drier on this side, and without any visible marble. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H3FmawfBfVtq4GjuOWbrGyWaIv-KMow4c5b-RCEH_CkhQLKuZDVcsSuR_4sWdRE5TnyDGvDQnnWZfoXzcRUocEeozAo25jIOFUlZrgKAu50pEPhufI-C7TquhLY1bNun0unNmXWieDiQLdtqsSH7UDve95rNVxkGDx3LMljiybeMmiRhrfrCAplZAzQ/s1856/zi%20ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H3FmawfBfVtq4GjuOWbrGyWaIv-KMow4c5b-RCEH_CkhQLKuZDVcsSuR_4sWdRE5TnyDGvDQnnWZfoXzcRUocEeozAo25jIOFUlZrgKAu50pEPhufI-C7TquhLY1bNun0unNmXWieDiQLdtqsSH7UDve95rNVxkGDx3LMljiybeMmiRhrfrCAplZAzQ/w640-h426/zi%20ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We looked for the trail junction that would take us around the buttress and down to Big Elk Lake, but we couldn't see any clear path going off in that direction. We kept going down until, sometimes after my navigator indicated that we've passed this junction, the navigator run out of battery. We depended now on our maps and senses alone for pathfinding. As for our senses, it didn't help that we knew which direction we needed to go to, because the off-trail terrain was impassable. Even the trail was difficult to walk and in numerous places we suspected we were on the actual trail at all. As for the map, my friend and I were at odds as the the interpretation of how the trail was supposed to go relative to that butte to our right. What we were in agreement over was that we were going now is that unless we figure out soon where we were going we could be heading out a long way on the wrong direction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbxZb2YQ9sPqkR3gSPm9a6mi3QB0DKAY9QJxxhqARRIi8tRAnRay3qE8xQ888St5pXiR_QP5FESBuee7DBMf0ucixZftfGSfiJ3NUejQ_ryuxbstFrGTqdLKBto1c6VH-fCJDozwl_j3XAnnXKT9-0HU2rSvHBa0vW9vOWnavP7NP7IaZDMIsZQAbzBU/s1857/zj%20bee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1857" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbxZb2YQ9sPqkR3gSPm9a6mi3QB0DKAY9QJxxhqARRIi8tRAnRay3qE8xQ888St5pXiR_QP5FESBuee7DBMf0ucixZftfGSfiJ3NUejQ_ryuxbstFrGTqdLKBto1c6VH-fCJDozwl_j3XAnnXKT9-0HU2rSvHBa0vW9vOWnavP7NP7IaZDMIsZQAbzBU/w640-h434/zj%20bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend and her daughter decided to go scout ahead. They'd come back and call us if that ended up being the right way. My chika was pretty tired and welcomed the idea. We stayed in the shadow of a huge burnt tree and waited. At first we chatted, then played some word game. Then we started to get worried. Eventually, after about 45 minutes I started hollering my friend's name. After nearly an hour My friend's daughter returned. She announced all cheerful, that this trail we were on was the wrong and that we should go back whence we came. She said that they found a muddy pond and that her mother was busy treating that water and that she'd join us soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When my friend returned we turned around and started backtracking. It was clear that we won't get to hike the planned loop via Big Elk Lake. My friend was convinced that the turn to the lake was up on the rim and that we had somehow missed it. I still think that the turn should have been below the rim's lip on the west and that we couldn't see it because it was overgrown and not maintained. It was pointless to continue debating that though, and this argument remained academic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOcrx8gpsAJpoGqBMWfazRmDNQQVOytlBhTbU0RHMBUy9g4wuIVbUKNB70B5350Zed8UvM2RKTBclSYIQSmHTCsR20VBF2ASuvzHkx5iYYKDnPY9LuUNiD12e5R_5G3DugQ6m-ZCw90b70FFPD2W3HS5jeEVFLD_5iGKW62l6muIolulFoUlgdu_p2oc/s1538/zl%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1538" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOcrx8gpsAJpoGqBMWfazRmDNQQVOytlBhTbU0RHMBUy9g4wuIVbUKNB70B5350Zed8UvM2RKTBclSYIQSmHTCsR20VBF2ASuvzHkx5iYYKDnPY9LuUNiD12e5R_5G3DugQ6m-ZCw90b70FFPD2W3HS5jeEVFLD_5iGKW62l6muIolulFoUlgdu_p2oc/w640-h450/zl%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was in the lead again, and I think I walked as fast as I walked in a long while. I pushed all of my leg pains away from my mind and trodded along, first uphill toward the lip of the rim, then along the Marble Rim Trail, pausing only when a water break was requested from behind me. Also when I saw a bird playing injured to pull me away from its young. The bird, a Vesper's sparrow, had a very convincing act. It was pure act though, the sparrow flew just fine whenever I got too close. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTNx24hyphenhyphenxSL7i5uzOos1yQfyRpRHxypRBGU-zvWDRYckZyCgfg0MbIK8Xr2h5JNVf3NEh8sFR8rtVBNF6L6KHkHv9SCYNnyvm5WN34zIrBbC1Y8stSzAGDhfKJjabFWNF8WTjJJ_xHf69SGd-rPHGSdeNLT0VLOcco4NhotE9O__PZ_UwA_6D1oP1G6k/s1663/zm%20Vespers%20sparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1663" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTNx24hyphenhyphenxSL7i5uzOos1yQfyRpRHxypRBGU-zvWDRYckZyCgfg0MbIK8Xr2h5JNVf3NEh8sFR8rtVBNF6L6KHkHv9SCYNnyvm5WN34zIrBbC1Y8stSzAGDhfKJjabFWNF8WTjJJ_xHf69SGd-rPHGSdeNLT0VLOcco4NhotE9O__PZ_UwA_6D1oP1G6k/w640-h450/zm%20Vespers%20sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vesper Sparrow</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had to renegotiate the same log blocks on the path. My friend looked for the trail junction she was sure we had missed but couldn't fond it. She came to the conclusion that the that trail was cancelled in the same manner that the Little Marble Valley Trail was. Perhaps she was right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxic7YoYCNIkLb2d-r29Wiig8-VX5xF98OsPT90S9xw4RjZPd3IILax74qUPObnWYzsBxvMFtWh0Pv9GXkPtx-Y3QYuDMFYsfp8GpWLvZHWj-FT9tEl4l3Du51KcwsaEIWg1H6gBYd6TrQo0kp1HZv-CbSH5svctV4pj5n9oVYG8gKLcfSf2UE3IgDbEU/s1856/zn%20log.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxic7YoYCNIkLb2d-r29Wiig8-VX5xF98OsPT90S9xw4RjZPd3IILax74qUPObnWYzsBxvMFtWh0Pv9GXkPtx-Y3QYuDMFYsfp8GpWLvZHWj-FT9tEl4l3Du51KcwsaEIWg1H6gBYd6TrQo0kp1HZv-CbSH5svctV4pj5n9oVYG8gKLcfSf2UE3IgDbEU/w640-h426/zn%20log.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ascended the Marble Rim again, but this time we didn't linger to admire the grand view below the rim's lip. Our goal now was to return back to our camp site before nightfall. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66Xelu0NaBlA2mhHcg-bbSzqvU-X53-qnQG7CrEaS19qCZVM09arlDbVFdBhyphenhyphen4rJQrRIzTEn2bQLPCsn-8Pi2DmWoaEA4-CcRHfOYZRLWiM6JRiQUh6a5aZWu4g6eWNUKs-cBDbJGHeCX4VKfLBq67Hqtlivm4u6aHC9vZFGIzPOt9vFJolhyphenhyphenIdbnYQ/s1856/zo%20knife.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66Xelu0NaBlA2mhHcg-bbSzqvU-X53-qnQG7CrEaS19qCZVM09arlDbVFdBhyphenhyphen4rJQrRIzTEn2bQLPCsn-8Pi2DmWoaEA4-CcRHfOYZRLWiM6JRiQUh6a5aZWu4g6eWNUKs-cBDbJGHeCX4VKfLBq67Hqtlivm4u6aHC9vZFGIzPOt9vFJolhyphenhyphenIdbnYQ/w640-h426/zo%20knife.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marble Rim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As fast as I walked, I did pay attention to the trail-side flora. I hardly stopped my pace though. Most of my photos from that part of the hike were taken on the move. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG6Q7XiNriLyaadJHHWO5N5tkwgPGkiScphpfFLfu6emIIhM3zLW-MO2XW9RpQQ9tlB0Bbb9ZICp2HgBL8-2FfYwfMLAhaoq_-e-KzroU33u99IvKq_Z7XydINwzW8IoYmhucbHLjD2XuNO8BBI6fK2UDYq7M3Hj9Vl1FfMIiizG4BmxTJPEmpxIUvPE/s1336/zq%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1336" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG6Q7XiNriLyaadJHHWO5N5tkwgPGkiScphpfFLfu6emIIhM3zLW-MO2XW9RpQQ9tlB0Bbb9ZICp2HgBL8-2FfYwfMLAhaoq_-e-KzroU33u99IvKq_Z7XydINwzW8IoYmhucbHLjD2XuNO8BBI6fK2UDYq7M3Hj9Vl1FfMIiizG4BmxTJPEmpxIUvPE/w640-h436/zq%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Near the end of the trail we slowed down a bit. My hip was screaming hell and my chika asked for a break. My friend and her daughter, although still perky and vigorous, were ready too to get some rest. We were close to the PCT trail junction though so we decided to push to that point and stop there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwlbC6WTCkmxDgiiP6hnAHZ7r-OYFAOyApqiCjIZIFC34piYIDONVKsWdI9Zq7TQUmrkwZa-NiJW4k3655Q7HHbfnc7faFlVdwWPBgQl-Q-pb_cY1kOMq6TTJn2Qb3PVg1INX01coZRZZTfvMc9qxUafpZ07kg9JtZa-MsShyphenhyphencXVqmCmJ9Do3h1CYFwo/s1856/zr%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwlbC6WTCkmxDgiiP6hnAHZ7r-OYFAOyApqiCjIZIFC34piYIDONVKsWdI9Zq7TQUmrkwZa-NiJW4k3655Q7HHbfnc7faFlVdwWPBgQl-Q-pb_cY1kOMq6TTJn2Qb3PVg1INX01coZRZZTfvMc9qxUafpZ07kg9JtZa-MsShyphenhyphencXVqmCmJ9Do3h1CYFwo/w640-h426/zr%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View southeast from the Marble Rim Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the PCT trail junction we did stop for a break to rest a bit. My chika was getting exhausted and I too, welcomed the rest. We sat for a little while and looked at the upcoming trail section. It was a part of the PCT we had not yet hiked. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"More uphill," my chika said, then went silent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLZddkVOcx6qcJTXr56_BsgMC7t964R951ekRq2YWuZmMYilMelrZlz8yyQ6lMYDOtJMKQr2ecqPkje96dSX96trISEHNKX53dbWLawiZcy1L7Pcb1MeEYwZLlFt8epJHpeJSWN2DU2nKabYl0CINzMtwtyfT4NlESqsgQR1186vbXlvmGqW3iCzzieg/s1856/zt%20PCT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLZddkVOcx6qcJTXr56_BsgMC7t964R951ekRq2YWuZmMYilMelrZlz8yyQ6lMYDOtJMKQr2ecqPkje96dSX96trISEHNKX53dbWLawiZcy1L7Pcb1MeEYwZLlFt8epJHpeJSWN2DU2nKabYl0CINzMtwtyfT4NlESqsgQR1186vbXlvmGqW3iCzzieg/w640-h426/zt%20PCT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an uphill stretch, but not steep and not very long. In less than a mile we were at the Sky High Lakes trail junction. And on the way we saw this lovely doe eying us from behind the trees. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJFGBUAHEIecag48qhzcvgbh1raecl6Lr7kZQPld-c8-xjfPzVNAm_Kf3oDSIy7ykplCMe0C2-S7OWL1SNFQDVw5IYUjDX3lJBm5IIWrrnK_VPTEwyPmGLYIxvE9nKPG5ks5PTbGyG9Jtt9PnWUK1Ai10uaPpu5Wqc6rIJ4Aa9514zqd62SmbVIVeumA/s1369/zv%20deer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1369" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJFGBUAHEIecag48qhzcvgbh1raecl6Lr7kZQPld-c8-xjfPzVNAm_Kf3oDSIy7ykplCMe0C2-S7OWL1SNFQDVw5IYUjDX3lJBm5IIWrrnK_VPTEwyPmGLYIxvE9nKPG5ks5PTbGyG9Jtt9PnWUK1Ai10uaPpu5Wqc6rIJ4Aa9514zqd62SmbVIVeumA/w640-h468/zv%20deer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doe</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The way downhill to the Sky High Lakes basin my legs just flew on their own. We marched downhill at top speed, trying to beat the setting sun. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4HgRzBFG4CwHEpbEQgqYy5oTvzlMdwElbpksq1aRIG0Slzxpmt-t8NMSM_nvnwgb0FksaWo5geL9prymIx5uj8v-hwCLqp630cINepiezDrj2rXgQ16AnCtk9iGoFFOaOmsm7KPrmN-9wglLEwcUWQ5n9i65S2BcBXzDm-z499xTYpI0Tb35I0fFsHI/s1856/zw%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4HgRzBFG4CwHEpbEQgqYy5oTvzlMdwElbpksq1aRIG0Slzxpmt-t8NMSM_nvnwgb0FksaWo5geL9prymIx5uj8v-hwCLqp630cINepiezDrj2rXgQ16AnCtk9iGoFFOaOmsm7KPrmN-9wglLEwcUWQ5n9i65S2BcBXzDm-z499xTYpI0Tb35I0fFsHI/w640-h426/zw%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I watched, as we trotted down the trail, how the line of sunlight rises up the mountainside. When we finally had a view of the lakes they were already covered in shadow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKY5M0xtYAsdpAOcs9GdcXFwUkhkaH3htpUo6-8fIgN671J7oD_hMIldHNCazKwwIEj33EETXGqORnFiu0Lwdg8fTERChNNew-K1kK1L9gnyCFW9tVLhJ7x03ImCVo6Xz_rNDdAbybXUYbtj3N-MLC2aftU2cTdU1NMYJAcuuiKoe7STPRkJWOyYX5b0/s1856/zx%20view%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKY5M0xtYAsdpAOcs9GdcXFwUkhkaH3htpUo6-8fIgN671J7oD_hMIldHNCazKwwIEj33EETXGqORnFiu0Lwdg8fTERChNNew-K1kK1L9gnyCFW9tVLhJ7x03ImCVo6Xz_rNDdAbybXUYbtj3N-MLC2aftU2cTdU1NMYJAcuuiKoe7STPRkJWOyYX5b0/w640-h426/zx%20view%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught the reflection of the sunset on the mirror surface of the Frying Pan Lake as we marched past it on our way to our camp site. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNsjD07q3QDzwofqQfly1S0x47yBCHOdccVcxlvTDDR7D-f4Inl8aQWUomx_g8JVj-jTFPxkB3hVujzbYcZd9hpdbaSxA_5oyRTWV3Wc2Ak6sHhebgwW2lqS3l4UI-bFTcSNPh8EglTY9mf6FC5ZWpkoD8KDYrZ5W437bMIBATwhJPvtGUduaPdxIS9g/s1856/zy%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNsjD07q3QDzwofqQfly1S0x47yBCHOdccVcxlvTDDR7D-f4Inl8aQWUomx_g8JVj-jTFPxkB3hVujzbYcZd9hpdbaSxA_5oyRTWV3Wc2Ak6sHhebgwW2lqS3l4UI-bFTcSNPh8EglTY9mf6FC5ZWpkoD8KDYrZ5W437bMIBATwhJPvtGUduaPdxIS9g/w640-h426/zy%20reflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying Pan Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was nearly dark when we finally arrived our camp. We quickly got dinner going, refilled on water, and sat down to eat. We had a lovely and lively dinner discussion. My chika was very tired but was happy to play and chat with her friend. My friend and I kept going back and forth about our possibilities and what we should have done had we known this would be a no good trail. Either way, we were all happy to have gone to the Marble Rim. It was indeed a sight worth seeing, even if we got in a fix trying to extend it into a loop hike. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was the last one to get into the tent that night too. This was out last night of the trip. Tomorrow we would head back down and out of the wilderness. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Many thanks to members of the California Native Plants Society for their help in identifying plants! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/12/descending-from-heaven-backpacking.html">Link to Day 4 Blogpost</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-76034553966889638702023-11-28T18:05:00.000-08:002023-12-20T18:48:50.267-08:00Sky High Bound: Backpacking Marble Mountain Wilderness with Friends, Day 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg40SUtlDDGIIorq6CJ5outRfyS9NhjPHEAguLtQuFIVibgxVrbTLXtTDBNzSr5Wd1nUHpOo_pqilQLYTr0Jf2CzGqFv_Gvh1lvRBvy1jCO9Etqyqku0nAW6rdm8xdEoRA7kCSqxQS_o31BYMWtjX62D6MmlfodWizMIhD1zpWqGiA9rXnT5OCd9ppAo/s1856/wj%20marble%20mountaon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg40SUtlDDGIIorq6CJ5outRfyS9NhjPHEAguLtQuFIVibgxVrbTLXtTDBNzSr5Wd1nUHpOo_pqilQLYTr0Jf2CzGqFv_Gvh1lvRBvy1jCO9Etqyqku0nAW6rdm8xdEoRA7kCSqxQS_o31BYMWtjX62D6MmlfodWizMIhD1zpWqGiA9rXnT5OCd9ppAo/w640-h426/wj%20marble%20mountaon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: August 4, 2023<br />Place: Marble Mountain Wilderness, Yreka, California<br />Coordinates: 41.567294, -123.144440</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: approximately 6 miles<br />Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/11/mothers-daughters-and-marble.html">Link to first day blogpost</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It rained a little in the beginning of the night. When I woke up in the morning however, there was no more rain. I went down to the creek to get more water and while I was filtering my chika got out of the tent and went about her morning routine. Soon my friend and her daughter emerged from their tent as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyxlKiV26AbNm8SDtTmarbfc99IZjiukFmcQqN__VEdrji5DCVTB89tKCWBUsNfwAp_ChYEu_IXaz6hYYnilQOcETQWsSjF8X43JVIcZGQ7MvV-mrxuBEwpj-8gMyQFOB_Np2LZkhPbRgcupSXyTDxHwnDC3J5DMyIwkGGMNNrPAGplnu3EMrxuznrcM/s1856/uf%20tents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyxlKiV26AbNm8SDtTmarbfc99IZjiukFmcQqN__VEdrji5DCVTB89tKCWBUsNfwAp_ChYEu_IXaz6hYYnilQOcETQWsSjF8X43JVIcZGQ7MvV-mrxuBEwpj-8gMyQFOB_Np2LZkhPbRgcupSXyTDxHwnDC3J5DMyIwkGGMNNrPAGplnu3EMrxuznrcM/w640-h426/uf%20tents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ate our breakfast by the creek then broke camp and started up the trail. There was no sign of the clouds that cooled us off last evening. The sky was clear and as soon as we emerged from the forest into the open the sun shone brightly right down on us. On the evening before I found out that I didn't have the charger cable of my navigator. Seeing that today's navigation would be an easy one, I decided to not use my navigator to record this hike, and save the remaining battery for the next day's hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetAh8xCZnelyiyRwo7WeQzRynzYyFdlIGOD-kT7-mABavORe0CiyapjwQOYrTVyhRefoC4Ig3DuZ4kvtFXcVnp76BX8G5NcXCUX7ASj0A6IE14eh-n-qT3EXeB_eKn5WKfyWy1lI1hUE8ST9VjucF4ZYqkoXkyJb056YOe9QHVVpYpieGqOrh7BlzNyA/s1856/ug%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetAh8xCZnelyiyRwo7WeQzRynzYyFdlIGOD-kT7-mABavORe0CiyapjwQOYrTVyhRefoC4Ig3DuZ4kvtFXcVnp76BX8G5NcXCUX7ASj0A6IE14eh-n-qT3EXeB_eKn5WKfyWy1lI1hUE8ST9VjucF4ZYqkoXkyJb056YOe9QHVVpYpieGqOrh7BlzNyA/w640-h426/ug%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Red Rock Valley trail continued uphill in the same manner as it was below the campsite where we stayed for the night: intermittent forest patches and open meadows with lots of wildflowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTnWxYoxL-gK9v7qZHPyDZ8IHgZ0hiNRnJ9ehXYGPx994HTlFUFasEFAs77qKRganAWU4rtaeR-PR0DLOgTAybO8n-blklLcnVrM_llq_8guTju1qJ8RQLTx0MlXDwmpznbYLSN0tzRU0nBN_X5_Hf3Zo-U-uqXwPYkUC0hJcTmZpyBPnzK1vtKEZgYM/s1856/uj%20whiteheads.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTnWxYoxL-gK9v7qZHPyDZ8IHgZ0hiNRnJ9ehXYGPx994HTlFUFasEFAs77qKRganAWU4rtaeR-PR0DLOgTAybO8n-blklLcnVrM_llq_8guTju1qJ8RQLTx0MlXDwmpznbYLSN0tzRU0nBN_X5_Hf3Zo-U-uqXwPYkUC0hJcTmZpyBPnzK1vtKEZgYM/w640-h426/uj%20whiteheads.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelica, Angelica sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of the wildflowers in these meadows we've already seen on the day before, but it was lovely to see them again. Occasionally I would identify a plant that we haven't seen yet on this trip. One of the meadows we crossed was yellow with one particular wildflower species - the st john's wart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pa9DMhRAuj02kabzmQTh4DHP3IK9kJo9VTR6hvTEpKokAoKdktF8LHOPEVu0UdcB_9Jlt-ughRwLFOi_bnlJLLuLnYv1Qv9NBV8H2zAR_Q1dghPpAhezPyEHh7n-Ur-PzylQ3EtP81etgtpa4WdVO9P0aRDd4slDsobtb2E9u5WtrWopZ2SQ0UZipDU/s1856/uk%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pa9DMhRAuj02kabzmQTh4DHP3IK9kJo9VTR6hvTEpKokAoKdktF8LHOPEVu0UdcB_9Jlt-ughRwLFOi_bnlJLLuLnYv1Qv9NBV8H2zAR_Q1dghPpAhezPyEHh7n-Ur-PzylQ3EtP81etgtpa4WdVO9P0aRDd4slDsobtb2E9u5WtrWopZ2SQ0UZipDU/w640-h426/uk%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got a close up of one st john's wart that bloomed closer to the trail. There are a couple of native species of st john's wart in the area. This one however, was an invasive, non-native species. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_HNo6N-5CjNS6C6bmrQsPpUQK65Nk7IHzGA1ziXhEJ4ddybSt_qWZPWvQnkDVOmdv1NVnBT6kOMkvQKDG-YpJi5im9xE7TCpXwrfagEwNHhRYfSSYjVGgt2GOtfQ6Sg-_Tm9praQXWTuSjV7Rt2ENCVCzOgAuWEHgHjjb30_KOOKIRfJqvKJvNXtAi0/s1619/um%20st%20johnswart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1619" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_HNo6N-5CjNS6C6bmrQsPpUQK65Nk7IHzGA1ziXhEJ4ddybSt_qWZPWvQnkDVOmdv1NVnBT6kOMkvQKDG-YpJi5im9xE7TCpXwrfagEwNHhRYfSSYjVGgt2GOtfQ6Sg-_Tm9praQXWTuSjV7Rt2ENCVCzOgAuWEHgHjjb30_KOOKIRfJqvKJvNXtAi0/w640-h420/um%20st%20johnswart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St John's Wart, Hypericum perforatum, non-native, invasive</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Red Rock Valley we were ascending on didn't look anything like the granite valleys of the High Sierra. It was long and wide, and narrowing very gently towards a cirqueless end. The main difference was in the surrounding mountains, which appeared gentle as well, even if not glacier-rounded. There was little exposed rock even in the higher elevations. Nearly all the mountain slopes were forested. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCRcAi8YYS3zCx9oDNse_9He0e0M0jZhU7XllGi5nI8PvIQ_WObkRF9Oz59EHFqPOz5kPTpcEa_gHTE0RococI22Xz1LlUOD5tyZF2fsezaUvhYfDMbam_kWVhThamy3eT7ofxDPH2PrDm0wBVtCsZzejetI7aROI2HwM7MmckqtB1A8OXr579hz71lI/s1856/uo%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCRcAi8YYS3zCx9oDNse_9He0e0M0jZhU7XllGi5nI8PvIQ_WObkRF9Oz59EHFqPOz5kPTpcEa_gHTE0RococI22Xz1LlUOD5tyZF2fsezaUvhYfDMbam_kWVhThamy3eT7ofxDPH2PrDm0wBVtCsZzejetI7aROI2HwM7MmckqtB1A8OXr579hz71lI/w640-h426/uo%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We met our first creek crossing. It was narrow and we hopped across without any issues. We still had plenty of water so we didn't stop there, but we kept in mind that we'd have to fill up before leaving the valley because we weren't sure if there was any water later on when we'd reach the ridge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkwmsRjCgu_beIOWo8QZhQRJuvDxToIQLxdTu7lRj0Pr7aYpUdkejSL4svINROv7pFO7MvFb6uoJWX8Eb-_82kBwYwjmTt3ie4H6c8N0HnRIE7DZ21UbTi1iGx-JRW3NhFz4DNtbT8yaHW2QJv4YTf1OoX9360qMyT4h1Vaws1ubF0on6xwnaGD-30x4/s1583/us%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1583" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkwmsRjCgu_beIOWo8QZhQRJuvDxToIQLxdTu7lRj0Pr7aYpUdkejSL4svINROv7pFO7MvFb6uoJWX8Eb-_82kBwYwjmTt3ie4H6c8N0HnRIE7DZ21UbTi1iGx-JRW3NhFz4DNtbT8yaHW2QJv4YTf1OoX9360qMyT4h1Vaws1ubF0on6xwnaGD-30x4/w640-h438/us%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We heard bells from somewhere ahead. It sounded like cattle bells. We didn't see any cattle though, nor cow pies on the trail. There were lots of wildflowers and the insects were very active among them. Thankfully, none of the insects were interested in us. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqKalNKdGG0_sqx3Afix2hn1CAq8nwlppUG6l9bC-kKyD1IXYRU-TAwdoFW1Cs9mdeGn63CFgEZmracAm5nxisExi55_SRLQp7hfpAMlJ5ArrvzX2kCMYzHe__ut9Bk_JqB_wqTMd0VDMnleYHSNBoyQuvOmdGRVlnywN6TdtmQkTmhqwh5M_wnpT9Q/s1329/ut%20bug%20mating.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1329" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqKalNKdGG0_sqx3Afix2hn1CAq8nwlppUG6l9bC-kKyD1IXYRU-TAwdoFW1Cs9mdeGn63CFgEZmracAm5nxisExi55_SRLQp7hfpAMlJ5ArrvzX2kCMYzHe__ut9Bk_JqB_wqTMd0VDMnleYHSNBoyQuvOmdGRVlnywN6TdtmQkTmhqwh5M_wnpT9Q/w640-h442/ut%20bug%20mating.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating on Horsemint, Agastache urticifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A bit further up the trail we started encountering cow droppings by the trail. The bells sounded louder now, and soon enough, we came upon a herd in the trees. Some of them were very close to the trail and we weaved our way carefully between them. Apparently, grazing rights were leased in this wilderness area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q4hBaD-YExplFKeCN7_Mxh5FWk1II6L9eC0XgW-Y41Fi1Q2j_4T6hCAJHFuj8EZ-1DOQPs2SoZZEu4DoQVnVLQtVO-7oxK8WbFaaBTLDEhQiCakzVnDP8k9vHeTHl6B9PIAbEgBQkstRv4TW18CnqD9EoYkk9M_z-m7clqKQfvbIN8AyacJwZF3bXIs/s1856/uu%20cow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q4hBaD-YExplFKeCN7_Mxh5FWk1II6L9eC0XgW-Y41Fi1Q2j_4T6hCAJHFuj8EZ-1DOQPs2SoZZEu4DoQVnVLQtVO-7oxK8WbFaaBTLDEhQiCakzVnDP8k9vHeTHl6B9PIAbEgBQkstRv4TW18CnqD9EoYkk9M_z-m7clqKQfvbIN8AyacJwZF3bXIs/w640-h426/uu%20cow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nearly all the forest around comprised of conifers. Stood out were the pandos, (a stand of a single genetic entity) of quaking aspens, shimmering in the gentle breeze. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xwm1z4OSU6aONKqFrbxvIHyVHpCcvVO5hRdL2iWEYnwXuLjdfOqunCPCJ7u4tNTYGNEVG6T5w-xZqQ3sAMNYYAB-NUdFFXEt0OFXQ0XqrHTpuHWNTsO9tLLWM1-wrvUoTMiBXoNPODJ_AhciXfhGU1ZmN1Yx_R87GEO-NDflZFHK3sy2160jUINUaO0/s1856/ux%20pando.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xwm1z4OSU6aONKqFrbxvIHyVHpCcvVO5hRdL2iWEYnwXuLjdfOqunCPCJ7u4tNTYGNEVG6T5w-xZqQ3sAMNYYAB-NUdFFXEt0OFXQ0XqrHTpuHWNTsO9tLLWM1-wrvUoTMiBXoNPODJ_AhciXfhGU1ZmN1Yx_R87GEO-NDflZFHK3sy2160jUINUaO0/w640-h426/ux%20pando.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Pando</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The higher we ascended, the meadows grew larger and the forest patches smaller and more distant. The trail was pretty narrow, but not overgrown. It was clear that it was in regular human use. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeehZhyO50A4pG1VTAodl8SAXftBQQGWbWBf8WBPgcf3Cf9dzSdFHSrFghCuwe2wtGqwO_RNaNew0N464BfP7G33UxY9AxJ94bFBTloeq5kxIaJoQT3UkcvZavEuk99TmsLKRaCzxPtG0ocxH7lfiwiTpA1GbLPaPdvditP6i9YLIYVZim-JfS_6X30/s1823/va%20meafow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1823" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeehZhyO50A4pG1VTAodl8SAXftBQQGWbWBf8WBPgcf3Cf9dzSdFHSrFghCuwe2wtGqwO_RNaNew0N464BfP7G33UxY9AxJ94bFBTloeq5kxIaJoQT3UkcvZavEuk99TmsLKRaCzxPtG0ocxH7lfiwiTpA1GbLPaPdvditP6i9YLIYVZim-JfS_6X30/w640-h420/va%20meafow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At no point during this hike did we see any red rock that might have rendered this valley its name. We did see many wildflowers, though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmpf12bdDRDsF6Dkpi1ggmyaNPFMQggd96BX1Zaygv6uOGdxBtj1T-5Gebr40iXZW2t9giWidLITy0mLrIayQ58b9KSgK4KL4EOScoGZnbng3PHZl5bdrU7Jmvle0xhd445oMlR4c5NGrS2d684bA3fD5C8Wl9B_SxLsmXpOSa-eSAwRv4nCbdwnX9ec/s1654/uz%20flowers.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1654" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmpf12bdDRDsF6Dkpi1ggmyaNPFMQggd96BX1Zaygv6uOGdxBtj1T-5Gebr40iXZW2t9giWidLITy0mLrIayQ58b9KSgK4KL4EOScoGZnbng3PHZl5bdrU7Jmvle0xhd445oMlR4c5NGrS2d684bA3fD5C8Wl9B_SxLsmXpOSa-eSAwRv4nCbdwnX9ec/w640-h428/uz%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so happy seeing all this bloom that I kept snapping photos of everything, including of very familiar and very common wildflowers, like the yarrow, which I see on nearly every hike in California. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGSIxee_WozbDWf-Mx2cV_5s-Y5M4rnWF7HicyUZXDtlX7pDAL1p5YKEKKdPEzqR6ecisJLq-8urcYUuAiFMWy_tNlu82IatW2wQHPnxvvfgwSRn4Vo-g7ZsBmRFZD3TZDS5tckdprExzQMGG2vt1_KNSRV7X-02CMpdK-XDBhoHHCozGIacwnKK3c10/s1637/ve%20yarrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1637" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGSIxee_WozbDWf-Mx2cV_5s-Y5M4rnWF7HicyUZXDtlX7pDAL1p5YKEKKdPEzqR6ecisJLq-8urcYUuAiFMWy_tNlu82IatW2wQHPnxvvfgwSRn4Vo-g7ZsBmRFZD3TZDS5tckdprExzQMGG2vt1_KNSRV7X-02CMpdK-XDBhoHHCozGIacwnKK3c10/w640-h422/ve%20yarrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow, Achillea millefolium </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were plants that were already past their bloom time and have gone to fruit. some of the fruit were no less beautiful than the flowers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBonNYOiSH0Tw3pK-NmueG3MKrV6cQJMIlH49CJv5iyRb5HpWKC7gwtHzqhsmRp47rbGzsW1fh4OOqlnknjahzvRE-a6gCmmRi2SH_uyO_Bf_rzvxYI3Z6YCGETzXrrKVdWGTBycxoD3MItU17FhmekcZ7Yfv92BVpcGYKfugMRg0hMN45CbVcURCz9U/s1551/vf%20twinberry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1551" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBonNYOiSH0Tw3pK-NmueG3MKrV6cQJMIlH49CJv5iyRb5HpWKC7gwtHzqhsmRp47rbGzsW1fh4OOqlnknjahzvRE-a6gCmmRi2SH_uyO_Bf_rzvxYI3Z6YCGETzXrrKVdWGTBycxoD3MItU17FhmekcZ7Yfv92BVpcGYKfugMRg0hMN45CbVcURCz9U/w640-h474/vf%20twinberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So far, cows were the only large animals we've seen on the hike. We did see however, many invertebrates along the way, some of which were very cool to watch, like the ground burrowing bees. There was an entire colony of them, going in and out their little individual nesting holes, which they dug right on the trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTvXhdy3DmTdVmvNw6STesh0cDydMPCFKTiVK4agvbWDpBYRHMU_7FZCgNh8TQ2auKEgw_Za8Wi0vbANF-30lwSJC3a8fqm15L9AeXeOuuo0cTUBUxhmYLO2J5jg2LcHlb7LXo6eGFn52PFHBU14Wv-40m44NOwubu7XcZkCgew2GtFe0AoyTPBjjEf4/s1266/vc%20gb2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1266" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTvXhdy3DmTdVmvNw6STesh0cDydMPCFKTiVK4agvbWDpBYRHMU_7FZCgNh8TQ2auKEgw_Za8Wi0vbANF-30lwSJC3a8fqm15L9AeXeOuuo0cTUBUxhmYLO2J5jg2LcHlb7LXo6eGFn52PFHBU14Wv-40m44NOwubu7XcZkCgew2GtFe0AoyTPBjjEf4/w640-h468/vc%20gb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I suppose it is easier to dig a hole and to fly in and out of it in a patch of ground that was clearer of vegetation. We took care not to step on the little bee burrows as we walked up the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM8w4_zGpBVXg0jRiO6QpUVZO2Z4KrRVsdc61uZhkSGNZKIi5RoSJwZER49sUgP3i3zftX1UEHdXhGzWR2TxTesRsQUp77Px7y4dAV2IN6_jLNntm1doURztXKdjLT92vUpPUQId52KCbiNm5V3OGvFZ8vBn5EMkZJIYvSmcEtivkg3Ss7Eyj29QhJho/s1856/vg%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM8w4_zGpBVXg0jRiO6QpUVZO2Z4KrRVsdc61uZhkSGNZKIi5RoSJwZER49sUgP3i3zftX1UEHdXhGzWR2TxTesRsQUp77Px7y4dAV2IN6_jLNntm1doURztXKdjLT92vUpPUQId52KCbiNm5V3OGvFZ8vBn5EMkZJIYvSmcEtivkg3Ss7Eyj29QhJho/w640-h426/vg%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other fascinating insects buzzed around us. Some humored me and paused their movement enough for me to take their photo. Most of them I didn't identify, but I think this one is a fly. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg0s7qn6VbYOLFJhW6_UjeVHiwOeHG2UryZSDJnDNTXWlJbr3VM6lOoXlZLH2z6q8xm-RGZC7LgymbdMYVk3TXEkjzmLPvQ0stDvAIvSafycBiGXYqXK2MP2R_H8aljuBZVL8ztGGtxZCnX78vmBSfxBeM242NYkIIRQwor1hbhIB83D06ZNlFk7aKEM/s1495/vi%20bug.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1495" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg0s7qn6VbYOLFJhW6_UjeVHiwOeHG2UryZSDJnDNTXWlJbr3VM6lOoXlZLH2z6q8xm-RGZC7LgymbdMYVk3TXEkjzmLPvQ0stDvAIvSafycBiGXYqXK2MP2R_H8aljuBZVL8ztGGtxZCnX78vmBSfxBeM242NYkIIRQwor1hbhIB83D06ZNlFk7aKEM/w640-h426/vi%20bug.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iridescent Fly</td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">A sweet, minty smell was in the air. I looked around and sure enough, there it was - the mountain monardella shrubs, in full bloom. I considered picking some for tea later on but I didn't. I assumed there will be some growing near our campsite that evening. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ_Y_vuWbUsw7vGt2aK6ANwk4mdZ3DtZholzf1dUiKMOXOC8I-yVIjDkFIZqo24YR0pJR2A6gfUVtrEZNecAdqRFeWfQ182dw5vl97UoazSvf81f4PEwOuzlezQ7IJiSFOCJvDCae6Nel_yx2prjqh_k2Nhqw3Br4K89t3i9Cdnb99Gp8bN181JRZvUg/s1358/vl%20monardella.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1358" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ_Y_vuWbUsw7vGt2aK6ANwk4mdZ3DtZholzf1dUiKMOXOC8I-yVIjDkFIZqo24YR0pJR2A6gfUVtrEZNecAdqRFeWfQ182dw5vl97UoazSvf81f4PEwOuzlezQ7IJiSFOCJvDCae6Nel_yx2prjqh_k2Nhqw3Br4K89t3i9Cdnb99Gp8bN181JRZvUg/w640-h448/vl%20monardella.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stopped occasionally, to hydrate and to rest a bit. Not in top shape and with pains in my left hip I was the slowest one in our little group. On one of our breaks we enjoyed the company of a little chipmunk that munched on its meal not to far from where we snacked on ours. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQtgqfiJIiYUTgWAB6MNp1y708K6er9eRrBs3trdlbObPIrwogT1LTDtKKd-AaYJfz7vz566MQBJ2aOZRHz58KPcv5qqk3BxVD7LMkEL3MaUyQillyUBPrGjAnFC3dcKmnTUzaNWnFFT44imZ5A6pP1gj6C7FO5ldXAeRi7dVdqhg843Ngl0BmsIvfXc/s1746/vm%20chipmunk2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1746" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQtgqfiJIiYUTgWAB6MNp1y708K6er9eRrBs3trdlbObPIrwogT1LTDtKKd-AaYJfz7vz566MQBJ2aOZRHz58KPcv5qqk3BxVD7LMkEL3MaUyQillyUBPrGjAnFC3dcKmnTUzaNWnFFT44imZ5A6pP1gj6C7FO5ldXAeRi7dVdqhg843Ngl0BmsIvfXc/w640-h440/vm%20chipmunk2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The high part of Red Rock Valley was a large, open meadow, flanked by dark conifer stands that extended all the way up to the ridge. We were headed up to that ridge, where we would join the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for a few miles before descending into the Sky High Lake area where we had planned to camp. We came upon a little creek and stopped to refill our bottles, anticipating this might be the last surface water we'd see before reaching Sky High Lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb0s6GmJjUSKfR6fMTKI_-vCbLEC-1A0ZLTHLAXO5xqjkfokQBCjwwbwKR97DkfkBpGHYg1CtjlbF09lb-uS06iTdHOAt6ORGLqK3DgxGCnMPhIam-wbZ0KnRw3MQ45x2A0nEl425e-DpQNtImClBoOG4qL1UMAT_Y3PmGgKuC7a1lUG28MtO2JG0peE/s1856/vp%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb0s6GmJjUSKfR6fMTKI_-vCbLEC-1A0ZLTHLAXO5xqjkfokQBCjwwbwKR97DkfkBpGHYg1CtjlbF09lb-uS06iTdHOAt6ORGLqK3DgxGCnMPhIam-wbZ0KnRw3MQ45x2A0nEl425e-DpQNtImClBoOG4qL1UMAT_Y3PmGgKuC7a1lUG28MtO2JG0peE/w640-h426/vp%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of Red Rock Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We sat there by that little creek for a while, enjoying the noontime heat until it became too much, prompting us to get up and move on. Then the girls found an empty wasps' nest and we paused briefly again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36F1kq2_1QU2qsur1voR-4QhtZSPeoEv1YU8yMHuPH6ij1bw59thx4lU1Td2k8UZQMqwYbxlKQVPXCGquq1k06KZleF3FwV6nwuWkLt37mA3k5bPJ8GW0QF6ZdHmILgLzAzT8oiRTPeXp8bCU68lD40u3ZKxCJGPhYFOT77z_D6vWjzwizd8qXudR-vQ/s1572/vq%20nest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1572" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36F1kq2_1QU2qsur1voR-4QhtZSPeoEv1YU8yMHuPH6ij1bw59thx4lU1Td2k8UZQMqwYbxlKQVPXCGquq1k06KZleF3FwV6nwuWkLt37mA3k5bPJ8GW0QF6ZdHmILgLzAzT8oiRTPeXp8bCU68lD40u3ZKxCJGPhYFOT77z_D6vWjzwizd8qXudR-vQ/w640-h474/vq%20nest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend and I pored into our maps, trying to figure out of the blue lines and dots marked fresh water along that segment of the PCT. There was a pond marked on the map at the higher end of the valley, but looking in that direction, we saw none. The vegetation looked like it was already drying up. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkuhzKbiwtePXJ0TFuaLF95n7jPuK9Ob1D_b0RqfFAuvAn6msWxY_wo3jGTQUT110WT9eN6ICe-Al2iJCDpgMUNcoPbfnESk3v8UsT0n-IMzjETTzy8PZvX-FcF4JSSGGfsfg71XNlyI8sXor2-zAo-mfbf76zXxR9114Kca6baFaiDiMZ4fv2EfSR8/s1540/vr%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1540" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkuhzKbiwtePXJ0TFuaLF95n7jPuK9Ob1D_b0RqfFAuvAn6msWxY_wo3jGTQUT110WT9eN6ICe-Al2iJCDpgMUNcoPbfnESk3v8UsT0n-IMzjETTzy8PZvX-FcF4JSSGGfsfg71XNlyI8sXor2-zAo-mfbf76zXxR9114Kca6baFaiDiMZ4fv2EfSR8/w640-h468/vr%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As evidence of water there until fairly recently were the many cornlilies all around us. Most of the cornliles didn't look very happy. Many were drying up in the edges and the greener plants were overridden by herbivore invertebrates. Ants were picking off aphids and mites from the large cornlily leaves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQo08PmUGzDXeEQCfmy_ctplZxw7DqcBtZudtMcsndM9lpzfrQv-ldtpWMZTHkAn2pc1J4i9wWVE3NGQwhs5MwvxMvKWnDci70ghERhCFJbtF_1SZJdGTm9LazCne8xZ9FFXotyJLYewpxEOH388g4FRA2kyUElD7GJgzgj_-4HiV3Ruqv8Wi35ugKao/s1370/vs%20ants%20and%20mites.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1370" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQo08PmUGzDXeEQCfmy_ctplZxw7DqcBtZudtMcsndM9lpzfrQv-ldtpWMZTHkAn2pc1J4i9wWVE3NGQwhs5MwvxMvKWnDci70ghERhCFJbtF_1SZJdGTm9LazCne8xZ9FFXotyJLYewpxEOH388g4FRA2kyUElD7GJgzgj_-4HiV3Ruqv8Wi35ugKao/w640-h420/vs%20ants%20and%20mites.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend pointed out to me the large plants that towered over the lower meadow vegetation. They were budding out, but none blooming yet. I recognized them from other mountain hikes I've done, but the name didn't come to my mind at the time. I later remembered - these were monument plants. I was sorry to miss their bloom, it is quite striking. We were there to early for that, though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGDJMnYTLE2MNyfaAbkDZmFUnQyTZ3sWtrbc11xoD0odG_VWlMj6SKIBhfVXy4lNDQ3znHEJ0w8nCIBB-zF_P5zHfmziF1CqCj3MzcoBL9YJKyiyq6XFVJY9CWQ2Ar5aEsOARCpLGWIY2hnc4LkW_oWMy-6X5kYH_GruvRZkfNExkNkmHqUsfevVASBA/s1856/vv%20monument%20plant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGDJMnYTLE2MNyfaAbkDZmFUnQyTZ3sWtrbc11xoD0odG_VWlMj6SKIBhfVXy4lNDQ3znHEJ0w8nCIBB-zF_P5zHfmziF1CqCj3MzcoBL9YJKyiyq6XFVJY9CWQ2Ar5aEsOARCpLGWIY2hnc4LkW_oWMy-6X5kYH_GruvRZkfNExkNkmHqUsfevVASBA/w640-h426/vv%20monument%20plant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument Plant, Frasera speciosa </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The great red paintbrush we saw all along the trail, but here in the upper meadow they seemed lusher, healthier, and more vibrant red. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTAHRhiFhlqkYQhrTGpwSv75z9J12P8eD0LxeKAKMbcgNCQ5rcSmdL4_1NRFRLzBrLSJEjOW8r6Oq55kRL5-5ls9mGHwUqoxDfc0P3Rzu_NutEM4zm6np4z3QzbJnu4zew-EUHOsyMpoYERlfXeStYYOMgPDLeiozQ13EM1u7nT-xMIUa7flltCRF-M/s1727/vx%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1727" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTAHRhiFhlqkYQhrTGpwSv75z9J12P8eD0LxeKAKMbcgNCQ5rcSmdL4_1NRFRLzBrLSJEjOW8r6Oq55kRL5-5ls9mGHwUqoxDfc0P3Rzu_NutEM4zm6np4z3QzbJnu4zew-EUHOsyMpoYERlfXeStYYOMgPDLeiozQ13EM1u7nT-xMIUa7flltCRF-M/w640-h416/vx%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Red Paintbrush, Castilleja miniata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We did come across one last creek before the final ascend to the ridge. Since we had already filled our bottles recently, we didn't stop to refill again. Perhaps we should have, because the final ascend would drain us more than we had expected. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvFo5tMUxAxIqd0TPNCbNKR2953_K8XdpHxJGLAky72Ho6xh01tygeoXcTtUap0e7a3xNLLzwj-74VFf7P-S2FeNmvgWiAl5TZPD2zDNQXx60UClxU7MyjP3D4qXHt3CqjGEWvoFYNJtTc_uMJVIaRkCWfZMA2tz8c2Cc5RRmwikxtZ0iFqdZdgC4yBk/s1856/vy%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvFo5tMUxAxIqd0TPNCbNKR2953_K8XdpHxJGLAky72Ho6xh01tygeoXcTtUap0e7a3xNLLzwj-74VFf7P-S2FeNmvgWiAl5TZPD2zDNQXx60UClxU7MyjP3D4qXHt3CqjGEWvoFYNJtTc_uMJVIaRkCWfZMA2tz8c2Cc5RRmwikxtZ0iFqdZdgC4yBk/w640-h426/vy%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the last creek crossing the trail became considerably steeper. It was also the hottest part of the day. I felt hot and tired, but continued plodding on, not wanting to hold us all up. At some point we noticed a pond, way down below. That was the pond we saw on the map bud didn't locate while being down there. It didn't matter though. From above it looked that it wasn't easily accessible. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40vrzIV_d3P4wHYwudGW-nVujb9W_qjpqmAkePmzNnYvzRbjud2-8RRDMJQsCA0-5D4qCIImUvBxVxChoZw0YfuyvrCbPo2wMdClbNx52h3No5hpQylAOAYPW3qQExp3yY9MYNeDbPMYTxT1fp3S08bKSjk8bMhtpw9zcVegrQ0RM2UvLAgfyz1DD6gE/s1856/wk%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40vrzIV_d3P4wHYwudGW-nVujb9W_qjpqmAkePmzNnYvzRbjud2-8RRDMJQsCA0-5D4qCIImUvBxVxChoZw0YfuyvrCbPo2wMdClbNx52h3No5hpQylAOAYPW3qQExp3yY9MYNeDbPMYTxT1fp3S08bKSjk8bMhtpw9zcVegrQ0RM2UvLAgfyz1DD6gE/w640-h426/wk%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest Pond</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were many more wildflowers on the way up, and I used the little photo pauses to also catch my breath and to do small stretches of my hurting hip. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIenP9uZnTNduXs0zDN5mX9uXGAAmTp69QgEnIjH5hMVDifVo-9y4gazQl3rexl_aqRRXjQVyDmlGnqgWAjMyk-KilCPWP7qa3wYu9dCsQlso_aAxBhb4nOzmDaihqA9mrVrD1a9slOphRe_mF1unIYUX7005EuLWiVNUr7xwRkyAnfoNIPkdZGNcfrU/s1547/wc%20columbine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1547" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIenP9uZnTNduXs0zDN5mX9uXGAAmTp69QgEnIjH5hMVDifVo-9y4gazQl3rexl_aqRRXjQVyDmlGnqgWAjMyk-KilCPWP7qa3wYu9dCsQlso_aAxBhb4nOzmDaihqA9mrVrD1a9slOphRe_mF1unIYUX7005EuLWiVNUr7xwRkyAnfoNIPkdZGNcfrU/w640-h432/wc%20columbine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimson Columbine, Aquilegia formosa</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All and all, this part of the hike was very beautiful and enjoyable, including the heat and the uphill effort. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACw69wjOlwseSrElxgEELjTWPAIN7p4k1qqMiQUxcFtGBFsfj5xFtJObJkmbyCk8Lrg8__dhNN6SfDoRCGSnJ6QZUfZLdsSq0xQJMRqEUNj8GN27ydjHuP2IJ5sQBs6ZBFo9skBjuA6IKKcfxVaTHogSkrVMJ8_7pBP4aeuDowguYkp9sOmWSZesNzQ8/s1715/we%20arnica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1715" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACw69wjOlwseSrElxgEELjTWPAIN7p4k1qqMiQUxcFtGBFsfj5xFtJObJkmbyCk8Lrg8__dhNN6SfDoRCGSnJ6QZUfZLdsSq0xQJMRqEUNj8GN27ydjHuP2IJ5sQBs6ZBFo9skBjuA6IKKcfxVaTHogSkrVMJ8_7pBP4aeuDowguYkp9sOmWSZesNzQ8/w640-h406/we%20arnica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even the thistles looked different here, not the common western cobwebby thistles I was familiar with from my hikes in the Sierra Nevada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiqtGSOIJoOs-J_GHh2LIx8HkHjdfrUcogRu2FvRrHZEWF3Ix5Kd4vCc1RDWqTmg17J4bgx2pu32JNtmG2onyk-uFTsOmAu-Ii8fJ8Rcz9SGNZExi_04rDOlNH7mCSLd44QgVobREFXHLD6VuzTOKB7qxEZEttzifjIePnRnk4iIg1vhj1CfjDXhq8C4/s1543/wf%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1543" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiqtGSOIJoOs-J_GHh2LIx8HkHjdfrUcogRu2FvRrHZEWF3Ix5Kd4vCc1RDWqTmg17J4bgx2pu32JNtmG2onyk-uFTsOmAu-Ii8fJ8Rcz9SGNZExi_04rDOlNH7mCSLd44QgVobREFXHLD6VuzTOKB7qxEZEttzifjIePnRnk4iIg1vhj1CfjDXhq8C4/w640-h414/wf%20thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I raised my head from the wildflowers I was suddenly aware of a large peak with unique appearance that loomed on the northern horizon behind the ridge line we were aiming for. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECKEKjkRugCT4YdGsQkip2_M7JHiwa3pxd1vXRbdwITeMwA3nMOQLHhf60TwNWidsi_taKSfutyYzrZH6kiWHIVItLpf-zVNHTSTW_NgBZOgtmfLWVVJaDcMu2LhTNx89eVGPkKD3q5Q0HEu0UhLf52NsrdJXNNL8bLTwOJqYSsQDEia0GFCJPYpB6VQ/s1856/wi%20mountain%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECKEKjkRugCT4YdGsQkip2_M7JHiwa3pxd1vXRbdwITeMwA3nMOQLHhf60TwNWidsi_taKSfutyYzrZH6kiWHIVItLpf-zVNHTSTW_NgBZOgtmfLWVVJaDcMu2LhTNx89eVGPkKD3q5Q0HEu0UhLf52NsrdJXNNL8bLTwOJqYSsQDEia0GFCJPYpB6VQ/w640-h426/wi%20mountain%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I zoomed my lens to maximum. This - was Marble Mountain. The white belt below its peak was the marble rock. We planned to be hiking the marbles tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW2lD8qqOCamgZGLVzMN_q7iN7bclGTF8OBQbDGmT_kVs8Pjf4P9pv69IedMzc2fhkBLmMoFySgodyFj4cqs3F3FtjfSZzbgGoE6qKSd5uAOv1UDbkalSaHSHGOf8oJ6b7OVS32hePmj2kNZ5AEDSt_eRJVOxmiluwhFXeuo5qIftRgrXQUmXE2M9jOs/s1856/wg%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW2lD8qqOCamgZGLVzMN_q7iN7bclGTF8OBQbDGmT_kVs8Pjf4P9pv69IedMzc2fhkBLmMoFySgodyFj4cqs3F3FtjfSZzbgGoE6qKSd5uAOv1UDbkalSaHSHGOf8oJ6b7OVS32hePmj2kNZ5AEDSt_eRJVOxmiluwhFXeuo5qIftRgrXQUmXE2M9jOs/w640-h426/wg%20Marble%20Mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nearing the ridge, we were among trees once again. Not a continuous forest but a stand here and there, interspaced with open areas. We welcomed the intermittent shade. The ground vegetation too was thicker and greener here, with evidence of recent moisture, probably left after the high altitude snow patches have melted. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_40ecwqUqUpj4u8DvJvWbesOtsXq_yfkVfrC9OO1iylJb5n6iRy0j5mCgGj5icV6dBqurv49rtJYJX2qof0ekSXFlbESlcK8Dkbagt9AkyH0jJgRl_4zMen0rhp1_ceD0nUfv6ONMwmC1xVSJJnYTNkGH8fDIhoRroQWvMj7iMcDqC-kFaSP3lkLaSMA/s1581/wh%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1581" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_40ecwqUqUpj4u8DvJvWbesOtsXq_yfkVfrC9OO1iylJb5n6iRy0j5mCgGj5icV6dBqurv49rtJYJX2qof0ekSXFlbESlcK8Dkbagt9AkyH0jJgRl_4zMen0rhp1_ceD0nUfv6ONMwmC1xVSJJnYTNkGH8fDIhoRroQWvMj7iMcDqC-kFaSP3lkLaSMA/w640-h452/wh%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeyflower, Erythranthe sp. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here too, the invertebrates were very active. I noticed what seemed to me at first as a mating activity. A closer look however, revealed predation - a fly of some sort was gnawing on a small bee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ426gogpWpv2NTgEtw8qkdk_zwNDeadyOeARoIMWYHNPXt8aICXZSLSEwyYl-LVXVF4IVBD0Bze9cyxIv_WDYy1lB8KGcSfOmQ7TSxIA9ECX8-So0qfqMpJnIx8JcmrC2xCkkHKuMUBmNFPhJCIUv4hJmn7sUHfG4zduYQJlN1mUY5xv1YC3apqHps2w/s1456/wl%20bugs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1456" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ426gogpWpv2NTgEtw8qkdk_zwNDeadyOeARoIMWYHNPXt8aICXZSLSEwyYl-LVXVF4IVBD0Bze9cyxIv_WDYy1lB8KGcSfOmQ7TSxIA9ECX8-So0qfqMpJnIx8JcmrC2xCkkHKuMUBmNFPhJCIUv4hJmn7sUHfG4zduYQJlN1mUY5xv1YC3apqHps2w/w640-h472/wl%20bugs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The people we met at the trailhead yesterday have told us that the bloom up by the ridge was magnificent. There were absolutely correct. It was a wonderful celebration of colors all around. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkOXB9wGbxT11l0sW3KW8kDnTJ8rzWGxCpsoaZkf0pEqqGkg6uF514znlZMQ17KAHqk7zXXSbpeE7XlTp067b4qn0orwwTRwXokEnysyrbJI3WH6Hu5qzQj2FleCzuuHsB8hgjoccBAiHtZd_Nx6gbBwIq2Mr3buyeHR-it2aECz_rjpKV0-rcgVJOJQ/s1634/wp%20heather.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1634" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkOXB9wGbxT11l0sW3KW8kDnTJ8rzWGxCpsoaZkf0pEqqGkg6uF514znlZMQ17KAHqk7zXXSbpeE7XlTp067b4qn0orwwTRwXokEnysyrbJI3WH6Hu5qzQj2FleCzuuHsB8hgjoccBAiHtZd_Nx6gbBwIq2Mr3buyeHR-it2aECz_rjpKV0-rcgVJOJQ/w640-h418/wp%20heather.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Meadowsweet, Spiraea splensens</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even the smallest of wildflowers were worthy of my attention. There are many species that I chose to omit from this day's hike post because they are represented in the other days, or that their photos weren't all that good. If I'd included everything, this post would be much heavier, and it already quite big. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY-UYKeTZ0Toz-M3-5lKudEoZx7zM7eKyJp72HY_6Y5ulBMtyqMgYxqpvw_8a8Tn35ZZdPauUA2tSXr4rNhWwsSg5qfDRoeNr8O0KoWD-n60b1MkW7_zNW50TFFIu1atbv54_B09jpAa-z4b1BbazZnCJ4t6VzlhV3W2Q6m13Ys_XhbjwOGwnA-5BBoc/s1745/wq%20willowherb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1745" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY-UYKeTZ0Toz-M3-5lKudEoZx7zM7eKyJp72HY_6Y5ulBMtyqMgYxqpvw_8a8Tn35ZZdPauUA2tSXr4rNhWwsSg5qfDRoeNr8O0KoWD-n60b1MkW7_zNW50TFFIu1atbv54_B09jpAa-z4b1BbazZnCJ4t6VzlhV3W2Q6m13Ys_XhbjwOGwnA-5BBoc/w640-h438/wq%20willowherb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth Willowherb, Epilobium glaberrimum </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The festival of mid-summer colors would not have been complete without the numerous butterflies that were busy among the flowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP-uPhZOq99mC7qJw6sxpAy1TM8APontQYQrbfrXJPksq3KPepJ0iYrgBdJzhd38aschs743uaSy-JA7dUSLdHeH8VL_v-s1X_UwtHmfD01Xn0c_bWLyUa-ONH03iPvwW11B96ORDoWkYJg_iyhoMvx5UtTNFr5GQ652cU6u-QZ1qJSmob6fPO27Z5lE/s1221/wt%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1221" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP-uPhZOq99mC7qJw6sxpAy1TM8APontQYQrbfrXJPksq3KPepJ0iYrgBdJzhd38aschs743uaSy-JA7dUSLdHeH8VL_v-s1X_UwtHmfD01Xn0c_bWLyUa-ONH03iPvwW11B96ORDoWkYJg_iyhoMvx5UtTNFr5GQ652cU6u-QZ1qJSmob6fPO27Z5lE/w640-h452/wt%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From high up the trail we got a view of a are rocky buttress in the valley we were just exiting. It looked a bit reddish, and my friend mused that this might be the 'red rock' after which the valley was named. I wasn't sure I was buying that, but it was the closest think to a red rock we'd seen so far. The great red paintbrush flowers were a real red color and livened up the entire trail side. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fbzhXq481Oql8v6koof3Qd75mB9G0DNTXPWlSlQBuxeENvS9F58dyYHV36bVHqjMh7CBVJ2929ejvLTzBG4lb-9vAKprBQzGTguRD2uvdQE7_zpJ-Wt65MrH6SM4notnWDxZD3feDmLG30JkI0Cf1TP1RerVvgWIceEZq0daPJhyphenhyphenyc7a-ALQYOjv7gs/s1856/wu%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fbzhXq481Oql8v6koof3Qd75mB9G0DNTXPWlSlQBuxeENvS9F58dyYHV36bVHqjMh7CBVJ2929ejvLTzBG4lb-9vAKprBQzGTguRD2uvdQE7_zpJ-Wt65MrH6SM4notnWDxZD3feDmLG30JkI0Cf1TP1RerVvgWIceEZq0daPJhyphenhyphenyc7a-ALQYOjv7gs/w640-h426/wu%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The great red paintbrush was particularly prominent with the pale mountain monardella as its background. The swallowtail butterfly added its unique touch to this magnificent Nature's composition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixq47bKqEokyeOuuUpXT8AvrpFvArtD1vynjvtIMh29T1HkrX4lckqrFNKgCF-TwEvTPAmA7GCq6Z-sflbh4GESh9od3wq7iEJb6rlDgcgUK9ecUzJlR5wd0-oGlORqm0JlhF80nBXiRS03Gdc4NqsTHpMu18kIMzsE1Sog0gYhriJkDi946OK_3o31E/s1856/wv%20flowers%20and%20swallowtail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixq47bKqEokyeOuuUpXT8AvrpFvArtD1vynjvtIMh29T1HkrX4lckqrFNKgCF-TwEvTPAmA7GCq6Z-sflbh4GESh9od3wq7iEJb6rlDgcgUK9ecUzJlR5wd0-oGlORqm0JlhF80nBXiRS03Gdc4NqsTHpMu18kIMzsE1Sog0gYhriJkDi946OK_3o31E/w640-h426/wv%20flowers%20and%20swallowtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My chika requested one more rest stop. We were close to the ridge and the PCT junction now, but she needed a break. It was hot and we all drunk more water, and looked behind us at the Red Rock Valley we just ascended through. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqpWWLOCGSHtMH-gh_cw0QnnZRpCbgMjF2eNOygJORXOXliVoWds5aJaYVZkGHbrKXIBLBuo4lTvFYzJ9VmJhbWqRdBwoCV6WwY8kQ1Nkbpe5jMhZYz5bE-iolo02P8RkAaRrpeTRjVmRgkyDGou62es6doxMXHq8VzcoKHXjI_H5zGqn3nwYGXoSOrw/s1856/wx%20Red%20rock%20canyon%20east%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqpWWLOCGSHtMH-gh_cw0QnnZRpCbgMjF2eNOygJORXOXliVoWds5aJaYVZkGHbrKXIBLBuo4lTvFYzJ9VmJhbWqRdBwoCV6WwY8kQ1Nkbpe5jMhZYz5bE-iolo02P8RkAaRrpeTRjVmRgkyDGou62es6doxMXHq8VzcoKHXjI_H5zGqn3nwYGXoSOrw/w640-h426/wx%20Red%20rock%20canyon%20east%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right where we were sitting, somewhat hidden in the other vegetation, were primula flowers of a species that loves the high mountains. Marble Mountain isn't as high altitude as the High Sierra, but its wilderness peaks are of the highest in the Klamath Mountains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATxQhSCvMg25fxCyuWyTT7iSmlOVtcN-mCRkNaj0cZK9VTNKDvWwz2Dcz2mX699XVRx6qdkUKe0o4NxO1sHSNPpNeTNDRCdluJkb8qyR8cew-VgznTwnt_kElvvj_exMOhZ5tX4kyRZhQCg_ZnLo2FkDRgzDiPEZVu73-lAeBR4emkCSkqmGvDfSTrVs/s1493/wy%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1493" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATxQhSCvMg25fxCyuWyTT7iSmlOVtcN-mCRkNaj0cZK9VTNKDvWwz2Dcz2mX699XVRx6qdkUKe0o4NxO1sHSNPpNeTNDRCdluJkb8qyR8cew-VgznTwnt_kElvvj_exMOhZ5tX4kyRZhQCg_ZnLo2FkDRgzDiPEZVu73-lAeBR4emkCSkqmGvDfSTrVs/w640-h446/wy%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">At last, we reached the PCT - the Pacific Crest Trail. Having had a recent break we didn't stop again, except to appreciate the bold squirrel that stood guard on a rock nearby. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8K8rtrFcngjiwTBbTYrUMuEtkKlcHKaIkEzd5hOdq8GsSRmGLlPXpOjF-gBRrYi5MqjMIP980iSkfl8h_7QpO2tp8tDrPMmFAzLnXRkwZIzXGIkIUC4G2WWi-okqrBmIqHnvixndI1q0OCj-dWfD1Wn9OKLXfyH2-C8ftjAfs0qrk-mceKf8MbGk17Y/s1248/xc%20squirrel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1248" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8K8rtrFcngjiwTBbTYrUMuEtkKlcHKaIkEzd5hOdq8GsSRmGLlPXpOjF-gBRrYi5MqjMIP980iSkfl8h_7QpO2tp8tDrPMmFAzLnXRkwZIzXGIkIUC4G2WWi-okqrBmIqHnvixndI1q0OCj-dWfD1Wn9OKLXfyH2-C8ftjAfs0qrk-mceKf8MbGk17Y/w640-h442/xc%20squirrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The PCT is the longest continuous trail in United States. It runs from the Mexican Border to the Canadian Border, running through California, Oregon, and Washington. It takes an average of three months to hike it continuously. Most through backpackers do it south to north, but there are those who do it in the other direction. Not everyone can take that long from their regular lives and hike it in chunks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7654RoNX4rDIR0-J540-YO79nPbJJRf4wFxJRD0z9x6Ed5piaPWtOyG6QznNkEXJ7n_8pRBERAwAdrwp9T8AYzi4QhR46AwgBRlTQjJWRU6IfoJp7WFL1rYZeqLxXHMmJ8a28qcDqXG7hOOWoO9xZZpU_W6qELaZDFzZo6nKZZsNff10EYQ0VrXLaXJo/s1856/xd%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7654RoNX4rDIR0-J540-YO79nPbJJRf4wFxJRD0z9x6Ed5piaPWtOyG6QznNkEXJ7n_8pRBERAwAdrwp9T8AYzi4QhR46AwgBRlTQjJWRU6IfoJp7WFL1rYZeqLxXHMmJ8a28qcDqXG7hOOWoO9xZZpU_W6qELaZDFzZo6nKZZsNff10EYQ0VrXLaXJo/w640-h426/xd%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I personally, never had the desire to hike this particular trail on a continuous trip. Even when I hiked parts of it on this and other backpacking trips or day hikes, the PCT segments I hiked were part of other loop trails. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUg36oFtPHNiWk3Lq9Xj-VyZIC1B6Ov0ukeMZnbG0ELF82aqRkntIKukH_as1NrW8n4lvQqFBJUzXSa3e9rWpkhh3x-1MuO_m3s_B5wbddxAyMRBjirGAm51TTLEeIQP9_FRC9mxxV4dnzuC9aWsHWCCxZYczD_NWU-8HvT13fi-I5Z_H3OSK0vJpwlo/s1856/xi%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUg36oFtPHNiWk3Lq9Xj-VyZIC1B6Ov0ukeMZnbG0ELF82aqRkntIKukH_as1NrW8n4lvQqFBJUzXSa3e9rWpkhh3x-1MuO_m3s_B5wbddxAyMRBjirGAm51TTLEeIQP9_FRC9mxxV4dnzuC9aWsHWCCxZYczD_NWU-8HvT13fi-I5Z_H3OSK0vJpwlo/w640-h426/xi%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The part of the PCT we were hiking on now started almost level, which was a great relief. We picked up our pace. Even the steeper segments were at a reasonably mild slope. It was also much more forested along the ridge which the PCT followed, although in some places the forest was burnt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Oh4OMh3__DHJ_OEjxRzncRmB5FUcLaAYPBJbI-OOmJzvH5YfDMTV4qb8YtalM7rfpvaKExxO3aS6HBiEHJQ7HcNO_Pm28HkSbByp5vxIqLidWsElAbGgTR7qi2ycVuVmXnCvjL0kHR7vLe6_bx2IXoDOr9bA8kN7lZ6Zp1lzqUZ6v_uf_vLVfNkDpU/s1856/xh%20burnt%20forest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Oh4OMh3__DHJ_OEjxRzncRmB5FUcLaAYPBJbI-OOmJzvH5YfDMTV4qb8YtalM7rfpvaKExxO3aS6HBiEHJQ7HcNO_Pm28HkSbByp5vxIqLidWsElAbGgTR7qi2ycVuVmXnCvjL0kHR7vLe6_bx2IXoDOr9bA8kN7lZ6Zp1lzqUZ6v_uf_vLVfNkDpU/w640-h426/xh%20burnt%20forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the ridge we had a view to the west, and it was spectacular. The Klamath Mountains extended as far as our eyes could see, and the valleys between them looked very deep and narrow. Our plan was to go partly into one of these valleys. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdHVNXjxRPeznVszC7dW3cqJFt0Qf1ZZoSh3WYbxweNzX26i39W4XQ30lVesfYV0jLxE70DuCaVeEb33regpXy_0cjEGUtYH-3lDegkshj0HaYSSBTtMW5JfP26n6o1UP4GSL97Cp8PHTfqk-dqTYdLJ02E-m7QLcLwtI61lUMOupGnQoiA4S9kJ_J3A/s1856/xl%20view%20west.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdHVNXjxRPeznVszC7dW3cqJFt0Qf1ZZoSh3WYbxweNzX26i39W4XQ30lVesfYV0jLxE70DuCaVeEb33regpXy_0cjEGUtYH-3lDegkshj0HaYSSBTtMW5JfP26n6o1UP4GSL97Cp8PHTfqk-dqTYdLJ02E-m7QLcLwtI61lUMOupGnQoiA4S9kJ_J3A/w640-h426/xl%20view%20west.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View west from the PCT<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of all the butterflies I've seen on this hike, the hardest to photograph were the yellow ones. They were the most active, and the most skittish of all. I was very pleased therefore, that one of them cooperated with me and stood still for a brief moment. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTuJYUkSch00sSM4gnCU45x8FVIm7hnwK1cZvu24r01BX-olNh_wx82RiNZJkniSULRR7culjMkcNKlbOADUxXUOQpXagrkKlRN2bW4iYlFdYcHir6_-E1rwAFVCLGUlHU2C_fi1FZop5tTf9UUtAF7Xf3LWd9Ea9KiEXrvmvR00pWHlTNS-pHK7hURg/s1442/xn%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1442" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTuJYUkSch00sSM4gnCU45x8FVIm7hnwK1cZvu24r01BX-olNh_wx82RiNZJkniSULRR7culjMkcNKlbOADUxXUOQpXagrkKlRN2bW4iYlFdYcHir6_-E1rwAFVCLGUlHU2C_fi1FZop5tTf9UUtAF7Xf3LWd9Ea9KiEXrvmvR00pWHlTNS-pHK7hURg/w640-h432/xn%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The wildflower display was just as gorgeous up on the ridge, especially in the exposed areas, out of the forest. Almost every step I've encountered species that I was seeing for the first time on this hike. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmRclUcHoeU8-pE45J6nm5cCIaZFgt5W6BOxSADMveOQIN39Id2nocjShNZKcj33puGwdnlVKHduniGb1Sg_GCcRkVBwljaUqWn7gxGKvBHIFA9t8L0W74HusBIHoXWRiRyyVQXxeVpz7-ulb5d98PWuQBJEULjzQmn72LlNc7hPMXg9kt2QbUAxvDo0/s1353/xo%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1353" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmRclUcHoeU8-pE45J6nm5cCIaZFgt5W6BOxSADMveOQIN39Id2nocjShNZKcj33puGwdnlVKHduniGb1Sg_GCcRkVBwljaUqWn7gxGKvBHIFA9t8L0W74HusBIHoXWRiRyyVQXxeVpz7-ulb5d98PWuQBJEULjzQmn72LlNc7hPMXg9kt2QbUAxvDo0/w640-h424/xo%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davidson's Penstemon, Penstemon davidsonii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the place where the map indicated there was a spring. We counted on this spring to fill our water but we couldn't find it. We didn't have much water left and the day was still hot. We were seriously concerned that we would run out of water too soon. Shadow Lake, a little lake just below us on the east was the nearest source of water. The problem was that getting there meant going down (and up) a very steep trail leading to it from the PCT. My friend volunteered to go down there and get water, and her daughter joined her. My chika and me, who were already tired, stayed behind and kept our eyes on their backpacks. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEyYWvxvAnpNR1x7CTpWY2q55DjVpPUxuDLEQGAz2TpgDlqMl8sQy1cLJwDKlcJ5ewa2At_dQ5BB-XTQYYGWn7bnuSgWaIzmgK19y9U3-cV3uL5GQR_OtbhLSmoG1gaMysLVklMqUnGxrLA_8BOzFrOaEpI-6vqOuk4E6OGL3BiJqahllAVRV1Ojlc6U/s1856/xp%20spur.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEyYWvxvAnpNR1x7CTpWY2q55DjVpPUxuDLEQGAz2TpgDlqMl8sQy1cLJwDKlcJ5ewa2At_dQ5BB-XTQYYGWn7bnuSgWaIzmgK19y9U3-cV3uL5GQR_OtbhLSmoG1gaMysLVklMqUnGxrLA_8BOzFrOaEpI-6vqOuk4E6OGL3BiJqahllAVRV1Ojlc6U/w640-h426/xp%20spur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took our friends almost an hour to get the water and come back. The trail was very steep and slippery, they said. I filtered water as they rested from the effort. During that time a caravan of horses passed by us. They had two dogs with them, and one of the dogs defecated on the trail. After they moved on I took a stick and pushed the poop off to the side so no hiker would step in it. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nds8HO32m5JvN7OnHXmq2UzriAM7I7X4akU3boKDTcbMxmKDKzoiQ2jJUl6RZ-1J1GyL4tFvcj9mOBB6yBc58d3cU3LZJzGjmCGpBOS-D9L4tdFXbdXZYHPsvK5mQtY76stoP1VPAQkwcaqHBGfowQtJ2OATZDdxnY1jW660NZ3JMipA34uFSQPXjEs/s1856/xu%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nds8HO32m5JvN7OnHXmq2UzriAM7I7X4akU3boKDTcbMxmKDKzoiQ2jJUl6RZ-1J1GyL4tFvcj9mOBB6yBc58d3cU3LZJzGjmCGpBOS-D9L4tdFXbdXZYHPsvK5mQtY76stoP1VPAQkwcaqHBGfowQtJ2OATZDdxnY1jW660NZ3JMipA34uFSQPXjEs/w640-h426/xu%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other than the horse riders, we came upon several PCT backpackers, nearly all of them through hikers - those who do the entire trail in one go. Some were on a shorter trip in the area, just like us. A couple of them went down to the lake where our friends had just been to fetch water. In the height of summer, the PCT does feel a bit like a freeway. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ri9SBWoZxKHG_XDsYV2YhaHTC4Ph_nJNgMK_oyV0myAYb0KYZ_gSKFcA1b-jw3rWyxfkYQ_9PhnXkCc2-xvdbDoHbLM20GClBdEguKbZ-3SuFl7oLwxsMpQtJNHbfVV_9_mm-VdpIzTiLFPW45naqBbghRC7EnZZ43Yx9mIjfvWebRZpbirFdndehwY/s1179/xs%20bee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1179" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ri9SBWoZxKHG_XDsYV2YhaHTC4Ph_nJNgMK_oyV0myAYb0KYZ_gSKFcA1b-jw3rWyxfkYQ_9PhnXkCc2-xvdbDoHbLM20GClBdEguKbZ-3SuFl7oLwxsMpQtJNHbfVV_9_mm-VdpIzTiLFPW45naqBbghRC7EnZZ43Yx9mIjfvWebRZpbirFdndehwY/w640-h436/xs%20bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We resumed our hike, trying to make up the time lost while getting water. The ranger at the National Forest office in Yreka had warned me that the trail might be blocked by fallen trees but we haven't encountered any on our way up Red Rock Valley. There have been some, but all of them removed by the time of our trip. On the PCR however, we finally came upon logs that were blocking the trail. In fact, we run into the team of volunteers that was working on removing them. The logs past them were not yet removed so we had to hop over or move around the trail block. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3dHO8neh-BMxOqH0W295AHWQ5UIc159wGMK7f3W9mW9hCGC4mTs3DLwDzXLJNJA81WU7DNh8AaelZZNU-o6MzFMAVuLaMQHwjeldBg4zyKdR-hBjAMX_2UCuMoY6txuaqjWx7_nS9qDTCXKDOwXY8WZYMKIK47lh-ov47jGG8S5_thTPeMtxAYhYoS4/s1615/xv%20log.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1615" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3dHO8neh-BMxOqH0W295AHWQ5UIc159wGMK7f3W9mW9hCGC4mTs3DLwDzXLJNJA81WU7DNh8AaelZZNU-o6MzFMAVuLaMQHwjeldBg4zyKdR-hBjAMX_2UCuMoY6txuaqjWx7_nS9qDTCXKDOwXY8WZYMKIK47lh-ov47jGG8S5_thTPeMtxAYhYoS4/w640-h452/xv%20log.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing the PCT</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a few more fallen logs blocking the PCT after we passed the clearing crew, but none were difficult to pass over or around. We moved on at a good pace. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxitBpDzvUgpCl5ClgsTN-VTj4UFy2XLG_sJYeHzzwJZAWoK68Dr6PZ5yyZv3oQPcWpgmnBLEc0RggK0Bc4nl9T_b06VuDLNGbu1TXQplcDIvGQDFUfFhIi6HfApotTMRWdRNbmAwexGoupsaX2-fW1EaAfGY-6V6fi_U8VeQ4er4o9TFf18-piwAoug/s1458/xw%20seen%20this%20in%20lassen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1458" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxitBpDzvUgpCl5ClgsTN-VTj4UFy2XLG_sJYeHzzwJZAWoK68Dr6PZ5yyZv3oQPcWpgmnBLEc0RggK0Bc4nl9T_b06VuDLNGbu1TXQplcDIvGQDFUfFhIi6HfApotTMRWdRNbmAwexGoupsaX2-fW1EaAfGY-6V6fi_U8VeQ4er4o9TFf18-piwAoug/w640-h452/xw%20seen%20this%20in%20lassen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading Dogbane, Apocynum androsaemifolium </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was still in the lead, but I walked faster now, pausing only briefly to photograph wildflowers, most times even clicking the camera with barely a slowdown. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUqBwuYOFkY6PkbSHIxrZ92_C7hqLSRnC3XGOzkrM_ERRGXojHw96uf_QrUohcDHEFIqxNjd0CrexbkUfM06Gj-POo0mrEuMpb62ysKrNfBa_iUTxliwCYD4CUb46euqOwqt4NOFcaKNL7CTlzzX43eYt9UA4P5l_LEost_uAg44fE9_oHinZwYMXsqM/s1589/xx%20elderberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1589" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUqBwuYOFkY6PkbSHIxrZ92_C7hqLSRnC3XGOzkrM_ERRGXojHw96uf_QrUohcDHEFIqxNjd0CrexbkUfM06Gj-POo0mrEuMpb62ysKrNfBa_iUTxliwCYD4CUb46euqOwqt4NOFcaKNL7CTlzzX43eYt9UA4P5l_LEost_uAg44fE9_oHinZwYMXsqM/w640-h456/xx%20elderberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry, Sambucus mexicana</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was nice to see familiar flowers that I knew from my trips Sierra Nevada and to Lassen Volcanic National Park. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfubTmIh5QHFJJPnKONKKXmzrqXLxUtNLFTf7MPZcPhi3lr9TtaozGLaGN8CV_WeQC8yzn3ct9RnZP8A9-QARKr2pVWxWEMRry9ozPxYCiureqEQK_D3FcKvolYQve0bj0-i4N48T1jXRx-lSfYfbqVtmycDEW163SADquAwjS2Qpxu2PeBV1noN3YpKc/s1350/xy%20gilia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1350" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfubTmIh5QHFJJPnKONKKXmzrqXLxUtNLFTf7MPZcPhi3lr9TtaozGLaGN8CV_WeQC8yzn3ct9RnZP8A9-QARKr2pVWxWEMRry9ozPxYCiureqEQK_D3FcKvolYQve0bj0-i4N48T1jXRx-lSfYfbqVtmycDEW163SADquAwjS2Qpxu2PeBV1noN3YpKc/w640-h450/xy%20gilia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another sight that captivated me each time we stepped out of a wood stand was the spectacular mountain view to the west. It was hard to detach my eyes from the striking elevation differences between the height of the mountain ranges and the depths of the narrow gullies, and the shimmering blue haze that floated over that fairy tail landscape. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fsQql5zoZ35XpZks0EuHX3dQItc-0YrPqdAuTdL4e1ajyPhM2L00jUsR7MugEaITDndwqxG1hlev-KJFcn3LDQuaf7tPBcX0WBwj66I_rCeF23_Wn71TLC8wUgnkKMu6GJFpRXP5YRBCa5GmDi86b3iXGQG5Qy-c8C4zce2hZIcG0VZUdhNT74xdCts/s1856/yk%20west%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fsQql5zoZ35XpZks0EuHX3dQItc-0YrPqdAuTdL4e1ajyPhM2L00jUsR7MugEaITDndwqxG1hlev-KJFcn3LDQuaf7tPBcX0WBwj66I_rCeF23_Wn71TLC8wUgnkKMu6GJFpRXP5YRBCa5GmDi86b3iXGQG5Qy-c8C4zce2hZIcG0VZUdhNT74xdCts/w640-h426/yk%20west%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West View from the PCT<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always the educator, I kept pointing out curiosities to my hiking mates. Being in the lead, I was most of the times the first to spot interesting things. Often these were things that only I considered interesting. Sometimes they too, paused to take a closer look. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl-yIyzYgY3bjbNsIeDhFgQc849t7_W5SnM7ljenmTjlX8_p2e_PEEvAhCQD3wgVMNFmT15ditLejCIp-WZrsSkS6vSjNhV5rs5UcijU7vD6DTeRV7cSvC3x90I-6Ke4laVbL34l2mcf6lCVkh9GP6pQ4faxK-3ponlH83BxCRnjCTRPaVDw86M9zYj8/s1856/yf%20caterpillars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl-yIyzYgY3bjbNsIeDhFgQc849t7_W5SnM7ljenmTjlX8_p2e_PEEvAhCQD3wgVMNFmT15ditLejCIp-WZrsSkS6vSjNhV5rs5UcijU7vD6DTeRV7cSvC3x90I-6Ke4laVbL34l2mcf6lCVkh9GP6pQ4faxK-3ponlH83BxCRnjCTRPaVDw86M9zYj8/w640-h426/yf%20caterpillars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar nursery </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even common sights, such as the parachute seed head of a composite plant, were an attraction. I had to argue a few seconds to photograph this hawksbeard seed head before the younger hikers with us had the pleasure of blowing the seeds away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVwgudpCK5pXt1DVgGG5vheghllii3VbV2w7gkR9GsBNtEr8IA0HnavjPnzX_MY7LJwZLLdsiiQtUo3-NXJryr7PxoDXSyv4_nePmtBsylx-k914JIH0MuvWlL7_fanSvP64tBPZEMTfT-xRnaq_Pt0zbdMfOEZAJeIw-WN01DGINmSt7vsXHQUsSjXQ/s1856/yh%20Hawksbeard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVwgudpCK5pXt1DVgGG5vheghllii3VbV2w7gkR9GsBNtEr8IA0HnavjPnzX_MY7LJwZLLdsiiQtUo3-NXJryr7PxoDXSyv4_nePmtBsylx-k914JIH0MuvWlL7_fanSvP64tBPZEMTfT-xRnaq_Pt0zbdMfOEZAJeIw-WN01DGINmSt7vsXHQUsSjXQ/w640-h426/yh%20Hawksbeard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we reached the trail junction of the PCT with the Sky High Lake we took another short break to drink and to check the maps. Sky High Lakes area is a popular campground in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and we hoped to get there sooner rather than later, before other backpackers filled all the suitable campsites. When we got to the trail junction however, it was clear that we won't make it on the earlier side of the day to Sky High Lakes. We were simply too slow. That is, I was too slow. By the time we were ready to go downhill my hip had already been screaming at me with jolts of pain for a few hours now. I didn't talk about it much, after all, there was nothing to do about it at the time except for taking some pain killers (which I did but didn't hep much), and to keep a manageable pace, which is what I've been doing anyway. It sucked and I was very dismayed, but I tried to not let it show so to not bring everyone else's mood down. I simply admitted to having aged, which wasn't really the reason, as I am not all that old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNQMIE-k4bohffIpOAswJOiT_7HTaVEyk51RWzzRXwNJILArNQfjM_jzzJyobCjMZzmEuLDde9lAKLoc2RE9Z6zv_mAIMB5qvj_XCS-tjBs54Vg0iRkQJj1ekI4EJiVs86_AlBVsvOUGdpJwrl_euVBPT4_NiREk3F1HIsFhvHPWkSVsAyBsk2JIHMU8/s1856/yj%20on%20the%20PCT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNQMIE-k4bohffIpOAswJOiT_7HTaVEyk51RWzzRXwNJILArNQfjM_jzzJyobCjMZzmEuLDde9lAKLoc2RE9Z6zv_mAIMB5qvj_XCS-tjBs54Vg0iRkQJj1ekI4EJiVs86_AlBVsvOUGdpJwrl_euVBPT4_NiREk3F1HIsFhvHPWkSVsAyBsk2JIHMU8/w640-h426/yj%20on%20the%20PCT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the trail junction we had a bit more of uphill walk to do, and from the saddle, just before dropping below the eastern side of the ridge, we had yet another spectacular view of Marble Mountain, closer now, and with its marble belt fully in view. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzYmi36O2JMODRsz9nCUjMSZuwFrWkSGgrsiZdTA6i6KgbQvaMG_umsxSMyAc1kx74OwVYZ1xT5b4NLrBRlbSmUq4ZmfrVxUJWmJ5VzPCwoQTK6I9DAoxBOLjs8KLGy5smkqjQS9O89Ycnxzq1dVp0Ja3stMCJb13w8dQnlxxFjY1LVEZwfjxDxCAUFQ/s1856/yo%20MM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzYmi36O2JMODRsz9nCUjMSZuwFrWkSGgrsiZdTA6i6KgbQvaMG_umsxSMyAc1kx74OwVYZ1xT5b4NLrBRlbSmUq4ZmfrVxUJWmJ5VzPCwoQTK6I9DAoxBOLjs8KLGy5smkqjQS9O89Ycnxzq1dVp0Ja3stMCJb13w8dQnlxxFjY1LVEZwfjxDxCAUFQ/w640-h426/yo%20MM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Mountain<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The upper part of the Sky High Lakes trail was in and open, fully sunlit rocky area. Many of the wildflowers there were completely different from those we've seen on our way up Red Rock Valley and the earlier segment of the PCT. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l2hOm8hZBICs3UuTlZSAXQoWcbEn0tWYke8D6vg5z67V7KnkXIOJ0-RI9XQ72IKuw8y_ohCa2ZhfY6BkNm-tiv2MS-xWQTK45ya6xJHz50i0l79jsm_qNotL8p_qfBMpQ7W2HD1G-jAUJG28gy3XuQJomNliTG2wyVu1_U_MqTd1tOITRuW5lKnezlg/s1618/yp%20Castilleja.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1618" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l2hOm8hZBICs3UuTlZSAXQoWcbEn0tWYke8D6vg5z67V7KnkXIOJ0-RI9XQ72IKuw8y_ohCa2ZhfY6BkNm-tiv2MS-xWQTK45ya6xJHz50i0l79jsm_qNotL8p_qfBMpQ7W2HD1G-jAUJG28gy3XuQJomNliTG2wyVu1_U_MqTd1tOITRuW5lKnezlg/w640-h435/yp%20Castilleja.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobwebby Paintbrush, Castilleja arachnoidea</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a good diversity of plants there, and new species of familiar genera. I didn't do much exploration there because our stop was a short one, but it was lovely to see. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWwEKg6_j5hqqdzFQ7kzgiYvarNoGbUsfIjk8ROW4GI1GmKZrUtO8uUH0u_8S7Nd4OyOFuPNL-mY7hD2YnTd0aICJelhWzbXAKAT6Mzk6jYVRX8nPh1FuZfAgroagG4-x25O04J0hpPCo2GbWJSbI3gtLayI88ty188uENHnb4DXAEMOTOFoRDT9omPU/s1613/yq%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1613" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWwEKg6_j5hqqdzFQ7kzgiYvarNoGbUsfIjk8ROW4GI1GmKZrUtO8uUH0u_8S7Nd4OyOFuPNL-mY7hD2YnTd0aICJelhWzbXAKAT6Mzk6jYVRX8nPh1FuZfAgroagG4-x25O04J0hpPCo2GbWJSbI3gtLayI88ty188uENHnb4DXAEMOTOFoRDT9omPU/w640-h429/yq%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowleaf Buckwheat, Eriogonum compositum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a short distance however, we dropped back below the tree line and into the shade of conifer stands. It was no longer intensely hot, but we welcomed the shade. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlwZmPjV23pUGDtAtUZZJWp1MIGgSAc3NgLK3ncqi9xlN6_T7TTHoZOvLtg_UwkbqyEcnSvce0f16XJ5diE6MqrI-LVKbJ2hgtlSRFQ1wsrLVnNGNIc5ypWkGIDN47VgaVjoAwGuS6zyPGimFgH8_1SoK6iF6L68sf64VxdkU_epLptQChmrNTzKtzCo/s1856/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlwZmPjV23pUGDtAtUZZJWp1MIGgSAc3NgLK3ncqi9xlN6_T7TTHoZOvLtg_UwkbqyEcnSvce0f16XJ5diE6MqrI-LVKbJ2hgtlSRFQ1wsrLVnNGNIc5ypWkGIDN47VgaVjoAwGuS6zyPGimFgH8_1SoK6iF6L68sf64VxdkU_epLptQChmrNTzKtzCo/w640-h426/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Naturally, we came across different flora in the forested area. I found it interesting to see wildflower species that were different from those I've seen in the upper region of Red Rock Valley. The differences could have been in soil composition, relative moisture, slope direction of sun exposure, or other factors. Either way, I was thrilled to make first time sightings on this trip even this late in the day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg883IJojI6DQXs1SuvnWk1Js38EDcP1VQzLSUBrCE6QjR1sXYH9ank97EzTdvD907vt6987sePURNntAoTliuffjKY8rjyqj51O0_FE1bFvILf9hSo6mxbRmaxGZi_e3CJzgJS4Lmvyc53zU957_MpYZjCrrwXVnDff12fB3nYHFmyp1AdwFoUQxPP9-I/s1681/yt%20veronica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1681" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg883IJojI6DQXs1SuvnWk1Js38EDcP1VQzLSUBrCE6QjR1sXYH9ank97EzTdvD907vt6987sePURNntAoTliuffjKY8rjyqj51O0_FE1bFvILf9hSo6mxbRmaxGZi_e3CJzgJS4Lmvyc53zU957_MpYZjCrrwXVnDff12fB3nYHFmyp1AdwFoUQxPP9-I/w640-h421/yt%20veronica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Jacob's Ladder, Polemonium californicum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of my sightings were lifers, too. One of them I knew right away that it was completely new to me - the cliff Lewisia. Excited with my find I accidentally knocked off my lens shader ring and it rolled down the slope to the side. Groaning, I started taking off my backpack so I could climb down easier, but before I could remove even one strap my friend's daughter was already skipping down with the agility of a mountain goat. She fetched the rogue shader ring and handed it back to me. We hardly lost any time over this. I thanked her and once again felt the pinch of lamentation over the depletion of my own youth agility. The flower was well worth it though, and I was very fortunate to be in company with my friend and our daughters. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARJel5UHIC-idpkVLdWX-OKjLqtZjVI9mK9ydz52p7g8tKJl_vC8FZAeB0BnDlLwo7mC0mNC7z1TJD4qBoXmD5CK8HfXltPxZp_x9UUW__REBef1ORKcMJ982GanNBeBIwb3cmbZwi3HSTKFr0bmFu8PpPdpD0hn8fn4tGQAdFaJBl2hSGFWb6sepzwU/s1579/yv%20Lewisia%20cotyledon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1579" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARJel5UHIC-idpkVLdWX-OKjLqtZjVI9mK9ydz52p7g8tKJl_vC8FZAeB0BnDlLwo7mC0mNC7z1TJD4qBoXmD5CK8HfXltPxZp_x9UUW__REBef1ORKcMJ982GanNBeBIwb3cmbZwi3HSTKFr0bmFu8PpPdpD0hn8fn4tGQAdFaJBl2hSGFWb6sepzwU/w640-h450/yv%20Lewisia%20cotyledon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lewisia, Lewisia cotyledon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again we hiked a pattern of intermittent forest stands and open meadows. The meadow areas were alight with wildflowers, but most of these I've already seen ealier that day, and I paused much less frequently for photoshoots. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bIHLkmhj694VCSqa-7u60oM7i21bE79Q9ofOnovWqH0wOgd_DMSDpu8GqgdAV64BcX6jozZcFqMKGPNpkij2RQR4ufesNL6NxG9_fyblKlmoCpgvRno2lcMq-28_hiOfJnbRqZ5bYcM3MFYai91v-XDOkQRTbk2RwbCjd4B83FJgj883w-mRKDRhVts/s1856/yx%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bIHLkmhj694VCSqa-7u60oM7i21bE79Q9ofOnovWqH0wOgd_DMSDpu8GqgdAV64BcX6jozZcFqMKGPNpkij2RQR4ufesNL6NxG9_fyblKlmoCpgvRno2lcMq-28_hiOfJnbRqZ5bYcM3MFYai91v-XDOkQRTbk2RwbCjd4B83FJgj883w-mRKDRhVts/w640-h426/yx%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The butterflies were a different matter though, especially those butterflies I was seeing for the first time today. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmCB4d1YHEfTJmc9xk8tUzlNpcBqEk9NGz2KORNjy3JSh7ADdQ44iujeqS2SyabPXAIs4l5zyYCfu-Y_GmjRuSUuWhsBri-C4EFgbvJ2FHiRo_e5sQylLBl6tF4tlX-LCuC0W23QgmYaT1oMFKg8HPyaF0VtnGrZG7BDhh6KOYD5Ubv2H0jbeKJev91I/s1618/yw%20admiral.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1618" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmCB4d1YHEfTJmc9xk8tUzlNpcBqEk9NGz2KORNjy3JSh7ADdQ44iujeqS2SyabPXAIs4l5zyYCfu-Y_GmjRuSUuWhsBri-C4EFgbvJ2FHiRo_e5sQylLBl6tF4tlX-LCuC0W23QgmYaT1oMFKg8HPyaF0VtnGrZG7BDhh6KOYD5Ubv2H0jbeKJev91I/w640-h442/yw%20admiral.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiral Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail dropped continuously down and at the top of the large open area below the main forest stand we paused to take a look. We didn't see the lakes yet but my friend pointed out to me where Shadow Lake was - behind that rocky ridge on the top left of the photo. We were going to stay far below that level tonight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf2JDEJvWvKT0POh5fF1viNz3VxyRldPW8O3PQWHx3k48I9rN1lDYWy437YQeRyTMrptjVhdVpokIiBSkAiTQyPJXP4E6dMnCQlpDVgAaBOx8ZrruIfVyEMEXSuE4NrrBlTKIfcTyixhhP4Fyc1YZ52RBPbnrfHTp058Nsy8BwGa8uAdU8RWciVIPmzs/s1856/yz%20view%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf2JDEJvWvKT0POh5fF1viNz3VxyRldPW8O3PQWHx3k48I9rN1lDYWy437YQeRyTMrptjVhdVpokIiBSkAiTQyPJXP4E6dMnCQlpDVgAaBOx8ZrruIfVyEMEXSuE4NrrBlTKIfcTyixhhP4Fyc1YZ52RBPbnrfHTp058Nsy8BwGa8uAdU8RWciVIPmzs/w640-h426/yz%20view%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We kept trotting downhill. I pushed away the thought of my pain and simply darted ahead wanting to finally reach a campsite and take off my backpack load. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm_kIN4ROEBQJDfWiqlwzWQoT2XFLe0DA39XijdnIZaAU7BC8szzsJXN9R3ebSVep4glAhL6v0ZjBYTG9o6qBxRPb8GDDroI8m2Q08kF0TACjPZBxsKpHpGnNWk0kaG0x_rCuMFqviX15JO7prptDWmk2B64_p4oyg-_-OeGK3m3maRaEAf8KAWbR-bk/s1689/za%20checkerbloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1689" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm_kIN4ROEBQJDfWiqlwzWQoT2XFLe0DA39XijdnIZaAU7BC8szzsJXN9R3ebSVep4glAhL6v0ZjBYTG9o6qBxRPb8GDDroI8m2Q08kF0TACjPZBxsKpHpGnNWk0kaG0x_rCuMFqviX15JO7prptDWmk2B64_p4oyg-_-OeGK3m3maRaEAf8KAWbR-bk/w640-h436/za%20checkerbloom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checkermallow, Sidalcea oregana</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of our moods rose when we saw the three lakes complex below. There was still a distance to get there, but it was all downhill and the destination was in sight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakTl_gLEKqJO0pz93iuS_fjQ7hMx0s9DW8UZKSfmN_x-jEGricHem2G9ujSqbjC1ev80boitB31eNsdoihDM7GDbH9P3n6eVWgHP4KqhFN2x6PuArMpkXDjjcwqa-3FDIH8HH0mMEDPnJ8lAECMwB2IuEDtOAR7eRETrhW1DY7IgtyapfrhOld4aWXxQ/s1856/zb%20lakes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakTl_gLEKqJO0pz93iuS_fjQ7hMx0s9DW8UZKSfmN_x-jEGricHem2G9ujSqbjC1ev80boitB31eNsdoihDM7GDbH9P3n6eVWgHP4KqhFN2x6PuArMpkXDjjcwqa-3FDIH8HH0mMEDPnJ8lAECMwB2IuEDtOAR7eRETrhW1DY7IgtyapfrhOld4aWXxQ/w640-h426/zb%20lakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We walked through one last stand of conifers on the way down and we stopped there for a short break. Our spirits were high. We chatted a lot, laughed a lot, and played word games. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGkdTfYmdieWa8AF6MekB8eTC5ZU0-QouDF7vWFXDI4j4nWTrVnV8z4hMlNnHIzke1e5rgsi24Itpt05Bm9iiz7HQeTBIOmUF3KL0M1zRkft4-PMHOAri5T4zUdypC_ESG5lxo8tx8pmVhg87-OuELq4D-R436DZ_tSwa9Bnk_VzzR3ekowDCVYsKgb8/s1856/ze%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGkdTfYmdieWa8AF6MekB8eTC5ZU0-QouDF7vWFXDI4j4nWTrVnV8z4hMlNnHIzke1e5rgsi24Itpt05Bm9iiz7HQeTBIOmUF3KL0M1zRkft4-PMHOAri5T4zUdypC_ESG5lxo8tx8pmVhg87-OuELq4D-R436DZ_tSwa9Bnk_VzzR3ekowDCVYsKgb8/w640-h426/ze%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lakes Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I even found more wildflowers in this forest stand. This always makes me happy. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wGwBosIE1uh0DmRBjGadZbmjj1e0QjgJ_LzbFd2kaNMzU_3wOWfzcw7IPv3EvM8r_a6zBGaRDQs8Dz_cqimV9vqBsK8ZVNHg2r3xxaq9BWxDcjx7V5vqYTvsBjfTxD8nNMITl-95PKYFWYNRjJc0VkjYTy8h1NqbQW7LG1o-EwUx6VrQcInb80BkQXM/s1856/zd%20pinewood%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wGwBosIE1uh0DmRBjGadZbmjj1e0QjgJ_LzbFd2kaNMzU_3wOWfzcw7IPv3EvM8r_a6zBGaRDQs8Dz_cqimV9vqBsK8ZVNHg2r3xxaq9BWxDcjx7V5vqYTvsBjfTxD8nNMITl-95PKYFWYNRjJc0VkjYTy8h1NqbQW7LG1o-EwUx6VrQcInb80BkQXM/w640-h426/zd%20pinewood%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Prince's Pine, Chimaphila menziesii <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We haven't seen much vertebrate wildlife on today's hike. We did hear birds on the way but the birds weren't out in the open. On the way down I saw a group of sparrows in the willows, but they wouldn't stand still. I still tried. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1707" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKt5yG4FL9Ju_IC42sSwi94AykZ30cnE_m9Su6AHXelsA7fa3b8q92T8AAN9grEi0sP6Ov4XN8Z-kftx0UHGEiZCrptQ9vbDzaUPVXeigdvEhN7O40hNONrxyGKKkS-DkwkLLYW5vh4XdLu5uxSH_GCnbusxB59BpCsEWDECOqasQEf2BzyeCww1XTmU/w640-h421/zf%20bird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparrow </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the first of the Sky High Lakes complex, the Frying Pan Lake. The lake was small and beautiful. There was one good campsite nearby , and it was already occupied by other backpackers. We moved on to Little Sky High Lake. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgY8z2j53G3BHvntxM5r6lJ5tiLDmlnVaUZV8iMXe_X9P09SSqFsLWAS0vZDJH0tuA7gDE5PSX3GSnyVbpqkeM_CXgDQ4xZCqBOqXqTGcHSy4yngUUyrjUD8ds_xsHhyphenhyphenjWporSJ9Z5P874Oql6YQiwzBfga9oYq6nvLYft_KDroUrZzXtJW6mo6QSy34/s1856/zh%20panhandle%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgY8z2j53G3BHvntxM5r6lJ5tiLDmlnVaUZV8iMXe_X9P09SSqFsLWAS0vZDJH0tuA7gDE5PSX3GSnyVbpqkeM_CXgDQ4xZCqBOqXqTGcHSy4yngUUyrjUD8ds_xsHhyphenhyphenjWporSJ9Z5P874Oql6YQiwzBfga9oYq6nvLYft_KDroUrZzXtJW6mo6QSy34/w640-h426/zh%20panhandle%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying Pan Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little Sky High Lake is the west most of the complex, and the trail leading to it was overgrown with vegetation. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_N1pdpoTrnkvGueyjclKD3si3wXandMxOcKb86Wg96Wort-FcDZQYHLsClMri_SI7NNOGtmdh3MPRq8wN-SD1W3b5tkKwErSw40r7EYY4LwBiMEemg6OqzOh73A6VQhfc-mQI7Jj4SlU5qEb6lEsx6aO3yBO4rJQa2ivViRC7BchqsXqBop5UqLjb1M/s1567/zi%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1567" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_N1pdpoTrnkvGueyjclKD3si3wXandMxOcKb86Wg96Wort-FcDZQYHLsClMri_SI7NNOGtmdh3MPRq8wN-SD1W3b5tkKwErSw40r7EYY4LwBiMEemg6OqzOh73A6VQhfc-mQI7Jj4SlU5qEb6lEsx6aO3yBO4rJQa2ivViRC7BchqsXqBop5UqLjb1M/w640-h430/zi%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asters</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We couldn't see any suitable camp sites near Little Sky High Lake but we went there anyway, wanting to take a closer look at the area. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9K1gCS0kv4me0VDXTeptOZTgvtZWZBI9U4ZeEY6zF9_b28a1XQeySXFZa_HPGD8-rnnX-3IjlBlkNjHFbG_5sqRfZNqgC2LMugWmsQttI5HCNRgJaL7AcaBphyd4ouoNPn6UDX9romXDczk0ZGRlljE-adXVk3yTLA2duew2Wi2FchhK36Iuwc78Ov4/s1856/zk%20second%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9K1gCS0kv4me0VDXTeptOZTgvtZWZBI9U4ZeEY6zF9_b28a1XQeySXFZa_HPGD8-rnnX-3IjlBlkNjHFbG_5sqRfZNqgC2LMugWmsQttI5HCNRgJaL7AcaBphyd4ouoNPn6UDX9romXDczk0ZGRlljE-adXVk3yTLA2duew2Wi2FchhK36Iuwc78Ov4/w640-h426/zk%20second%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sky High Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a few other people near the lake and one swimming inside it. I thought it would be nice to take a swim too, later in the evening, if I wasn't too tired. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdVYv7jHAwa63mMTRzjcTaUsCRb3Ui9qhidq6IB4V77O7HXCBLqntoCuRWPered5C6IT3JAPbUwSX2DWam5OAff_PpOLNSLxp_YtVqv99T0KMd7ibjtKSJQE4HZqc-BmK30JTa4DdQ831lHldhP5Q-bvSwOg08OtjBYMdRHIjU_ZtX2qxcUJFmqO52sE/s1856/zl%202nd%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdVYv7jHAwa63mMTRzjcTaUsCRb3Ui9qhidq6IB4V77O7HXCBLqntoCuRWPered5C6IT3JAPbUwSX2DWam5OAff_PpOLNSLxp_YtVqv99T0KMd7ibjtKSJQE4HZqc-BmK30JTa4DdQ831lHldhP5Q-bvSwOg08OtjBYMdRHIjU_ZtX2qxcUJFmqO52sE/w640-h426/zl%202nd%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sky High Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We found no suitable campsite near Little Sky High Lake so we continued on to the main Sky High Lake, which was the biggest, and the east most of this lakes complex. We walked the entire length of Sky High Lake in search of a campsite.
There were several suitable sites but they were all taken already.
Eventually we split forces - My friend and her daughter went higher into
a nearby conifer stand to look there, while I continued along the lake.
My chika started with me first, but then decided to join my friend and
her daughter, leaving me alone. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoofutYkbNbyxS_KCnG96RYV8AExb5x_ZOv8bxi95u7GeFDlHG-HLB9YX8Ps1jwaj4zchMFHC50QU6cBbZ_MjrMCQA5StAM72LsRciy1EX8c-pSdOhNI8cYMyHD1IGcn0QnYGzG5HBSR3DZSTDb9Enclzw38js3ISRPyvILdUlvs4B5nQKvdvDTlqAd8/s1856/zn%20peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoofutYkbNbyxS_KCnG96RYV8AExb5x_ZOv8bxi95u7GeFDlHG-HLB9YX8Ps1jwaj4zchMFHC50QU6cBbZ_MjrMCQA5StAM72LsRciy1EX8c-pSdOhNI8cYMyHD1IGcn0QnYGzG5HBSR3DZSTDb9Enclzw38js3ISRPyvILdUlvs4B5nQKvdvDTlqAd8/w640-h426/zn%20peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of the lake side sites were occupied. My friend eventually found a nice place,inside the forest stand where we eventually built our camp, intending to stay there for two nights. The camp wasn't right by the lake (which isn't a good thing anyway) but wasn't too far either - merely a couple of minutes walk, and a water access point that was fairly private. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRvUv3BcK9G9XN_48vLiXawBsqNZcLzymPG4-IhbiWYKdD9xEIEPcvntkn6B5T-HNsQUxVXl3p6XqdJxh7YjmymLF_ONvQfTI6p8vJZRzZeDPg8XDwf5HQly7HSb3GdrAtm_2ZAwr4HrrOkBbx8Qbq2H1WljjpjZ8VxbnVhwaWXOgBu3h1BNMI-1p0ys/s1856/zt%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRvUv3BcK9G9XN_48vLiXawBsqNZcLzymPG4-IhbiWYKdD9xEIEPcvntkn6B5T-HNsQUxVXl3p6XqdJxh7YjmymLF_ONvQfTI6p8vJZRzZeDPg8XDwf5HQly7HSb3GdrAtm_2ZAwr4HrrOkBbx8Qbq2H1WljjpjZ8VxbnVhwaWXOgBu3h1BNMI-1p0ys/w640-h426/zt%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lake was our source of fresh water. It was also the habitat of rough skinned newts. There were many, many of them there. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwXTxDCrIPrxxkX7eWymfUbPt9L9-P3RN358e6pggTqNVLelS6bSJG4Kr7go9bfh2jDwIJJ1BwGzy8OQ74gNW9Av1S7q0MI92P960o_6uAZ2nfYHJFfiUILj9GrztHVJBA_tv0rWA3BROcy9Pxkujc0LGW8Zbt71W35BmdeGLjh6cMWmhOIeEC5UIiqw/s1332/zu%20newt2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1332" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwXTxDCrIPrxxkX7eWymfUbPt9L9-P3RN358e6pggTqNVLelS6bSJG4Kr7go9bfh2jDwIJJ1BwGzy8OQ74gNW9Av1S7q0MI92P960o_6uAZ2nfYHJFfiUILj9GrztHVJBA_tv0rWA3BROcy9Pxkujc0LGW8Zbt71W35BmdeGLjh6cMWmhOIeEC5UIiqw/w640-h440/zu%20newt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough-skinned Newt<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rest of the evening was very nice and relaxing. We cooked dinner, then took our plates up to a nearby sitting rock to it facing the lovely view of the meadow and the mountains, and to observe the beautiful sunset. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziO6p8dWSMKlxctS8_SwFkTxIdmrrX0AGNJELvDneH_A8WvsBJ_gQpT7zBKsmqw33uhXF4la3m5miYt2QaJM-wPnPiZuBGB4s8wRUFfEhO9CBZg3PAN670xq4Y4N0D8ocDKsjyfdmQD8RYliKfSYlRyL4pt5PhZdPYNNZmstVq9LoUW-LxVk6atH3qDg/s1583/zy%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1583" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziO6p8dWSMKlxctS8_SwFkTxIdmrrX0AGNJELvDneH_A8WvsBJ_gQpT7zBKsmqw33uhXF4la3m5miYt2QaJM-wPnPiZuBGB4s8wRUFfEhO9CBZg3PAN670xq4Y4N0D8ocDKsjyfdmQD8RYliKfSYlRyL4pt5PhZdPYNNZmstVq9LoUW-LxVk6atH3qDg/w640-h438/zy%20sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner we took turns going down to the lake to fill water and to wash up. I was too tired and cold to go in for a swim and a quick skinny dip (it was already dark and no one else was around) had refreshed me a great deal. I slept well that night. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/12/lost-in-grand-splendor-backpacking.html">Link to Day 3 Blogpost</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-37668526357604203702023-11-15T20:46:00.000-08:002023-11-28T18:05:48.793-08:00Mothers, Daughters, and Marble: Backpacking Marble Mountain Wilderness with Friends, Day 1<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeok8yCgEgSU_fIof64FwB08DeV7D8AYkx8edfNWpZtfu4c5jdodWUatFDzQLE65icx_bx83l0TTFUVsUdRC9jLT8xKlKzOso5Uejmb0U3l9Ckhvl30MTiXpUkFZ6ZLPAtm-VEQSV088JolFols-JgVv_GO2Ww9CB1bGvC8YOjrAvCjNudgh9UCK2p7Yo/s1668/zo%20checkerbloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1668" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeok8yCgEgSU_fIof64FwB08DeV7D8AYkx8edfNWpZtfu4c5jdodWUatFDzQLE65icx_bx83l0TTFUVsUdRC9jLT8xKlKzOso5Uejmb0U3l9Ckhvl30MTiXpUkFZ6ZLPAtm-VEQSV088JolFols-JgVv_GO2Ww9CB1bGvC8YOjrAvCjNudgh9UCK2p7Yo/w640-h452/zo%20checkerbloom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checkermallow, Sidalcea oregana<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: August 3, 2023<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Marble Mountain Wilderness, Yreka, California </div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 41.593839, -123.142869</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 6 miles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On the summer of 2022 I went with my friend on a backpacking trip to Snow Mountain. That trip was cut short because of the weather, and left us wanting more. Last summer we managed to find a suitable time window, and we took my friend's spouse's suggestion to go to Marble Mountain Wilderness. My friend suggested that we'd bring along our daughters and have a mothers-daughters trip. My elder chika was too busy with her own things. Besides, she had already gone with me on a backpacking trip earlier that summer, and decided it was not so much her thing. I therefore presented the idea to my young chika. My young chika knows my friend's daughter and likes her a lot, so she accepted enthusiastically. In preparation of this trip I Bought a book written by a local ranger, and planned our route based on his endless superlatives of a particular region of the Marble Mountain Wilderness . The author said in the book that the places shouldn't be missed is the Marble Valley and the Little Marble Valley. We therefore planned a route that goes by these valleys. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our planned trailhead, Lovers Camp, was almost a full day's drive from our home, so my chika and I left n the previous evening, stayed over night in Red Bluff, and met with our friends in Yreka after lunch. By the time we reached the trailhead it was already 3 pm. We knew we wouldn't have the time to hike all the way up to the main ridge area, so our plan was to go up Red Rock Valley trail and find a campsite along the way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZwYo2fGALQNcXiI9AZOTXk3N8dVadQF4KI6fcSqrjuonumwNaC4DfYzNuLZfz7twIuhSsSgmKoBsruOr-2nLQhpsHj4OYjsDYhFyZEO07PwEp1kzj0W9ugeh0KYI3GLSKc1dA-HwNyQlnzGd3WbRfnT3PB0S78B_TbQgVSWJyEfNiFcWMWBkIfflfd0/s1689/xq%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1689" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZwYo2fGALQNcXiI9AZOTXk3N8dVadQF4KI6fcSqrjuonumwNaC4DfYzNuLZfz7twIuhSsSgmKoBsruOr-2nLQhpsHj4OYjsDYhFyZEO07PwEp1kzj0W9ugeh0KYI3GLSKc1dA-HwNyQlnzGd3WbRfnT3PB0S78B_TbQgVSWJyEfNiFcWMWBkIfflfd0/w640-h428/xq%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Lovers Camp Cliff Lake Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">About 50 yards into the hike I noticed I forgot my camera in the car. I went back to retrieve it and quickly caught up with the others. What I didn't realize was that I also forgot the charging cable for my GPS. It didn't matter for recording the first day though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX5fBWKr2zmqMC1jvNESEKqUOtyNsZZjOTPP8nrgLFE71Hb_j_KyDp9mU9rFRzEP9Y3GNMYyFSCEOCHOhxuHedXXs53V2e2vjiJOgc47ZOvr5ntsso2UClLk57QaCiFR9Q6kMB6hPsmHEuLwH1Iqq-EzdR-DU9uMhrwkrU97eL9Gz9n8n8FZqjtbzae4/s1718/6%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX5fBWKr2zmqMC1jvNESEKqUOtyNsZZjOTPP8nrgLFE71Hb_j_KyDp9mU9rFRzEP9Y3GNMYyFSCEOCHOhxuHedXXs53V2e2vjiJOgc47ZOvr5ntsso2UClLk57QaCiFR9Q6kMB6hPsmHEuLwH1Iqq-EzdR-DU9uMhrwkrU97eL9Gz9n8n8FZqjtbzae4/w634-h640/6%20miles.JPG" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right on the beginning we ended up splitting to the stock trail. We didn't realized it at the time though, we figured it out only on our way back, three days later. We started at a good pace and although I warned my hike mates that I tend to stop frequently to take photos, I didn't take that many on this part of the trail. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVq2L39XXT3ESCQcbDcX4SNt9DqUqHP_bkuwXnmQNienb5kInDyMpgR9jx_2WNiD6jk0UQQh-rOLweLI4tEmEk9AElKDaaguMvTUumfG43GT3uwLvBQCrlWsdkHaj8vMip5_70hrXDZfOKs8rhDZ4_DaYY9g1yN2O5IeAZ5ExifBmZYK0yO8qaH6_XGg/s1831/xr%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1831" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVq2L39XXT3ESCQcbDcX4SNt9DqUqHP_bkuwXnmQNienb5kInDyMpgR9jx_2WNiD6jk0UQQh-rOLweLI4tEmEk9AElKDaaguMvTUumfG43GT3uwLvBQCrlWsdkHaj8vMip5_70hrXDZfOKs8rhDZ4_DaYY9g1yN2O5IeAZ5ExifBmZYK0yO8qaH6_XGg/w640-h482/xr%20orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bog Orchid</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">About a mile into the hike we had to cross Canyon Creek in a place that was suitable for stock but less so for people. We had to take off our shoes and wade in the water across. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRKEGSTrk8d580s_Sis9LN18itfxe-vRMAcz51-s82LSmydGTsSq68O9tTuITd8AHHmFbYxF5ei4X2HrYR1jrAmFmmL0yx6mzYJqSZ2yawx1W93teIaN7WFh4-F2HpEhFF0igOPmqJQ03IvSdE8NH32FMgy9LiH_CVtqTJlrIwtq57BLPdEgL4rtldCU/s1515/xt%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1515" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRKEGSTrk8d580s_Sis9LN18itfxe-vRMAcz51-s82LSmydGTsSq68O9tTuITd8AHHmFbYxF5ei4X2HrYR1jrAmFmmL0yx6mzYJqSZ2yawx1W93teIaN7WFh4-F2HpEhFF0igOPmqJQ03IvSdE8NH32FMgy9LiH_CVtqTJlrIwtq57BLPdEgL4rtldCU/w640-h456/xt%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxifrage</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the creek crossing the trail started ascending through the forest, mildly at first, with a few switchbacks. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPHemT8Fxz92tjW9LVcgb6Z8f54U9oZSGXTGSDO9eWuI7VRtBezlxudX9vUrLufrwMmtoS8-74FV2SLCIV6v1OhhHnsR4ZA3TZox_1tLi_AeRupx91Wym52Oip0_Bsk3jQLEUbQ3dQn6MnmtJTRjLs23w6cW66Few7huIxcqY_6qDKKbiKwIBS7LK6WI/s1856/xu%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPHemT8Fxz92tjW9LVcgb6Z8f54U9oZSGXTGSDO9eWuI7VRtBezlxudX9vUrLufrwMmtoS8-74FV2SLCIV6v1OhhHnsR4ZA3TZox_1tLi_AeRupx91Wym52Oip0_Bsk3jQLEUbQ3dQn6MnmtJTRjLs23w6cW66Few7huIxcqY_6qDKKbiKwIBS7LK6WI/w640-h426/xu%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The forest was fairly dense and I could barely see the opposite ridge across the valley. Very quickly we established that I was the slowest hiker in our group so with a mild nudge I was placed in the lead, thus verifying that our group stays together and doesn't stretch on the trail. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTExNC1JSnfOQDpo7Lp72Ntx2nqR1YQMf3yTFGKNRbjSoDasHAQNAiU21znyIO2dvILis4QmOhudZtIcGbeTItAwg1-taT75kOFXR00cKj9x7UKXLvgryHk8DglZzyEG7_rpWGfOduez79vs49drzBYOYk1STowWkJZhxQrPU2Phjpm_gJRy74qtQpAs/s1856/xv%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTExNC1JSnfOQDpo7Lp72Ntx2nqR1YQMf3yTFGKNRbjSoDasHAQNAiU21znyIO2dvILis4QmOhudZtIcGbeTItAwg1-taT75kOFXR00cKj9x7UKXLvgryHk8DglZzyEG7_rpWGfOduez79vs49drzBYOYk1STowWkJZhxQrPU2Phjpm_gJRy74qtQpAs/w640-h426/xv%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although we didn't walk fast, the trail felt like it was evaporating under our feet. The hike was not difficult, and we all chatted happily, especially the girls. Every now and then we came upon other people, mostly day hikers, that were coming down the trail. A couple of them were preceded by a dog that started barking when she saw us and had to be called back by her owners.We all stopped and chatted for a little while. The descending couple told us that we should expect lots of running creeks on our way, information that we were glad to hear because it meant not having to carry much water on us. It turned out however, that they meant higher up the Cliff Lake Trail, and we were about to turn on the Red Rock Valley Trail. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oQOtiEHPFdJKKArRedyuGPdFGkTo6ULrTJXV6hSZ57AbnsV31z-LM05zLeUmUwF5oEdcCj28NRLq1zrsWSTiFgU-1zFFNrMbUoDD9s44e_6pxfis1E4-50VyaCVyu9ycauZW9-86Wm9b78f7IJuBFULpu6q5I77F-lVSPEJmram2JbOLKH9e9uuOO0k/s1485/xw%20mule%20ears.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1485" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oQOtiEHPFdJKKArRedyuGPdFGkTo6ULrTJXV6hSZ57AbnsV31z-LM05zLeUmUwF5oEdcCj28NRLq1zrsWSTiFgU-1zFFNrMbUoDD9s44e_6pxfis1E4-50VyaCVyu9ycauZW9-86Wm9b78f7IJuBFULpu6q5I77F-lVSPEJmram2JbOLKH9e9uuOO0k/w640-h434/xw%20mule%20ears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For some time we were ascending through the forest on Red Rock Valley Trail as well. I kept on the lead and the other three lined up close behind me. I suppose that if I was alone I would have taken it slower. As it was, I felt the need to push on and moved as fast as I allowed myself to walk. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzNW-QnPCu5PPXzK2yJKr1lllkJONdFN4bhL3m8gPQRWNdAHLdmAU9nEMVJevHgG8fXUxKY5rYoDfHwl4EM3rAj8fQK4rAmqyU4yxLm18Fsf-bQKUSZnx9Nw8kacL4XtyhL-qNfSOHB3O6PePVbTgkPnVtcXruw2rznoKmfzcRFAdZ7oNPEABcRn4X-k/s1856/xy%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzNW-QnPCu5PPXzK2yJKr1lllkJONdFN4bhL3m8gPQRWNdAHLdmAU9nEMVJevHgG8fXUxKY5rYoDfHwl4EM3rAj8fQK4rAmqyU4yxLm18Fsf-bQKUSZnx9Nw8kacL4XtyhL-qNfSOHB3O6PePVbTgkPnVtcXruw2rznoKmfzcRFAdZ7oNPEABcRn4X-k/w640-h426/xy%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't see any side creeks at first. Not within the forest area. But we see more wildflowers the higher we ascended. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtqNn5VtPnVC6NqRXJxBhk-yuQDQpU3OXNhQLOeMfiZLxLiMBU8EuhvK1_7GtPkBrCkS7LAfr4wc7hxGVwfNnK7yTqYWQJMFfUbrpK1NB7KDiotKNfOTgpPQ6CiAZ59EHst8ktE3netlKlJobM5YGX8phC-PpZewydfkbys-HcDwjD1Y6UsfZKSXVIdc/s1345/xz%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1345" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtqNn5VtPnVC6NqRXJxBhk-yuQDQpU3OXNhQLOeMfiZLxLiMBU8EuhvK1_7GtPkBrCkS7LAfr4wc7hxGVwfNnK7yTqYWQJMFfUbrpK1NB7KDiotKNfOTgpPQ6CiAZ59EHst8ktE3netlKlJobM5YGX8phC-PpZewydfkbys-HcDwjD1Y6UsfZKSXVIdc/w640-h464/xz%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erigeron sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually the trail leveled considerably, and the scenery changed into small open meadows interspaces by forested patches. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsurjuiqu8x1E1_8GfZ_yrXLFYVQ22loEyZd5VFGuL8UMvb53uJ7pwIOE9EMvfoZYw7O8J6MPgU1ESRowGqMf7K169-CiaxJFFrubW-qFZq6oaGK25pLscVFiWnrnQ2Ejm4fb1MgaIvdjTR9wXM0XIPq4jiQmIMO5IplV2JDbMsB5oyw0nfxWJND0llmg/s1856/ya%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsurjuiqu8x1E1_8GfZ_yrXLFYVQ22loEyZd5VFGuL8UMvb53uJ7pwIOE9EMvfoZYw7O8J6MPgU1ESRowGqMf7K169-CiaxJFFrubW-qFZq6oaGK25pLscVFiWnrnQ2Ejm4fb1MgaIvdjTR9wXM0XIPq4jiQmIMO5IplV2JDbMsB5oyw0nfxWJND0llmg/w640-h426/ya%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were many more wildflowers blooming in the open meadow areas. The lower meadows seemed to be past peak bloom, but there was still much to see. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDnWlI6onlfSTsw64znTfFPsWeQ84ZLvlu6EFFszTnz_JMTU1ePutf3aW9rPoFiH6mTOwG9jTA_b72lhJldi7Vx55wxhMH6qMCg2-PfAb64Qmg_lbNIZ8l27xqJj3bdAztISl4AHx2aDgqtX9sit_Ox7sL48Ff3xJGoTJbgI5yXgieQW9h2BcvmMbluI/s1474/yc%20cinquefoil.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1474" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDnWlI6onlfSTsw64znTfFPsWeQ84ZLvlu6EFFszTnz_JMTU1ePutf3aW9rPoFiH6mTOwG9jTA_b72lhJldi7Vx55wxhMH6qMCg2-PfAb64Qmg_lbNIZ8l27xqJj3bdAztISl4AHx2aDgqtX9sit_Ox7sL48Ff3xJGoTJbgI5yXgieQW9h2BcvmMbluI/w640-h450/yc%20cinquefoil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Yarrow (left) and Cinquefoil (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few butterflies flew between the flowers. I didn't want t stop for too long but occasionally I did get to take a photo of a paused butterfly. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSYe0RKd-fhPnNLyN9LXm40E8b407Dplgi1NDS3Y1ockh2zLt17H7yBH1FeryjhEjhUeAwf_eWDYsVzaODQwkllIRBLjIIzaw_5-YLIezrl0nxEwfnEwQEhhB73MuxNshMTF22U-MBdGuuRJ8UwmU1oLs2z1EU3-dYPUg7bJoutQKDdjcunK9QLvoIVc/s1362/yd%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1362" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSYe0RKd-fhPnNLyN9LXm40E8b407Dplgi1NDS3Y1ockh2zLt17H7yBH1FeryjhEjhUeAwf_eWDYsVzaODQwkllIRBLjIIzaw_5-YLIezrl0nxEwfnEwQEhhB73MuxNshMTF22U-MBdGuuRJ8UwmU1oLs2z1EU3-dYPUg7bJoutQKDdjcunK9QLvoIVc/w640-h448/yd%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly on a Goldenrod Bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only butterflies were in the air. I detected a dragonfly that was resting on a rock and was almost perfectly camouflaged on it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAZGlkTmkqfCywPwnNdt24xyrYBomVNJiskgTxRhRbYJUffruHvLD8S6p0d-EW8UpM-w2Kknqc8dSJViNjZcvbFRr-1Vf31_f8wqcVMutpv9yCN_DbQ8xzPloAGOEvPA-cS9U-fOeuEQ1wfL9rBr9tZxU41QFEXQ140hf5OXuUpkMw6ZZfrIMCoUTwbc/s1499/ye%20dragonfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1499" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAZGlkTmkqfCywPwnNdt24xyrYBomVNJiskgTxRhRbYJUffruHvLD8S6p0d-EW8UpM-w2Kknqc8dSJViNjZcvbFRr-1Vf31_f8wqcVMutpv9yCN_DbQ8xzPloAGOEvPA-cS9U-fOeuEQ1wfL9rBr9tZxU41QFEXQ140hf5OXuUpkMw6ZZfrIMCoUTwbc/w640-h456/ye%20dragonfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our water breaks were short. We pushed on, wishing to get to a suitable campsite with enough daylight to set up camp and to make dinner. We were also hopeful that there will be water near where we wanted to camp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8j1K52qjwvxqL-GR503fVS-y-CQRYw7PHPGCgzTxf7MCngf_36uWatMsObrzPfPC2LosFVI5xr3o51-P05Wsr5vyyM2dHEE9ZYNL5u8bMxsQV9c2irQo-ZShpDY_hR_HTvXIgXMQyHueP880wpIzTM2cdVeQBD0BJ2f4QxITjQ0lQXxs3qX2heRF56A/s1480/yf%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1480" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8j1K52qjwvxqL-GR503fVS-y-CQRYw7PHPGCgzTxf7MCngf_36uWatMsObrzPfPC2LosFVI5xr3o51-P05Wsr5vyyM2dHEE9ZYNL5u8bMxsQV9c2irQo-ZShpDY_hR_HTvXIgXMQyHueP880wpIzTM2cdVeQBD0BJ2f4QxITjQ0lQXxs3qX2heRF56A/w640-h448/yf%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Higher up the trail I started seeing more plant species. The bloom seemed closer to its peak as well. I took most of the photographs while on the move, but some did turn out ok. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzbBn_zDkWZXyQ4K8jcayZ8dY3agMXeVb2bjxcxUxjyw5tqkahKF8i0ES-5GVltGvCJYvQS7H2gmt_HE604Mm8qOJ-KMfHazmHqoHdqWFClDzn4eeJ6Y9l3VbkEEolfqqaNVb_vbbCCksmfSK0Mjh1_EunP1oVxR9vweeW4kg4ZcQ1oqze01vlE3INdU/s1575/yg%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1575" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzbBn_zDkWZXyQ4K8jcayZ8dY3agMXeVb2bjxcxUxjyw5tqkahKF8i0ES-5GVltGvCJYvQS7H2gmt_HE604Mm8qOJ-KMfHazmHqoHdqWFClDzn4eeJ6Y9l3VbkEEolfqqaNVb_vbbCCksmfSK0Mjh1_EunP1oVxR9vweeW4kg4ZcQ1oqze01vlE3INdU/w640-h450/yg%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Red Paintbrush, Castilleja miniata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More flowers brought more butterflies. The large swallowtail butterflies had my friend pause to take photos too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_cb_6pTPkdsxeqdiNkZ1W_3arF2qMOHFZ1rfKygiHonn73h_H07o2UL6eehuAD90eV3bRGYPCxbCN3wFlggZ2mBEH6fJSjxtxWtu-8tFJcEH30wa90z8Kfxl0ii6EWFNbay7XxQa53qZv2gSwc1Afs1vTGJMb2ksjDvewd2Gf1XqVylZWryRBi_7VMc/s1589/yh%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1589" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_cb_6pTPkdsxeqdiNkZ1W_3arF2qMOHFZ1rfKygiHonn73h_H07o2UL6eehuAD90eV3bRGYPCxbCN3wFlggZ2mBEH6fJSjxtxWtu-8tFJcEH30wa90z8Kfxl0ii6EWFNbay7XxQa53qZv2gSwc1Afs1vTGJMb2ksjDvewd2Gf1XqVylZWryRBi_7VMc/w640-h424/yh%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallowtail Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the past winter California got a lot of precipitation and despite the continuous heat since May, I thought there might be some snow left up high in the mountains. Far ahead of us I saw a small patch of snow, and that was the only snow we've seen on this trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdTNNSJCjKjtKkHJOAIzKRi3_ET44Ykn_A6z9jp2dE9m0iJ863fcyo7yrvmcCPbO-xUu6QOuODq3oXKTc8PwMybh2sERH-sNCKW094EJjoFfwPMg6rwrbXaRzaSi_O-miuF2yAciFFIP7jHcq0ygrc2rqnnZTjHzYrCbVndMrn2m8_u97X1bCghPTwck/s1856/yj%20snow%20patch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdTNNSJCjKjtKkHJOAIzKRi3_ET44Ykn_A6z9jp2dE9m0iJ863fcyo7yrvmcCPbO-xUu6QOuODq3oXKTc8PwMybh2sERH-sNCKW094EJjoFfwPMg6rwrbXaRzaSi_O-miuF2yAciFFIP7jHcq0ygrc2rqnnZTjHzYrCbVndMrn2m8_u97X1bCghPTwck/w640-h426/yj%20snow%20patch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a while we kept walking between meadows and forested areas. In general, the uphill ascends were in the forested areas while the meadows were relatively flat. We also kept on the lookout for water - we have not yet seen any surface water since the first creek we crossed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHYFi98hjyyAUv5TbUUeiPtOUMSupHBafkubBoQW4zpQCVKcIS9GPpFi4z5MB7pMf5cBMz1kfHx3Q7TQhkfxOV_9TczR5VNiDe5Mr4NodiSJHp8GLnRgX37GRK-TM3LV9o2GPdLZl0hpA83FBVV0sZVsQgyuBNoDfPKNngLLzNhfr3Gg_LA3iMAUXg0A/s1856/yk%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHYFi98hjyyAUv5TbUUeiPtOUMSupHBafkubBoQW4zpQCVKcIS9GPpFi4z5MB7pMf5cBMz1kfHx3Q7TQhkfxOV_9TczR5VNiDe5Mr4NodiSJHp8GLnRgX37GRK-TM3LV9o2GPdLZl0hpA83FBVV0sZVsQgyuBNoDfPKNngLLzNhfr3Gg_LA3iMAUXg0A/w640-h426/yk%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We could hear the main creek of Red Rock Valley flowing over t the side but had no access to it. We weren't worried though, we still had plenty of water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBa2-314vTgqV8GU2VQqgnXy1BWsirRorfIreVGz4oYTIoZZXx8Mxz0WAdBnPH3zAJkszB-PqRCeUybaobOzQQl1o3P1FdMGBBYFCLK9CGlgj3uaDWMGKGjVBmTqg5y6WblvycPGB9o4xLVujtD_V7d0Pa4NKZOKfwJuHylf_PpE4i-b0AO5mItQqU84/s1856/yl%20dyc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBa2-314vTgqV8GU2VQqgnXy1BWsirRorfIreVGz4oYTIoZZXx8Mxz0WAdBnPH3zAJkszB-PqRCeUybaobOzQQl1o3P1FdMGBBYFCLK9CGlgj3uaDWMGKGjVBmTqg5y6WblvycPGB9o4xLVujtD_V7d0Pa4NKZOKfwJuHylf_PpE4i-b0AO5mItQqU84/w640-h427/yl%20dyc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Woolly Sunflower, Eriophyllum lanatum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached a nicely flowing side creek and carefully crossed it, hopping on strategically-placed stepping stones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzenbPCaR5FwMgBfAa-sVIyVGoWSF7AynMcPGKYCGy8CCWtmaEGVlA55HBnjVS0V28jAQ8mDp3dpJaPFWTF9rA2E4FWqmTSMTXxUI9zv3p0ZLFhKxrsunvE_FBokm8Z7dwbSLLizkHxhlZ0tPZSshUOdurVtYSOMkRu3bSl97zmRNCLZEo3cdeBiYEI/s1856/ym%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzenbPCaR5FwMgBfAa-sVIyVGoWSF7AynMcPGKYCGy8CCWtmaEGVlA55HBnjVS0V28jAQ8mDp3dpJaPFWTF9rA2E4FWqmTSMTXxUI9zv3p0ZLFhKxrsunvE_FBokm8Z7dwbSLLizkHxhlZ0tPZSshUOdurVtYSOMkRu3bSl97zmRNCLZEo3cdeBiYEI/w640-h426/ym%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend's daughter was the one who spotted the lily for me. Of course I had to pause and take a closer look on this. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhot_OK_mKz2j7JM3ELk7PrFQzWOah8DXXCTUpQDUaKoE6gsHvH6Vl6COUrd16lIZw3JdorxzlqrmgMf8VbjB1Y7E7nvaFvJ2rMfNbcQcQ_cd2rraIP4BXcDbzyoQIuAnH7zCeI7_VNIE94uu42T7nCuzOZ5Z8OWDxQMjdU5H0Wk6wlq66jkVzI-NotDq8/s1856/yn%20lilies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhot_OK_mKz2j7JM3ELk7PrFQzWOah8DXXCTUpQDUaKoE6gsHvH6Vl6COUrd16lIZw3JdorxzlqrmgMf8VbjB1Y7E7nvaFvJ2rMfNbcQcQ_cd2rraIP4BXcDbzyoQIuAnH7zCeI7_VNIE94uu42T7nCuzOZ5Z8OWDxQMjdU5H0Wk6wlq66jkVzI-NotDq8/w640-h426/yn%20lilies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiggins' Lily, Lilium pardalinum ssp. wigginsii<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clouds started gathering above us. The forecast had a small chance of rain, and I hoped that it wouldn't happen, or at least not until we were all tucked for the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ejaAjLbyhxP7CemGAyt-g8M0revp4giSDIXEsi_dGygysPAlASXywlMO5uvb4cOWRKyohN6Gzqns-ItkXgx6AQXOS6SYIqe5tzdAeJR7r7wmwHuayKaXMUy8sreM5gOtWqDl9FvGdbGiQKoopeBTykiaO18cUfMDIlvC5PsnodM9RORXMXVdl3MHIm4/s1856/yp%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ejaAjLbyhxP7CemGAyt-g8M0revp4giSDIXEsi_dGygysPAlASXywlMO5uvb4cOWRKyohN6Gzqns-ItkXgx6AQXOS6SYIqe5tzdAeJR7r7wmwHuayKaXMUy8sreM5gOtWqDl9FvGdbGiQKoopeBTykiaO18cUfMDIlvC5PsnodM9RORXMXVdl3MHIm4/w640-h426/yp%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were closer to the Red Rock Creek now, and could hear it flowing nearby. Wherever we chose to camp, now we would have access to water. The earth was more damp too, and the vegetation varied accordingly. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSGLBI3tnWCvlJ0D1sj6_F-BMcQmkaLiUu3b9rp_5BTV5m_TcKuAiakHew6il7vmsh-vhz2kZQqrxNjNB-3oiSBiAJ6s2a1QmVbag97bgnfPJNTfAeagX8Hv1fXiJj6I_HKx9furtAiAMbxfmmpc1U2Ad4BuRc60vMCS4fPPPwpQxV2w6oIDmOOQz5bo/s1554/ys%20monkeyflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1554" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSGLBI3tnWCvlJ0D1sj6_F-BMcQmkaLiUu3b9rp_5BTV5m_TcKuAiakHew6il7vmsh-vhz2kZQqrxNjNB-3oiSBiAJ6s2a1QmVbag97bgnfPJNTfAeagX8Hv1fXiJj6I_HKx9furtAiAMbxfmmpc1U2Ad4BuRc60vMCS4fPPPwpQxV2w6oIDmOOQz5bo/w640-h454/ys%20monkeyflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seep Monkeyflower, Erythranthe gutatta <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We kept moving on though, wishing to get to the trail junction with the Little Elk Lake trail and camp there for the night. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JYMSz9zkgMgaC3IzGMaRRYk8DIj10a-XAOf4XyvWW4wFKKH6aG5xp6zZx8kqyOqyoUFMsjlr459wFDJ9dbrMe1zSOXRQWImODwGFLz0ddkgZzo5DVAexPQouDgs3gEuDu0qk87js_QFvfjHJ4PAqAEEQnk7R3aMNDrSVVtTxT2KM6vNetCoSqsZ7ywM/s1421/yu%20columbine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1421" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JYMSz9zkgMgaC3IzGMaRRYk8DIj10a-XAOf4XyvWW4wFKKH6aG5xp6zZx8kqyOqyoUFMsjlr459wFDJ9dbrMe1zSOXRQWImODwGFLz0ddkgZzo5DVAexPQouDgs3gEuDu0qk87js_QFvfjHJ4PAqAEEQnk7R3aMNDrSVVtTxT2KM6vNetCoSqsZ7ywM/w640-h462/yu%20columbine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimson Columbine, Aquilegia formosa<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A large rocky peak loomed on the west. I checked the map but it didn't have a name for it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXqIcPMUkkqw4yJPVvhB-LY-8nBO64gx5CNfUcAIlv-tDKqagQgZcH9YPNMMelsCVIRjJoO-uLJi2HVf1bZuDTMrOmwSR7ezjk46tyyu_rCDFnOsw1F4XxkdDezGoZc5tPymH1Nm4fOPqDip83OBKZZAcp2IA_G6uOolkLKy5qKZSquVYu1AjVyXrBbk/s1856/yv%20peak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXqIcPMUkkqw4yJPVvhB-LY-8nBO64gx5CNfUcAIlv-tDKqagQgZcH9YPNMMelsCVIRjJoO-uLJi2HVf1bZuDTMrOmwSR7ezjk46tyyu_rCDFnOsw1F4XxkdDezGoZc5tPymH1Nm4fOPqDip83OBKZZAcp2IA_G6uOolkLKy5qKZSquVYu1AjVyXrBbk/w640-h426/yv%20peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My chika was beginning to tire. My friend's daughter was all energetic and chatty, and pulled her on forward. I looked at the map - we were getting close to the trail junction. I was getting tired too, but I didn't say anything. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaC4dsKNhKc_-kSPXf6pnw4FR9D_ezmdeIW_QEAJn3SJFsRB6v3IWxMzNH1Mi4QBYdlhKEvZq1VB65k2KrBCqdXR7sfXK2BdNKVkiQ2A4_eZe0g12bxHwJ6ibq-UCbU_3kCvaKrhushSWhn4l3QLovKqqIzEeZEZR3Buu39qSXpG_sYTt8UsBhLDFB8o/s1613/yw%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1613" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaC4dsKNhKc_-kSPXf6pnw4FR9D_ezmdeIW_QEAJn3SJFsRB6v3IWxMzNH1Mi4QBYdlhKEvZq1VB65k2KrBCqdXR7sfXK2BdNKVkiQ2A4_eZe0g12bxHwJ6ibq-UCbU_3kCvaKrhushSWhn4l3QLovKqqIzEeZEZR3Buu39qSXpG_sYTt8UsBhLDFB8o/w640-h454/yw%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sickletop Lousewort, Pedicularis racemosa<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although whenever I stopped to take a photo of a wildflower, I also took a moment to catch my breath. There were plenty of flowers along this part of the trail - both in the little open meadows and in the woods.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm3I6RolnmaJ76_cnDcTfoBl8VPto5Z88s0QAink5KmbHxUQzGWiwGVfqdQjaHiK_SKG9r_IDDPkrQNH7nqBgD3965KzudB8_lcGehacUMdMaiw4Texb7MiECKpUvW0WcVTVD-2Ckmhboa4fL1D4jIFKBOQNpNS35X858dOgodt12s68tm7NKC0vAXdM/s1449/yx%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1449" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm3I6RolnmaJ76_cnDcTfoBl8VPto5Z88s0QAink5KmbHxUQzGWiwGVfqdQjaHiK_SKG9r_IDDPkrQNH7nqBgD3965KzudB8_lcGehacUMdMaiw4Texb7MiECKpUvW0WcVTVD-2Ckmhboa4fL1D4jIFKBOQNpNS35X858dOgodt12s68tm7NKC0vAXdM/w640-h466/yx%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last bit of the hike was fairly flat and we increased our pace, ready to find a place to camp. Whenever I backpack in a new place I always wonder how the camping areas would look like and how easy it would be to spot them. In high use areas this is usually easy, but we were hiking on a less used trail. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJpQ3zULsv-9zQn9LjYNTdBAFg-p0ssE1FlQBd2dmp4ooZI1JWIpvV5_kOccd57eDWBG2tPR4MLz6421byezUTVZOgVbTgTNGeJO-pToVDfGE9s-Mt8ZmiSulDugcyo9Bog_u41zEIYYT4OuW64zhz5CCXpIJfxBgT0Vu1-_shFmHu7LaGS7F2Yslltw/s1856/yy%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJpQ3zULsv-9zQn9LjYNTdBAFg-p0ssE1FlQBd2dmp4ooZI1JWIpvV5_kOccd57eDWBG2tPR4MLz6421byezUTVZOgVbTgTNGeJO-pToVDfGE9s-Mt8ZmiSulDugcyo9Bog_u41zEIYYT4OuW64zhz5CCXpIJfxBgT0Vu1-_shFmHu7LaGS7F2Yslltw/w640-h426/yy%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Valley Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was very happy and quite surprised to spot a patch of downingia near the trail. Downingia grow in flood-prone places right after the water dried out. Always before I've seen them in low elevations and this was the first time I've seen them bloom up in the mountains. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkkvzymSgd5jPDbQ6-lUvXQqn5vHd6yFYM8c5p0XC9KCCm_qIyBjYFXXKf7LA8qsTCCb8pjSpjy5QKLNyW40jUCNC5QVzyQDnNKLaAQLAfu1mcEx5ll8zfXIBTiURB5kmgAi-K8vdhYDVA2wfPDgDfdvmpMmNlS1NTwGSsZltE_prTMyBwx5MZ_C5UlY/s1685/yz%20downingia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1685" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkkvzymSgd5jPDbQ6-lUvXQqn5vHd6yFYM8c5p0XC9KCCm_qIyBjYFXXKf7LA8qsTCCb8pjSpjy5QKLNyW40jUCNC5QVzyQDnNKLaAQLAfu1mcEx5ll8zfXIBTiURB5kmgAi-K8vdhYDVA2wfPDgDfdvmpMmNlS1NTwGSsZltE_prTMyBwx5MZ_C5UlY/w640-h434/yz%20downingia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Downingia, Downingia yina <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the last leg of the hike my friend took the lead and went ahead to scout for the campsite. She found it right at the trail junction where it was supposed to be. It was nice and flat, with plenty of space to set up a number of tents, and a short walk to the creek below. Our hike was done for the day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60P33Wu-lLEM8eHmAziCDrJMjcGtx1nrwznGzajO2iy5Auz5cG3YIUApoyiOEbA4g87ZjqwzxA18afu2G_rVSsdjVWocQKMqLzK1CKhYYNl5NFNbY7AGCBxaYixuPjH_Brg6EX-H1NeMgyFxRay8uLognpoMCpTSzDwtcN6ci6mNShtomYCeX7fXdXKU/s1856/za%20campsite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60P33Wu-lLEM8eHmAziCDrJMjcGtx1nrwznGzajO2iy5Auz5cG3YIUApoyiOEbA4g87ZjqwzxA18afu2G_rVSsdjVWocQKMqLzK1CKhYYNl5NFNbY7AGCBxaYixuPjH_Brg6EX-H1NeMgyFxRay8uLognpoMCpTSzDwtcN6ci6mNShtomYCeX7fXdXKU/w640-h426/za%20campsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Elk Lake Trail Junction Campsite<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We quickly pitched our tents and turned our attention into making dinner. My friend, who already scouted the creek below, suggested that we would have our dinner there, and we all agreed and floowed her down with our food and cooking gear. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKXMULIgTy8K8IIdvVUp4zep4sN6UM_d-pbbkLBavOKwQ0yLLXZqC8tbGJJnX2QR3ctmrWW1ILTMJpB3MyxKLxRCykQ7xNQar9ecbAG8nwScJtV_E7SraXbN2I-ygrp0-8Lwql2w60dGq902m0WpW-AWg9C4qzmZusZm0wHno1QhKONHhx7mgJwsVoAI/s1856/zc%20rose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKXMULIgTy8K8IIdvVUp4zep4sN6UM_d-pbbkLBavOKwQ0yLLXZqC8tbGJJnX2QR3ctmrWW1ILTMJpB3MyxKLxRCykQ7xNQar9ecbAG8nwScJtV_E7SraXbN2I-ygrp0-8Lwql2w60dGq902m0WpW-AWg9C4qzmZusZm0wHno1QhKONHhx7mgJwsVoAI/w640-h426/zc%20rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldhip Rose, Rosa gymnocarpa<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the way down to the creek I saw quite a few wildflowers, mainly roses, checkerbloom, and paintbrush. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRx4VX2U3RGt1vnmxjVcLiZA_7HDrYvBpeM5WXPMaCCjLv05UJwH1W38pdOXJcOYCU1mIyM8mTFE371GA2Z47wdmOYUznK5fEaNw2RIUW-2WO_hIB4cGAIA7Zk4k3vm3ySLTP9a2V7hqzuVgq-vS6OrRwfXoIoALqR7PTjN-zJrJuYs5q1HhVa_IxDsE/s1484/zd%20checkerbloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1484" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRx4VX2U3RGt1vnmxjVcLiZA_7HDrYvBpeM5WXPMaCCjLv05UJwH1W38pdOXJcOYCU1mIyM8mTFE371GA2Z47wdmOYUznK5fEaNw2RIUW-2WO_hIB4cGAIA7Zk4k3vm3ySLTP9a2V7hqzuVgq-vS6OrRwfXoIoALqR7PTjN-zJrJuYs5q1HhVa_IxDsE/w640-h442/zd%20checkerbloom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dwarf Checkermallow, Sidalcea malviflora <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Red Rock Creek was running nicely but not very high. There was no problem crossing it without having to take our shoes off, but finding a spot to conveniently fill our bottles was more of a challenge. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw3A8ir1iXeqJ3_WpS1-R_6Rt9YKhZ8h3YLcf_vW4gXB4CxKyhxFYNBHdEw0pYZkFaeOgMJXg0vKjT38CpFbq6hKJpZC2jnVki5peFLivOrkvh-LA6ZLjMhBNSvYspenISsn9y1sKKKMM0_CeGL9rzLgXpVegkHSn-JztGf_0FNsGWOPpAehLHUptEW4/s1856/zf%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw3A8ir1iXeqJ3_WpS1-R_6Rt9YKhZ8h3YLcf_vW4gXB4CxKyhxFYNBHdEw0pYZkFaeOgMJXg0vKjT38CpFbq6hKJpZC2jnVki5peFLivOrkvh-LA6ZLjMhBNSvYspenISsn9y1sKKKMM0_CeGL9rzLgXpVegkHSn-JztGf_0FNsGWOPpAehLHUptEW4/w640-h426/zf%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While dinner was cooking I took the opportunity to look around some more. There seemed to be much more bloom on the other side of the creek, and I skipped across to take a closer look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP-YXPv7RmKYf05I_ysB1ktPYTrQKXQxBdyZwsnCZfo0fUzWTOgUATyKK9ALKbzw6lpw2bEFPopfsSvQ3a7ByHVjbw5q99-2YY2yee10c6HGJXfxmzGlprCS6jNIWjW-_RJpAjXJ3JKOC6NGFUKLf-uCYxKtuNr9N2dgmzloQVCL3he5vd-cxz6MVjZ8/s1856/zh%20red.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP-YXPv7RmKYf05I_ysB1ktPYTrQKXQxBdyZwsnCZfo0fUzWTOgUATyKK9ALKbzw6lpw2bEFPopfsSvQ3a7ByHVjbw5q99-2YY2yee10c6HGJXfxmzGlprCS6jNIWjW-_RJpAjXJ3JKOC6NGFUKLf-uCYxKtuNr9N2dgmzloQVCL3he5vd-cxz6MVjZ8/w640-h426/zh%20red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the other side of the creek was the first place on this trip that I saw lupine in bloom. In the very beginning of its bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudr84l07EneI6CtE04o7GnxKvoftei0fW5MklHZF__O-DGlXk008VPuTDWE3Yc7F51aYpnrupYON5kH9d_5UnYqdOMsZ9kM4L5G0sUFjhO5ihCP78Po-_ByDVh6ZmSnL33oh6JfbCLNeO5slVhkSouLz4Y1Toiecti-fDAoMDFbJGP_RaQaERbqDkrK0/s1856/zk%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudr84l07EneI6CtE04o7GnxKvoftei0fW5MklHZF__O-DGlXk008VPuTDWE3Yc7F51aYpnrupYON5kH9d_5UnYqdOMsZ9kM4L5G0sUFjhO5ihCP78Po-_ByDVh6ZmSnL33oh6JfbCLNeO5slVhkSouLz4Y1Toiecti-fDAoMDFbJGP_RaQaERbqDkrK0/w640-h426/zk%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadleaf Lupine, Lupinulatifolius</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before crossing back I looked at my trip partners. They were all relaxed, enjoying time together, playing word games while making dinner and treating water. I joined them and joined the word game. The clouds continued to gather, and near the end of our dinner a light drizzle started, accompanied by some far away thunder. The drizzle ended quickly, and we cleared and stashed our food and cooking gear. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPbXh9rfiicWCz2QvIoLB7bFP3jNVyqgtmMHLMhgi-QcZA9GU5HIYQNU9SBh1pCsznIyzqIRjeNN00HXhWgOVEcPiTV7UKeTHcm1-5DeYJ9UWq4bLFFx6MhZneZvpMnOy3BEUAKbfh1XYOszhJK54rgMxdtePF8UnBi0opgxk9droR_mgUNkz73Vj5Zg/s1856/zl%20dinner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPbXh9rfiicWCz2QvIoLB7bFP3jNVyqgtmMHLMhgi-QcZA9GU5HIYQNU9SBh1pCsznIyzqIRjeNN00HXhWgOVEcPiTV7UKeTHcm1-5DeYJ9UWq4bLFFx6MhZneZvpMnOy3BEUAKbfh1XYOszhJK54rgMxdtePF8UnBi0opgxk9droR_mgUNkz73Vj5Zg/w640-h426/zl%20dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner by the Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our day wasn't done, though. While she was scouting ahead, my friend had checked the area across the creek and saw many flowers there. Now she wanted to show me the area. My chika and her friend didn't want to join us and stayed at the camp site. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV8k8Q9m8nzUpY4mjFM_tB2N5Tdw8U4E7YeOj_wHGjqNIybzyNsarflriRqIZEYiDpGZuhkbFLGioJDob_8tyLitiKlKJNUKcHynfBLYRn9Z_v-PgkswQ2X9gjUwginxTdHwOyWaMe_S5LDM0pNmeqPxkqNgLSbHYem751NvcC01Na7P_Zo0J8nJs2o0/s1665/zm%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1665" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV8k8Q9m8nzUpY4mjFM_tB2N5Tdw8U4E7YeOj_wHGjqNIybzyNsarflriRqIZEYiDpGZuhkbFLGioJDob_8tyLitiKlKJNUKcHynfBLYRn9Z_v-PgkswQ2X9gjUwginxTdHwOyWaMe_S5LDM0pNmeqPxkqNgLSbHYem751NvcC01Na7P_Zo0J8nJs2o0/w640-h452/zm%20orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Bog Orchid, Platanthera dilatata<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend wanted to see the trail that goes up to Little Elk Lake, even if we weren't going to hike up it. She was right about the intense bloom along that part of the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FZWFMP0LFcltZb22xUkt0YZ5SLwPqhl2XPWnAKP_zYUgInelujmzidhDqslVi2IMDc9S4gLXBSodSlACHLJLrngbbkrvKMNGFHKn1HtxaUHU2X_v1-oqGWRMSZ8Lvyqpxtil1w2i8M8-fvZvpVdhHNT1IR0QN0EHkjHHxrMUDnOuY8hg2CH8JwE6jQA/s1615/zn%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1615" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FZWFMP0LFcltZb22xUkt0YZ5SLwPqhl2XPWnAKP_zYUgInelujmzidhDqslVi2IMDc9S4gLXBSodSlACHLJLrngbbkrvKMNGFHKn1HtxaUHU2X_v1-oqGWRMSZ8Lvyqpxtil1w2i8M8-fvZvpVdhHNT1IR0QN0EHkjHHxrMUDnOuY8hg2CH8JwE6jQA/w640-h444/zn%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy, Erigeron sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the bloom there was in an overgrown meadow. The thin trail was barely visible in the thick vegetation. We pushed through the overgrown plants, accumulating a few scratches on the way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWObYXTyisAyDdu74gC1CKxktIiXZSGW6V30n4iUVEXKiOs-ML5ab20SnfOtlQ73XnGeKEKJYVglXt7S2l4WLfJu7dZLU1E1jK-q-rczF1W1FDbwV0LnqKw20eWomLFCnkRJUiTYli3mLsmUu5aw8RJ8zAWEE5buDUl_7WMDN0rYtlOSLt8G8nV3mvEc/s1856/zr%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWObYXTyisAyDdu74gC1CKxktIiXZSGW6V30n4iUVEXKiOs-ML5ab20SnfOtlQ73XnGeKEKJYVglXt7S2l4WLfJu7dZLU1E1jK-q-rczF1W1FDbwV0LnqKw20eWomLFCnkRJUiTYli3mLsmUu5aw8RJ8zAWEE5buDUl_7WMDN0rYtlOSLt8G8nV3mvEc/w640-h426/zr%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Elk Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The light was getting low. Of the numerous photos I took on this little scouting walk only a few came out right. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtuhB7NorPwDr-2-C-MInMKTyqPZBzqNCgiJi4ALh8AjRFhwHhAY0K_om3qTPwMutuOcaaWXU23wfWpNQqBMeparng5gP8YMHA_Zsr-SJeLKdhz_sQxsFegtEnf6JVBHjgytZWp22tC0MwcHkGSSMJuOW-UggoJ3dCps7kdvGMVDKDYwm2a5OHTVOpiI/s1462/zq%20hedgenettle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1462" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtuhB7NorPwDr-2-C-MInMKTyqPZBzqNCgiJi4ALh8AjRFhwHhAY0K_om3qTPwMutuOcaaWXU23wfWpNQqBMeparng5gP8YMHA_Zsr-SJeLKdhz_sQxsFegtEnf6JVBHjgytZWp22tC0MwcHkGSSMJuOW-UggoJ3dCps7kdvGMVDKDYwm2a5OHTVOpiI/w640-h456/zq%20hedgenettle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsemint, Agastache urticifolia<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't plan t go very far on this trail. My friend had seen a cascade on the creek when she was there earlier, and wanted to show it to me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARuhgEk019oD5FFK-n5gd3vYaVOoSfmlfQEHiz8v0tFjzOQYV-KX8Pkhy939_ilaGHNUGkCcQRsh-Q1tbgfkwgzqeW4pSnFzluHd3OUDJze2fT67o17LDDShOKHq2BeDYuSstSHgQ5dD0Epj3b_43cEQMuxGb7OijSayTbMRRyH98b4Kxzh5t3b-bAQQ/s1643/zs%20heather.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1643" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARuhgEk019oD5FFK-n5gd3vYaVOoSfmlfQEHiz8v0tFjzOQYV-KX8Pkhy939_ilaGHNUGkCcQRsh-Q1tbgfkwgzqeW4pSnFzluHd3OUDJze2fT67o17LDDShOKHq2BeDYuSstSHgQ5dD0Epj3b_43cEQMuxGb7OijSayTbMRRyH98b4Kxzh5t3b-bAQQ/w640-h440/zs%20heather.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Ninebark, Physocarpus capitatus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We pushed thrugh the side vegetation to get to a point of view of the cascade. There was no good view point where we could stand stable and have a tree-free view of the water, but we did see the cascade and enjoyed the sound of leaping water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp06DT_rAQwXBKzEEebGJ7xM9xiR6Cgm1KnB2arRukIIV5TnRaL_BWWBcQ30hPkVKAXYqGQNkoLdKn1RJRWnfY2N34_9J-jPh8m2XFUvWBvbVA6bAEbzzYVrivR-RrIiFkpVCMPcavC3nsz3ZfzkuOQjRUpkn4qb3JNLRypNbBavXlFz1a_LoFOjG9Jwg/s1856/zv%20cascade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp06DT_rAQwXBKzEEebGJ7xM9xiR6Cgm1KnB2arRukIIV5TnRaL_BWWBcQ30hPkVKAXYqGQNkoLdKn1RJRWnfY2N34_9J-jPh8m2XFUvWBvbVA6bAEbzzYVrivR-RrIiFkpVCMPcavC3nsz3ZfzkuOQjRUpkn4qb3JNLRypNbBavXlFz1a_LoFOjG9Jwg/w640-h426/zv%20cascade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stood by the creek for a little while, then started back to the campground. The clouds thinned a bit and I was able to snap a few more photos on the way back. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWhg3CzPzVfkk-KL-VwDI-MMWBGpJGActkeeH3bzfUX7YKdwgL8mjWlMs-S43lfQB1LN-w0DVWIjc4oQ9V1EXoksuVD4-KZDOybZYrVp8PoN5EP9on4kCRRe8JELjs4ePPHe52sTxvZX63AC3lVw1SBVuXqwaxeF6WrsQMbVY9AwkDJ0cqEpY36QKwBI/s1637/zw%20rangers%20buttons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1637" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWhg3CzPzVfkk-KL-VwDI-MMWBGpJGActkeeH3bzfUX7YKdwgL8mjWlMs-S43lfQB1LN-w0DVWIjc4oQ9V1EXoksuVD4-KZDOybZYrVp8PoN5EP9on4kCRRe8JELjs4ePPHe52sTxvZX63AC3lVw1SBVuXqwaxeF6WrsQMbVY9AwkDJ0cqEpY36QKwBI/w640-h436/zw%20rangers%20buttons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelica, Angelica sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The evening came and light faded fast. Anticipating more possible rain, we all finished our evening routine quickly and got ready to get in our tents. My friend and her daughter had their lights n and were reading a book inside their tent. My chika tucked herself inside the sleeping bag and closed her eyes. I remained outside last, making one last run to the creek to fill the bottles. I sat on a log for a while, savoring the peaceful forest, until I felt sleep creeping on me. I went inside the tent and tucked myself in, hoping for a good night sleep. On the morrow, we'd be going up to Marble Valley, and I expected to be awed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/11/sky-high-bound-backpacking-marble.html">Link to second day blogpost.</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-26888155657850214592023-10-31T23:42:00.006-07:002023-10-31T23:42:41.558-07:00Checking Out Two Hotspots at the Newberry Volcano National Monument: Paulina Obsidian Flow and Paulina Falls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4DaY4E99u3MPVwJGTyItzlwTfHKa8jEQBzXCMpcd7y8MaRhxV9P2mymwqy--mO-aioJxh9d3aculdnu6S_rFXze9KnmQv0G984U7s5dAvva86SMxX7hbXbC7yiczGpA8lGjdjILaAWVzWjwTbY_4nko6N5hTluZUHb_OHpVNHaiYhZoYGKjp1aJK/s2005/zm%20sisters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4DaY4E99u3MPVwJGTyItzlwTfHKa8jEQBzXCMpcd7y8MaRhxV9P2mymwqy--mO-aioJxh9d3aculdnu6S_rFXze9KnmQv0G984U7s5dAvva86SMxX7hbXbC7yiczGpA8lGjdjILaAWVzWjwTbY_4nko6N5hTluZUHb_OHpVNHaiYhZoYGKjp1aJK/w640-h428/zm%20sisters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Date: July 3, 2020<br />
<div>
Place: Paulina Crater, Newberry Volcano National Monument</div><div>Coordinates: 43.713209, -121.273524</div><div>Length: 0.5 mile <br /></div><div>Level: strenuous</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>After original plans for the summer of 2020 were nulled by the pandemic we went on a family road trip to central Oregon, staying for the first three days on the area of Klamath Falls and the next four days in Bend. On July 3 we checked out our lodge and started our way back south to California. The drive wasn't supposed to be long so we decided to go back to the Newberry Volcano National Monument, to the area of the Paulina Crater. We had <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2020/07/around-paulina-lake.html">hiked around the Paulina Lake</a> three days before but we didn't see any of the other features of that area. Now we had the time to go and check out a couple of this places before leaving the area completely. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Our first hike was at the Big Obsidian Flow Trail:</b></div><div><div>Coordinates: 43.713209, -121.273524</div><div>Length: 0.5 mile<br /></div><div>Level: moderate</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were interested in seeing the obsidian flow and that's where we started our final day in the Newberry Volcano area. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxzTGQaPGDg1hsDSM7hN7Ezux3ZdgWQv8cq5pAgfczCmucvTMQYVb8n8-IAZDyEAjHFtMg0DUMXIu6eBtFQJUzzvQeLdhehwRsVDRp1ShadDVvrW08XJUGaNolNwwBG3lxbjW_vYZFqPvAdBHTnUU9ddfo4wGQjeq94x8fe21AoaOa4taAc4dlr2I/s1249/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1249" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxzTGQaPGDg1hsDSM7hN7Ezux3ZdgWQv8cq5pAgfczCmucvTMQYVb8n8-IAZDyEAjHFtMg0DUMXIu6eBtFQJUzzvQeLdhehwRsVDRp1ShadDVvrW08XJUGaNolNwwBG3lxbjW_vYZFqPvAdBHTnUU9ddfo4wGQjeq94x8fe21AoaOa4taAc4dlr2I/w640-h546/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trail as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a short distance from the parking area to the obsidian flow, and along that trail I found some wildflowers to look at. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQOzZ-qa37UE1CJqDOWnl4D35BwTX9PKpktfQYOa8H6yiJ8obTRQ06DSgMUFUnvF6fKZd1vSIDO-SeUeipwOaTg2zYo9YCqCJSHu6nfkeTi07akXW60a4Gu3R6skKKczMkZyUPUmkwkOg2OEHyyU4BLzEkPj3ZzcpIrVcZAW4mBLxqd3Yo-Pstidj/s1735/yr%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1735" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQOzZ-qa37UE1CJqDOWnl4D35BwTX9PKpktfQYOa8H6yiJ8obTRQ06DSgMUFUnvF6fKZd1vSIDO-SeUeipwOaTg2zYo9YCqCJSHu6nfkeTi07akXW60a4Gu3R6skKKczMkZyUPUmkwkOg2OEHyyU4BLzEkPj3ZzcpIrVcZAW4mBLxqd3Yo-Pstidj/w640-h446/yr%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupine, Lupinus sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pappa Quail and the elder chika had better time seeing things after their own interests. There were a number of very active birds among the small pine grove near the trailhead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_eokQLsxyMwN3DY_8e6lfYxPcw_xJZLdwj5mQSrME_Cq0xPC_B1QHa2gwdn6_ebse1zD4seFl6q8txJ1klKMK4vtB6u4C_xY_AIq1ZFEPvP2EsJxPIrvfMmS2JVa2N5WX2Evh9TGB36H8pjx-ZbaJntZvcmIUQRO8ANzkfE8iZ9lsb4szzl7N2v6/s1731/zx%20House%20finch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1731" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_eokQLsxyMwN3DY_8e6lfYxPcw_xJZLdwj5mQSrME_Cq0xPC_B1QHa2gwdn6_ebse1zD4seFl6q8txJ1klKMK4vtB6u4C_xY_AIq1ZFEPvP2EsJxPIrvfMmS2JVa2N5WX2Evh9TGB36H8pjx-ZbaJntZvcmIUQRO8ANzkfE8iZ9lsb4szzl7N2v6/w640-h454/zx%20House%20finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Finch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was nice that the birds were out in the open and didn't mind us being there, walking right by them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGmR9lqbNPk8cRFcRO7X3p-35CxAOZP0ELiEejvdedyQ5jwGiTd_Lx-Ac2PeTSQvUmll5N2SVlZVwNKh0y-ehFTiA_1jNvk1pBO5uXlMXzbZNrmaKA8mTVRmncZCIf584RO_l1HBFc3uTM9H5bjBnCQK-__iRToYS_FTM7U_10V71WUji-t9ZIjNZ/s1761/zy%20sparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1761" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGmR9lqbNPk8cRFcRO7X3p-35CxAOZP0ELiEejvdedyQ5jwGiTd_Lx-Ac2PeTSQvUmll5N2SVlZVwNKh0y-ehFTiA_1jNvk1pBO5uXlMXzbZNrmaKA8mTVRmncZCIf584RO_l1HBFc3uTM9H5bjBnCQK-__iRToYS_FTM7U_10V71WUji-t9ZIjNZ/w640-h428/zy%20sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassin's Finch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">the trail crossed a small flat area between the pine grove and the big hill of black rocks - a huge pile of obsidian. We could see the shine reflecting from many of the large rocks. A metal staircase led from the plateau below to the height of the obsidian hill. Interpretive signs were posted along the trail, with detailed information about the place and it's significance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPmSRndo5RkipFtCCcH-lGFgQRG6rdWsklv2gZdcBQcHu9gHtnG73WngZGCbWCHzmJglmmJczO-j0bLlnXlgw3Mv61ssxuxKdvsl-phKsAqahtRvL_K8K1TzY5YfycrzpD3AaQleMXfz3qUJfB3HIYEzpdNLWia_EUXfiH65H42gtsrS2cI8ao7iR/s2005/ys%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPmSRndo5RkipFtCCcH-lGFgQRG6rdWsklv2gZdcBQcHu9gHtnG73WngZGCbWCHzmJglmmJczO-j0bLlnXlgw3Mv61ssxuxKdvsl-phKsAqahtRvL_K8K1TzY5YfycrzpD3AaQleMXfz3qUJfB3HIYEzpdNLWia_EUXfiH65H42gtsrS2cI8ao7iR/w640-h428/ys%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Obsidian is a glass- like metamorphic rock of volcanic origin. When broken, the exposed surface shines with reflected light. The broken edges are like broken glass - very very sharp. This particular trait was very useful to the native people who made tools from obsidian. The local nation traded obsidian with other nations. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq054axfSwZXb03VDRSUydIZ-ElwKi94PVLtDe8JiJOeZW6JyxLrrveCGg-xf8QTT3_h6ag_tFqHuPerLQyJoD-sK8KBUd93j1gUUw_csqXUI1OeV_1X0wHSUbypKVtmCrdVUILmjd9ZgilmHKybW96cGO07-WA-UUURlAN8mfCPPUlSwWHsehK08V/s2005/yu%20obsidian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq054axfSwZXb03VDRSUydIZ-ElwKi94PVLtDe8JiJOeZW6JyxLrrveCGg-xf8QTT3_h6ag_tFqHuPerLQyJoD-sK8KBUd93j1gUUw_csqXUI1OeV_1X0wHSUbypKVtmCrdVUILmjd9ZgilmHKybW96cGO07-WA-UUURlAN8mfCPPUlSwWHsehK08V/w640-h428/yu%20obsidian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the top of the staircase was an observation deck from which we could see a small, murky pond, belted by algae known as 'pond scum'. Pappa Quail and the elder chika scanned the pond, searching for waterfowl, but saw none. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIGkJ17e2MF3CQsS_4HU4FhjwEmm2FxfpTTpQTVSFHw6tiXRIPDSR-xyvxmuuTun0ThXRQnQKqyXUbMa1p75fkHSFULMrC9GDQRqqwyK8eqXsYfV7up_oGBpCplWMsWvMhsTvElePbtpTT34b8IRUsexgCrdlI48EA7-GUR9Txo0eAkX5uidkIX6k/s2005/yv%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIGkJ17e2MF3CQsS_4HU4FhjwEmm2FxfpTTpQTVSFHw6tiXRIPDSR-xyvxmuuTun0ThXRQnQKqyXUbMa1p75fkHSFULMrC9GDQRqqwyK8eqXsYfV7up_oGBpCplWMsWvMhsTvElePbtpTT34b8IRUsexgCrdlI48EA7-GUR9Txo0eAkX5uidkIX6k/w640-h428/yv%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the most part, the obsidian flow hills looked completely barren and reminded me very much of the Fantastic Lava Beds in Lassen Volcanic National Park. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt9xmV0jU5JLvvTQQRHVr7EZThXc3US3uey83jjOXyCaDUvqgf9ppcuPHul0EkJ6b9L7j2brnGnYVh4N_8kHQYqc9Pw9rAjJkVXoQTRYz4asUYUHILmGCV8J3u6J8EiZpl81_HQhdmxgq6L8g5h2YxTA5BXQSCH0yPSZdxzx0XX3YNcf67gdSTlzK/s2005/zb%20obsidian%20flow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt9xmV0jU5JLvvTQQRHVr7EZThXc3US3uey83jjOXyCaDUvqgf9ppcuPHul0EkJ6b9L7j2brnGnYVh4N_8kHQYqc9Pw9rAjJkVXoQTRYz4asUYUHILmGCV8J3u6J8EiZpl81_HQhdmxgq6L8g5h2YxTA5BXQSCH0yPSZdxzx0XX3YNcf67gdSTlzK/w640-h428/zb%20obsidian%20flow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian Flow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thinking a little further, the area reminded me a bit a scenery from Mordor, sans the orcs. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEwpvBmqLnNOYNErGeFdply0WX5CGq-QhUTGGoJdsDdDd9pwON73QnZw-yWNOGS6msMD3Y3d1N_wpEJ2oIqPrMOP6xaZ0PtTUEbnz4WrGNFoIVLgCc4dqq3TtOIiIcYDXoAOeRSrywPu3zHbsLIS9O7U-AohWb19v2M8k7HkvQAMGxzozpnecbuDV/s2005/zd%20obsidian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEwpvBmqLnNOYNErGeFdply0WX5CGq-QhUTGGoJdsDdDd9pwON73QnZw-yWNOGS6msMD3Y3d1N_wpEJ2oIqPrMOP6xaZ0PtTUEbnz4WrGNFoIVLgCc4dqq3TtOIiIcYDXoAOeRSrywPu3zHbsLIS9O7U-AohWb19v2M8k7HkvQAMGxzozpnecbuDV/w640-h428/zd%20obsidian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian nuggets<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The shiny black rocks are the obsidian. Obsidian is metamorphic rock of volcanic origin. It was used by the native nations to make knifes and arrowheads. The local people traded obsidian with far away tribes too. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw6o00YonU527sgP8hg8XgkAlr-xoTikOlEPpOIg1gVPHKDW_aEEvBvGB7LPkIzabGxXUFB6_UG9SNiQBDJmhxZLsAjXGP1vLESrzBKQDQnjjhIQIEN7OsyCHosjifMrJQRqn_doYODqn08V88WJqF0IrHdAEHDdEXvy1t09h8Oclee6e3oP325TC/s2005/zc%20obsidian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw6o00YonU527sgP8hg8XgkAlr-xoTikOlEPpOIg1gVPHKDW_aEEvBvGB7LPkIzabGxXUFB6_UG9SNiQBDJmhxZLsAjXGP1vLESrzBKQDQnjjhIQIEN7OsyCHosjifMrJQRqn_doYODqn08V88WJqF0IrHdAEHDdEXvy1t09h8Oclee6e3oP325TC/w640-h428/zc%20obsidian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We continued up the obsidian flow hills, and I found there a few stunted pine trees, too small to cast any comforting shade. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t4FPwH4tQQktws7Ld5eoeSFImoIyGpLFpdPtV_5h-JjRplfL_9nGHaxrzE5keS8OEXzmDHCI8bhra9ddZjObuQkISTwjVirb-QsopWAK6-vD0Z_SYM1l453gQbiRaS5OCJCnhx3CIlMJ96q3LEszG9Gb1nxbOMrS0PruQYAHOgitSV2mi6h0TyBp/s2005/zh%20pune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t4FPwH4tQQktws7Ld5eoeSFImoIyGpLFpdPtV_5h-JjRplfL_9nGHaxrzE5keS8OEXzmDHCI8bhra9ddZjObuQkISTwjVirb-QsopWAK6-vD0Z_SYM1l453gQbiRaS5OCJCnhx3CIlMJ96q3LEszG9Gb1nxbOMrS0PruQYAHOgitSV2mi6h0TyBp/w640-h428/zh%20pune.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7eqSK4F7dzdCVOOTtV36jAb3N-J_3nIPcVsd3EioYHrqh0mbaE15QmxO7Xmsf2Hd6vD7RoTqefSSS3PQKVt_hWGPbdhX0O6VgMgZgYLZMSnv5d10iDyyDMKPgUDVj3aJ05jiukIubKBfzDTBHy7g6gHcdLZQwzv6YT8dA9DIZ9opuDYmzriotlW4/s2005/ze%20pine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">All around the obsidian flow hill, the pine forest was thick and thriving. It was just this pile of rocks that was not favorable for the pines. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTL7vwy1N0y2B_MIDTZbAoXlimxfnCDpq8oP8spTSP94zU478HU6KNQQVv6vIpRjTEM57gGT3DkMjaYLFyn440dp51kf3nHliKUNobF5oVyCue23izYzPcOnRcebR6EUkJ-HAEU6PX8obXYypM0lAA3XV-zh_EY7fdfW194VQtMg-LvoD0roTE39/s2005/zf%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTL7vwy1N0y2B_MIDTZbAoXlimxfnCDpq8oP8spTSP94zU478HU6KNQQVv6vIpRjTEM57gGT3DkMjaYLFyn440dp51kf3nHliKUNobF5oVyCue23izYzPcOnRcebR6EUkJ-HAEU6PX8obXYypM0lAA3XV-zh_EY7fdfW194VQtMg-LvoD0roTE39/w640-h428/zf%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked the narrow trail at the top of the obsidian flow and looked around. Ahead of us loomed Paulina Peak, where we went to see the view after hiking around Paulina Lake. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO7wGibLPvth2U2aXygP0-BvT-R03RfP0oKuB0RF8vyuzasxzvk_rxZB6n3p3wET0pLSrUF8j3pkuU5UQKOue1CNk_M9bYHYZ31dfFeXThRyGxACLjeU1mC0QxL2H4jLqp5FzLs4j11FVUhFl0z_TAFzvSLxJu0sBIbgB4D5qHaMNvJKAlMbZrxat/s2005/zg%20Paulina%20Peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO7wGibLPvth2U2aXygP0-BvT-R03RfP0oKuB0RF8vyuzasxzvk_rxZB6n3p3wET0pLSrUF8j3pkuU5UQKOue1CNk_M9bYHYZ31dfFeXThRyGxACLjeU1mC0QxL2H4jLqp5FzLs4j11FVUhFl0z_TAFzvSLxJu0sBIbgB4D5qHaMNvJKAlMbZrxat/w640-h428/zg%20Paulina%20Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paulina Lake itself lay below us, calm and blue. It is a crater lake, simple and beautiful. On the horizon loomed the snowy peaks of Bachelor Mountain and the South Sister. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOvfebKv9PTxDWnuQWhEwN_MvRSWO9NSknk5Yd4Qxnys5lqKg_tjTJ0ueOhzoI44tf4Az6XGPoD3ta3BfL5k6Ux0mNDuSimBVdNN73Q16d-jdsCtprZFiP269lENGWNORO_sxJmanRpao2JojMlolvBQVtiiewwgzb0LTDtSHVC4pG08AcPaHpgjJ/s2005/zi%20floating%20volcanos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOvfebKv9PTxDWnuQWhEwN_MvRSWO9NSknk5Yd4Qxnys5lqKg_tjTJ0ueOhzoI44tf4Az6XGPoD3ta3BfL5k6Ux0mNDuSimBVdNN73Q16d-jdsCtprZFiP269lENGWNORO_sxJmanRpao2JojMlolvBQVtiiewwgzb0LTDtSHVC4pG08AcPaHpgjJ/w640-h428/zi%20floating%20volcanos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The volcanic rock pile we were on was almost bare of vegetation. There was hardly any real soil in the cracks. There were a few plants however, that found a roothold there, and they seemed to be thriving. Some were in bloom.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3TvWh35haRCxDtWjOgwkfkbfv2VigEZgmcvzxRLaw_32IDr_hDxElsCBKLFmJhlx0Yj96IwoCwWp0KojskJrhh1iZLQxgrsmuoRzjrfwMfeEF0hOUzqBVzJPmA1GC0LU8U0u31waCCIUrxlk6NRuxWKErmeF6BNeToWCZrARxEBIDkbUOBd4FPNF/s2005/zj%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3TvWh35haRCxDtWjOgwkfkbfv2VigEZgmcvzxRLaw_32IDr_hDxElsCBKLFmJhlx0Yj96IwoCwWp0KojskJrhh1iZLQxgrsmuoRzjrfwMfeEF0hOUzqBVzJPmA1GC0LU8U0u31waCCIUrxlk6NRuxWKErmeF6BNeToWCZrARxEBIDkbUOBd4FPNF/w640-h428/zj%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davidson's Penstemon, Penstemon davidsonii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After we wandered around for a while it was time to go back down. The chikas darted downhill and Pappa Quail followed them. As usual, I lingered behind, checking out the unique sights f the place, like the black, shiny masses of obsidian. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LRhMnHws-5FXaXo3U4E3QfniyqqxRMKM0Vcb9O1tjZzvqUexv1hhApmv4EMVMi-1J5QLeGZ1gednwyCQuHZ_zUBnCnrFDOuhjf5GEAwRe63ipdHNOW4bW0f5T6D1b5NSIoOBEvEzqNMNrfIoiBHBvYB9EB6N5uAnuz9SImI6fBnQ1NhGn9GfCknI/s2005/zq%20trail%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LRhMnHws-5FXaXo3U4E3QfniyqqxRMKM0Vcb9O1tjZzvqUexv1hhApmv4EMVMi-1J5QLeGZ1gednwyCQuHZ_zUBnCnrFDOuhjf5GEAwRe63ipdHNOW4bW0f5T6D1b5NSIoOBEvEzqNMNrfIoiBHBvYB9EB6N5uAnuz9SImI6fBnQ1NhGn9GfCknI/w640-h428/zq%20trail%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I captured a bit more of the pond and the pine forest surrounding the obsidian flow. I figured that by the time I'd reach down, my family will be in the car already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwt-56Z9w6oA3LK-9UCbrteG3-xwOacuY53-YAlm020-fjFmQEPINYCup57zApF9aDpmactVduinRafd6zMZfpC9IKh-ypuugQzKXQtKm5-jT6Hbavy7z2956E_u-z-skfVQ3e8mMRkN_vL4cmuQA80783X6mK_4XnHYN7_RmCto_ojlxndnNbVRj/s2005/zu%20view%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwt-56Z9w6oA3LK-9UCbrteG3-xwOacuY53-YAlm020-fjFmQEPINYCup57zApF9aDpmactVduinRafd6zMZfpC9IKh-ypuugQzKXQtKm5-jT6Hbavy7z2956E_u-z-skfVQ3e8mMRkN_vL4cmuQA80783X6mK_4XnHYN7_RmCto_ojlxndnNbVRj/w640-h428/zu%20view%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was wrong, though. A family of Clark's nutcrackers frolicked on the ground below. There were two adult birds there, and three juveniles that kept pestering them for food, despite being fully fledged and capable f taking care of themselves. But then again, what do I know about the needs of adolescent corvids. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0E7fbnT_Qs7yYtIC93wdY1WV3i_U7h9KVS6u05gDnuImXJTO9UxV-gTxIqpExwKBecMZsO5-kRNfghEk_tMFx8WtHFdZgXkBs5BF9HHaMNpMiFCv8F4PFX_pa3V723l7nrIejM9suJJriiQoLVcaChB78LkmhyiiTl_oUhr1_vyAPviJJca4KqXq/s1664/zz%20gray%20jay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1664" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0E7fbnT_Qs7yYtIC93wdY1WV3i_U7h9KVS6u05gDnuImXJTO9UxV-gTxIqpExwKBecMZsO5-kRNfghEk_tMFx8WtHFdZgXkBs5BF9HHaMNpMiFCv8F4PFX_pa3V723l7nrIejM9suJJriiQoLVcaChB78LkmhyiiTl_oUhr1_vyAPviJJca4KqXq/w640-h456/zz%20gray%20jay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark's Nutcracker</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><b>Our second hike was to Paulina Falls:</b> </div><div>Coordinates: 43.712392, -121.276370</div><div>Length: 0.5 mile</div><div>Level: easy</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I convinced Pappa Quail and the chikas that we should go see the Paulina Falls on our way out of the Newberry Volcano area. It was a very short and easy walk, and we had plenty of time still, since we didn't plan to reach Alturas until the evening. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pJcBQzzTRNK2Tmkb8u0kFBMZ_Mk_o_x5_nCd5mqUgKhP1LUyGWXwrNe3jy3RMCA6ux8ibHtydfQb_vAMk1nX8rA2OgdOgpqxUdeAdv9aYvZP25nAm02PBKExjm0n2MWmpf7oXbkelWKcjU8w-GZXmdQu-vLLM2Ba-XrttZaewgyu7HzevdQdmzoH/s1498/1.4%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1498" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pJcBQzzTRNK2Tmkb8u0kFBMZ_Mk_o_x5_nCd5mqUgKhP1LUyGWXwrNe3jy3RMCA6ux8ibHtydfQb_vAMk1nX8rA2OgdOgpqxUdeAdv9aYvZP25nAm02PBKExjm0n2MWmpf7oXbkelWKcjU8w-GZXmdQu-vLLM2Ba-XrttZaewgyu7HzevdQdmzoH/w640-h428/1.4%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We parked again exactly where we started our <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2020/07/around-paulina-lake.html">hike around Paulina Lake</a> three days before. Once again I was captivated by the pretty lupines near the parking area. Today I had better lighting too because the sky was completely clear without a single cloud. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkdIaAf3jj4bzsD99t6MuEUCika57qZBSk2DYJzxtd1vJl-a0BoZCz--7-c8TJ2aY_-k_WuWrqrfDhJcXWpkVqVCxgTzpQNfyufqEVVC77ktir8uRbl-ReGN8tIMzqml1AXzF-r1B49DU4eE-GJVcej20DgqSw2WNlRh5zzEFA6BKkUAqvWMzY26/s2402/zg%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="2402" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qkdIaAf3jj4bzsD99t6MuEUCika57qZBSk2DYJzxtd1vJl-a0BoZCz--7-c8TJ2aY_-k_WuWrqrfDhJcXWpkVqVCxgTzpQNfyufqEVVC77ktir8uRbl-ReGN8tIMzqml1AXzF-r1B49DU4eE-GJVcej20DgqSw2WNlRh5zzEFA6BKkUAqvWMzY26/w640-h468/zg%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy Lupine, Lupinus lepidus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We started walking down near the creek. The trail was wide and well maintained and there were many other people hiking there, most of them mask-free and seemed to not worry at all about COVID-19.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjJHYqKbVlNuWO3xft_-Q_W2Arm1PxhaXA0RA7Nln4pWisDo-OhSjbcQYZKmIx50QUr2S_M1XSwvjNOuUGvtcRkPnVUUfZO_7iXeQicULbgQ6JfU2xL82-03UwBiaRgaMzu1QegLGuzikq7AYPF5f1aXlGAg1FU-xj4-QLXvAjuj1-WFgfsGRfizc/s2005/zh%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjJHYqKbVlNuWO3xft_-Q_W2Arm1PxhaXA0RA7Nln4pWisDo-OhSjbcQYZKmIx50QUr2S_M1XSwvjNOuUGvtcRkPnVUUfZO_7iXeQicULbgQ6JfU2xL82-03UwBiaRgaMzu1QegLGuzikq7AYPF5f1aXlGAg1FU-xj4-QLXvAjuj1-WFgfsGRfizc/w640-h428/zh%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The elder chika immediately spotted some waterfowl in the creek. Pappa Quail didn't bother to raise his camera though - these were mallards, the most common ducks in the world. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylsf5UkD-xpKWNsPXTUsvOMCAlmCXgdg7lLDXMWcs7sv3j4le2zMA2LpTFpNLvK1qLxvnBe7A6-Ocs-VUI6H52ZjoAjElCCZRcHYMppZdbILHTzl0IRBOw88AczH5dQNfJcMEDybK3AEsiDTtoxshxc_BUut9kpwxdY8HcW-7s6ByzE0GqVDmVAEV/s1856/zy%20mallard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylsf5UkD-xpKWNsPXTUsvOMCAlmCXgdg7lLDXMWcs7sv3j4le2zMA2LpTFpNLvK1qLxvnBe7A6-Ocs-VUI6H52ZjoAjElCCZRcHYMppZdbILHTzl0IRBOw88AczH5dQNfJcMEDybK3AEsiDTtoxshxc_BUut9kpwxdY8HcW-7s6ByzE0GqVDmVAEV/w640-h426/zy%20mallard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard, female<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">As were followed the creek downstream, the stream became more vivacious with spots of whitewater cascades. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK84L5OGkgs6lBxUHhoY2XYiixQr71FDOSYC39vS_KjB5pJUGBNB2gUSrW5mro5Dhe6EmxfZr_feUStsgREMmXTPmiQwxJnbyZv_m5MOhFyhqAChrWT7k_eyW78-Njumm-zx5r2VAwNRx-KyHmatbvPVeJAbzmjS_gFbmkterSE1sIEOnqSIRaCkQk/s2005/zi%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK84L5OGkgs6lBxUHhoY2XYiixQr71FDOSYC39vS_KjB5pJUGBNB2gUSrW5mro5Dhe6EmxfZr_feUStsgREMmXTPmiQwxJnbyZv_m5MOhFyhqAChrWT7k_eyW78-Njumm-zx5r2VAwNRx-KyHmatbvPVeJAbzmjS_gFbmkterSE1sIEOnqSIRaCkQk/w640-h428/zi%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My family birders found there the much more interesting American dipper, a bird that lves whitewater area and dives in it in search of food. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfWkX7oCScbYdZrXno9KOxYbzTcTfVv92d8OZAhgiNQiN3XJotr_VzFgo2xIvu7A-3lNJnXnhBB2m_EPp0wi1jl0zXoFgvbqElt2nWcWcEJ0U9k6ej8tkbdkJECf0XwKa6Tc77eyJ2ZgCU94SpzIWbfF0ZqlcDwOJJyGpTZ6hNcS02BtvD5i5kSdg/s1411/zw%20dipper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1411" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfWkX7oCScbYdZrXno9KOxYbzTcTfVv92d8OZAhgiNQiN3XJotr_VzFgo2xIvu7A-3lNJnXnhBB2m_EPp0wi1jl0zXoFgvbqElt2nWcWcEJ0U9k6ej8tkbdkJECf0XwKa6Tc77eyJ2ZgCU94SpzIWbfF0ZqlcDwOJJyGpTZ6hNcS02BtvD5i5kSdg/w640-h432/zw%20dipper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Dipper<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The creek was nearly jammed in places with fallen logs, which made a natural dam. We didn't see any other animals in the water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmGadqjZOUzVUv1aHOD1utH0DGkG3PIrGeHUW5K9Z1yw-EOaWeb_zPgTrq9gHgXPigks6rDCrAJhTMXechObiqTxbPqOgcM4h-KB7ZaIc58Z_ASoAwaTsiuZbTwLdaMHcfAv4oPEE-DTi7MqtEuGg_rm37ffdK4ZA4tIyPKypzy-XN5SqucPs2WFz/s2005/zj%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmGadqjZOUzVUv1aHOD1utH0DGkG3PIrGeHUW5K9Z1yw-EOaWeb_zPgTrq9gHgXPigks6rDCrAJhTMXechObiqTxbPqOgcM4h-KB7ZaIc58Z_ASoAwaTsiuZbTwLdaMHcfAv4oPEE-DTi7MqtEuGg_rm37ffdK4ZA4tIyPKypzy-XN5SqucPs2WFz/w640-h428/zj%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the Paulina Falls. I was very glad we made it there - the waterfall was indeed very beautiful, and certainly worth the diversion. I also had a surprise there - on the observation deck over the waterfall I met familiar people - a family of my family hiking group. They too wanted a getaway from the COVID-crazed Bay Area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T7Vbtx92sMyIzP4i82j2Lh3CtsgLEAiIJ1QAMEMaqArGRbXEFdsWYO6fbxwf9-iF8IMAxJEVdg4WnEY4JsfkkS7Dj3eLNRANToYMiuduRmOglpi00RnsYQfYqIw40x8cD40sKZSSaimj6_kDYKxca409eiWtB6w0V-FRy0fnSMnkDKb7Q_P9XrNs/s2005/zl%20falls%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T7Vbtx92sMyIzP4i82j2Lh3CtsgLEAiIJ1QAMEMaqArGRbXEFdsWYO6fbxwf9-iF8IMAxJEVdg4WnEY4JsfkkS7Dj3eLNRANToYMiuduRmOglpi00RnsYQfYqIw40x8cD40sKZSSaimj6_kDYKxca409eiWtB6w0V-FRy0fnSMnkDKb7Q_P9XrNs/w640-h428/zl%20falls%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail continued downhill to the base of the waterfall. I wanted to go down there. The chikas were less enthusiastic but they followed along when Pappa Quail and I started down the trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcY1JlgYIE9iYun7dUcocc64w_aDmN7rE2X4-D52C7y5dPtg177GHVZ0PCCblbrbYZc1q1oWb1X8UISXQps_Wvt-1K_UH4Bw-iFzYzVryaLEBxG8lDEJIEyJg30e5vQ0P2yVFrvNMBrtFP6HoUb8tA0aA2AmLFOfukCgbCRzaFfJp--a7ZzfV_YsV/s2005/zo%20view%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcY1JlgYIE9iYun7dUcocc64w_aDmN7rE2X4-D52C7y5dPtg177GHVZ0PCCblbrbYZc1q1oWb1X8UISXQps_Wvt-1K_UH4Bw-iFzYzVryaLEBxG8lDEJIEyJg30e5vQ0P2yVFrvNMBrtFP6HoUb8tA0aA2AmLFOfukCgbCRzaFfJp--a7ZzfV_YsV/w640-h428/zo%20view%20down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I even found a wildflower blooming by the stairs on the way down , but I wasn't able to identify it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu1bgdRFHO8wE93fCHyF0ZXueQTJFPptsv9GjEmnx1czYCcTl5lNGVh3jo8hVLXBJX5yS4Aj2dnr0SrrKCcNSlE23-90TLzqUsi4Na0iw_aTiYyRZ14gGpcKxJf96Y4YDNtF1adPYbsW96-m9XPi3YG9zLJoW5_EaqQSIPYEwA3VGH-j81ArvR6CC/s2788/zp%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="2788" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu1bgdRFHO8wE93fCHyF0ZXueQTJFPptsv9GjEmnx1czYCcTl5lNGVh3jo8hVLXBJX5yS4Aj2dnr0SrrKCcNSlE23-90TLzqUsi4Na0iw_aTiYyRZ14gGpcKxJf96Y4YDNtF1adPYbsW96-m9XPi3YG9zLJoW5_EaqQSIPYEwA3VGH-j81ArvR6CC/w640-h480/zp%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the bottom of the trail we had anther nice view of the waterfall. It was very interesting to see the crumbling rocks piled up at the bottom of the fall. The water stream continuously breaks down and wears off the lip of the cliff, so the waterfall is constantly receding. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffWkaqc_nLQjHeYEKAfXVUzvDwv5p1-bMqENGzTVX6RMoimojiJLPjkD0SyUIuvdYUV5fYFpz7SG4BfdIEgnnxlUip4Bme95m1zfgNTr-r3bKugHpQG335CkdqPPh_ccq6tauObbiAe410eNJ_NSKAMs1JDCK7Ba9dESBa042nwXZ5W5ksn56ySf8/s2005/zr%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffWkaqc_nLQjHeYEKAfXVUzvDwv5p1-bMqENGzTVX6RMoimojiJLPjkD0SyUIuvdYUV5fYFpz7SG4BfdIEgnnxlUip4Bme95m1zfgNTr-r3bKugHpQG335CkdqPPh_ccq6tauObbiAe410eNJ_NSKAMs1JDCK7Ba9dESBa042nwXZ5W5ksn56ySf8/w640-h428/zr%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulina Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After streaming through the pile of boulders below the waterfall, the creek collects into a calm pool before flowing on downhill. I noticed some movement on the rocks by the pool. Pappa Quail and the elder chika were already training their cameras on what was moving there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUhOEXKHBzOHhULUGEnszGOYlOOF2iPOn6ymc05U4AQIrFp3inEg2nyGkEW8s6QxWoShSABjf7chyFP0BU-j5j95fhet1_EagDvfhmMli5ZsGfi7800GeS2hx0zage1GI0185MSxoI8dhEdjLcG12yyrJYtHtKksswiITc3HvL6PVtg8uJVmj3yrJ/s2005/zs%20bottom%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUhOEXKHBzOHhULUGEnszGOYlOOF2iPOn6ymc05U4AQIrFp3inEg2nyGkEW8s6QxWoShSABjf7chyFP0BU-j5j95fhet1_EagDvfhmMli5ZsGfi7800GeS2hx0zage1GI0185MSxoI8dhEdjLcG12yyrJYtHtKksswiITc3HvL6PVtg8uJVmj3yrJ/w640-h428/zs%20bottom%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was anther American dipper. This time the bird was closer and less fidgety. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmHvfp4jr4XAQj2hlXYWAslhO_iWe6UJhtZCv4kNRpTzUrkt_BggrR91IvAjXt98nQDSXMyx16CYHHB8qd5Fvbl4nl1r_-IhD38pNwTLzBxzb0-LFfQgo-EcDoRKtvuvvXWu6UK-fBT8MlZfJFea8YP5VAV8q9hUTtu27faD92_5uahnjqotC2V1Z/s1189/zz%20bird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1189" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmHvfp4jr4XAQj2hlXYWAslhO_iWe6UJhtZCv4kNRpTzUrkt_BggrR91IvAjXt98nQDSXMyx16CYHHB8qd5Fvbl4nl1r_-IhD38pNwTLzBxzb0-LFfQgo-EcDoRKtvuvvXWu6UK-fBT8MlZfJFea8YP5VAV8q9hUTtu27faD92_5uahnjqotC2V1Z/w640-h476/zz%20bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Dipper<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We hanged around at the base of the waterfall for some time, admiring the nature around us. This was our last stop before heading back to California. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw50BEAbyd2htnP2_nfioApSFgvqucC4p8OLTk42y0Zuq17myaG31I-5pK3OqTzsDJZPflfIZhgKnlhR4aH20eafXLJ8UnouiaG_J1dbkyK2UQS3Zm4q4E3NissEqpwl-9DGa6Nf65rSOr_-xp9G5dmftOUtyAX8rgSoH3uqGJ3DOF_W22yxGk_Usg/s2121/zt%20arnica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="2121" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw50BEAbyd2htnP2_nfioApSFgvqucC4p8OLTk42y0Zuq17myaG31I-5pK3OqTzsDJZPflfIZhgKnlhR4aH20eafXLJ8UnouiaG_J1dbkyK2UQS3Zm4q4E3NissEqpwl-9DGa6Nf65rSOr_-xp9G5dmftOUtyAX8rgSoH3uqGJ3DOF_W22yxGk_Usg/w640-h466/zt%20arnica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted our vacation to extend longer. At that time we still believed in 'flattening the curve' and Bend was still a sanctuary to which the pandemic hasn't yet reached. We needed to go back though. I Gave Paulina Creek a sorrowfull goodby look, then started up the trail following my family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfecv0RlTqysjRc_zF8lzwRj-Ud3bPLJE4Hp_TgRYsrOU5DVvLiyGIqRENLzgjrf2VkgMifOf4hSqoZtPdN8Fq5Nv9FPqgefLmTDU1m7JSwqRlQzjZjvsumRJuVFQivZ0fpc8oFnhGXWknZdcEnu7ckkJQQHoCIPWSEsuOiwhnqRxLVG9eL39IBLi_/s2005/zu%20end.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfecv0RlTqysjRc_zF8lzwRj-Ud3bPLJE4Hp_TgRYsrOU5DVvLiyGIqRENLzgjrf2VkgMifOf4hSqoZtPdN8Fq5Nv9FPqgefLmTDU1m7JSwqRlQzjZjvsumRJuVFQivZ0fpc8oFnhGXWknZdcEnu7ckkJQQHoCIPWSEsuOiwhnqRxLVG9eL39IBLi_/w640-h428/zu%20end.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made our way back t the car quickly and silently. Pappa Quail snatched a photo of a blackbird, one of the most common birds around. He too wasn't very keen on returning back to the shut-down State of California. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveh4cGBaVZqKwoytzB_wrUy9xAlOFnzY_5YRwLXnj5NqG5dQVS_OcpDcVEJdBwh0gRVmDkQFJbsAAcIu6VsmApTrMcPKxkwboJCJbahOzxrJkrOABDRmmHVp25WrUCOwEij3JIYV4yuqcXa1F1IC8QkKnv6qJ4sVoo0RKPPksqRXQ5cqjy_04s9Pd/s1559/zv%20bird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1559" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveh4cGBaVZqKwoytzB_wrUy9xAlOFnzY_5YRwLXnj5NqG5dQVS_OcpDcVEJdBwh0gRVmDkQFJbsAAcIu6VsmApTrMcPKxkwboJCJbahOzxrJkrOABDRmmHVp25WrUCOwEij3JIYV4yuqcXa1F1IC8QkKnv6qJ4sVoo0RKPPksqRXQ5cqjy_04s9Pd/w640-h432/zv%20bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewer's Blackbird<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>This was our last day in Bend, but not yet the final day of our trip. We drove south to Alturas where we stayed for a couple more nights. Alturas too was a still COVID-free. Everything there was normal as normal could be. They even held the 4th f July parade as always. After observing some of the parade we went on to <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2020/09/emerson-lake-trail.html">hike the Emerson Lake Trail</a> at the South Warner Wilderness area. This last hike of our June-July 2020 trip was also the first one of this trip that I wrote about. </div><div> </div><div>A couple of weeks after we returned home the virus reached central Oregon and Bend closed down to visitors. We were fortunate to snatch a piece of heaven before hell closed down on us for two more years. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-10633450091066976732023-10-27T11:15:00.003-07:002023-10-27T11:17:24.959-07:00Hiking Tucson's Northern Jewel of Bear Canyon and the Seven Falls <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXUYVlZ-5Rv9_2RardFJZDdX-nU0Knjp5opfBy7d4wqtS5lm81550aoBPEI_cqjyUgtVdz1xrd5X6tpEWuxvzAJh0ukRUNIuS9FPdSXjyzStk2sSkWjkY11QGLf8D79B7bd4bc3rfX5P9DZ8ii0K3SWtE1Mt5ivlUSnMLHFIOLyPqxJi-b5dcIr8n/s2005/xw%207%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXUYVlZ-5Rv9_2RardFJZDdX-nU0Knjp5opfBy7d4wqtS5lm81550aoBPEI_cqjyUgtVdz1xrd5X6tpEWuxvzAJh0ukRUNIuS9FPdSXjyzStk2sSkWjkY11QGLf8D79B7bd4bc3rfX5P9DZ8ii0K3SWtE1Mt5ivlUSnMLHFIOLyPqxJi-b5dcIr8n/w640-h428/xw%207%20falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dare: April 26, 2022</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Bear Canyon, Tucson, Arizona</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 32.309949, -110.822283</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 7.5 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thirty years ago, when Pappa Quail and me lived in Wisconsin, Pappa Quail got to attend a week-long conference in Tucson. It was in the later part of May and I joined him for the weekend before the conference begun. We did a lot of sight-seeing around the city, and also did a very memorable hike at Sabino Canyon, in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. On <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2022/09/looking-for-feathered-treasure-on-south.html">our trip to Southern Arizona</a> last year we spent a few days in the Tucson area. While most of the days we focused on birding, we did want to include some hiking as well, and it was Pappa Quail's idea to hike Sabino Canyon again, this time with the chikas. When we arrived at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area however, we discovered that that trail was closed due to maintenance work. The alternative was to hike Bear Canyon, the next trail over, so that was the hike we did. </div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNirBV9tk91edm7Lnn-j_O2L9HK_LI1c4IiMdnWX42VnsgjYK4NVXagrBMyN3ya_PIIYBPeyMEtqs5df0m8kDNBMmDTai_Bp-7OT-JNb4r8qzQ0lD89uHlCZfi3RHA_BP17IiDGbdZg20BK4zKmfk3YXbM89tdlkiFyeqXCKq4Lm9caAV1WQBWY0P/s1139/7.5%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1139" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNirBV9tk91edm7Lnn-j_O2L9HK_LI1c4IiMdnWX42VnsgjYK4NVXagrBMyN3ya_PIIYBPeyMEtqs5df0m8kDNBMmDTai_Bp-7OT-JNb4r8qzQ0lD89uHlCZfi3RHA_BP17IiDGbdZg20BK4zKmfk3YXbM89tdlkiFyeqXCKq4Lm9caAV1WQBWY0P/w640-h524/7.5%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took a shuttle to the trailhead, which was about 2 miles away and uphill from the visitor center. We were warned that if we wanted to ride back on the shuttle we should be back at the trailhead by 4 pm. Pappa Quail looked at his watch and shook his head. We had a late start and the chance we'd make it on time was very small. Either way, we were not turning back now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBitTWg-1sD6NqazodzM3ORkPurraF56a_tq3PrlAhgBoFsn8QC94lf2LG-Bu3iBWz-cXZImodg5ETKv2KtFVzffy53GC_TNX44WqVeMvO6uOlziNUdsKRBkf9G6_MWdy2VYXGNgFl0PBb0jhFphDHqPHnqF0pOv6uJmwVOWnx7efPQ0nulbzo3sUH/s2590/vj%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2590" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBitTWg-1sD6NqazodzM3ORkPurraF56a_tq3PrlAhgBoFsn8QC94lf2LG-Bu3iBWz-cXZImodg5ETKv2KtFVzffy53GC_TNX44WqVeMvO6uOlziNUdsKRBkf9G6_MWdy2VYXGNgFl0PBb0jhFphDHqPHnqF0pOv6uJmwVOWnx7efPQ0nulbzo3sUH/w640-h462/vj%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a slow start on the trail because there was much to see right there by the trailhead. There were many wildflowers, including blooming cacti. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCGGjCcFjALzckwvvGl7VOmMERp3mSVKF_HaE2ct-H4bD2EHQ0QbJdCkN_dL1RBtB2UAqVOZBuAT_CAnDL3ed9vCXGqpHjWVwizPqz1WOsdJgbxeQH_UixeU4t9Yz5MTmHc9KOPxbQSezpuZyz676nrwd5gBE3E4CSckaNEiAPdg5GjttO0dvkH3Y/s2118/vk%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2118" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCGGjCcFjALzckwvvGl7VOmMERp3mSVKF_HaE2ct-H4bD2EHQ0QbJdCkN_dL1RBtB2UAqVOZBuAT_CAnDL3ed9vCXGqpHjWVwizPqz1WOsdJgbxeQH_UixeU4t9Yz5MTmHc9KOPxbQSezpuZyz676nrwd5gBE3E4CSckaNEiAPdg5GjttO0dvkH3Y/w640-h448/vk%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ocotillo I was very familiar with already from the California deserts, but the combination with the huge Saguaro cacti was something else. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEqOMSJLn_rx3CrQq9MPqtTsiigg6oKwoKhekAKeeaLK20cLNDjdR-M97mHhFLQlLmlixrI24M3DprOM5S8QWH500H2T_3IvLxfVQnj2djQ9k2atP__koMdkAcnOGDFgpcnF40LP1pP5UjpWqCaSNyDco7KcZymfGEPlgYoFkXqTs_5F7b_8l_7XC/s1804/vl%20ocotillo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1804" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEqOMSJLn_rx3CrQq9MPqtTsiigg6oKwoKhekAKeeaLK20cLNDjdR-M97mHhFLQlLmlixrI24M3DprOM5S8QWH500H2T_3IvLxfVQnj2djQ9k2atP__koMdkAcnOGDFgpcnF40LP1pP5UjpWqCaSNyDco7KcZymfGEPlgYoFkXqTs_5F7b_8l_7XC/w640-h430/vl%20ocotillo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saguaro, Carnegiae gigantea, and Ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is managed by the Coronado National Forest. Most of that forest is of saguaro cacti, the most impressive cacti ever. The entire foothills of the Catalina Mountains was covered with a saguaro forest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN0TpE0wy06JsOdgpKuyqo8hOCPhPLsvAr0NmTYcgT0CDQMulE-uO8G27iE0ffY8xp9EoMAlsX_Wwd2FlTNnkVsqAhxX-M1WT2zakFtdObtb5CibXo6kCbbp8F1b_ATmlifilG2ZK9afYZ7sIoLj83zNJJjaqbWlKMFCW1xObgBHt_SxhNFcW4VgY/s2005/vm%20Bear%20Canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN0TpE0wy06JsOdgpKuyqo8hOCPhPLsvAr0NmTYcgT0CDQMulE-uO8G27iE0ffY8xp9EoMAlsX_Wwd2FlTNnkVsqAhxX-M1WT2zakFtdObtb5CibXo6kCbbp8F1b_ATmlifilG2ZK9afYZ7sIoLj83zNJJjaqbWlKMFCW1xObgBHt_SxhNFcW4VgY/w640-h428/vm%20Bear%20Canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>No saguaro was blooming, but many other plans were. The 2022 winter was very dry in Arizona as well an I can only imagine how much bloom there was there this year. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRN0k2GLaUNwoeb9KNRSwjzXu-GnaXME7s0eEmZlxzv6-Ys8lhVH9xhl5ytJ_OM8cSRi7YnbuRloqKHSL-W44AbT84bHg9WrqHN8tFAS5v3h1a_ZYQH-BL4GLi4sOJ4fAnMHqdoF8ywJaM4hJwgWhxwOldf9SNlqq0MC0YeSpexMJTVURykkYBH-p/s2005/vn%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRN0k2GLaUNwoeb9KNRSwjzXu-GnaXME7s0eEmZlxzv6-Ys8lhVH9xhl5ytJ_OM8cSRi7YnbuRloqKHSL-W44AbT84bHg9WrqHN8tFAS5v3h1a_ZYQH-BL4GLi4sOJ4fAnMHqdoF8ywJaM4hJwgWhxwOldf9SNlqq0MC0YeSpexMJTVURykkYBH-p/w640-h428/vn%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After some walking I could divert my attention from the saguaro to other cacti. Cholla is another member that family with many representative species in California. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWUqoK1Oi91mJwTEFZkLspq1nUSg4_vnzOQVZ-Q1yCiuep11QkA5LbBTQ3b4ckEoST0NrweC-H9U5w2HiT14XFYuABLwZLS4UYI1HAIp9Laii7WIEmf7sp0f2M0lt_jy0xjXWvms7rvNlJuTdu2WmdsgH67M3TLJ3lS4MCK18MsbzTT0TrtvyzmuS/s1842/vo%20cholla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1842" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWUqoK1Oi91mJwTEFZkLspq1nUSg4_vnzOQVZ-Q1yCiuep11QkA5LbBTQ3b4ckEoST0NrweC-H9U5w2HiT14XFYuABLwZLS4UYI1HAIp9Laii7WIEmf7sp0f2M0lt_jy0xjXWvms7rvNlJuTdu2WmdsgH67M3TLJ3lS4MCK18MsbzTT0TrtvyzmuS/w640-h438/vo%20cholla.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cholla, Cylindropuntia sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The trail, which started wide and easy, quickly narrowed down and became bumpy with rocks. Not very long into the hike I found myself at the usual place for me in our family hikes - bringing up the rear. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iPQ6VY8BjlNENOmfSVxU1b8eqx7p-x-CdFMKNngzlL-cLj9pX2cwA8UMAufUsgQtVu2XlnNo672_AASPFGSh5HYtgGBlvEBLUtaqdqbbQPtbrBbJ4F7dgWT9-ZGHVQyrr-mdkJ__CmEzchZj5_AVXI7ZSwn9rduKrS9-L1BTqi2yeGfWvKr33gCb/s2005/vq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iPQ6VY8BjlNENOmfSVxU1b8eqx7p-x-CdFMKNngzlL-cLj9pX2cwA8UMAufUsgQtVu2XlnNo672_AASPFGSh5HYtgGBlvEBLUtaqdqbbQPtbrBbJ4F7dgWT9-ZGHVQyrr-mdkJ__CmEzchZj5_AVXI7ZSwn9rduKrS9-L1BTqi2yeGfWvKr33gCb/w640-h428/vq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The trail neared the creek, which was running with a mild flow. Riparian (creek) vegetation lined the narrow strip of water. A fairly strong breeze whipped the trees but I found the wind refreshing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh248BSWE6xzckw1MTTj2Q6Z98ZEalnUxL_aiIefJBz4zOWPYBXCnPKWRdOQsrs-v6e9NwHngl5OpIR12wFsS4H7xVo-gT8PwmL22hPSXek7penVb1fSnjnZY0epXFAMkjlJL3PGU07IJLlXzOOHchXro7SLFihjqdFHtkqv-M7qS-ElejAlXdYNOGn/s2005/vt%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh248BSWE6xzckw1MTTj2Q6Z98ZEalnUxL_aiIefJBz4zOWPYBXCnPKWRdOQsrs-v6e9NwHngl5OpIR12wFsS4H7xVo-gT8PwmL22hPSXek7penVb1fSnjnZY0epXFAMkjlJL3PGU07IJLlXzOOHchXro7SLFihjqdFHtkqv-M7qS-ElejAlXdYNOGn/w640-h428/vt%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of the trees lining Bear Creek, the mesquite was probably the most common. Some of them were still blooming but most have already gone to seeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6hdIqn6D2GylnqoQyqE5kwt6ixthhcfJxjSkRkOSmAHknLvK-OQr2f1a7qWHN0U6yLOWyXZwNf6C5rFaLr9IA_YeS-NQb9ZZ5_F4m76MlRCdq1gc7jO4WmR2qcEAycNvTGubNAenn1jGldPtRIErPvkBlI6oGd59fJYjG21qm5u7XWY3ZaG5mlvk/s2005/vu%20mestuitte.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6hdIqn6D2GylnqoQyqE5kwt6ixthhcfJxjSkRkOSmAHknLvK-OQr2f1a7qWHN0U6yLOWyXZwNf6C5rFaLr9IA_YeS-NQb9ZZ5_F4m76MlRCdq1gc7jO4WmR2qcEAycNvTGubNAenn1jGldPtRIErPvkBlI6oGd59fJYjG21qm5u7XWY3ZaG5mlvk/w640-h428/vu%20mestuitte.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I paid close attention to the trees that were blooming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsX-gHIBm4CdQ69uYL2QIenm3E7kSe3nlihp1_WIj94erCT918zXZJpODjMTS_FyHe-J7ovmTN81dJqjMrsJirIXS1wtPsbvruRBJStQGH54qPPY1dpv2nCTC693zhs_TcInG1L_fIxZs2enP87xNqd90ESxEL5dM1xULDd33-jCtF-SkUkwUVjUm/s2413/vx%20pea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2413" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsX-gHIBm4CdQ69uYL2QIenm3E7kSe3nlihp1_WIj94erCT918zXZJpODjMTS_FyHe-J7ovmTN81dJqjMrsJirIXS1wtPsbvruRBJStQGH54qPPY1dpv2nCTC693zhs_TcInG1L_fIxZs2enP87xNqd90ESxEL5dM1xULDd33-jCtF-SkUkwUVjUm/w640-h440/vx%20pea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the blooming trees and cacti, there was also a wide variety of herbaceous wildflowers. It was by no means a superbloom, not even close to that, but many different species of wildflowers kept me busy on that hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bSnRSJJxTFLZ1Cgtt3fzdkZbWiFK-PH0phZxSnHIJmIzhmfrFbjeAMWNjyLDTlfZoQJsBEGITkmd3YHHVkwaQn5CaoJjFKVKBVbzYD-MGJhQ89-gsN6Ek6Uirv_BYxefBN_xlSbet-kr2eD8QggWA2jtqM0wgTr8DjSVgmLxeKKo0HoP5OM3diMr/s2334/vy%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="2334" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bSnRSJJxTFLZ1Cgtt3fzdkZbWiFK-PH0phZxSnHIJmIzhmfrFbjeAMWNjyLDTlfZoQJsBEGITkmd3YHHVkwaQn5CaoJjFKVKBVbzYD-MGJhQ89-gsN6Ek6Uirv_BYxefBN_xlSbet-kr2eD8QggWA2jtqM0wgTr8DjSVgmLxeKKo0HoP5OM3diMr/w640-h438/vy%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived the first, and the easiest creek crossing. This one had a sort of 'bridge' to balance across. Other crossings had only a line of stones to skip on. I suppose that when the creek runs higher some wading is necessary. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDx0Zfi-E2DOy9ZJYLuUi9_UDuDTXI1xd6C06d_VcAtJ-vwk3xPypuHNplxBJUPat0VNG2EQ7z9K-dp4ic2mrGzp8aLaF_ximGGeiVQ-OsfD0wEYCXYdDeGM2bBxK1AgbIlN_R5rh9C8lUTBSG1mSb8jvA6HOzVfr6TKdJe-UoGwlRyl3w-Ck9AXO/s2005/vz%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDx0Zfi-E2DOy9ZJYLuUi9_UDuDTXI1xd6C06d_VcAtJ-vwk3xPypuHNplxBJUPat0VNG2EQ7z9K-dp4ic2mrGzp8aLaF_ximGGeiVQ-OsfD0wEYCXYdDeGM2bBxK1AgbIlN_R5rh9C8lUTBSG1mSb8jvA6HOzVfr6TKdJe-UoGwlRyl3w-Ck9AXO/w640-h428/vz%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Creek Crossing </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>My family moved ahead fast and often I had to run a little to catch up to them after spending a few seconds looking at wildflowers. I knew Pappa Quail still hoped to get back to the shuttle stop on time to catch the last ride, but I couldn't simply ignore what I was seeing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEOjvu8NYPnMABW_NbT2Es8HR11oeT81zznE8PmOv9aRLoObYa5PrhlO4JuO6BE04FHEoOyImUg5qLRIC34gdexhe7mX3Vpg4nmbxKsNEPp9Cvw8I-XjCv4mJ5WFRlNgFBgqOl2Qs_-ywPkGoJnGcaL1XcLYCRuLscgZ7G11Y8OCWX-keJGBjtUvJ/s2133/wa%20solanum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2133" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEOjvu8NYPnMABW_NbT2Es8HR11oeT81zznE8PmOv9aRLoObYa5PrhlO4JuO6BE04FHEoOyImUg5qLRIC34gdexhe7mX3Vpg4nmbxKsNEPp9Cvw8I-XjCv4mJ5WFRlNgFBgqOl2Qs_-ywPkGoJnGcaL1XcLYCRuLscgZ7G11Y8OCWX-keJGBjtUvJ/w640-h460/wa%20solanum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, it wasn't my fault that there were more wildflowers than birds on that hike. When birds were observed, Pappa Quail and the elder chika certainly stopped for a while too. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrla4hI9sWVDviHVmxOY2L0EmHL_XgzRT6_zsaPDWX9I5zN1ik0_JhNXthtmA8HpK47NviBy2MyP0UKWO58eb46_8ErbXJMJOEyrySBc8ekPqOutvnTYo-aZCHUKMIE-aMWCCUcECwb9ID-dJeh8Jas40xdHXRf__VYHgoxgCFcVbEy3hM4jrznO2/s1856/zn%20mallard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrla4hI9sWVDviHVmxOY2L0EmHL_XgzRT6_zsaPDWX9I5zN1ik0_JhNXthtmA8HpK47NviBy2MyP0UKWO58eb46_8ErbXJMJOEyrySBc8ekPqOutvnTYo-aZCHUKMIE-aMWCCUcECwb9ID-dJeh8Jas40xdHXRf__VYHgoxgCFcVbEy3hM4jrznO2/w640-h426/zn%20mallard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard, male</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On my hike at Sabino Canyon with Pappa Quail, way back when, we witnessed a duck scandal involving a wild mallard couple with one domestic duck. There was a scuffle at the end of which the wild male flew off with the domestic duck while the wild female remained behind, all alone. The mallard couple that the elder chika photographed at Bear Canyon seemed secure and unthreatened by any foreign influences. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCEcQqoBAKSOx9igxzgF4yifaHRtWpJNAOCjcdhzs5aXfJoONRsNTP0REMLr3zz3iI5SUN5ljYlH8jFs9iOub8Rhga8eR5hYuKqqo62IBj7HK9ab_P2O1ci6ZbQFWTtV0cpaQ1VbUe7akzbNXDiRrMBGn451FKJkrG-7RYQXNmg4uzduKZcrMEFrH/s1856/zo%20mallard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCEcQqoBAKSOx9igxzgF4yifaHRtWpJNAOCjcdhzs5aXfJoONRsNTP0REMLr3zz3iI5SUN5ljYlH8jFs9iOub8Rhga8eR5hYuKqqo62IBj7HK9ab_P2O1ci6ZbQFWTtV0cpaQ1VbUe7akzbNXDiRrMBGn451FKJkrG-7RYQXNmg4uzduKZcrMEFrH/w640-h426/zo%20mallard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard, female</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One of the most beautiful desert flowers I know is the apricot mallow. I've seen it many times in the California deserts and I've seen it also on this Arizona trip, on the <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2022/09/looking-for-feathered-treasure-on-south.html">south fork Cave Creek trail</a>, in the Chiricahua Mountains. There I've only seen one of them in bloom. Here, in Bear Canyon, they were numerous, and their bloom was just past its peak. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0tgw8vOio2SGEMWhQcfn_mQ15xVP2-tP7gt9ou0OdZlcqrCndjibvGimzePcRlyVM842gDzIvIx21DDnigHpnkECYURJ8L8Jes3Gk_Ykz5zIpjGLO01ZkxLAtycJW-lfrYGCZqkOA86tTVckgnd-seiKrFI8W-ODgmuLrdoSDujIRXUPA07LCcG2/s2080/wb%20mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="2080" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0tgw8vOio2SGEMWhQcfn_mQ15xVP2-tP7gt9ou0OdZlcqrCndjibvGimzePcRlyVM842gDzIvIx21DDnigHpnkECYURJ8L8Jes3Gk_Ykz5zIpjGLO01ZkxLAtycJW-lfrYGCZqkOA86tTVckgnd-seiKrFI8W-ODgmuLrdoSDujIRXUPA07LCcG2/w640-h478/wb%20mallow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot Mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The creek was running low and we had no problems hopping across once again, this time over a few strategically placed rocks, easily reaching the large sandbar that was exposed by the low flow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5nUcSNMd3gjZOtU906Sb8YCndhJ545qafzdikDf14McjrUhjJatHTySwIRw9c_DgY4qeGFIk3JZ6zsDSyvdl9taidaSqwkm_hFnmfQOP8LGKmGoHqgVRmYnVxpOtyBJXJC68tKxa75MxOHTegX6zjczXOAyJfme546IJ0KD-otAAYYln0xPqTBYF/s2005/wf%20crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5nUcSNMd3gjZOtU906Sb8YCndhJ545qafzdikDf14McjrUhjJatHTySwIRw9c_DgY4qeGFIk3JZ6zsDSyvdl9taidaSqwkm_hFnmfQOP8LGKmGoHqgVRmYnVxpOtyBJXJC68tKxa75MxOHTegX6zjczXOAyJfme546IJ0KD-otAAYYln0xPqTBYF/w640-h428/wf%20crossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbar in Bear Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The old rock layers are also exposed by the creek. Not by one flow, of course, but through many many years of erosion caused by regular flow and flash floods. The saguaro cacti are happy growing there. Near the river they are green and water-plump. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0URQbkLwLdHSblsEA2sTkoUtPcGfXWIaRdDaEBS95qZgOwieu62VK0D5G9eYDyB8wzmkEHWGJbIyUG-IvuTBmV1efdlv5XgcimtT__5lvr7ttfS5yxffL8szy1ceA2z5VfUJBqtJAqLiwAhDVOxT3UG3_Wp_WmbVAygGFM0Q3vRDqZbxdx7npg3kQ/s2005/wg%20saguaro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0URQbkLwLdHSblsEA2sTkoUtPcGfXWIaRdDaEBS95qZgOwieu62VK0D5G9eYDyB8wzmkEHWGJbIyUG-IvuTBmV1efdlv5XgcimtT__5lvr7ttfS5yxffL8szy1ceA2z5VfUJBqtJAqLiwAhDVOxT3UG3_Wp_WmbVAygGFM0Q3vRDqZbxdx7npg3kQ/w640-h428/wg%20saguaro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saguaro</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We continued quickly along the creek. Pappa Quail wasn't happy that I lingered behind but there was a lot to see there, including the familiar fuchsia that was still in bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh32FiSO2vTFEx7w07KKbuhS46zqj5pvWTHivOLkdRzkzI_1woPwITseYwIzUmA-GHMCxBTde2GqvXvyGSrs3rgH_CITpNthOsGE5Dz7VARNJEliTofTzPexm_r_xGtfxH0IXRu-BLPLJ9kdT3tRP7r2kD_2JbNiONHCkcoFSSV2gCrBhAdJQ6Ppi/s2310/wi%20fucshia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2310" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh32FiSO2vTFEx7w07KKbuhS46zqj5pvWTHivOLkdRzkzI_1woPwITseYwIzUmA-GHMCxBTde2GqvXvyGSrs3rgH_CITpNthOsGE5Dz7VARNJEliTofTzPexm_r_xGtfxH0IXRu-BLPLJ9kdT3tRP7r2kD_2JbNiONHCkcoFSSV2gCrBhAdJQ6Ppi/w640-h458/wi%20fucshia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Fuchsia, Epilobium canum </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The north side of the creek had much less shade cover and I started perspiring in the heat. It was sure feeling like a desert now. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl78PlZFimeR4jgu_Ct_va5krb8g050BryOAOLipnL6NjvNQLK-i8ivWblqUF60MkCwyoLREKefxDapX2hW5RIEKUY29gFqZPK-47VKF2SJsI0ERRocJb05raDvOyD14oIvMjTgvcLfab_686LmRcqB4xpEQdutWjHT6q6ZtFPcvKZn5_hhg9pagC/s2005/wl%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl78PlZFimeR4jgu_Ct_va5krb8g050BryOAOLipnL6NjvNQLK-i8ivWblqUF60MkCwyoLREKefxDapX2hW5RIEKUY29gFqZPK-47VKF2SJsI0ERRocJb05raDvOyD14oIvMjTgvcLfab_686LmRcqB4xpEQdutWjHT6q6ZtFPcvKZn5_hhg9pagC/w640-h428/wl%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I caught up with my family at the next creek crossing and we all sat for a short water break. While Pappa Quail, me, and the elder chika hid in the shade of a nearby mesquite tree, the young chika dedicated her break time to playing by the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhNCQQbSxXuAD-wH7F__pQcFT6WZ2WKFYc7Vzq0KRId5qzZfwgUQKwZmlN5DVS8t5rnGz3132ZzaxZ0KAdOPt8Y3EjVhYmKGdGdK6Hirc9ZmaAi80psV9_ko00KxqQS48BIS8g1VInYBwHSCb4AQlFqUV5Url5jq50oRedmRvdBKks04c0lsAYnhi/s2005/wm%20vered.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhNCQQbSxXuAD-wH7F__pQcFT6WZ2WKFYc7Vzq0KRId5qzZfwgUQKwZmlN5DVS8t5rnGz3132ZzaxZ0KAdOPt8Y3EjVhYmKGdGdK6Hirc9ZmaAi80psV9_ko00KxqQS48BIS8g1VInYBwHSCb4AQlFqUV5Url5jq50oRedmRvdBKks04c0lsAYnhi/w640-h428/wm%20vered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Soon we got going again, and it didn't take long for me to fall behind, answering the need to stop by every wildflower I saw, even if I did see them before on the hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmHTUj0rvySJpf4MdmClyJf75bkrWWMqFK8gNWPL9x1slK7P2nVyBYo-8dc8sXPkusEWpz2zrPumt_IxJtqIddsUhvslz4P87jbzMqYuvxejY8fNK5apy9WPMW3gUU9mpMn0ghp28Kv_zW7vICWtLl9X2Zl1b1ThqrR4IZjwagry9E6fmBDyBXz8R/s2211/wn%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2211" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmHTUj0rvySJpf4MdmClyJf75bkrWWMqFK8gNWPL9x1slK7P2nVyBYo-8dc8sXPkusEWpz2zrPumt_IxJtqIddsUhvslz4P87jbzMqYuvxejY8fNK5apy9WPMW3gUU9mpMn0ghp28Kv_zW7vICWtLl9X2Zl1b1ThqrR4IZjwagry9E6fmBDyBXz8R/w640-h454/wn%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But there were also those wildflowers I was seeing for the first time, not only on this hike but also in my life. "Lifers" as my family birders would call them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGL061XuJYynEW64YOV3jFl3RRJ_PdaaXjNiQc8ftA80q4VvC6jEFQ9yxOIn5FZ-bm1gfz1ndz2By-1xrs63FInu4OGvZ11fZDuphlZbf9V1k2hT5v5qQqb0NVV3V1utZz0sBptKehoK_OxOM1xbPMsPE2IfBt2oLeDwW4YCBu0T8RRQjoUxSeO31/s2314/wp%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2314" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGL061XuJYynEW64YOV3jFl3RRJ_PdaaXjNiQc8ftA80q4VvC6jEFQ9yxOIn5FZ-bm1gfz1ndz2By-1xrs63FInu4OGvZ11fZDuphlZbf9V1k2hT5v5qQqb0NVV3V1utZz0sBptKehoK_OxOM1xbPMsPE2IfBt2oLeDwW4YCBu0T8RRQjoUxSeO31/w640-h463/wp%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In some cases I could identify the genus but the species was new to me. Wirelettuce is one of my favorite wildflowers to see on my hikes. It is very unlike other composites in its delicate, campion-like appearance. . </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuv90VFPL3H5o4x-vI0Yofn98EkZ4ODy_ub4JRt44uofH_fNl_kB2dTZ-BGqCGxUg2E1mhRdoFXM-63TX8dx7xr6elXF5B8ENr4CM5EHNrZah5zOre_5RUK4JnD9w4OFgAoY3Ka0CV39_Oj5AxRDXPejJ4gFhOQt32oBdvSnJIRHVaR-Tg7Sq0CZ0/s1720/wq%20wire%20lettuce.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1720" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuv90VFPL3H5o4x-vI0Yofn98EkZ4ODy_ub4JRt44uofH_fNl_kB2dTZ-BGqCGxUg2E1mhRdoFXM-63TX8dx7xr6elXF5B8ENr4CM5EHNrZah5zOre_5RUK4JnD9w4OFgAoY3Ka0CV39_Oj5AxRDXPejJ4gFhOQt32oBdvSnJIRHVaR-Tg7Sq0CZ0/w640-h444/wq%20wire%20lettuce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire Lettuce, Stephanomeria sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My navigator showed a trail that continued far into the Catalina Mountains.When I looked ahead I could see the forest of saguaro stretching as far as I could see. We wouldn't be going much further that day, though. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gbmC-nvPRLr7wE6UZwRcBgHJFGqvq39LOJtcMIHVDrE7CRVhcanu1BNYqaNcTlFM_5rTC5b2JEJvcuGKCrFoGphfW3USCPehca4tv1FwAXwSfDvcQrvBF_ZgyzqvFcMFJNGG_nEZLywoaYCZm5dwlzn-hUkOQPAA53WQBWCnuyUmFRRvLwe4ZYHH/s2005/wt%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gbmC-nvPRLr7wE6UZwRcBgHJFGqvq39LOJtcMIHVDrE7CRVhcanu1BNYqaNcTlFM_5rTC5b2JEJvcuGKCrFoGphfW3USCPehca4tv1FwAXwSfDvcQrvBF_ZgyzqvFcMFJNGG_nEZLywoaYCZm5dwlzn-hUkOQPAA53WQBWCnuyUmFRRvLwe4ZYHH/w640-h428/wt%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pappa Quail and the elder chika stopped to look at a bird and I took the chance to catch up with them. The bird they saw was a sparrow, but not a species that we see often in our area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF3wUyoEhPVBIfxhrsPRgrm_V9bkkXlCoUz3dhXJN97lLORAQ11nsu_XOeVf35kIbvZuxJPbpjhVlsJOIIU3arsYvj2SP2KNp2qaqMDj2yhowIH9rm8ZRcXGPjh6oQZ-KawGxZA74_wcsPKHpP1a1cEju3K4VMZNGX8O6qnLyaIxtQov6Ahib2Nif/s1836/zp%20bird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1836" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF3wUyoEhPVBIfxhrsPRgrm_V9bkkXlCoUz3dhXJN97lLORAQ11nsu_XOeVf35kIbvZuxJPbpjhVlsJOIIU3arsYvj2SP2KNp2qaqMDj2yhowIH9rm8ZRcXGPjh6oQZ-KawGxZA74_wcsPKHpP1a1cEju3K4VMZNGX8O6qnLyaIxtQov6Ahib2Nif/w640-h458/zp%20bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-throated Sparrow</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Not only birds got their attention. Little lizards that were enjoying the sunshine scattered as we approached but Pappa Quail got a few photos of the little, pretty reptiles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9FHmOf4bEP_jnrfZQ77_2VYA8LaZej8ilPXNo0qVcIJJzLhAg-5TFJSv5OY5dMbcLUV6zQh-ijeoTHpBo663893xdCFQbv5j9xrYWGSlQQrZqVMgJJjEsux3nrZCyHLneguF9E620yHoIYN3zNxqc0_klbUSoFQhRwvdB8gnO0RdXAkqxjyrrUTS/s2890/zu%20lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="2890" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9FHmOf4bEP_jnrfZQ77_2VYA8LaZej8ilPXNo0qVcIJJzLhAg-5TFJSv5OY5dMbcLUV6zQh-ijeoTHpBo663893xdCFQbv5j9xrYWGSlQQrZqVMgJJjEsux3nrZCyHLneguF9E620yHoIYN3zNxqc0_klbUSoFQhRwvdB8gnO0RdXAkqxjyrrUTS/w640-h448/zu%20lizard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonoran Spotted Whiptail </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We crossed the creek again to the south side. Looking at the navigator we expected the trail to go up and around to the seven waterfalls place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpMSv46vPBIUvnc8s7mizuP2A4H0YsdHajlpIUOWl7D8lMSRV4dnykHsiPuSVjH1IOz43R3skZ8qkqcD2hXijYoLP9TkL-tbGepP-Xl8UIvTimFypSluNuvoUc62rIYoovx2AVsbVA3HOFv2r3IXDS6s1rMlJ4TSpU21aUFCRIi1Pc4XB_hOCvsWI/s2005/wz%20boulder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpMSv46vPBIUvnc8s7mizuP2A4H0YsdHajlpIUOWl7D8lMSRV4dnykHsiPuSVjH1IOz43R3skZ8qkqcD2hXijYoLP9TkL-tbGepP-Xl8UIvTimFypSluNuvoUc62rIYoovx2AVsbVA3HOFv2r3IXDS6s1rMlJ4TSpU21aUFCRIi1Pc4XB_hOCvsWI/w640-h428/wz%20boulder.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail and the chikas weren't very happy about going uphill on a hot day but the went on because we were too close to give it up now. I wasn't thrilled about it either, but I refrained from saying anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIYSBn-wcsoLSM3olJxuWQ4mE3fq5QdHOnRuUziI_8q8xxpz0KWiiF_LNAdC-H0qLfielYYhT6HqBgp-j6Ak8cB4bVpXLcei9SnMBiQuAcZKk69QWI-_YxGvsoyVX8Rp1WujokUTuFKmtGaJ5UByQuMjflA9EFNce1TBMhT1VEh9M0D-hQlIJ2v2l/s2420/xa%20flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="2420" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIYSBn-wcsoLSM3olJxuWQ4mE3fq5QdHOnRuUziI_8q8xxpz0KWiiF_LNAdC-H0qLfielYYhT6HqBgp-j6Ak8cB4bVpXLcei9SnMBiQuAcZKk69QWI-_YxGvsoyVX8Rp1WujokUTuFKmtGaJ5UByQuMjflA9EFNce1TBMhT1VEh9M0D-hQlIJ2v2l/w640-h450/xa%20flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we ascended the thin and now very dry and exposed trail we got a better view of the ridge above us and the trail that continued into the high desert wilderness. I didn't see anyone walking on that trail. If there were any hikers or backpackers there, they probably have been there much, much earlier in the day. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUTNtmlQik2H0PGhifr_gS3y-cNgm38wsLn5AnNputi216fU1eNCYQlv0xqV945vTu_ien6xpFUjeEEUmcV0poA8_cRHZn45TALWgxbYOQL4Ytpf48wRgWLvLnBbkql6mNZU9DyVoBO_5pd_99ErpqFsvcmtS9VD3mDSOfgJoN7tlYNV-hM1ApmRS/s2005/xc%20wilderness%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUTNtmlQik2H0PGhifr_gS3y-cNgm38wsLn5AnNputi216fU1eNCYQlv0xqV945vTu_ien6xpFUjeEEUmcV0poA8_cRHZn45TALWgxbYOQL4Ytpf48wRgWLvLnBbkql6mNZU9DyVoBO_5pd_99ErpqFsvcmtS9VD3mDSOfgJoN7tlYNV-hM1ApmRS/w640-h428/xc%20wilderness%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did get much closer however, to the wildflowers that were blooming on the dry slopes away from the creek, such as the Ocotillo. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoSuMN3-JQPfahpH2pGjzCfDfuDxkbynzgkAuYfeGE2kHqVvRs_QfhuBq1j6KArUosw0sK5VQc5_laV0kUYrRjQOFU5FBukl8N9WcVxakj0fftuLeg4JMp-GNOEoFvwRdzElHwsqtB1SoiMiIL5whNnvv1EmDV1rJ7FPhDRVnmGiXZbl7XWJ6sKhE/s2283/xe%20ocotillo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2283" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoSuMN3-JQPfahpH2pGjzCfDfuDxkbynzgkAuYfeGE2kHqVvRs_QfhuBq1j6KArUosw0sK5VQc5_laV0kUYrRjQOFU5FBukl8N9WcVxakj0fftuLeg4JMp-GNOEoFvwRdzElHwsqtB1SoiMiIL5whNnvv1EmDV1rJ7FPhDRVnmGiXZbl7XWJ6sKhE/w640-h472/xe%20ocotillo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We all walked slowly on the uphill switchbacks, stopping frequently to drink and catch our breath, and to let faster hikers pass us by. I used these short breaks to take a closer look at the trail side vegetation. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTvm0kH0WZX4LA-WHP_3e9wcd4oD8OdoHLI20x_qfBfEF4tHJeZPoi_RmYQV7SmZedGFp5E2CvtPY9qXTY1vfdvM8M5iYhfRsoZz0lVk5LxqgeoNj8egbOHbAROCGOMCRfNBcqxsULirI6wMZJ9ugXIs42OjX8QHCXNBfe_6Rh6D8vfnE0JGV6M1M/s2001/xi%20blazing%20star.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2001" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTvm0kH0WZX4LA-WHP_3e9wcd4oD8OdoHLI20x_qfBfEF4tHJeZPoi_RmYQV7SmZedGFp5E2CvtPY9qXTY1vfdvM8M5iYhfRsoZz0lVk5LxqgeoNj8egbOHbAROCGOMCRfNBcqxsULirI6wMZJ9ugXIs42OjX8QHCXNBfe_6Rh6D8vfnE0JGV6M1M/w640-h447/xi%20blazing%20star.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Rosemallow, Hibiscus coulteri</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Saguaro cacti were all over f course, but here, on this part of the trail, I saw one dead saguaro, its skin gone and the inner spokes exposed. Earlier that day we visited the Tucson Botanical Gardens where they also had a detailed exhibit of the traditions of the native population, the Pima Nation. They used to build their residencies with the spokes of the saguaro. Apparently these are incredibly sturdy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIDIjVmFM4Vul_X-hOs51wbPg75uonfrp52uPxtBH3JagECek6KFguZZThK6OO036E_MtTEzw4hXpPJh4b7rOrdHrF9ucr1OLKHabhHDSLNrGaMXONrlbQXxtmh5yaDKweDBpSjc4SBioN4etu0QuMbzU8dWyB9UW2dmpXW0TO45nNo3eXyTqHX9b/s2005/xk%20dead%20saguaro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIDIjVmFM4Vul_X-hOs51wbPg75uonfrp52uPxtBH3JagECek6KFguZZThK6OO036E_MtTEzw4hXpPJh4b7rOrdHrF9ucr1OLKHabhHDSLNrGaMXONrlbQXxtmh5yaDKweDBpSjc4SBioN4etu0QuMbzU8dWyB9UW2dmpXW0TO45nNo3eXyTqHX9b/w640-h428/xk%20dead%20saguaro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While I admired the saguaro, the elder chika found more birds to focus on, and forget for a moment the heat of the day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCPAUn4OYVkmQmQHG67Q22lHCqprbHSwjNU11OG7jx0q9CkCF3YHiNzJD6Y5tAQYPFpFQRbLl-erjBIZNpQzOdg7f2EyMQoWNxZJ_PCSzCJwIcK1rk_bUfalWGsLH_UbbgUOrpWhycToKAjArNculmup50Y3CeG7NoaYK9_hNh4puaYU89dO4Oqnf/s1736/zq%20hous%20Finch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1736" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCPAUn4OYVkmQmQHG67Q22lHCqprbHSwjNU11OG7jx0q9CkCF3YHiNzJD6Y5tAQYPFpFQRbLl-erjBIZNpQzOdg7f2EyMQoWNxZJ_PCSzCJwIcK1rk_bUfalWGsLH_UbbgUOrpWhycToKAjArNculmup50Y3CeG7NoaYK9_hNh4puaYU89dO4Oqnf/w640-h446/zq%20hous%20Finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Finch</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We reached the highest point of our trail. Below us the creek forked in two: one fork continued ahead to the east and the wilderness trail continued along with it. The second fork curved sharply to the north where it formed a lovely canyon with a series of pools and waterfalls. That place, is where we were headed. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC6FNyGJriA7xaTBLVY15tDTfltXusfLNvZE5-Qh-5RTSUhcZboeJaq7r2YsqAELSUQAMbqNw8I1iJLuymr7oidKj2iIOn2mmkOy0XG4eQinJ3ixCmXV-pR-XUfkQVQ7fq2JuKw4Xslxbj0PsdVcKWVg8A5KDpk4YiwDlrBTRpsVRIhCCBXpFZEa2/s2005/xl%20desert%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC6FNyGJriA7xaTBLVY15tDTfltXusfLNvZE5-Qh-5RTSUhcZboeJaq7r2YsqAELSUQAMbqNw8I1iJLuymr7oidKj2iIOn2mmkOy0XG4eQinJ3ixCmXV-pR-XUfkQVQ7fq2JuKw4Xslxbj0PsdVcKWVg8A5KDpk4YiwDlrBTRpsVRIhCCBXpFZEa2/w640-h428/xl%20desert%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On a different occasion I might have tried climbing all the way up to the peak abve us. As it was, I looked longingly at the beautiful rock layers and the towering saguaros above before starting downhill after the rest of my family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPeQtkaj8JV5bVvxhja2lbSdX_RlO6R0kZ4UqPinutM_JPt6J1DPgaPUDSKh1f49u80WGMghoktDXM7PI3H6GvN5LRL4yeeaAsuV-_5A46igF4-vmSx9lOJsyGGqQjSxwPKz5gU_YmkYPG8UeQHytxo31gfarQE0uWgrMuLVFfEaWfwrcSiJRVgn6/s2005/xn%20cliff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPeQtkaj8JV5bVvxhja2lbSdX_RlO6R0kZ4UqPinutM_JPt6J1DPgaPUDSKh1f49u80WGMghoktDXM7PI3H6GvN5LRL4yeeaAsuV-_5A46igF4-vmSx9lOJsyGGqQjSxwPKz5gU_YmkYPG8UeQHytxo31gfarQE0uWgrMuLVFfEaWfwrcSiJRVgn6/w640-h428/xn%20cliff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pappa Quail and the elder chika galloped down the trail. The young chika needed to adjust her shoe and I stayed behind with her. When we resumed our walk the others were far below us already. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNBNsgLV9HZP-eu7OEs6AMWKB__zC5V57K3XL9kph2h1FXYzEpsTKk-4lJYBQJbSKsUF0TRwbwvYOEgDQmcggT3hfzyM2ABTUIXUriws1VjW5AXFsSA8R7KQMokQIHHEbaaBtMKrP7dMQhPUh4Fa6Ik7ViquyfJqIq8wsgBdaKTT2qkjYlNSj3Aw/s2005/xo%20desert%20lavender.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNBNsgLV9HZP-eu7OEs6AMWKB__zC5V57K3XL9kph2h1FXYzEpsTKk-4lJYBQJbSKsUF0TRwbwvYOEgDQmcggT3hfzyM2ABTUIXUriws1VjW5AXFsSA8R7KQMokQIHHEbaaBtMKrP7dMQhPUh4Fa6Ik7ViquyfJqIq8wsgBdaKTT2qkjYlNSj3Aw/w640-h428/xo%20desert%20lavender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Lavender, Condea emoryi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>When we got closer to the bottom pool I saw that there were a few other people there. The sun was already going west and the cliff shadow was covering part of the pool. The upper pools and waterfalls were already covered by the shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74JI2Y1JhKDJKbOw8ZoW6fy2saClzdSjZ3YwjN2yPmTdkiZwxBISzSRMcsuY6eEBcjcjD8UDgoOezG3SvL9WJgF0Tkll3954xBLjF07AABHooHXsgt9o6u5D1Dhh1ECMNlA2dJk9bIls32mDgDpSj04HHRMCsA4JetNeVg79wOUfBacfLNN1i-iiF/s2005/xu%207%20falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="1339" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74JI2Y1JhKDJKbOw8ZoW6fy2saClzdSjZ3YwjN2yPmTdkiZwxBISzSRMcsuY6eEBcjcjD8UDgoOezG3SvL9WJgF0Tkll3954xBLjF07AABHooHXsgt9o6u5D1Dhh1ECMNlA2dJk9bIls32mDgDpSj04HHRMCsA4JetNeVg79wOUfBacfLNN1i-iiF/w428-h640/xu%207%20falls.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We kept descending and I tried minimizing my photo stops. I did pause for a nice cochineal patch on a beavertail cactus pad. A day earlier we visited the Mission in Tucson and learned about the local red dye industry - the red dye that is produced from the cochineal bugs that grow on the cacti around the Sonora Desert. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC75DxgnDHf5prcJNSQ2oAKQ7H7mF5lv80Bcua_Y_vg6PnxslcPsBQnUTj_yLZeaE3Mkdy27ySIVjkp8q-1lktXG0Tk9oaa0OywquylDQxUW3cONJ_fCtSjOoKO1u7Xk_EvMXNNOW_iH1ZzxERe_Jh7chNeNHMhgIlp-7Ej34RKAn9JYKB7i0RorB/s1936/xv%20coechenyl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1936" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC75DxgnDHf5prcJNSQ2oAKQ7H7mF5lv80Bcua_Y_vg6PnxslcPsBQnUTj_yLZeaE3Mkdy27ySIVjkp8q-1lktXG0Tk9oaa0OywquylDQxUW3cONJ_fCtSjOoKO1u7Xk_EvMXNNOW_iH1ZzxERe_Jh7chNeNHMhgIlp-7Ej34RKAn9JYKB7i0RorB/w640-h474/xv%20coechenyl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cochineal on beavertail cactus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The next pause was also because of an interesting bug - a velvet ant that the young chika found on a rock ledge near the bottom of the canyon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR19qtVnJLh1qaPoNyGKn81GCqqXVRBuNEoJRWa_dZG6F6ATjWavG1gbOhg6mUYFnlc1QrPmAlhipBlRgmdFvKcACAq_mjg04cDYOs07UoyAzY57Oj-mSIc13DIforHPnoOF6wBPSdeuuC5mDXlOh6Y6lsOCtYVqTmZkXmsXn7cAkKqzL5SRsrpoL/s2433/xx%20bug.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2433" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR19qtVnJLh1qaPoNyGKn81GCqqXVRBuNEoJRWa_dZG6F6ATjWavG1gbOhg6mUYFnlc1QrPmAlhipBlRgmdFvKcACAq_mjg04cDYOs07UoyAzY57Oj-mSIc13DIforHPnoOF6wBPSdeuuC5mDXlOh6Y6lsOCtYVqTmZkXmsXn7cAkKqzL5SRsrpoL/w640-h480/xx%20bug.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent Velvet Ant<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>When I reached the bottom pool more of it was shaded. Pappa Quail was sitting in the shade already but the elder chika was preparing to take a dip in the pool. The young chika and I passed a few warm puddles that filled depressions in smooth rock on the way to the pool to join Pappa Quail in the shade. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0axBSpWIA5Xb0iqZ31SIAh5AER7Nwhkfx6Dx0fJweb8OeVwH7jJkL6UwahCoKGN8ElGfBKFuXZ0Vq9xGW7els9vot-U-ZvHoaTQMHSQYctig8l7zx4RHz-3Bim2eyxvsifm9nXWW0XkF8zH-TaQluMKbQ9hmIM33Pt9NZV2Uhb4TkbWUoZQhx1Msy/s2005/xy%20pool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0axBSpWIA5Xb0iqZ31SIAh5AER7Nwhkfx6Dx0fJweb8OeVwH7jJkL6UwahCoKGN8ElGfBKFuXZ0Vq9xGW7els9vot-U-ZvHoaTQMHSQYctig8l7zx4RHz-3Bim2eyxvsifm9nXWW0XkF8zH-TaQluMKbQ9hmIM33Pt9NZV2Uhb4TkbWUoZQhx1Msy/w640-h428/xy%20pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom Pool</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We sat by the pool for quite a while, watching other hikers come and go. Some climbed the rock up to the next pool above us. The elder chika took a dip in the water, then stretched herself on the warm rock to dry out. The younger chika wandered off to play in the warm puddles. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN9Wy2unDUVQuzuzPJ0CKKJ6-qO0MllNC2wAQj293BC-liEgSwYZBjmWaMF5E1zEVd9gOwG6FzIt4amxMH1Td3vS4Ncv8jiCbltjbyZQAjYl5w9QuINuXGeJ3y6LKa8XLTlE-Em-KtJKA-Kg1axTYBVr1brTdVxX7NUD-stHB4kEwOlrG1rmYrFlm/s2005/ya%20pool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN9Wy2unDUVQuzuzPJ0CKKJ6-qO0MllNC2wAQj293BC-liEgSwYZBjmWaMF5E1zEVd9gOwG6FzIt4amxMH1Td3vS4Ncv8jiCbltjbyZQAjYl5w9QuINuXGeJ3y6LKa8XLTlE-Em-KtJKA-Kg1axTYBVr1brTdVxX7NUD-stHB4kEwOlrG1rmYrFlm/w640-h428/ya%20pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom pool<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the pool I had a much better view of the waterfall. It was more a cascade than an actual fall, but it was very pretty. I think on hot summer days this might be a great place to hang, assuming one arrives there early enough before the heat, and leaves late in the afternoon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewT-MpHIMapgrkIDq_mDs7ac6F9WypteeN0kpqBV-EElUaqLMKG-dkmVpa_xIWrO4p6vCgGPH0hrw_gSovanKg6eJY3zxZ2TnYGD3EX8Eu4vRabgMLaPR-jc5dze1vGV9ys-xjvJcoayuklNZSRfFBHztNR4mPtUhwiwwOJwcpvoTmaSGcNl1iHyh/s2005/yd%20chute.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewT-MpHIMapgrkIDq_mDs7ac6F9WypteeN0kpqBV-EElUaqLMKG-dkmVpa_xIWrO4p6vCgGPH0hrw_gSovanKg6eJY3zxZ2TnYGD3EX8Eu4vRabgMLaPR-jc5dze1vGV9ys-xjvJcoayuklNZSRfFBHztNR4mPtUhwiwwOJwcpvoTmaSGcNl1iHyh/w640-h428/yd%20chute.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was getting late for us. When the elder chika was dry enough to resume the hike we packed ourselves and started back to the trail. On the way I collected the young chika from the puddles, where she sat, watching the tadpoles wiggle at the bottom. The water in the puddles was pretty hot and I wondered how did the tadpoles not get cooked. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6Cf1uyPdMp5ovZw5k_mLhQwEMO2x9lSJAno7UQvCfflVGoHFG5xEJm26-8McItFLHt3VYZzzyTGTrylrJZE0RZzVbt9jQFGhsgWO8lgGpSVaK9vApzP1LqWQTmQC0ImeWCjIsc-kYhagJDLLeqgT7IZPFOJvpieLiaR9yMHCwDeOthor1ZP1-nM/s2005/yf%20tadpols.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6Cf1uyPdMp5ovZw5k_mLhQwEMO2x9lSJAno7UQvCfflVGoHFG5xEJm26-8McItFLHt3VYZzzyTGTrylrJZE0RZzVbt9jQFGhsgWO8lgGpSVaK9vApzP1LqWQTmQC0ImeWCjIsc-kYhagJDLLeqgT7IZPFOJvpieLiaR9yMHCwDeOthor1ZP1-nM/w640-h428/yf%20tadpols.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadpoles</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't think I could ever get enough photos of saguaro cacti. getting back to the main trail we had a nice view into the canyon below, and of the saguaro forest that reached all the way to the bottom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkC-0P2Fihbk6on2Jvr1YmKFA7HT10ZPVfD2ilIE6qS5Wgd9u8mtJ733pcKLXYtD0g8MdotHmRHF-sp6vrAylcvKTHkN4X1C51bXyNNg6d0sPtxV8N9av-tozsZ4DnY2O5MJfKDwejQ4m-cG4TCgRYETEfivc0GHxMr12ZbAZOB26EzotGt1fsrl4/s2005/yi%20saguaro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkC-0P2Fihbk6on2Jvr1YmKFA7HT10ZPVfD2ilIE6qS5Wgd9u8mtJ733pcKLXYtD0g8MdotHmRHF-sp6vrAylcvKTHkN4X1C51bXyNNg6d0sPtxV8N9av-tozsZ4DnY2O5MJfKDwejQ4m-cG4TCgRYETEfivc0GHxMr12ZbAZOB26EzotGt1fsrl4/w640-h428/yi%20saguaro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saguaro, Carnegiae gigantea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back on the main trail I paused to look down at the canyon's opening and view the silhouette of Mt. Wrightson way far in the south. We had 2.5 miles to get to the shuttle stop and by then we already knew we wouldn't make it to the last bus, meaning be had another mile and a half on top of that to get to the parking lot. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61AkDyO-VSrY0Bz53I8RuC1IjuCc1EhMd1czfpFEJVyRlZ6XNLrmoxbG16GyWIT4Z6wjeD5L7lHMtYWLLucIupUb7IHS5fRe_3VizTtMQltN9Ix1RgW5xBaA56jleGto-StH3dHE3s_kj6JUr2EHZrwLBtWz8PYYPM0Sdg9fhESX8ly55ebUOlG5d/s2005/yj%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61AkDyO-VSrY0Bz53I8RuC1IjuCc1EhMd1czfpFEJVyRlZ6XNLrmoxbG16GyWIT4Z6wjeD5L7lHMtYWLLucIupUb7IHS5fRe_3VizTtMQltN9Ix1RgW5xBaA56jleGto-StH3dHE3s_kj6JUr2EHZrwLBtWz8PYYPM0Sdg9fhESX8ly55ebUOlG5d/w640-h428/yj%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pappa Quail charged forward and the chikas dashed after him with renewed energies. We were on the way back now. I followed suit, resisting the temptation to pause for flowers. Most of the time, anyway. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQHNdUOVp28XzYXvpSdaBkEWvCk7M2yaHfNvHayWVaSH0x-rwJNuTjqkxUuw8cWlVIt6IwU8lPbIJwn-43iZUy_3efxySq_Bgm6unNzvrUN_c0hQ6OhF5AtJ-qj2YxvYroGeAeKFw3DdVRFV2ZAELWrvmkxcJgHX97XCj2tzkjbdRVWOXCFnbhJcn/s1779/ym%20opuntia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1779" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQHNdUOVp28XzYXvpSdaBkEWvCk7M2yaHfNvHayWVaSH0x-rwJNuTjqkxUuw8cWlVIt6IwU8lPbIJwn-43iZUy_3efxySq_Bgm6unNzvrUN_c0hQ6OhF5AtJ-qj2YxvYroGeAeKFw3DdVRFV2ZAELWrvmkxcJgHX97XCj2tzkjbdRVWOXCFnbhJcn/w640-h450/ym%20opuntia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beavertail Cactus, Opuntia sp. <div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We made it quickly down to the creek level and kept on at a fast pace. Eventually it was Pappa Quail himself how called for a pause, and for a good reason - a snake crossed our path. </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAGTpxmzPwoQoBeyNLALdBNkGLkhn2S_XM51DLgfpzxjwHqeJhoxdUWC1Mk1VSzxhtnml7DOVN8iFTlHpOMmQsSAq70MSy06ijO6L9vsz6eMVphrVnP1XEmXfQPGXExB_KzOwr0cDpWGOE9aGLGjUoUd7Xv-eevCFYlWcgIa1wepEw1YMEni5SVYY/s3218/zx%20snake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3218" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAGTpxmzPwoQoBeyNLALdBNkGLkhn2S_XM51DLgfpzxjwHqeJhoxdUWC1Mk1VSzxhtnml7DOVN8iFTlHpOMmQsSAq70MSy06ijO6L9vsz6eMVphrVnP1XEmXfQPGXExB_KzOwr0cDpWGOE9aGLGjUoUd7Xv-eevCFYlWcgIa1wepEw1YMEni5SVYY/w640-h452/zx%20snake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Patch-nosed Snake</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shadows were creeping along the canyon bottom now. It was nice whenever we walked on the shady side of the creek, but it make photographing more difficult. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U4SlPtuvoiPZvBeh3LiIIylI1M6WsivoidX0AzQx_85lbK2WsUVeDmOMn0gZQa8WMPeOMCulXiDIO9Il69hvp_89txs5sBjfaD7jLouRJqs0FZ64p1cVfZas4yxc7TBqRGoVwET2DGHVoVRA3X6OrBxY1XNyszUnIL2ICDs3AfPA4nxNnCvGZarG/s2005/yr%20riverbed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U4SlPtuvoiPZvBeh3LiIIylI1M6WsivoidX0AzQx_85lbK2WsUVeDmOMn0gZQa8WMPeOMCulXiDIO9Il69hvp_89txs5sBjfaD7jLouRJqs0FZ64p1cVfZas4yxc7TBqRGoVwET2DGHVoVRA3X6OrBxY1XNyszUnIL2ICDs3AfPA4nxNnCvGZarG/w640-h428/yr%20riverbed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trail crosses the creek several times. Crossing it was not an issue in any of the cross points because of the low flow. On our way back the heat was less on an issue too. In fact, the temperature was really pleasant now. Besides the vegetation and the grand views I also appreciated the beautiful geology of the place, even if I didn't understand it much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67NtsG8_BVDrOqeRw7DXJlDLeVw0oqogchj819CtuRxpOq6b9JqI_1xJ4IUjBDKCusN_-5Hbwq9dPJPumHoJADz72zSgMmWccxlQmKj1-wZUizNCVoKt8P2Ru8FnZsSyrNNfRw6Tjt0H91_3FwXhoJmiZd6v8j4MCJT3J071Bup2QCM4CacJ1pK1K/s2005/ys%20rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67NtsG8_BVDrOqeRw7DXJlDLeVw0oqogchj819CtuRxpOq6b9JqI_1xJ4IUjBDKCusN_-5Hbwq9dPJPumHoJADz72zSgMmWccxlQmKj1-wZUizNCVoKt8P2Ru8FnZsSyrNNfRw6Tjt0H91_3FwXhoJmiZd6v8j4MCJT3J071Bup2QCM4CacJ1pK1K/w640-h428/ys%20rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pappa Quail and the elder chika were ahead most of our way back. The young chika remained near me, and we spend much f our walk chatting. She also pointed out things for me to see, like ant colonies that were getting more active in the later part of the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d1ReLky3wKMMZNUIOB7HA1yiwST8ao8V4MU4CQV7nTcFjSoUzMLm1dWRHSk2yVy8WbauKXp43EY5Ph9dlqjkMTC6EBWPVmn9icHFSRabvHxKEXGj6qgbFf9D7SRhM27msymFJj8vFoTwjwLwEDdi22G5d2Ay3szuYMzeFLnT0QfCNYMIANjaxFqh/s2005/yv%20anthill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d1ReLky3wKMMZNUIOB7HA1yiwST8ao8V4MU4CQV7nTcFjSoUzMLm1dWRHSk2yVy8WbauKXp43EY5Ph9dlqjkMTC6EBWPVmn9icHFSRabvHxKEXGj6qgbFf9D7SRhM27msymFJj8vFoTwjwLwEDdi22G5d2Ay3szuYMzeFLnT0QfCNYMIANjaxFqh/w640-h428/yv%20anthill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were getting close to the end of the canyon. One last creek crossing and another view southeast on the saguaro-covered slopes, another look at the calm water holes and the gentle trickle of the the creek flow, and we were on the final part of the Bear Canyon trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNj998406vrCuH-FT1j6-JzqsdSePiuhndnHH5XU_KvNkx8fgp5na5hgGqo-OxsifWYX9qSxkiqzFBGh3GS-mI-fA9zZZ2rwylBVhg8ZfuXbHF3iU7TRHOB0uFy-Fus8UsjfTT3BaoHf9qeLtdok9MLIyJnr6Of7OjQ-hs3EleSmSEtXUoS9zcuOi/s2005/yw%20water%20holes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNj998406vrCuH-FT1j6-JzqsdSePiuhndnHH5XU_KvNkx8fgp5na5hgGqo-OxsifWYX9qSxkiqzFBGh3GS-mI-fA9zZZ2rwylBVhg8ZfuXbHF3iU7TRHOB0uFy-Fus8UsjfTT3BaoHf9qeLtdok9MLIyJnr6Of7OjQ-hs3EleSmSEtXUoS9zcuOi/w640-h428/yw%20water%20holes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beautiful grasses adorned this part of the trail. I found out later that, sadly, this grass is an invasive species in that area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDqV57lkzaSOmz6MBv-8M2rMWVgQuI4hAuuX7VketMeWPi94-1456jFg7CVfeRgFhF1dByfLLct2VNOcSEBFrXnOvsnea3ozugGWOlQNKkPqtYNbet8eO-6CCYh1N1P8UQbZdyx_tIcq8Ff4IUlBPs4ZcCgOKgdaF0r_mQU_SIDmhunOtryHwKuNV/s1789/yy%20grass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1789" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDqV57lkzaSOmz6MBv-8M2rMWVgQuI4hAuuX7VketMeWPi94-1456jFg7CVfeRgFhF1dByfLLct2VNOcSEBFrXnOvsnea3ozugGWOlQNKkPqtYNbet8eO-6CCYh1N1P8UQbZdyx_tIcq8Ff4IUlBPs4ZcCgOKgdaF0r_mQU_SIDmhunOtryHwKuNV/w640-h450/yy%20grass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natal Grass, Melinis repens, non-native, invasive. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cholla cacti however, were definitely local. There weren't that many of them, at least not near the trail. Touching one of these is punishable by great pain. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzefdwgmJXBBeB_bgU5YqH7d8VV4BNmkHzndl2Dto7RKr2ebStOF0Rk9LUP0IOm-gIUH5KpfGPSpEcPuJgibF4yvP-y-GtPtzzCCiIgavNJAU9OY9mSpnheJx9Tn9DtJebRBf49Qnb-T9gEi8dy5NMdueFiMOyTFJZ9YJj-sRjeM70ksriHANay8nf/s2005/yz%20cactus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzefdwgmJXBBeB_bgU5YqH7d8VV4BNmkHzndl2Dto7RKr2ebStOF0Rk9LUP0IOm-gIUH5KpfGPSpEcPuJgibF4yvP-y-GtPtzzCCiIgavNJAU9OY9mSpnheJx9Tn9DtJebRBf49Qnb-T9gEi8dy5NMdueFiMOyTFJZ9YJj-sRjeM70ksriHANay8nf/w640-h428/yz%20cactus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cholla Cactus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I noticed a young woman crouching by the trail. When I approached I saw that she was digging out a small desert mallow plant. I asked here if that was ok to dig out wild plants from the place, to which she answered yes, and that she'd bring it back after she'd used it (for what, she didn't say). Bear Canyon area belongs to the Coronado National Forest, and I was not familiar with the local regulations of what is ok and not ok to remove from the wilderness so I didn't argue with her, but I did continue walking with an uneasy feeling. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcggGedHs_CMI7kM3LnXHAp-ehm9vo7dfNbiK7AVP3I06MHjMUtB-oZoHeB0MJYrVqQDY0pvXYfm6YhAo89h15j_A3tYzM9n1IeU7QjqY32j5_x9VPKsz32ac0-E3IAnEj9ziNSCkQnrkJETZOwRK696UrFyfcDg-9uluK3lWG2PhfB7XZBvFrha/s2005/za%20trail%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcggGedHs_CMI7kM3LnXHAp-ehm9vo7dfNbiK7AVP3I06MHjMUtB-oZoHeB0MJYrVqQDY0pvXYfm6YhAo89h15j_A3tYzM9n1IeU7QjqY32j5_x9VPKsz32ac0-E3IAnEj9ziNSCkQnrkJETZOwRK696UrFyfcDg-9uluK3lWG2PhfB7XZBvFrha/w640-h428/za%20trail%20back.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Local nurseries do sell native plants, in pots and as seeds. Removing plants from the wilderness affects not only the plant itself but the numerous other organisms which are part of is niche and might depend on it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwrEocJD4-Sh0PB7qDhNiRHxXZawKM9O-bbvLIyn2DYjohwR-cw7EqRvDPSneTTpi8EE1oIaVbJCtEfHcaJMO9QevUxLT0rOqXQsI6I0RzQ5K4qnnQgbYL2aWvNvNGfQUe3eXGupD5e4h7vSh9VyKa3FCsqREyfbcwCQnl_CxUgnZMhBt9QTQVr7K/s2072/zd%20yellow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="2072" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwrEocJD4-Sh0PB7qDhNiRHxXZawKM9O-bbvLIyn2DYjohwR-cw7EqRvDPSneTTpi8EE1oIaVbJCtEfHcaJMO9QevUxLT0rOqXQsI6I0RzQ5K4qnnQgbYL2aWvNvNGfQUe3eXGupD5e4h7vSh9VyKa3FCsqREyfbcwCQnl_CxUgnZMhBt9QTQVr7K/w640-h448/zd%20yellow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Marigold, Baileya multiradiata<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div>Just as we exited the Bear Canyon Trail I turned around and admired the view of the mountains in the late afternoon light. I promised myself to go back there next time I'll be in Tucson. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwp9297xhiqP1iWxWaV_N0uyj8L8gU4mf2S7EdNitT8QLBYr5OEAnxyppwRVPTeRDSkwwr7SauCZlJRx9VEjaaDWzvv2n_9JOhI74aFDstLra2Vq4baNfuPccTmEWv6JHkmu8mYJST98OgouFbb0-pvV17oeDuVDXfvuPESDtHAaYjW8nmmZ0WRw6/s2005/zc%20Canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwp9297xhiqP1iWxWaV_N0uyj8L8gU4mf2S7EdNitT8QLBYr5OEAnxyppwRVPTeRDSkwwr7SauCZlJRx9VEjaaDWzvv2n_9JOhI74aFDstLra2Vq4baNfuPccTmEWv6JHkmu8mYJST98OgouFbb0-pvV17oeDuVDXfvuPESDtHAaYjW8nmmZ0WRw6/w640-h428/zc%20Canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Canyon </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We made it to the shuttle stop about an hour after the last bus had left. We stopped for a short break to rest and hydrate. Other hikers passed us by on their way down hill and the elder chika suggested that one of use parents would go down to bring the car. I was ready to do that but Pappa Quail insisted that simply walking together that last part would be quicker. I agreed with him, and we convinced the chikas to get up and get going. It was all downhill now, and on either asphalt or on a nice, easy trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs2PD9N56qOEJxT0dD1Yyn-CtO_DATnRBCMF16Y2Oxhz3sGzhZzR403EakiiSTXcWLgFPfetBqAYvWfUiMNUa-C91MwRwyDslBWc9BeQUnbgTTLO5-71MxcAxLC8Ho_WdT5WETRrCHlIouegcAMs-nYiRy7vPWy-1saTjy9QKQPR4xl4-QTB39kXM/s2005/ze%20empty%20road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs2PD9N56qOEJxT0dD1Yyn-CtO_DATnRBCMF16Y2Oxhz3sGzhZzR403EakiiSTXcWLgFPfetBqAYvWfUiMNUa-C91MwRwyDslBWc9BeQUnbgTTLO5-71MxcAxLC8Ho_WdT5WETRrCHlIouegcAMs-nYiRy7vPWy-1saTjy9QKQPR4xl4-QTB39kXM/w640-h428/ze%20empty%20road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The elder chika ceased complaining when she saw the gila woodpecker on a nearby saguaro tree. She really wanted to see an owl in a cactus hole but the woodpecker was exciting enough. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97SWvTSpBSGrGZnykRkkOVezlQWQJv72mldZwjeiJCTLfvveWgfIccnS0ITj_P9hnWA1-LpcXeYRKluXuQDEFEVe9JjjOLHPNTzviMsuuiCyx46ljq5vccjMwr5zhEBpR7tHyWrCIriEnPWdCOPtOK_kTlx9ybtUL3qM35DbCDfVbk6JwkG_q6yfD/s1823/zr%20Nuttal's%20woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1823" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97SWvTSpBSGrGZnykRkkOVezlQWQJv72mldZwjeiJCTLfvveWgfIccnS0ITj_P9hnWA1-LpcXeYRKluXuQDEFEVe9JjjOLHPNTzviMsuuiCyx46ljq5vccjMwr5zhEBpR7tHyWrCIriEnPWdCOPtOK_kTlx9ybtUL3qM35DbCDfVbk6JwkG_q6yfD/w640-h448/zr%20Nuttal's%20woodpecker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gila Woodpecker</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I, too, had much to see on the way down to the visitor center. The pink fairyduster was very common along the trail, but it's this individual that I saw near the end of the hike that shows best its 'duster'-like, feathery flowers. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyhxITV0l-KvZKgQizFPOCuSJxmWDpkiWPA3P8hfCeFYNebnMjpg9aY5YGzb8BWUT7m4ckRInTHkk-pa5jhilPOcHxfsTkW-QOWvF6ljMYvqZOFe3KEuaKGpZz7I2_9sar6BwY0F0WZJ6GdYufUdVs4hoKB4EIHfMlJ3a-QeDtWnLDIgSYD5XEQt9/s2462/zf%20pink.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="2462" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyhxITV0l-KvZKgQizFPOCuSJxmWDpkiWPA3P8hfCeFYNebnMjpg9aY5YGzb8BWUT7m4ckRInTHkk-pa5jhilPOcHxfsTkW-QOWvF6ljMYvqZOFe3KEuaKGpZz7I2_9sar6BwY0F0WZJ6GdYufUdVs4hoKB4EIHfMlJ3a-QeDtWnLDIgSYD5XEQt9/w640-h452/zf%20pink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Fairy Duster, Calliandra eriophylla</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We walked fast now. Sunset was approaching, and we were tired and hungry. Still, it was lovely to pause every now and then and breathe in the beauty of the area, especially under sunset lighting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUav4kw_lLWCjK-Uhy8zDbv9VsRKgwnm6LuCXg15E1-wQIy_QkukvwM8XkxUi546929q5HgWBZ2_2SYFBEi1S1Bl0VcWL6fzXrz1SYm8zUOVoa06Vfb1rAVi9n86XPlyZm6mS4radgg5mcMsOWKgfeqNwVekcX3OytcVnXu1PmLavooKxMIsBZX9o/s2005/zh%20saguaro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUav4kw_lLWCjK-Uhy8zDbv9VsRKgwnm6LuCXg15E1-wQIy_QkukvwM8XkxUi546929q5HgWBZ2_2SYFBEi1S1Bl0VcWL6fzXrz1SYm8zUOVoa06Vfb1rAVi9n86XPlyZm6mS4radgg5mcMsOWKgfeqNwVekcX3OytcVnXu1PmLavooKxMIsBZX9o/w640-h428/zh%20saguaro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached the plateau at the bottom of the Bear and Sabino Canyons. There was this wide, flat trail leading from the descent to the visitor Center. Very few people were out now. Some of these people however, were just coming up for a walk in the lower area. Most of my photos from this part of the hike didn't come out right - the light was already too low. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GMTbaMvDtBHI6z7uFhvFaCKH2PYjLPzcPUE7CXTX5yVrQnjHcwRDKerqZwaqGw0mtEIaCa0aevC0Og7zYt2s1zDxnUehiz0H1cSKnT6adhjwctbnFRfu3sI4a63Z4FsQTmdKfvtYuVZuoVsN0ZCgk8YtvS7e757ffUMyTRoKeF_i8dA095hLblMS/s1755/zj%20poppies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1755" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GMTbaMvDtBHI6z7uFhvFaCKH2PYjLPzcPUE7CXTX5yVrQnjHcwRDKerqZwaqGw0mtEIaCa0aevC0Og7zYt2s1zDxnUehiz0H1cSKnT6adhjwctbnFRfu3sI4a63Z4FsQTmdKfvtYuVZuoVsN0ZCgk8YtvS7e757ffUMyTRoKeF_i8dA095hLblMS/w640-h444/zj%20poppies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitestem Paperflower, Psilostrophe cooperi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I took one last shot of the trail with my elder chika way ahead of me. Pappa Quail had already cleared the curve.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV12CuidibkIhkjAIM17suVHo0GchKDRKuGlG5MaMnDvSadJ7y6rYTINJ5rnJR3bSNPfrUDNPnNIKOeRgQVmw7l2bi6Q2nu1MC2mD4ERnVQh-KpZjFsVJbvsTrbHqaTlih_CqXv8qDVGMIrHQzmXokqe91uK33uBmXqX9Hg8II_tfd3-WfItoKbQty/s2005/zl%20trail%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2005" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV12CuidibkIhkjAIM17suVHo0GchKDRKuGlG5MaMnDvSadJ7y6rYTINJ5rnJR3bSNPfrUDNPnNIKOeRgQVmw7l2bi6Q2nu1MC2mD4ERnVQh-KpZjFsVJbvsTrbHqaTlih_CqXv8qDVGMIrHQzmXokqe91uK33uBmXqX9Hg8II_tfd3-WfItoKbQty/w640-h428/zl%20trail%20back.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The elder chika did get to see a ew more interesting birds on this late part of the hike, including a juvenile verdin that perched conveniently in one of the last sunny spots left. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAaJHf_HJEOlgzSrQF-2r4ZuszYDLw6UKEL0awxQHGCXeYbe0RV4JDkt0XxBe0O5G7mYn6JYfaQ7kfrzyw2PLsCvNNlcj0IplPTHSzvPhVeOhqqqFUIiyOakJ6bO9mxU_fltomKMd-LPGoAK-q4XzCcQ79phuN22erVYhqsnUuBPPADXSiWoWIIUe/s1810/zs%20verdin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1810" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAaJHf_HJEOlgzSrQF-2r4ZuszYDLw6UKEL0awxQHGCXeYbe0RV4JDkt0XxBe0O5G7mYn6JYfaQ7kfrzyw2PLsCvNNlcj0IplPTHSzvPhVeOhqqqFUIiyOakJ6bO9mxU_fltomKMd-LPGoAK-q4XzCcQ79phuN22erVYhqsnUuBPPADXSiWoWIIUe/w640-h438/zs%20verdin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verdin, juvenile</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>The high sky was still light enough to see and identify the red-tailed hawk that was out and about, looking for his dinner.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JtFiWhMw4me3abUyQG1QkUE5fG-J5yJlPx8poU7G8OsZIrwV-UlPIn1s3pnbT9rDP8G-ht1bYEguiMc35ndY-hY8bH9WoUAno5D2oSit-e1LHM3_W9VP511fqGDNLlbOkKuQasHqrOXhR4FIWEbqXFcIex0lIV7dr-1r0daGZaL_oh-spBvOPC4/s2003/zz%20hawk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="2003" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JtFiWhMw4me3abUyQG1QkUE5fG-J5yJlPx8poU7G8OsZIrwV-UlPIn1s3pnbT9rDP8G-ht1bYEguiMc35ndY-hY8bH9WoUAno5D2oSit-e1LHM3_W9VP511fqGDNLlbOkKuQasHqrOXhR4FIWEbqXFcIex0lIV7dr-1r0daGZaL_oh-spBvOPC4/w640-h462/zz%20hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-tailed Hawk</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached the now nearly empty parking lot. Although this hike started with some discord within our family, it did end up on a much higher note. This trail was lovely, and had we planned better and could use the shuttle on both directions, it wouldn't even have been too long. As it was though, it was just within our abilities to both hike and enjoy, even as a second activity that day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UgQItH9ura6tVOT93qwzbCBtvL9AzL6IaYiNPgK4Z553L4KyH9b4l__-Dq1gbO3ge90DdFRTifKLgKekq4g4kPxhJ8XgKctdB1SiZVvQk-cJAMl0tdBQWbuGUDMGGzLoAeG9ohIL32OnFsA3x_MutSHExjMAVDOT9IRVJn_HPw3wXr2Ry_8SeSkU/s2757/zy%20woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2757" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UgQItH9ura6tVOT93qwzbCBtvL9AzL6IaYiNPgK4Z553L4KyH9b4l__-Dq1gbO3ge90DdFRTifKLgKekq4g4kPxhJ8XgKctdB1SiZVvQk-cJAMl0tdBQWbuGUDMGGzLoAeG9ohIL32OnFsA3x_MutSHExjMAVDOT9IRVJn_HPw3wXr2Ry_8SeSkU/w640-h431/zy%20woodpecker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gila Woodpecker</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>At the end of that day we were all convinced that this was our last hike on our Tucson spring break, but on the next and our last day I managed to tempt pappa Quail to go up to the heights of the Catalina Mountains to <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2022/05/a-marshall-gulch-victory-hike-up-mount.html">Marshal Gulch at Mount Lemmon</a>, where both he and the elder chika scored their last and one of the most coveted lifer birds. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-68620346716423207882023-10-12T23:50:00.001-07:002023-10-12T23:50:38.006-07:00The High Lakes of Lassen Volcanic National park, Day 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYv3jGP2pWcTfKNXHvsBVrvF13DJH0QuN81Kur6N7RdZYO4JjkIbq2U7BBVz03-2mjrY0k62szCvhMHCPH1yZ_-_BmSZRW5CxR4_b4slvZxOmBNbR8GlmvU7ncO6bSKVjhFVgEBx5dk1RAvUqxAYmxQQUL1yMwKpGTo-xnaOuSmBiBRXOPN0FNOmr-_Y/s1856/yb%20lake%20lights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYv3jGP2pWcTfKNXHvsBVrvF13DJH0QuN81Kur6N7RdZYO4JjkIbq2U7BBVz03-2mjrY0k62szCvhMHCPH1yZ_-_BmSZRW5CxR4_b4slvZxOmBNbR8GlmvU7ncO6bSKVjhFVgEBx5dk1RAvUqxAYmxQQUL1yMwKpGTo-xnaOuSmBiBRXOPN0FNOmr-_Y/w640-h426/yb%20lake%20lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 29, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Old Station, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 5 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/09/up-to-high-lakes-of-lassen-volcanic.html">Link to the first part of this hike</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the morning of my third day of my summer trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park I woke up with direct sunlight shining into my tent. If my tent had a mystery keyhole to a dragon lair, for sure it would have become apparent. Being somewhat of a dragon myself I got up with renewed energies and got ready to go and explore the high lakes in the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbrNo08xFx-KaTxLMUq3-78_7qpfCD26IysmxsEJLAC5f3_MQ-iCyEO59PbUtHdqsY1duPkdAhrTdXlOQAwo4p2AZ6u68ZWARJJN7TCKOfaAvIWSdzCEjdkfRQNCZig9aV0t_3dwyeoXUtw70jyQPr9IrL0hKg8DXLO38qfETGBdOP1BGeqebVH-uXEY/s1734/wh%20tent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1734" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbrNo08xFx-KaTxLMUq3-78_7qpfCD26IysmxsEJLAC5f3_MQ-iCyEO59PbUtHdqsY1duPkdAhrTdXlOQAwo4p2AZ6u68ZWARJJN7TCKOfaAvIWSdzCEjdkfRQNCZig9aV0t_3dwyeoXUtw70jyQPr9IrL0hKg8DXLO38qfETGBdOP1BGeqebVH-uXEY/w640-h424/wh%20tent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since already yesterday I decided to do this as an in-and-out hike rather than a loop, I left my tent with all the gear I didn't need for a short hike, I hid away the bear canister, and I set out carrying a light pack with just some water and an apple. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6SArYWXnIBKPZjqUcyB3Vf8hKtUltXnCnqBpx1GS9broiSUPhoAWqSMEPb_hKk8BmeW2Js7HwOrYA-kKHQFfPljNrRf86iNuuNWr7owz6Fl_e47NgZMycEid75Zx06evLQDKpjB6bws27lF-_1ASvfGMOA9jMEKt9yWWFUt6jEi9wrf7gRDdmTHh9Vw/s1324/3%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1324" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6SArYWXnIBKPZjqUcyB3Vf8hKtUltXnCnqBpx1GS9broiSUPhoAWqSMEPb_hKk8BmeW2Js7HwOrYA-kKHQFfPljNrRf86iNuuNWr7owz6Fl_e47NgZMycEid75Zx06evLQDKpjB6bws27lF-_1ASvfGMOA9jMEKt9yWWFUt6jEi9wrf7gRDdmTHh9Vw/w640-h468/3%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hike to the lakes as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I walked briskly without taking many photos until I got to the trail junction with the spur trail leading to Cliff Lake, and I turned to see the lake.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVQ1tfacqMCXFJ_vtkVxRh4wpi7EU1iiO3fNnnPSLXKlv1I0ybdUlz_HAYYDkLjdi0LwRa95QOqycJOwqc2LtKfmQe9HZ8aM5og0gSgDI2fCcNKoc6sQsZ9LByRBJEzjH-9zHxA0xnS6AVgYnre-58Ou3YySfT2hnFL_JE5rewrnmPU71VTq4p0kFYog/s1856/wj%20spillway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVQ1tfacqMCXFJ_vtkVxRh4wpi7EU1iiO3fNnnPSLXKlv1I0ybdUlz_HAYYDkLjdi0LwRa95QOqycJOwqc2LtKfmQe9HZ8aM5og0gSgDI2fCcNKoc6sQsZ9LByRBJEzjH-9zHxA0xnS6AVgYnre-58Ou3YySfT2hnFL_JE5rewrnmPU71VTq4p0kFYog/w640-h426/wj%20spillway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A short, 0.3 mile trail spurs off the main trail and leads downhill to Cliff Lake. I arrived there when the sunlight was already down and watched as it slowly spread over the water surface. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjketoQ5g9pDLeRt7okleOskDc3R_k8TG__90j-6VSg93FXjqu54xrUj0FQ5muA0eVYQYADi2JREUnHfBW7zFI8avtbWHh1ApgjKYLayDtOXSwNjLMFXELjxUGTPQscUt3EcHrt5herx5Si0wzZ30mdj2JY-a5aH8ap4U8xJTVbhnw7btrrQxCt-bx2Ads/s1856/wk%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjketoQ5g9pDLeRt7okleOskDc3R_k8TG__90j-6VSg93FXjqu54xrUj0FQ5muA0eVYQYADi2JREUnHfBW7zFI8avtbWHh1ApgjKYLayDtOXSwNjLMFXELjxUGTPQscUt3EcHrt5herx5Si0wzZ30mdj2JY-a5aH8ap4U8xJTVbhnw7btrrQxCt-bx2Ads/w640-h426/wk%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lake was beautiful and calm. It reminded me of many little alpine lakes that I've seen on my backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada mountains. On many of thse tris I used to camp within eyeshot of the lake. Here in Lassen Volcanic NP camping near the lakes is prohibited. Getting there early enough to see the charmed morning was close to the camping sensation thugh. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIPNLwzn0NLHsz7iuDJUj_BJZud_Hx4LbG-uelcm1pBMAR6aKjO8T3WIM2DVRtF6dOIF1TLRMCw0qSmDcQtTm-nekNgv1Cgkme7HZgoFQ2TRGIqNT8KPxvkp6T7qO34CHwzKTOv3tkoY35VOEyDkkwzy-XRCymK_WsTYcCsYh_ieZonfQnSrIuuN4Wwg/s1856/wm%20cliff%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIPNLwzn0NLHsz7iuDJUj_BJZud_Hx4LbG-uelcm1pBMAR6aKjO8T3WIM2DVRtF6dOIF1TLRMCw0qSmDcQtTm-nekNgv1Cgkme7HZgoFQ2TRGIqNT8KPxvkp6T7qO34CHwzKTOv3tkoY35VOEyDkkwzy-XRCymK_WsTYcCsYh_ieZonfQnSrIuuN4Wwg/w640-h426/wm%20cliff%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could have stayed there longer, but my time was limited, so I took one last shot of the east side of the lake and started back toward the main trail</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLUoN1zoV3IatQCNfgL8Bnm2hQevCtqbKwwVypSxYDfBOid0qL26J8uqgC9OL6dWcxcXhXa-O8gntS-uJpZpPm7WXTyUFS9t5iY1PgA1SW9-6gcWBAHEpQVP4t_iRnZ54FF127s7x1p1hnbHkZFxX0uiT1D30i8NjdZjSFBddONVd1X9-k49YNiQJNjw/s1856/wn%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLUoN1zoV3IatQCNfgL8Bnm2hQevCtqbKwwVypSxYDfBOid0qL26J8uqgC9OL6dWcxcXhXa-O8gntS-uJpZpPm7WXTyUFS9t5iY1PgA1SW9-6gcWBAHEpQVP4t_iRnZ54FF127s7x1p1hnbHkZFxX0uiT1D30i8NjdZjSFBddONVd1X9-k49YNiQJNjw/w640-h426/wn%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lighting was a little better now, that the sun was higher and stronger. I paused briefly to look at a lovely patch of fawn lilies that bloomed near the Cliff Lake trail.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxFEVT0ItBuoJBf8WWOxqLQvBNPKAb2dm3YWObaSpePu5WW-ZuPH1Cnm1MkroPHhW9MGCL9MfNMq51k31L8LUsqOlM7fabsb56Vt3OVFvHFbLqYhi-UqlUHRlhAaE2pHLpnVtWjY25kX0i4nALiNfLf_KibRKwv9hiFBafc4jgwstAixO0HmuPD_974g/s1571/wq%20fawnlily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1571" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxFEVT0ItBuoJBf8WWOxqLQvBNPKAb2dm3YWObaSpePu5WW-ZuPH1Cnm1MkroPHhW9MGCL9MfNMq51k31L8LUsqOlM7fabsb56Vt3OVFvHFbLqYhi-UqlUHRlhAaE2pHLpnVtWjY25kX0i4nALiNfLf_KibRKwv9hiFBafc4jgwstAixO0HmuPD_974g/w640-h434/wq%20fawnlily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Fawn Lily, Erythronium purpurascens</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were also a few patches of old snow between the trees. It was nothing like the large snow cover that ranger had warned me about. I wondered if the higher lakes would have more snow near them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ6hTY8TxF38ZRn1jydped2fviEke10V-WiJmwzPWYQyonppPhosNwBqbJ-JlpT6GsTwTNc9TQDIIdjYSeA3FUMG0t5r5lfDnOKZEvyHPYeL3-UZ5kv-SUtXoanVY4yEsLs8WQT7wO-2PgJy1EG6tIXDlFUa2PP_1X7TrWP-TS7yHYLXnWtRE-CsExik/s1856/wr%20snow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ6hTY8TxF38ZRn1jydped2fviEke10V-WiJmwzPWYQyonppPhosNwBqbJ-JlpT6GsTwTNc9TQDIIdjYSeA3FUMG0t5r5lfDnOKZEvyHPYeL3-UZ5kv-SUtXoanVY4yEsLs8WQT7wO-2PgJy1EG6tIXDlFUa2PP_1X7TrWP-TS7yHYLXnWtRE-CsExik/w640-h426/wr%20snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Patches<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next lake on my agenda and the larger of the group of high lakes was Shadow Lake. I was all alone, walking up the mild slope, enjoying the quiet morning. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxss1KSaCw5u-Ju6Py-zyFolUQDWgAHEDr0qN1XEPNEFHH0aQ8Hb9rgF8a21Ky6LeuPpQjrYHWeMD4az0bovKkURiXvscJuqLJdJ-egw4zh9cYBAo11VyHR-QwyDfJrCPkcpsXjnMonUAyCj0EOvv2ILBsmImaQa_7v69ayRoUb_SVGodXkhNMBzeY-uA/s1856/wt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxss1KSaCw5u-Ju6Py-zyFolUQDWgAHEDr0qN1XEPNEFHH0aQ8Hb9rgF8a21Ky6LeuPpQjrYHWeMD4az0bovKkURiXvscJuqLJdJ-egw4zh9cYBAo11VyHR-QwyDfJrCPkcpsXjnMonUAyCj0EOvv2ILBsmImaQa_7v69ayRoUb_SVGodXkhNMBzeY-uA/w640-h426/wt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next body of water I saw however, wasn't Shadow Lake but a smaller pond which, although marked on my map, did not have a name. It did have a great morning reflection, though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsrOSSYo7tQYCCzat9yFs9q9wDVXde67p_P1HRjB2N0o-DUHiI1Yo-LSKwZIi71sdAwS6ic3XKmCzO_GC6PPenlhlrUFEZRpeOsChxua3gFEalZrcGtYgxPfMbAUABgVo4X3Z-toPfheySkTDiyr5ngqnwfAlSJns6jrm7OhBd3mH8-FrD1UQ6FxDgnw/s1856/wx%20pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsrOSSYo7tQYCCzat9yFs9q9wDVXde67p_P1HRjB2N0o-DUHiI1Yo-LSKwZIi71sdAwS6ic3XKmCzO_GC6PPenlhlrUFEZRpeOsChxua3gFEalZrcGtYgxPfMbAUABgVo4X3Z-toPfheySkTDiyr5ngqnwfAlSJns6jrm7OhBd3mH8-FrD1UQ6FxDgnw/w640-h426/wx%20pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No name lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past no name lake, the trail continued uphill in a pattern of small ledges interspaced with stretches of leveled walk. There were more snow patches along the trail, and at last I could also see Lassen Peak peeking above the trees ahead of me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEUJro0zInH_8SY6lHHmKI7S8Bxi2YRUTCaKth3fMPhEBO_Vx0pMTG2tUhDrEr2Ikr3m9APIfdLRb1qYrq5hlkvx9h2pZRfmim_hzbLCke8U2pFXDMR4_Tp0H1skrMnBTuzwSPrU2wZgpWNqyPiloBfYhjFLDF-Gg31rc_F5mjGfrcWRTjP-bBuuqY3s/s1856/wy%20pond%20and%20Lassen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEUJro0zInH_8SY6lHHmKI7S8Bxi2YRUTCaKth3fMPhEBO_Vx0pMTG2tUhDrEr2Ikr3m9APIfdLRb1qYrq5hlkvx9h2pZRfmim_hzbLCke8U2pFXDMR4_Tp0H1skrMnBTuzwSPrU2wZgpWNqyPiloBfYhjFLDF-Gg31rc_F5mjGfrcWRTjP-bBuuqY3s/w640-h426/wy%20pond%20and%20Lassen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The morning was shaping up as a nice and warm and of July day. The ground vegetation looked like early spring. The snow cover there has melted only recently. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUeohS3XcVC-78gvmLZkSRhZ-hE6L6aNFtShHa1IYF8j7WrwpigrfCgJxfGB0eLdgSgfR1VUSudTj4TxdQ_YttgEJ9o-PKbVdpY0pxQftcOyS_EAkrOghGSORDYPB62whyNC0exP9tT2Lvbk9It3EDjgz_d6xmrEiiMC9Nz-UUtzfjGm3TlRZaBG0V90/s1856/wz%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUeohS3XcVC-78gvmLZkSRhZ-hE6L6aNFtShHa1IYF8j7WrwpigrfCgJxfGB0eLdgSgfR1VUSudTj4TxdQ_YttgEJ9o-PKbVdpY0pxQftcOyS_EAkrOghGSORDYPB62whyNC0exP9tT2Lvbk9It3EDjgz_d6xmrEiiMC9Nz-UUtzfjGm3TlRZaBG0V90/w640-h426/wz%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I crossed a little brook that was running at its fullest. I didn't need to balance on any rocks, it was narrow enough just to hop across. The vegetation on both sides of the water was green and lush, but there wasn't much bloom there yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxhJibS9gOoKi95dndijOdHEFpqSYZCkLlVGcjfkQPbCTumBfr62v0d4FDfjBfXdv1Rp1oKSpYg-fk6vkXlbAVYCMwJ3lKvdWH2thsrB6dNsK6itZ2RRCtKGOz00DtDpHVkA1Yf-GETRL_w_xB0GNhPwevHwe_fWdxlcC4ZimgY6UV7YHk2FqzD9JS88/s1856/xa%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxhJibS9gOoKi95dndijOdHEFpqSYZCkLlVGcjfkQPbCTumBfr62v0d4FDfjBfXdv1Rp1oKSpYg-fk6vkXlbAVYCMwJ3lKvdWH2thsrB6dNsK6itZ2RRCtKGOz00DtDpHVkA1Yf-GETRL_w_xB0GNhPwevHwe_fWdxlcC4ZimgY6UV7YHk2FqzD9JS88/w640-h426/xa%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the top of anther uphill ledge past the creek crossing I had a very nice view of Reading Peak, the mountain that was visible at the end of the long, narrow meadow near where I camped. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DoDxi2nUEuqlueQGAuD9AmMjkjplIySnilcxTijRwJqbhdAx3VfFdeYlGH0Ek5wSpIKh3HcPsNX9nDkMjlniI8J65ggv8E_f6BV6OtE2UzWkPR0rzvKexbS_kJ6FgS3qV07HZ5Xf0bph3WmXyTXsOpCBTI5F_NXmpfQWo5PxYT5O1OSCCqcD8nECAQQ/s1856/xc%20ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DoDxi2nUEuqlueQGAuD9AmMjkjplIySnilcxTijRwJqbhdAx3VfFdeYlGH0Ek5wSpIKh3HcPsNX9nDkMjlniI8J65ggv8E_f6BV6OtE2UzWkPR0rzvKexbS_kJ6FgS3qV07HZ5Xf0bph3WmXyTXsOpCBTI5F_NXmpfQWo5PxYT5O1OSCCqcD8nECAQQ/w640-h426/xc%20ridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could hear birds around me, but seeing them was hard. When I did get to see some birds out in the open, they were sticking to the shadows, perhaps strategically so. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCaczlTKRi7tf1hivzY2tiOK-DBPOe-fX6Or6_XK1y7zAmVGQeCrtSHc8hrd7y52b3bOYPSOEbUJQeVEWiZwLgHoYLJ2M2TBs5jpk7u3nC3IiVyyePT6sEFu9hqHwJ8lW9R-cMcgFUdkcP9NiemPy_vXU-1FmYBp64q86E-u-md_yLa1z9RIG7U-I75w/s1307/xl%20robin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1307" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCaczlTKRi7tf1hivzY2tiOK-DBPOe-fX6Or6_XK1y7zAmVGQeCrtSHc8hrd7y52b3bOYPSOEbUJQeVEWiZwLgHoYLJ2M2TBs5jpk7u3nC3IiVyyePT6sEFu9hqHwJ8lW9R-cMcgFUdkcP9NiemPy_vXU-1FmYBp64q86E-u-md_yLa1z9RIG7U-I75w/w640-h450/xl%20robin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Robin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Shadow Lake is the biggest f the high lakes of Lassen Volcanic NP. It too was very calm and I couldn't spot any waterfowl on the lake's surface. I waved hell to Lassen Peak, which loomed calmly over the lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC3O7S72UkgrVR0tDlCKEp9KAmmPtyeHSdjwcRPYs81Q_G99cAthkmjcq03bML-Ze8G4iLh_xeYG0b9yXZI54PVptXXC-PjRF4mnxEMMOL9Ei6owwKznlWV-lacaHFn7uxYNbFiXHHeMc8XiRT3bMIGGFmESJk41CGK-QMUu0cWkUQrhsmkwej81upWk/s1856/xn%20lake%20and%20lassen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC3O7S72UkgrVR0tDlCKEp9KAmmPtyeHSdjwcRPYs81Q_G99cAthkmjcq03bML-Ze8G4iLh_xeYG0b9yXZI54PVptXXC-PjRF4mnxEMMOL9Ei6owwKznlWV-lacaHFn7uxYNbFiXHHeMc8XiRT3bMIGGFmESJk41CGK-QMUu0cWkUQrhsmkwej81upWk/w640-h426/xn%20lake%20and%20lassen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak over Shadow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail follows closely the southern shore of Shadow Lake. It was the first place where I encountered snow on the trail itself. These snow patches were pretty easy to bypass, though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ta2oDt9kAcdPUC36SWZXGcLiCF6n45Qtw25ODklDy1zomrkMDdGOsQ694CZkXGwZ3_t1kQrn25dlQI3HYTHKvIgR_QSJ_N87RFooy7E4KV0kSz8P2l1ai74vpc5tMpwfyw0uekmajiobU_xtPpwRWJHVsVG_S3y6rxx2LoNbhNquLrvhCmBZ_plbL0/s1856/xo%20snow%20tunnel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ta2oDt9kAcdPUC36SWZXGcLiCF6n45Qtw25ODklDy1zomrkMDdGOsQ694CZkXGwZ3_t1kQrn25dlQI3HYTHKvIgR_QSJ_N87RFooy7E4KV0kSz8P2l1ai74vpc5tMpwfyw0uekmajiobU_xtPpwRWJHVsVG_S3y6rxx2LoNbhNquLrvhCmBZ_plbL0/w640-h426/xo%20snow%20tunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail curves north around the west shore of Shadow Lake. It also ascends the next ledge leading to Terrace Lake. Half way up the slope I paused for a vista point over the pretty, blue lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXZ6ah5Hd71gr6ld5gMejzscpdhmSHs9_M9h1fFPQDl6eB5u_c5M6AmTSxkmN53z5ckJndNPNQMKEYYqozyWEZdEXieG2GBx4PxoMflOk99SClDZRZI40MeieNhFQKK78Za0oI2rh826bACu6NWGmXaA6HPsAYIw-sa79oc1eY94JOrAvE0NhF4_ifzQ/s1856/xr%20blue%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXZ6ah5Hd71gr6ld5gMejzscpdhmSHs9_M9h1fFPQDl6eB5u_c5M6AmTSxkmN53z5ckJndNPNQMKEYYqozyWEZdEXieG2GBx4PxoMflOk99SClDZRZI40MeieNhFQKK78Za0oI2rh826bACu6NWGmXaA6HPsAYIw-sa79oc1eY94JOrAvE0NhF4_ifzQ/w640-h426/xr%20blue%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were more, and bigger snow patches up the slope. Some of them were on the trail and I had to bypass them carefully. A little junco bird hopped on the snow, unbothered by the chill. It didn't fly into the vegetatin lie the others until I was quite close to it, perhaps becase it was an inexperienced juvenile. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp108JAUhSYPJLffJdOlqV8dFhzlH_OHlGMQv9Ve4RmWiHFTwJIau8cx_uguw8z5V8YGbdguzdqrU80TH0B71naYgiWL67mkdyyj48C5o4J5a409ybAeuAlA2jmpWavLuW7KCVmvzOEaMHnM74vm10eZX3NR4IrLRp4lrj5epxFcRtvoiEwEMNEfNVI24/s1331/xt%20junco.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1331" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp108JAUhSYPJLffJdOlqV8dFhzlH_OHlGMQv9Ve4RmWiHFTwJIau8cx_uguw8z5V8YGbdguzdqrU80TH0B71naYgiWL67mkdyyj48C5o4J5a409ybAeuAlA2jmpWavLuW7KCVmvzOEaMHnM74vm10eZX3NR4IrLRp4lrj5epxFcRtvoiEwEMNEfNVI24/w640-h476/xt%20junco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark-eyed Junco<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was nearing Terrace Lake and at last I started to see a few other hikers, most of them descending from the park's main road above Terrace Lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0lL6rJhX6q8kiO7VqGnc1Mjx7m9ZpSzxOjeumr7JdVKCsoKsMf0sv3haeft_4NwZ_Wzj2HsJALHQS6-rOeD3ybPceRiiqkOySuRSagmGja5XpvS7xwhSJR_zogfoEMAsdue9yuKC9ov3t2AZomi_yXJDcrbfIwOd4ooFjs0MbgLPmkUsfmdvxdlt6EM/s1856/xu%20trail%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0lL6rJhX6q8kiO7VqGnc1Mjx7m9ZpSzxOjeumr7JdVKCsoKsMf0sv3haeft_4NwZ_Wzj2HsJALHQS6-rOeD3ybPceRiiqkOySuRSagmGja5XpvS7xwhSJR_zogfoEMAsdue9yuKC9ov3t2AZomi_yXJDcrbfIwOd4ooFjs0MbgLPmkUsfmdvxdlt6EM/w640-h426/xu%20trail%20top.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the height of the ridge between Shadow and Terrace Lakes I had a nice view over Terrace Lake, and a bit of Lassen Peak showing over its northwestern shore. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqOsmW7VpXm_2llpljVvFS3noT8mkby78Sj5wNkhD-KLvkEAfqEyH1H5ijfb1gurk3LnPfJO6d3kJd-IkawNdumZe8uSvIjQhwXPeOykUe76qQMVa3k_tAX8tWE99GPA8FFDOVDoX3J7Uf734w0luR2opH-1_-aF4YneRoD4Q2XvcwPelaATd_8hTL24/s1856/xw%20Terrace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqOsmW7VpXm_2llpljVvFS3noT8mkby78Sj5wNkhD-KLvkEAfqEyH1H5ijfb1gurk3LnPfJO6d3kJd-IkawNdumZe8uSvIjQhwXPeOykUe76qQMVa3k_tAX8tWE99GPA8FFDOVDoX3J7Uf734w0luR2opH-1_-aF4YneRoD4Q2XvcwPelaATd_8hTL24/w640-h426/xw%20Terrace.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrace Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made my way down to the lakeshore and found a place to sit and eat a quick snack just before the part of trail that was completely covered with snow. I was contemplating going on a bit further when I saw two other backpackers, father and daughter, that came up the trail and were struggling to cross the large snow patch that covered the trail in the west shore of terrace Lake. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0SdfB1Q93IO3HMrlACodVkdJAIrOn_XDM9brEqDFWEtq4UpvLG4HYbDF1s_uGky9EGEBE5hcISnS_aR50isBV6JM_VRtgOT-RnohggyeumuVLZkHotJTBn23spEFTBWeJY7D9uxTzfUR1D9iVWz_1aqwmylhtxeqTrxeUCDJbmgc4QI261KdzUUD5yI/s1856/xx%20Terrace%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0SdfB1Q93IO3HMrlACodVkdJAIrOn_XDM9brEqDFWEtq4UpvLG4HYbDF1s_uGky9EGEBE5hcISnS_aR50isBV6JM_VRtgOT-RnohggyeumuVLZkHotJTBn23spEFTBWeJY7D9uxTzfUR1D9iVWz_1aqwmylhtxeqTrxeUCDJbmgc4QI261KdzUUD5yI/w640-h426/xx%20Terrace%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrace Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could have crossed that snow too, but I figured it wud take me more time than I wanted to spend on this, especially since I didn't plan to go much beyond Terrace Lake. I finished my apple and started heading back. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2cNzLQefJm6y_ryQgcbC3cA0K1jXLmFaBMyF6Rj-RvOy9OBSTdQp2zd1610qKWGdLfDwctWhf1dPEds3OfviQ0WwL9RHisuPaYRMIWu2YezeVXnUbI0Uf2SgQruWi7MRhASanZiTlyNk468ZKmVPSYvsiEOO8FeWWrjayGsooRrZ0_j1ggGLlvvEEw4/s1856/xy%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2cNzLQefJm6y_ryQgcbC3cA0K1jXLmFaBMyF6Rj-RvOy9OBSTdQp2zd1610qKWGdLfDwctWhf1dPEds3OfviQ0WwL9RHisuPaYRMIWu2YezeVXnUbI0Uf2SgQruWi7MRhASanZiTlyNk468ZKmVPSYvsiEOO8FeWWrjayGsooRrZ0_j1ggGLlvvEEw4/w640-h426/xy%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrace Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made it quickly back to the ridge over Shadow Lake. Beyond the lake and below the heights of Lassen peak I saw the buttresses of other volcanoes, Hat Mountain being one of them. Below me Shadow Lake glistened in the sunlight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wlKZrtn_MegFRGqSmMeE2hY3_DCA-Honmd7SJOInPwMInirW0eG02eDDN_70RDA4il18p2Ykzsx_WHs33cBhzibI7aDSM6XHRLrxVb3n3ahkFP_3P6VYNWK6RC56j3fJX4EERN_W3v3NLTtUqS4yv81DqeN7yEAhHth9KBHh1aVRfHQEEdMfm2IZN80/s1856/xz%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wlKZrtn_MegFRGqSmMeE2hY3_DCA-Honmd7SJOInPwMInirW0eG02eDDN_70RDA4il18p2Ykzsx_WHs33cBhzibI7aDSM6XHRLrxVb3n3ahkFP_3P6VYNWK6RC56j3fJX4EERN_W3v3NLTtUqS4yv81DqeN7yEAhHth9KBHh1aVRfHQEEdMfm2IZN80/w640-h426/xz%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Started down the trail, descending to Shadow Lake. Half way there I stopped, gasping. The sun, hidden behind a tree, sent a river of light across the water. The sight was so magnificent that I stood there for a few long minutes, simply breathing it in. I chose one of the photos I took of the river of light as a header for this blogpost. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When I shifted my position while walking downhill the river of light disappeared. Instead I was dazzled by a cluster of shining little light dots near the lakeshore below me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVDa2lWeHdxyvG91WvJv8h7IFqLbK-pjiuuAbD5LPyat8DNwGV2ksQ82sKBNIrILLScj1t0y-xGwYMdAaj-5vYr1kqLOUz8s40ppMQKmpkJTq6Puyn7F-uDDy5dqe0VArNdfLJAWZqO2P3rwriEjrIZpzVi3E5LsXY-OXfzcKGLUu673Gx-GKRZeZ3kQ/s1856/yd%20lake%20lights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVDa2lWeHdxyvG91WvJv8h7IFqLbK-pjiuuAbD5LPyat8DNwGV2ksQ82sKBNIrILLScj1t0y-xGwYMdAaj-5vYr1kqLOUz8s40ppMQKmpkJTq6Puyn7F-uDDy5dqe0VArNdfLJAWZqO2P3rwriEjrIZpzVi3E5LsXY-OXfzcKGLUu673Gx-GKRZeZ3kQ/w640-h426/yd%20lake%20lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to zoom in on those little shiny fairies of light to make sure I wasn't imagining them. They too, disappeared once I resumed my hike. I don't know what caused this phenomenon, possibly water droplets hanging from some branch, focusing the sunlight like this. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKImAfrAIVVp50Y1fRtTfGjBA9JfUBC4Adjxo4rYKVNt2JWX2DnUTO1zFSDj0WgPrYJsnhc3MFwYx8RktUx3QHWL_JyqYxQIPul5aL4WfMp2NSGsdEG_AKVM2_JJJ2cEv3CVtynN7n_9fE2GD0f41T6DXIdcSHhKa_DwXXpbyBrF37eZbSF46tRHI_G30/s1856/ye%20light%20dots.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKImAfrAIVVp50Y1fRtTfGjBA9JfUBC4Adjxo4rYKVNt2JWX2DnUTO1zFSDj0WgPrYJsnhc3MFwYx8RktUx3QHWL_JyqYxQIPul5aL4WfMp2NSGsdEG_AKVM2_JJJ2cEv3CVtynN7n_9fE2GD0f41T6DXIdcSHhKa_DwXXpbyBrF37eZbSF46tRHI_G30/w640-h426/ye%20light%20dots.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Fairies</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I met a few other hikers on my way back along the trail. Most of them were coming uphill from where I started yesterday. Some where descending from the Terrace Lake trailhead on the higher part of the main park road. Either way, I was no longer alone on the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GIIRp3-vBbb490p2Tm4IPPRKwz-HTkbR5wnrnKR26kpWHXNDTLm1IS3l9DnnOmw_uu-KHBaXhWfvDe0k2prEAcxVVG60djAbUjoJ3N6L4pReXd87_aMNz0ZFQWWWAmCcIx048P5B4sSaepyPFtx1-mJShDSjnZXMYa6WTeyzpjsTXOBQmPE9YpRCbrw/s1856/yg%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GIIRp3-vBbb490p2Tm4IPPRKwz-HTkbR5wnrnKR26kpWHXNDTLm1IS3l9DnnOmw_uu-KHBaXhWfvDe0k2prEAcxVVG60djAbUjoJ3N6L4pReXd87_aMNz0ZFQWWWAmCcIx048P5B4sSaepyPFtx1-mJShDSjnZXMYa6WTeyzpjsTXOBQmPE9YpRCbrw/w640-h426/yg%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Past Shadow Lake I picked up my pace. Now I was going back, passing through the same trail I walked on earlier, seeing the same sights. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe82X-t0Fzv6U80nViEYs5UhPE8up2vb6N5POEkJsbe5UHY2umvGoBFVD9LhXGPU7SxLXW4CpZaQeUgVeb0TNZ_XklsQLvbvGoK96yA_rFt0_VsyF94elALSXJJDF4j2jF1hqaajcsGL1wPPRzf6PIonm1pi22QxE4Ie_WHb7grlVucmWdp7AeJzfxYE/s1856/yh%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe82X-t0Fzv6U80nViEYs5UhPE8up2vb6N5POEkJsbe5UHY2umvGoBFVD9LhXGPU7SxLXW4CpZaQeUgVeb0TNZ_XklsQLvbvGoK96yA_rFt0_VsyF94elALSXJJDF4j2jF1hqaajcsGL1wPPRzf6PIonm1pi22QxE4Ie_WHb7grlVucmWdp7AeJzfxYE/w640-h426/yh%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not exactly though. From the new point of view I did see different sights. Sights that prompted me to stop and take a better look, and more photographs. Like this snake-shaped snow 'river' on the mountainside ahead of me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QJNjXIVsS2Hzf2fLKhsZDqPLDZ2Hd1RBb_r-WFjsoqzwwWaxh_ejs37JRiOZYWkZDoWutndLAY5uiRjqZAJiUBayES0I_6VOvHtBloIWbwu_rJCHIZCltjD3Ha3Xb_1USDaXvMhq9290qN4smpAUQ5ZKUBVJ2jNCJJ7l8mE-lbAMMy9-0Uv_8JNPfoA/s1210/yk%20snow%20streak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1210" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QJNjXIVsS2Hzf2fLKhsZDqPLDZ2Hd1RBb_r-WFjsoqzwwWaxh_ejs37JRiOZYWkZDoWutndLAY5uiRjqZAJiUBayES0I_6VOvHtBloIWbwu_rJCHIZCltjD3Ha3Xb_1USDaXvMhq9290qN4smpAUQ5ZKUBVJ2jNCJJ7l8mE-lbAMMy9-0Uv_8JNPfoA/w640-h454/yk%20snow%20streak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I imagined myself skiing down that 'run' and smiled to myself. Even if it was an actual ski run, that slope would be too steep for my mediocre skiing skills. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrswpgkrnTirRurgvhIWviZbOrCwXfwDErwc4YaxnX4bskDOaL57TWg2AoU9-RwM0GdbFm7fiirf1qG5xhxGFrIE9Xl23HOI1IDWg1f1eHHd6ITbIWRksOW56SRxQo0YKuW1QyiZIsDiAHJgX_dCvuv5tEIaKn2JxJU4F3eMwXN0_ySTaQfB2PqgQxbM/s1856/yj%20snow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrswpgkrnTirRurgvhIWviZbOrCwXfwDErwc4YaxnX4bskDOaL57TWg2AoU9-RwM0GdbFm7fiirf1qG5xhxGFrIE9Xl23HOI1IDWg1f1eHHd6ITbIWRksOW56SRxQo0YKuW1QyiZIsDiAHJgX_dCvuv5tEIaKn2JxJU4F3eMwXN0_ySTaQfB2PqgQxbM/w640-h426/yj%20snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow 'Snake'</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On my way back I also had a nice high view of the creek I had crossed on my way up. The water was glistening in the sunlight. I saw that the creek was much wider than it looked to me when I crossed it earlier, and that the place where I crossed it was actually a bypass on the side of the actual trail, which was flooded. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbGCnBgAF3Ht2lOEDMOdQhSDgdMzg0dLC0DKPADc4WkNMrnkid8t5buq03EYORFAzNMzrrLESEN-iIjSAQohpfEemAzxVw6isQfOnhIxTGP14ixOFH2uknkXRwH5GmOGpVS6esFuxMyGUO3gRwkHUIIv1hOnFKqgAzs2T6LvzHceMRzUklhiBqYvQm5o/s1856/ym%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbGCnBgAF3Ht2lOEDMOdQhSDgdMzg0dLC0DKPADc4WkNMrnkid8t5buq03EYORFAzNMzrrLESEN-iIjSAQohpfEemAzxVw6isQfOnhIxTGP14ixOFH2uknkXRwH5GmOGpVS6esFuxMyGUO3gRwkHUIIv1hOnFKqgAzs2T6LvzHceMRzUklhiBqYvQm5o/w640-h426/ym%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I paused again after crossing that creek, this time taking photos of the downstream flow and the lush vegetation flanking it on both sides. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LRu8ViwKZBryU9on6qZMbRPS13SkY5ce-Zmh5lLCKh-wtlfWPhMERnEqdyVVomYpzQazc4iJxqK490cBzoUHb3qJJj9_gRDuD0CUwJNnA5FJLNqZQQsqDOeyGGEws537JYGZVZQnRiky3Rk6Qt-0iz-PUMU4v7RU0epSOm-Dg76XVbqPdhNHNkwF15s/s1856/yn%20carex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LRu8ViwKZBryU9on6qZMbRPS13SkY5ce-Zmh5lLCKh-wtlfWPhMERnEqdyVVomYpzQazc4iJxqK490cBzoUHb3qJJj9_gRDuD0CUwJNnA5FJLNqZQQsqDOeyGGEws537JYGZVZQnRiky3Rk6Qt-0iz-PUMU4v7RU0epSOm-Dg76XVbqPdhNHNkwF15s/w640-h426/yn%20carex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I passed the no name pnd without stopping and continued on. Before descending into the meadow near which I camped, I noticed a pink patch by the trail, a patch I had missed on the way up to the lakes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZhkjoOvGBAepkBf3ptN6lTqc4VOLSI1NJDfaYPbXZO8t6N68nJxE6HCrpBsYdzvT5uFdDhaqROGPpxh297NvsmY80YroiAx7_3Zk5h9MSTF4iO6L64sz9FOl-7-XlnZvikBl0fZa8no2YSuHIbpokLLeBEVFSanJ1FzIJrj-1xlaAivpRVOZDZlSusU/s1856/yq%20monkeyflower%20carpet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZhkjoOvGBAepkBf3ptN6lTqc4VOLSI1NJDfaYPbXZO8t6N68nJxE6HCrpBsYdzvT5uFdDhaqROGPpxh297NvsmY80YroiAx7_3Zk5h9MSTF4iO6L64sz9FOl-7-XlnZvikBl0fZa8no2YSuHIbpokLLeBEVFSanJ1FzIJrj-1xlaAivpRVOZDZlSusU/w640-h426/yq%20monkeyflower%20carpet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeyflower Patch</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Carefully, not to tread on any flowers, I approached the pink patch and took a closer photo. Still, I'm not sure of the species. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShYIHiMdDoSPnbyd6LKPUIfIQKT-GJRuF6G7iFtDzFJeXAOaHaSirUVH0CQF93jztirwFvCrBiWRmDrMbyaYhe3_Gnz5gqWa02IQqbmF-RunRFUScL_4lfobMeK1x6JnJd5fccCOzxMtC_LvQSMEYzoQUMImRB5jOveFG0Z2dBUi7_VsvfFHGv5yCSU0/s1856/ys%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShYIHiMdDoSPnbyd6LKPUIfIQKT-GJRuF6G7iFtDzFJeXAOaHaSirUVH0CQF93jztirwFvCrBiWRmDrMbyaYhe3_Gnz5gqWa02IQqbmF-RunRFUScL_4lfobMeK1x6JnJd5fccCOzxMtC_LvQSMEYzoQUMImRB5jOveFG0Z2dBUi7_VsvfFHGv5yCSU0/w640-h427/ys%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeyflower, Diplacus sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the junction with the Cliff Lake trail I paused and thought about going down there again. After a few seconds I ditched the idea and continued downhill: I still needed to finish packing my camping gear and finish the hike, and I still had a 5 hours drive ahead of me that day. I also discontinued my navigator, which was running out of battery. The route I hiked out was the same one I came up on yesterday. This time however, I wasn't fatigued and I had much better illumination to photograph the wildflowers on the way. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B-z7J2HFRwukW2YSiqhaMu6EDDhblmisV1KSoWGU6Yb2isa-a7SuI5I5ngRm414joek6IdLh_oFay2oKQXHIvdy6SJUHwJzQaOMjF_-y4h0VeZqd0h2UUUzYMMJQZPV4AOE8s0Pifqcs10rZJMPoAYBIiKDfNmovu4wc3qncsBZk_n1MsJgutwVT0VQ/s1572/yu%20leweisia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1572" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B-z7J2HFRwukW2YSiqhaMu6EDDhblmisV1KSoWGU6Yb2isa-a7SuI5I5ngRm414joek6IdLh_oFay2oKQXHIvdy6SJUHwJzQaOMjF_-y4h0VeZqd0h2UUUzYMMJQZPV4AOE8s0Pifqcs10rZJMPoAYBIiKDfNmovu4wc3qncsBZk_n1MsJgutwVT0VQ/w640-h467/yu%20leweisia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-leaved Lewisia, Lewisia triphylla </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I reached my camp site and packed everything I left behind in a few minutes. Then I sat down on a log and breathed deeply for a few more minutes, inhaling the mountain air. Eventually I got up, hoisted my backpack, and started down the trail on my way put.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIByr0GvAUf0QDXer4eEnUqyvwITOWYrUNXXQXANyH3lGJtGEuG2Q0UVIiW452-e3T5WFm1VyRntSxpa0K4JZQAhkYYFuaH924TpeSnIItIF7a6mgS4ihJyHKKETRAvlvdAPyNpWD0jHsZjM3oA6HiJO0IoT99ijN5zboJ9UAg6UKKL1D6iMsnG4vLYQ/s1430/yw%20Castilleja.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1430" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIByr0GvAUf0QDXer4eEnUqyvwITOWYrUNXXQXANyH3lGJtGEuG2Q0UVIiW452-e3T5WFm1VyRntSxpa0K4JZQAhkYYFuaH924TpeSnIItIF7a6mgS4ihJyHKKETRAvlvdAPyNpWD0jHsZjM3oA6HiJO0IoT99ijN5zboJ9UAg6UKKL1D6iMsnG4vLYQ/w640-h426/yw%20Castilleja.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobwebby Paintbrush, Castilleja arachnoidea</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Reaching the long, narrow meadow near my camp site I paused again and looked at Reading Peak. This mountain doesn't have a trail to its summit but I do thin that people go up there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYVnJMdtDt59KK_UFfl493YHMu2WAwvcJoZgDFlVINvCgha9eCrk36F2R9JY8yxBxoeIwYA4z8iw0tv3fqDE4RgycRy2O9eyAtIImjb5_6z7K_rRaVA9xmVwJVUFRfI994MLDPBC5Fle9w8L8QfPS_IflqPk9JJ-HGIiHvuQWdThkIDTh-6Z_zwirQag/s1856/yx%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYVnJMdtDt59KK_UFfl493YHMu2WAwvcJoZgDFlVINvCgha9eCrk36F2R9JY8yxBxoeIwYA4z8iw0tv3fqDE4RgycRy2O9eyAtIImjb5_6z7K_rRaVA9xmVwJVUFRfI994MLDPBC5Fle9w8L8QfPS_IflqPk9JJ-HGIiHvuQWdThkIDTh-6Z_zwirQag/w640-h426/yx%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow and Reading Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was mid morning and the light was perfect to photograph all the creekside wildflowers that I couldn't capture during yesterday's dusk. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaik45JFc1Wf677HcLLtEYPhqHlL-wFLLzJLvsfyStsiNdXkGYxGPjPR9b04LEHEkBooalqr1tnv_OHO7-wdOSLViULx882JariDv2HWy7Z0lvsR3Fik_B2u_LBqniCUxb-MVM7rVQP9yItL-5oNXbcG3X7y-dZhPtJbiuC-Pzn53QjpDJtHlQKDE6u8/s1856/yy%20shootingstar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaik45JFc1Wf677HcLLtEYPhqHlL-wFLLzJLvsfyStsiNdXkGYxGPjPR9b04LEHEkBooalqr1tnv_OHO7-wdOSLViULx882JariDv2HWy7Z0lvsR3Fik_B2u_LBqniCUxb-MVM7rVQP9yItL-5oNXbcG3X7y-dZhPtJbiuC-Pzn53QjpDJtHlQKDE6u8/w640-h427/yy%20shootingstar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Shootingstar, Primula tetrandra</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of these wildflowers were the tiny Macloskey's violet, which were so well hidden in the grass that I didn't see them at all while crossing the creek last evening. I noticed them only when I came to the creek to fetch some water and by then it was too dark to take photos. Now I had the time and there was plenty of light to capture these little beauties. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHcSjBuaiUZ5YAKIVUU4-h3Vlxd5x8i5eFvlapRivjwf85QEHpliWqTSFasc7ZKZogdvqgYBHugDjoKmEzjGyZ0hOmkv_22AbOulooYAc8NcZwIpdshDlwV_Pej_Weoqr63YQBtpiFXmmdb1K7LhlpYgfaXYkMjPCbaKAnsxpGoGvugqXiQ5hSeOUCXw/s1536/yz%20violet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1536" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHcSjBuaiUZ5YAKIVUU4-h3Vlxd5x8i5eFvlapRivjwf85QEHpliWqTSFasc7ZKZogdvqgYBHugDjoKmEzjGyZ0hOmkv_22AbOulooYAc8NcZwIpdshDlwV_Pej_Weoqr63YQBtpiFXmmdb1K7LhlpYgfaXYkMjPCbaKAnsxpGoGvugqXiQ5hSeOUCXw/w640-h470/yz%20violet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macloskey's Violet, Viola macloskeyi</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Past the creek on the dry earth there was much less greenery, but wildflowers were plenty still, including some nice patches of the pussypaws. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6rP55UUodUvxI2ka-YHN7AZ7QNujpsGc_h-jEt3FmJfk0W2U5se4Gb8y_kHdyaKWXDqiKRQ8nGq320e4FrtSDc6dfHtqkUQ3B1J7x5QE_NYUygw-G0yzD4N-JJw5jP0i2sGtUS5TCwkn5oRZyYp7UqspVvBhDb7JWBn_q52zU6QdD0AI1GRbhrxd4cg/s1395/ze%20pussypaws.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1395" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6rP55UUodUvxI2ka-YHN7AZ7QNujpsGc_h-jEt3FmJfk0W2U5se4Gb8y_kHdyaKWXDqiKRQ8nGq320e4FrtSDc6dfHtqkUQ3B1J7x5QE_NYUygw-G0yzD4N-JJw5jP0i2sGtUS5TCwkn5oRZyYp7UqspVvBhDb7JWBn_q52zU6QdD0AI1GRbhrxd4cg/w640-h454/ze%20pussypaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-seeded Pussypaws, Calyptridium monospermum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again I was hiking in on open forest, marching forward quickly when the trail was level, and carefully descending the trail ledges on my way downhill. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9arIdJiG9QjNDP51jKqh9TIe4wSlKYrR3bo4ts_o_KB6wtcISU-kBDY1WRtwj5Gp17CoX9mtLHpHfITN39ddi5lxjN2buX--A220zpP127bejn3JDRT1BDOQz3JeuINYvN9mdomFwz720KAV3MRI4TMfcIectNLktSAWdZk6rdyZCJ7tc2kPoLZyPt-M/s1856/zh%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9arIdJiG9QjNDP51jKqh9TIe4wSlKYrR3bo4ts_o_KB6wtcISU-kBDY1WRtwj5Gp17CoX9mtLHpHfITN39ddi5lxjN2buX--A220zpP127bejn3JDRT1BDOQz3JeuINYvN9mdomFwz720KAV3MRI4TMfcIectNLktSAWdZk6rdyZCJ7tc2kPoLZyPt-M/w640-h426/zh%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw many lupine plants blooming along the trail, of at least three different species. I think the last time I saw the narrow-flowered lupine was also in Lassen Volcanic NP, four years ago on a hike with my family to <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2019/08/getting-into-mountain-mood-hike-to-echo.html">Echo lake</a>. The are of Echo Lake, which also begins at the Summit Lake trailhead but extends to the other side, was completely burned. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ix0cKtRPrLH9Ux119Gg34lmMS7WXbi-w1G1Ib1p3bFZMvM0qwt-STMpvWFXdlMbD7XBaDYtB6pPbpC8so1e09-jiC-cdkEYaYWnMHjfq60vzrvsE_7Pt3LWJ4YhGqkFtZfE4jB2lUGxAKrbG-MQUuzBa_QC5aZ-kSlKsxEmY_cs8CrME20j1VKNFjnc/s1675/zg%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1675" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ix0cKtRPrLH9Ux119Gg34lmMS7WXbi-w1G1Ib1p3bFZMvM0qwt-STMpvWFXdlMbD7XBaDYtB6pPbpC8so1e09-jiC-cdkEYaYWnMHjfq60vzrvsE_7Pt3LWJ4YhGqkFtZfE4jB2lUGxAKrbG-MQUuzBa_QC5aZ-kSlKsxEmY_cs8CrME20j1VKNFjnc/w640-h428/zg%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow-flowered Lupine, Lupinus angustiflorus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was happy to see more of the slender penstemon that I've seen on my hikes to Snag Lake and to Prospect Peak on the two previous days.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqazJmSE1kycJkhukTqcBitMfa3n8KCjlC5bvVfpCNYiUg0rDkn6MjJxhp4r0nmRQYI1Db6ZQdMH1olBehywvq15Mnsx-VFeAxjF83t989vgqBEwKUyRIldH_RPqIsJCYvoUl7K-EkpPDvKsag64TWTTNTWOsNfmmKRstmlqryrp7-whaLcQJmI6ORGfE/s1339/zi%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1339" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqazJmSE1kycJkhukTqcBitMfa3n8KCjlC5bvVfpCNYiUg0rDkn6MjJxhp4r0nmRQYI1Db6ZQdMH1olBehywvq15Mnsx-VFeAxjF83t989vgqBEwKUyRIldH_RPqIsJCYvoUl7K-EkpPDvKsag64TWTTNTWOsNfmmKRstmlqryrp7-whaLcQJmI6ORGfE/w640-h450/zi%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Penstemon, Penstemon gracilentus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trees receded and I was walking on a thin trail cut through the low manzanita ground cover. I remembered from yesterday - not many wildflowers bloomed in that area. The manzanita cover was too thick. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLD_mCNvCHkrri3d7OvrckqYTj62xiAK5tBoFrVMmk0ykYqkaNYrzP1tvypsFmTgxWa3PmRE8HBJBQRLLuacYPi1DvoPauYpwoV83lz2gotT9DnyxoPX70U6IPcfHHxISSQSxk4coZdKsixmBhRNZjmz-EcM4QH-hXntcWYsr7gy9W_4U49yLYKNUaKQ/s1856/zl%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLD_mCNvCHkrri3d7OvrckqYTj62xiAK5tBoFrVMmk0ykYqkaNYrzP1tvypsFmTgxWa3PmRE8HBJBQRLLuacYPi1DvoPauYpwoV83lz2gotT9DnyxoPX70U6IPcfHHxISSQSxk4coZdKsixmBhRNZjmz-EcM4QH-hXntcWYsr7gy9W_4U49yLYKNUaKQ/w640-h426/zl%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trees were spaced enough for me to have a nice view of Hat Mountain.I saw its peak from the ridge over Shadow Lake. Now I had a better and clearer view. Hat Mountain also doesn't have a trail to its summit.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRicwzNiBdRQ1etIQdO4CLuc5NzzoOgzzSY6zwvRUl0PGPXO_b1uTTWvAuo_eXTxFWYpZSdPAEbUboEir2Zj1yz7AuCx_XIB3vdu32w6aHiqjRR2VyGFurtEkcH8uayvij2Cza7hB7TXv3JPqaH0O2TYhvR_kItGqhTZ6Z2sCcbnxDZE7XnCwcPXXvEs/s1856/zk%20hat%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRicwzNiBdRQ1etIQdO4CLuc5NzzoOgzzSY6zwvRUl0PGPXO_b1uTTWvAuo_eXTxFWYpZSdPAEbUboEir2Zj1yz7AuCx_XIB3vdu32w6aHiqjRR2VyGFurtEkcH8uayvij2Cza7hB7TXv3JPqaH0O2TYhvR_kItGqhTZ6Z2sCcbnxDZE7XnCwcPXXvEs/w640-h426/zk%20hat%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There weren't may wildflowers in the manzanita area, but butterflies were numerous. Most f them kept moving around a lot but every now and then one of them would pause long enough for me to take its photo. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW38M3Wphw8fDxMaGQ1O2W3qrxLj6-Bt-hG9saOEuJ9Ps2E0gXJ15fUOQIJTedYpqpg1VUhHApqWTwQdKP2FU1h_EvjBOVbFil6rcYT7Su-rBjZZ3oe_RSfHE5AaFrNc8yIa9J6XJhEn9M3qVwRq8LBXUJBFPIpRpYPgJE41I6EHM_fLP228Vz2W4CHk4/s1159/zm%20blue%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1159" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW38M3Wphw8fDxMaGQ1O2W3qrxLj6-Bt-hG9saOEuJ9Ps2E0gXJ15fUOQIJTedYpqpg1VUhHApqWTwQdKP2FU1h_EvjBOVbFil6rcYT7Su-rBjZZ3oe_RSfHE5AaFrNc8yIa9J6XJhEn9M3qVwRq8LBXUJBFPIpRpYPgJE41I6EHM_fLP228Vz2W4CHk4/w640-h476/zm%20blue%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Small shrubs of mountain monardella did grow here and there along the trail, exploiting the gap that the human hikers cut through the manzanita. The monardella was like a magnet to the butterflies. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BvZOjUz_ozJO_5I00DtsKWfXtKRcSnmtGanoFrl8mQK5HA1g_dBRmoiHywhk0RvzaXpWHL3tfU_TMx7Nu-QcLxUa1eaXXeSo0NGLnHYDljJZ_3UHYFYavsC8jeMntMW3eTN2S7T17OKZiwJoZ92TYnZgKTFdtE6wyd9b9OAZ6ZJ1RHBjD3vF9LMumKo/s1536/zo%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1536" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BvZOjUz_ozJO_5I00DtsKWfXtKRcSnmtGanoFrl8mQK5HA1g_dBRmoiHywhk0RvzaXpWHL3tfU_TMx7Nu-QcLxUa1eaXXeSo0NGLnHYDljJZ_3UHYFYavsC8jeMntMW3eTN2S7T17OKZiwJoZ92TYnZgKTFdtE6wyd9b9OAZ6ZJ1RHBjD3vF9LMumKo/w640-h444/zo%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortoiseshell Butterfly on Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I came down the final ledge and right back into the conifer forest. I knew that I was getting t the end of the hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzlLrjBlXlxVVCs6vUqT5laSJIRXkUDJAer75ujkl8I5wXRmOIjo8QTACM2Sy5rtWaZDmhUEwEKxGaRD1kIvPO381T7wCHWFKAx5dOHo_Fj-W80Kv7Vuosb4q4zpzalL_85Fl38a52ik-qmEDtCOBNnae_LsqprxGdqUYc4QfrGiAr_IfqW8tf01B3KE/s1856/zq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzlLrjBlXlxVVCs6vUqT5laSJIRXkUDJAer75ujkl8I5wXRmOIjo8QTACM2Sy5rtWaZDmhUEwEKxGaRD1kIvPO381T7wCHWFKAx5dOHo_Fj-W80Kv7Vuosb4q4zpzalL_85Fl38a52ik-qmEDtCOBNnae_LsqprxGdqUYc4QfrGiAr_IfqW8tf01B3KE/w640-h426/zq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was no more manzanita by the trail. Instead, there were many other plants. I was on the lookout fr birds but it was a movement below be that grabbed my attention. A small toad hopped across the trail and vanished in a crack under a log. Not before I captured a photo, though. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeq4nP2scn1-FNG_tOCOmufxJI0b7J8UUjJvtu6hnRYvtJ7tmxe-j2Hsl1Q2ZV0j2d6WSU7moZJtbRQJ4yiLVZL0KaOZgm6PE9zK6yp3jxZqyHko9Ywbtrc2rzE1_x1h4C-Xx5oro339cWz9P0x-JzU1cGCtzwhluRLMW-Fq0gECmRonuhrhhnowtFhY4/s1178/zs%20toad.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1178" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeq4nP2scn1-FNG_tOCOmufxJI0b7J8UUjJvtu6hnRYvtJ7tmxe-j2Hsl1Q2ZV0j2d6WSU7moZJtbRQJ4yiLVZL0KaOZgm6PE9zK6yp3jxZqyHko9Ywbtrc2rzE1_x1h4C-Xx5oro339cWz9P0x-JzU1cGCtzwhluRLMW-Fq0gECmRonuhrhhnowtFhY4/w640-h454/zs%20toad.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Toad</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was getting close to the trailhead and the wetland area that was hidden behind the trees there. I knew about it because it was marked on my map, and also because the mosquitoes shoed up again in that area. Knowing I'd take a shower that night, I stopped and smeared myself in the one deet wipe that I had with me. After that I could take the time and appreciated the mariposa lilies that bloomed in small clusters along the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r1nxkjPjsc-5Ow_xZKhJjTG2zPu-viJ037svLegM1rJBLC2PV03YJh3qrXmmHSaeIocghZU83gb4sH0z4yFEHifin8yvo5-1cvcWBUcKThBL3U51raJz0AIwIB035mWRNl5CcNw-5t4eyOYeqfbgJHiF9T1Kw5dnWVi66DRVDfCW4BWHLmNoVG8ZQO8/s1477/zu%20mariposa%20lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1477" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r1nxkjPjsc-5Ow_xZKhJjTG2zPu-viJ037svLegM1rJBLC2PV03YJh3qrXmmHSaeIocghZU83gb4sH0z4yFEHifin8yvo5-1cvcWBUcKThBL3U51raJz0AIwIB035mWRNl5CcNw-5t4eyOYeqfbgJHiF9T1Kw5dnWVi66DRVDfCW4BWHLmNoVG8ZQO8/w640-h440/zu%20mariposa%20lily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Mariposa Lily, Calochortus minimus </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another flower that bloomed there in excess was the pinewood lousewort. This one is really hard to photograph because its flowers are at ground level beneath the leaves. On my way up yesterday I didn't get a good photo of that plant. This time I got an acceptable one. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWQbjajt6KFyvjsVfR34ehuTca7DKH06uCti_Pzoxedw48m2GkvakaWcubPaTbRjY2NutLsQFu7rJjLPwSgNQ7jyx-V4anZ-77bH-aZfUWt6yNik5SXYDcJ1NMjm0PJGEGRxxnXPikPjnachiFnWmR0n-3nr6tpd5h0NQpT3WgC8OgYOXepN-svbgedg/s1347/zw%20lousewort.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1347" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWQbjajt6KFyvjsVfR34ehuTca7DKH06uCti_Pzoxedw48m2GkvakaWcubPaTbRjY2NutLsQFu7rJjLPwSgNQ7jyx-V4anZ-77bH-aZfUWt6yNik5SXYDcJ1NMjm0PJGEGRxxnXPikPjnachiFnWmR0n-3nr6tpd5h0NQpT3WgC8OgYOXepN-svbgedg/w640-h422/zw%20lousewort.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinewood Lousewort, Pedicularis semibarbata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I reached the main park road but my hike wasn't over. I still had to walk back to my car, about a quarter mile away. Not long, not difficult, but sow nonetheless. That part of the road has no shoulders and every time a car came by I had to squeeze myself to the vegetation on the side of the road. There were lupines blooming in the gravel on the side. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjIcMi_033Qb3uQ_aTegNGLu0sQLxI_6FURbi_gYM3gs9V6x42X8wcJMZBSS3rKRuB1oqFJ_JrcId9SFkG09T_jVhzphg6YMv7YnmOKUyP021Oru-u8TFpz5C-tH6VQXwpPImp4MWQ_x7ksTvmH0Ra6mk-SQhq0Vf1hms0nXmCjBWo_RiY9eLe_8zfbk/s1263/zy%20Tidy%20Lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1263" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjIcMi_033Qb3uQ_aTegNGLu0sQLxI_6FURbi_gYM3gs9V6x42X8wcJMZBSS3rKRuB1oqFJ_JrcId9SFkG09T_jVhzphg6YMv7YnmOKUyP021Oru-u8TFpz5C-tH6VQXwpPImp4MWQ_x7ksTvmH0Ra6mk-SQhq0Vf1hms0nXmCjBWo_RiY9eLe_8zfbk/w640-h462/zy%20Tidy%20Lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy Lupine, Lupinus lepidus </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The creek crosses the road near the parking lot and a cluster of cornlilies bloomed there. i saw them yesterday but then I was too pressed for time to take a closer look. This time I did. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71tR5yc9-S5rCWKY5aZwe5T3JTo00NpLAyCrpV7CrD3JqzPq2HR9bGMGy1Rf0r0t2Nc84HrCiwT_i3tu2kCxhOf75l-ViMmn_J6ZlyuZqtgu7Q4wUmN86Or6qs9rCWeyrGyvbmteyFG71g9hgqw0pAiIHqTcrp3ykjGZ15fvmV8sAL0ZSJeaZCGj8Nrk/s1689/zz%20cornlily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1689" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71tR5yc9-S5rCWKY5aZwe5T3JTo00NpLAyCrpV7CrD3JqzPq2HR9bGMGy1Rf0r0t2Nc84HrCiwT_i3tu2kCxhOf75l-ViMmn_J6ZlyuZqtgu7Q4wUmN86Or6qs9rCWeyrGyvbmteyFG71g9hgqw0pAiIHqTcrp3ykjGZ15fvmV8sAL0ZSJeaZCGj8Nrk/w640-h434/zz%20cornlily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Cornlily, Veratrum californicum </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> At the car I took my time changing from shoes to sandals and eating a quick snack. I needed to get back home and start getting ready for my next trip to Marble Mountain Wilderness which was planned for the following weekend. I didn't want to leave Lassen Park just yet. I sat there for a while, but eventually I had to say goodbye and drive away. See you next year, Lassen Volcanic National Park! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-28861869464669414052023-09-30T23:00:00.007-07:002023-10-12T23:51:09.554-07:00Up to the High Lakes of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Day 1<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG0LPw_Zw6cBt3pko-VeT54LN9uVE6CVLZNTip893dn9tTH5zgMbdA_ag6Ya593l3ipeTOPJJcCEq58jR3_ByQF5g1iYFFyej6wyt6QgcztMk1PtvOq8jd_nOl0jGL7a8_iiLWNHS6V90P064MvIY4St4Rp9gh0HC24AZPvjfC0fPcHhC2IwghmskMXA/s1856/vt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG0LPw_Zw6cBt3pko-VeT54LN9uVE6CVLZNTip893dn9tTH5zgMbdA_ag6Ya593l3ipeTOPJJcCEq58jR3_ByQF5g1iYFFyej6wyt6QgcztMk1PtvOq8jd_nOl0jGL7a8_iiLWNHS6V90P064MvIY4St4Rp9gh0HC24AZPvjfC0fPcHhC2IwghmskMXA/w640-h426/vt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 28, 2023<br />Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Old Station, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 40.498199, -121.429734 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 2 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: moderate</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I planned my trip to Lassen Volcanic National park last July, I was able to book a campsite for only two nights, and that was at the Butte Lake Campground, from which I set out on my <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/08/on-re-discovery-hike-around-butte-lake.html">Snag Lake hike</a> and my <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/09/prospecting-for-natures-beauty-hiking.html">Prospect Peak hike</a>. On the third night, which was Saturday night, all the campgrounds in the park and vicinity were already booked. Wilderness permits however, were plentiful, so I booked myself a wilderness permit for Saturday night at the Summit Lake Trailhead area. When the time to head out came it was late in the afternoon and I was already after a long and tiring hike up Prospect Peak. I hoped to hike in until I find a place to camp for the night. </div><div>My original thought was to hike a loop between Summit Lake, Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes, and Paradise Meadow. Having some time constraints I eventually settled for going up to Cliff and Terrace Lakes and return the same way. Camping near the lakes is not allowed but I hoped to find a suitable site near the creek before reaching the lakes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngjpCM8RYg6IRh4dKhr4vkYrZ04cAcR2W381f4RIKtnGj0ixIUAjybsh0rSlXDRls99c47Osxm70KE0YyA7DEXBuyFCyISgToqdQTDk5lCCJ25uNwQUPsL7Av_RBRfi8BbvonRNMnv2TZaaARnIIzgrHQ55S7jI1dtiKc6dolEKvz3Pmb5uBxCMzya48/s2032/2%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2032" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngjpCM8RYg6IRh4dKhr4vkYrZ04cAcR2W381f4RIKtnGj0ixIUAjybsh0rSlXDRls99c47Osxm70KE0YyA7DEXBuyFCyISgToqdQTDk5lCCJ25uNwQUPsL7Av_RBRfi8BbvonRNMnv2TZaaARnIIzgrHQ55S7jI1dtiKc6dolEKvz3Pmb5uBxCMzya48/w640-h484/2%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hike as captured by my GPS</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div>The ranger at the Loomis Visitor Center told me there was still much snow in the area of the lakes. He also informed me that camping near the lake is prohibited. I'd find suitable campsites before Cliff Lake, he said. </div><div>I parked at the Summit Lake Ranger Station Parking area. Its a short walk along the road from there to the actual trailhead, which is almost hidden between the trees. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAt7vu701QqwVwTP1nSeCorpoR7fGN02FRhBtb9dUp9hDBGn_p7JHycWn-3I-OP8aH9rchfZ0jOwOaQfSZngBb_1WC8LsubwfgZj5UdLlW39xdHaOpQ27qJNuREOyj3tC66UeDQS4g19mU8vLML13aEno3l4khDk14vBsUEUOic1IZ_cuELYIgOhe44Q/s1856/vp%20trailhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAt7vu701QqwVwTP1nSeCorpoR7fGN02FRhBtb9dUp9hDBGn_p7JHycWn-3I-OP8aH9rchfZ0jOwOaQfSZngBb_1WC8LsubwfgZj5UdLlW39xdHaOpQ27qJNuREOyj3tC66UeDQS4g19mU8vLML13aEno3l4khDk14vBsUEUOic1IZ_cuELYIgOhe44Q/w640-h426/vp%20trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail begun level, inside a conifer forest. The trees were not too thick so there was nice undergrowth, and much of it was in bloom. Because the day was already getting old the lighting was poor and many of my photos didn't come out best. I got a second chance to photograph with much better lighting on my way out on the morrow. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIguJNzx7Sbkcmk00BnYr_Bo1W798e5T25X1p-TUZpOu1fBSnyv0O9pkqhOjSpLhuhSY5qlIxaRfP1D-k1ZQKkgrTNWsNU5kNtUlMbmCUoH7oLVyatNa32tBFdbEUztZ5q5NJHRHwemOBij_ItaAg5t0fRYk9Fwk-vhKKwc8pHmmFVKYD4K43gPLnhDpM/s1156/vq%20fleabane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1156" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIguJNzx7Sbkcmk00BnYr_Bo1W798e5T25X1p-TUZpOu1fBSnyv0O9pkqhOjSpLhuhSY5qlIxaRfP1D-k1ZQKkgrTNWsNU5kNtUlMbmCUoH7oLVyatNa32tBFdbEUztZ5q5NJHRHwemOBij_ItaAg5t0fRYk9Fwk-vhKKwc8pHmmFVKYD4K43gPLnhDpM/w640-h484/vq%20fleabane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleabane, Erigeron sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the mariposa lilies I saw along the trail I photographed so many times that I had plenty to choose from. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMgxlo0eKnN_UGWzMii0S1eUaxqovbR66Ov3R6zB-mtjPIiN1I_GUAn3-CQO2cJ-eK_g5mf0de5q9hUIXdTYnZ27nPcLMZMHP0EZRtklj_dtugr2WeIXBWGUu40lD5TkVHkeBR4BgEVpQ8lHrae2l4LnslQRKBc_Oi4spR4hO-Mv-J3wcfd0tv_Majy0/s1786/vr%20mariposa%20lilt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1786" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMgxlo0eKnN_UGWzMii0S1eUaxqovbR66Ov3R6zB-mtjPIiN1I_GUAn3-CQO2cJ-eK_g5mf0de5q9hUIXdTYnZ27nPcLMZMHP0EZRtklj_dtugr2WeIXBWGUu40lD5TkVHkeBR4BgEVpQ8lHrae2l4LnslQRKBc_Oi4spR4hO-Mv-J3wcfd0tv_Majy0/w640-h486/vr%20mariposa%20lilt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Mariposa Lily, Calochortus minimus</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is a wetland area near the trailhead. I didn't see it but I did feel its little, annoying representatives - the mosquitoes. I didn't want to smear the stinky deet all over me so I picked up my pace in an effort to leave the wetland and the mosquitoes behind me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJGm5PbxgXJjlB0bM50fKfeLW-mUolz8cVsMnOLIF63ROtGsD50kDOFMEMk637TTjfVcoWTrnEPxt3hcLiTDpK2f3gmyAKFQad8jFgukjqfGWUZ7DNJBKEg8KO02opgIUveGJGvq8ES26rxQFrqB-WiRX8l-_olMHel2eh5aKkQuOuQ3GptC7LudctF0/s1856/vu%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJGm5PbxgXJjlB0bM50fKfeLW-mUolz8cVsMnOLIF63ROtGsD50kDOFMEMk637TTjfVcoWTrnEPxt3hcLiTDpK2f3gmyAKFQad8jFgukjqfGWUZ7DNJBKEg8KO02opgIUveGJGvq8ES26rxQFrqB-WiRX8l-_olMHel2eh5aKkQuOuQ3GptC7LudctF0/w640-h426/vu%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little grasshoppers jumped from beneath my feet, bursting into short flights, displaying colorful wings in yellow and orange. I saw them on my earlier hikes to Snag Lake and to Prospect Peak. On those hikes the grasshoppers were too quick for me to capture, but now i managed to get one of them on camera just before it too popped into the air. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeug_ehLVBhxkfN5lIL5OqEdYwn2dtEW4TzJNLdiTiOwX2kA65M0i44uvruEIcsuPwZ5xybprX0MzAEYbHxWNOL2B-dNzogYAyG8jiVRN0ycmEbUGeyRxhAm0PQDqu3-eSbPswt7o72gjEXB7c-GhLlrWH6HNTlZ4Sk87N_7lUnZjcWKdKIGnfqfUpDk4/s1508/vv%20grasshopper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1508" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeug_ehLVBhxkfN5lIL5OqEdYwn2dtEW4TzJNLdiTiOwX2kA65M0i44uvruEIcsuPwZ5xybprX0MzAEYbHxWNOL2B-dNzogYAyG8jiVRN0ycmEbUGeyRxhAm0PQDqu3-eSbPswt7o72gjEXB7c-GhLlrWH6HNTlZ4Sk87N_7lUnZjcWKdKIGnfqfUpDk4/w640-h470/vv%20grasshopper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshopper</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a good half a mile of nearly flat, and mostly shaded hike, the trail started sloping up and the conifer forest receded, making way for low manzanita ground cover. Going uphill now, I felt again my fatigue, having had two very strenuous hikes earlier that day and on the day before. I slowed down my pace and kept looking at my navigator to estimate how much I had yet to go. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlB45LMK0L-v2oZ0_R7qyEWzihzaJe6vaZL93VOUBx8vTmQz3rLPxXYU0-qpD0gg0BuYN-wUNFQElPrYkNWsR46PiZ7sIQq_QMxlZQDXGFfP6xMZjfx36o_DvvvUpzJwxbu7IE0cfmin9InoPiyPHcJ1uevG3oIfw5bqINKp9Qs5Xyc842v7ApRNamQ4/s1856/vx%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlB45LMK0L-v2oZ0_R7qyEWzihzaJe6vaZL93VOUBx8vTmQz3rLPxXYU0-qpD0gg0BuYN-wUNFQElPrYkNWsR46PiZ7sIQq_QMxlZQDXGFfP6xMZjfx36o_DvvvUpzJwxbu7IE0cfmin9InoPiyPHcJ1uevG3oIfw5bqINKp9Qs5Xyc842v7ApRNamQ4/w640-h426/vx%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The manzanita ground cover was pretty uniform, leaving very little room for other plants to grow there. Near the trail grew a few other plants here and there, and they were in bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BpMaOAxB3BplhyKu_8YCk4MF0t4QQ06HbQrZQcNVu6K_Bl40IZP7zhW1JhpfvkKgswy0-JJkh8cCWUoHoRssj3ZyE6GeM-H4579DfSdgHGsyYo90KaWmwkq762nNLuUeXRdIFXlEeDG45SOZptijG2liIvSr9u8zpsikc3-MbPgY3USeR9k75LCG-rQ/s1856/vw%20castilleja.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BpMaOAxB3BplhyKu_8YCk4MF0t4QQ06HbQrZQcNVu6K_Bl40IZP7zhW1JhpfvkKgswy0-JJkh8cCWUoHoRssj3ZyE6GeM-H4579DfSdgHGsyYo90KaWmwkq762nNLuUeXRdIFXlEeDG45SOZptijG2liIvSr9u8zpsikc3-MbPgY3USeR9k75LCG-rQ/w640-h427/vw%20castilleja.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobwebby Paintbrush, Castilleja arachnoidea </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The manzanita didn't cover larger rocky spaces, but the now familiar to me slender penstemon thrived in the rock crevices. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6HAHO674mKN_sFAvLB6rSry6pwqQchov_NWzFjQvc1M4-QdJroAki7d151YnN9YjVos6TfeAv5OoytCfeQwpbYie6A5R4l6WfGOcAiRwdJlMqBg9lZ11CRw29leUO3XHVMclrowV7hLHq9E9sR7Kulno2UWUZ3eoc_TSWVjoKmuGzZwDfWkAxsFQH1s/s1446/vy%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1446" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6HAHO674mKN_sFAvLB6rSry6pwqQchov_NWzFjQvc1M4-QdJroAki7d151YnN9YjVos6TfeAv5OoytCfeQwpbYie6A5R4l6WfGOcAiRwdJlMqBg9lZ11CRw29leUO3XHVMclrowV7hLHq9E9sR7Kulno2UWUZ3eoc_TSWVjoKmuGzZwDfWkAxsFQH1s/w640-h442/vy%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Penstemon, Penstemon gracilentus </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple of day hikers descended from the lakes area. We met on the trail and we chatted for a little bit. They informed me that there was only little snow up by the lakes, despite what the ranger had told me. They also said that they didn't see anyone camping up the trail. I figured I shouldn't have much competition over desirable camping spots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSb58VN1IH8hbkgdbWd3RcTL_SUFVGnMM7Ss8EmDpMDFevSOOSpHoTtrne96ATjCaaRDlQuL6QGsHujhhxxjyE5h5YZnu7rC9pOUOGr3TGOOR2vA7YJyLGMuNccK7JgEagGE9Z5K7q8br1A8UnU3RZNPa79O7gFvg1FME44c750urE70KxR3AKmMaT10/s1856/vz%20mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSb58VN1IH8hbkgdbWd3RcTL_SUFVGnMM7Ss8EmDpMDFevSOOSpHoTtrne96ATjCaaRDlQuL6QGsHujhhxxjyE5h5YZnu7rC9pOUOGr3TGOOR2vA7YJyLGMuNccK7JgEagGE9Z5K7q8br1A8UnU3RZNPa79O7gFvg1FME44c750urE70KxR3AKmMaT10/w640-h426/vz%20mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I continued uphill slowly. I even stopped at one place to rest a little bit and drink water, and to listen to the shrill calls of the Clark's nutcracker from a nearby tree. The day was warm still, but getting cooler by the minute. The sun was getting low. I wasn't worried yet but I knew I'd have to find a place to camp soon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UNJSUW3OvK4FIgwpr8mSYuUprrf7VwkdJ6_sZB-Y4MZo3gXS7eaAx_7D1lFng_W_Dw4vAvf2iLP-KeVBdMQeADYzhkwJsl-t10TLNlTrtksw4VjYcC1qO_Y06k2e8U6toU48ik_RtKVxh-LN5Po2PrpmD4ycOfpxIy-Ig0M_BGiga_xxN2W_OZlhx4c/s1367/wa%20nutcracker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1367" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UNJSUW3OvK4FIgwpr8mSYuUprrf7VwkdJ6_sZB-Y4MZo3gXS7eaAx_7D1lFng_W_Dw4vAvf2iLP-KeVBdMQeADYzhkwJsl-t10TLNlTrtksw4VjYcC1qO_Y06k2e8U6toU48ik_RtKVxh-LN5Po2PrpmD4ycOfpxIy-Ig0M_BGiga_xxN2W_OZlhx4c/w640-h470/wa%20nutcracker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark's Nutcracker</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail leveled again and once more I was walking in a shaded forest. The air cooled but as long as I kept moving I didn't feel cold. The trail was now too far from the main creek. Having water near the campsite was a must. Snow was an option too, but a less desirable one because wood stoves are not allowed in Lassen Volcanic National park, and melting snow would use up my camp fuel. Thankfully, that was not an issue on my hike because soon enough I started crossing side brooks that were flowing nicely. They were narrow enough to be crossed with a single hop, even while carrying a heavy backpack. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MNAtWeIiO67LtgGN_JRJ4AuNv94aXFwPJtO8UtwZp4vSVe8mb4GrBQA72bJFk_u65U0jTnawjQ-AvyrFLHXnBscdOGQYHI6ImZ8DmeZq9YQXfjc_WxLYDpdejGOOz4SAm3RET2uC52gIBQLchSRgaabgQVM1VM36M4AdkhV5Oie8cLNfU7qqO5ZSXI4/s1856/wb%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MNAtWeIiO67LtgGN_JRJ4AuNv94aXFwPJtO8UtwZp4vSVe8mb4GrBQA72bJFk_u65U0jTnawjQ-AvyrFLHXnBscdOGQYHI6ImZ8DmeZq9YQXfjc_WxLYDpdejGOOz4SAm3RET2uC52gIBQLchSRgaabgQVM1VM36M4AdkhV5Oie8cLNfU7qqO5ZSXI4/w640-h426/wb%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brook</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started looking out for suitable camping places. I could have probably pitched my tent almost anywhere but I looked specifically for places that were used before so i won't have to clear the ground and scar the wilderness with my camping. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSV2AAZlPdt1F_wOC5fY_A8R-VcDFq34QmqlwJGuxph49wRchQae4mQ5zTqw_EuixBxiFHJ0pp8koB3kksC0jyw7QXRYD1s4no8OTNJ7CpqtCuF6IdiGA0m3bJvi_dpGwsy1IKT3eNjl_ZcUFlKKRbpoMccO0PpZFl-5Jc_dYKjA4f0l02j1wAbIkIJI/s1856/wc%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSV2AAZlPdt1F_wOC5fY_A8R-VcDFq34QmqlwJGuxph49wRchQae4mQ5zTqw_EuixBxiFHJ0pp8koB3kksC0jyw7QXRYD1s4no8OTNJ7CpqtCuF6IdiGA0m3bJvi_dpGwsy1IKT3eNjl_ZcUFlKKRbpoMccO0PpZFl-5Jc_dYKjA4f0l02j1wAbIkIJI/w640-h426/wc%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I crossed another, smaller brook. There were wildflowers blooming along its banks but the light was too low to take any good photos. I resigned to trying again tomorrow, at a better lighting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ljn8KsU2F11dVe9UgAvtWQPm7gU66DjQx1tVI_NUmJfSseo5IgkRcMsX1Ui48FFFwixxm9rGAJMpcO3TRzXaWhBGyjwF5rK1cJbBeK_ZetpV78-cEwdqG6U_z5hwjdQtJAmrOlE3q3WYy5IVZnz4amrrubuZWZ95_PYQOLfEN83DG_jySyVBOXNaiYw/s1856/wd%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ljn8KsU2F11dVe9UgAvtWQPm7gU66DjQx1tVI_NUmJfSseo5IgkRcMsX1Ui48FFFwixxm9rGAJMpcO3TRzXaWhBGyjwF5rK1cJbBeK_ZetpV78-cEwdqG6U_z5hwjdQtJAmrOlE3q3WYy5IVZnz4amrrubuZWZ95_PYQOLfEN83DG_jySyVBOXNaiYw/w640-h426/wd%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of a sudden the forest opened up and a long, narrow meadow came into view. The meadow was beautiful, lush and green, and on the other side of it loomed Reading Peak. A couple of snow patches adorned Reading Peak, but for the most, the mountain seemed exposed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDncIOk2lPmhtbVqRaV69Km2AN8oxMC7FQQk8yRd0qiiWYsOokAEo5qOCjnCJnPkIiIzYU0QPM-DI7hhi-qBn845zfbcUbvYiYWV4oiqDA1OMi4rwFLptiCUjUTAnlpQ8gdkennverdKCjhCNHZ-1K6aUt_qTgAQ2YJK21gsoPEe_IOxtm9D2iFaFb2Zc/s1856/we%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDncIOk2lPmhtbVqRaV69Km2AN8oxMC7FQQk8yRd0qiiWYsOokAEo5qOCjnCJnPkIiIzYU0QPM-DI7hhi-qBn845zfbcUbvYiYWV4oiqDA1OMi4rwFLptiCUjUTAnlpQ8gdkennverdKCjhCNHZ-1K6aUt_qTgAQ2YJK21gsoPEe_IOxtm9D2iFaFb2Zc/w640-h426/we%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow and Reading Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crossing the creek that flowed through the meadow was a bit more challenging because both of its banks were very muddy. This creek was too wide to hop across, but there were two strategically placed planks of wood and I balance-walked to the other side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm98pXA8P8TUth7-lYtyySK9kc8Hj63Hks9u8cEvWTuWVWiox3J-azFWRus0bUcR5qxT5dN20b2lY9muPFzFsG_e0Lxp1olmthIJLReEW7zQOWTTQJQf_yke3Z2h3iywGpfH-oH-R1BFMIg7SGBF9sJMNkIC4odi-g30nHflvcP1iVvQj1MOzp9WxNCM/s1762/wf%20meadow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1762" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm98pXA8P8TUth7-lYtyySK9kc8Hj63Hks9u8cEvWTuWVWiox3J-azFWRus0bUcR5qxT5dN20b2lY9muPFzFsG_e0Lxp1olmthIJLReEW7zQOWTTQJQf_yke3Z2h3iywGpfH-oH-R1BFMIg7SGBF9sJMNkIC4odi-g30nHflvcP1iVvQj1MOzp9WxNCM/w640-h422/wf%20meadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just there, distant enough from the meadow and just off the trail I found a suitable campsite, one that was clearly used before. I dropped my backpack and quickly pitched my tent as the sun was touching the horizon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHgUuW7w7d03qNVRNmiFl4kcqilBlEyHt0hhxjAWSV89jx_jrPcv3oC1XNaD4n1M_xCH0g-DF7rmIhleMVYXFIbmH1cNM18j-kN4Ze2UKBDAHTdXJ7YF9iM4Xh8DczXyNkW5Sw7frphljjf4k5LnzTjWmQ4oEKnYvRCm9j421ETcGdLhfvTs8jhPwIsk/s1856/wg%20sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHgUuW7w7d03qNVRNmiFl4kcqilBlEyHt0hhxjAWSV89jx_jrPcv3oC1XNaD4n1M_xCH0g-DF7rmIhleMVYXFIbmH1cNM18j-kN4Ze2UKBDAHTdXJ7YF9iM4Xh8DczXyNkW5Sw7frphljjf4k5LnzTjWmQ4oEKnYvRCm9j421ETcGdLhfvTs8jhPwIsk/w640-h426/wg%20sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My place of night's rest</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sun had set. I had enough daylight still to fetch water from the creek and to prepare dinner. I was all alone there, with no sign of any other human around, nor any wildlife larger than a squirrel. Tired and relaxed I entered my tent and went to sleep. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/09/up-to-high-lakes-of-lassen-volcanic.html">Link to part 2 of this hike</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-27056802429665535142023-09-25T22:28:00.001-07:002023-09-25T22:28:30.105-07:00Prospecting for Nature's Beauty: Hiking Prospect Peak in Lassen Volcanic NP<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiONDTVcgEpJP_W9yPdz7_mawLqXQ635UkuTzxYvU3iB1Kipi8oEiz_IwuoDRQNw5M_FF2Nbh8a3K_nq_7xQzQ9zMsT6qxx8Z3Y0UeUQUkd7KwqzXONMKWQ2gSmfKrvhe3pO7c0fyBc4H_Xz-_bfsn0UHtcm7ekbARGFtv8JqPy0CZ_do8xDx8gtHXdHE/s1856/ym%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiONDTVcgEpJP_W9yPdz7_mawLqXQ635UkuTzxYvU3iB1Kipi8oEiz_IwuoDRQNw5M_FF2Nbh8a3K_nq_7xQzQ9zMsT6qxx8Z3Y0UeUQUkd7KwqzXONMKWQ2gSmfKrvhe3pO7c0fyBc4H_Xz-_bfsn0UHtcm7ekbARGFtv8JqPy0CZ_do8xDx8gtHXdHE/w640-h426/ym%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak, viewed from Prospect Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 28, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Old Station, California</div><div style="text-align: left;">Coordinates: 40.563795, -121.302279</div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 7 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The morning after <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/08/on-re-discovery-hike-around-butte-lake.html">my Butte Lake-Snag Lake loop hike </a>I expected to be very sore. I slept well that night though, and when I woke up just fine. I quickly broke camp and moved my car to the trailhead: I decided I should ascend Prospect Peak after all. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Prospect Peak has been on my wish list for a long while now. This mildly sloping shield volcano that looms over Butte Lake and Cinder Cone is one of the prominent peaks in Lassen Volcanic National Park. After ascending <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2015/08/summit-achieved-lassen-peak.html">Lassen Peak</a> (twice), <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2018/08/great-big-mama-tehama.html">Mount Brokeoff</a>, and <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2012/09/remote-and-serene-juniper-lake-at.html">Mount Harkness</a>, it was now time to summit Prospect Peak. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZXjteixJmhyRWFu2B6NvwNzNKtj1GYZ74bugwNsbWisd6chP1qBJgD42X1XpGAqRSm9vZDduHRmJ5aJ6XX4Lb1SENkEX0-5gNFs5GfjgGJYEnxoV1SXRGvEgsMtZgjzD_7LAJHzRuMmFPDhBF4THXLrqtPoDjswwa-a1JkA5EanGBJtg9dwm9-qc4Cw/s2261/3.7%20miles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2261" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZXjteixJmhyRWFu2B6NvwNzNKtj1GYZ74bugwNsbWisd6chP1qBJgD42X1XpGAqRSm9vZDduHRmJ5aJ6XX4Lb1SENkEX0-5gNFs5GfjgGJYEnxoV1SXRGvEgsMtZgjzD_7LAJHzRuMmFPDhBF4THXLrqtPoDjswwa-a1JkA5EanGBJtg9dwm9-qc4Cw/w640-h504/3.7%20miles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hike as captured by my GPS<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I started my hike somewhat later than yesterday's hike to Snag Lake. Now when I passed Butte Lake I could see some people indulging in a cool morning swim. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3mvO6NfTDVFjupNosi5r2l6PWEadpZB1oz9B87Ef4ebsSAcs0kDscDknElsmv19AKbj63ahvAVdO-aKmNRIE4mRbnItQkcXC98fXXgbbh79qCd5aTporxFOPefYxpFH6xzw70GxpdmNKlfznFxxwRcZwXBulLkA6OTwiWqAjlamppbYDgbkiY4JCZIo/s1856/wt%20Butte%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3mvO6NfTDVFjupNosi5r2l6PWEadpZB1oz9B87Ef4ebsSAcs0kDscDknElsmv19AKbj63ahvAVdO-aKmNRIE4mRbnItQkcXC98fXXgbbh79qCd5aTporxFOPefYxpFH6xzw70GxpdmNKlfznFxxwRcZwXBulLkA6OTwiWqAjlamppbYDgbkiY4JCZIo/w640-h426/wt%20Butte%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back at the same trail to Cinder Cone. The first half a mile is the same and I didn't bother taking photos, I reached the junction with the sign saying 2.8 miles to the summit. For years I've been passing this sign on my way to Cinder Cone (and yesterday on my way to Snag Lake). Now I took a big breath and turned on the thin trail that led my into an endless pine forest on the way up Prospect Peak. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmRfU4_bEuok4C81M3pShCiOgEU0xXrkhpZK1c1BOwvRrWID9tRkgMfFQN8E_4CRiv4ZSC0Zrj4yI1NW0Niu0l_05_9xb0XptonGw3aSUKwCqcBkhzHDtpWMMfMPKNHbfAIGuNmdD5QWvz52Vl0Ve0vuPF-TL1Aq65cQ-TILGSlt1EEuuzsi9f0pRhQ8/s1856/wv%20forest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmRfU4_bEuok4C81M3pShCiOgEU0xXrkhpZK1c1BOwvRrWID9tRkgMfFQN8E_4CRiv4ZSC0Zrj4yI1NW0Niu0l_05_9xb0XptonGw3aSUKwCqcBkhzHDtpWMMfMPKNHbfAIGuNmdD5QWvz52Vl0Ve0vuPF-TL1Aq65cQ-TILGSlt1EEuuzsi9f0pRhQ8/w640-h426/wv%20forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I already knew from my walk there yesterday that I wasn't likely to see many wildflowers so I didn't have my hopes high, being ready to enjoy what I'd see. I did see small patches of bloom here and there, starting with the expected one, the naked buckwheat. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGp4IbQ21rPuImTwj9JzvXg-9pKXnQvbPFv6nFC2lh4_69ULqF34AZ6Fn94fxAg8Cu03K5SnehayLw1qnfDFKd0PEo82Cqkon64BqLdEBt2zedax2ebhEUDKPC5rWwnKkl67QZQm_5ulRmC2_bi-S8Vi-9Af3Asg6EQ3JxsXUpsfotBVRQbHj4ZzOnGw/s1348/wx%20eriogonum%20nudum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1348" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGp4IbQ21rPuImTwj9JzvXg-9pKXnQvbPFv6nFC2lh4_69ULqF34AZ6Fn94fxAg8Cu03K5SnehayLw1qnfDFKd0PEo82Cqkon64BqLdEBt2zedax2ebhEUDKPC5rWwnKkl67QZQm_5ulRmC2_bi-S8Vi-9Af3Asg6EQ3JxsXUpsfotBVRQbHj4ZzOnGw/w640-h454/wx%20eriogonum%20nudum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naked Buckwheat, Eriogonum nudum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail started sloping right away. It was when I started going uphill that my legs begun reminding me of the ordeal they went through yesterday. I walked steadily at a slow pace, giving myself time to look around, and pausing whenever I saw something interesting, like this chipmunk. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvgPhigOaPyjWWO6YcJ83IugPum3omPM5hFmgnoIyTDqArFQZkL2AdxI1Gb-MyBCZrDMtsAwWOONxXNhbLAZe7lshs1p5GDCmp9pQ7jERWLlxlQS_DsJmvrtG0Qn_qxRMxviqmrrhHVXEueIX67dC30cnM9Iuron099TkbHq-EwWaAsB8_rAWvdsX3-M/s1337/wy%20chipmunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1337" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvgPhigOaPyjWWO6YcJ83IugPum3omPM5hFmgnoIyTDqArFQZkL2AdxI1Gb-MyBCZrDMtsAwWOONxXNhbLAZe7lshs1p5GDCmp9pQ7jERWLlxlQS_DsJmvrtG0Qn_qxRMxviqmrrhHVXEueIX67dC30cnM9Iuron099TkbHq-EwWaAsB8_rAWvdsX3-M/w640-h454/wy%20chipmunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodgepole Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Prospect Peak is a shield volcano, which has a very gentle slope. On any
hard trail going up would have been a non issue but the trail up
prospect peak is made of fine volcanic cinders, like sand, so it
increases the effort considerably. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76ECzxXHwfeFqCfwBUKNmRJ3v5vvPEZ6AT70eBRqUi4BxKYuYCXRlviRPNiDsf-HuXsKWcRI5qO18I0ifJZbwk9FcTwzkXk4kkBOZug6ZMDhIxKDWxPmqnNiakp6NuaNiYEUzCcZVAcP8iEpnAcwFATugjJzUNi8bMLR-PXAdvpT_QJ09Kj5Bho-6XRI/s1856/xa%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76ECzxXHwfeFqCfwBUKNmRJ3v5vvPEZ6AT70eBRqUi4BxKYuYCXRlviRPNiDsf-HuXsKWcRI5qO18I0ifJZbwk9FcTwzkXk4kkBOZug6ZMDhIxKDWxPmqnNiakp6NuaNiYEUzCcZVAcP8iEpnAcwFATugjJzUNi8bMLR-PXAdvpT_QJ09Kj5Bho-6XRI/w640-h426/xa%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bottom part of the trail was all the same pine forest with very little undergrowth. I didn't know what to expect at the summit other than views. I thought that the trail would look the same all the way up. At one point though, I was high enough and the trees were sparse enough so I got a view of a nice, smooth dome nearby. That was Cinder Cone, and I was still below its summit level. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7b6SyPo3lhPzJVNNBoEbigSHNoZAS-rNzXWDBKYD-Y1isQktUmYd2-tm-ELQ_GWMlJrB5S5hYhYzVrW-xuaqQOzOpdrW4zAAcoPG5RCZHVOSoO-Wgm8q1zUpe14b6_QrUpJXWl9M2CpjBH1zflmUFU-goRIlaS-pMfomC985Brokboob1p3sjulsfs/s1856/xb%20cinder%20dome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7b6SyPo3lhPzJVNNBoEbigSHNoZAS-rNzXWDBKYD-Y1isQktUmYd2-tm-ELQ_GWMlJrB5S5hYhYzVrW-xuaqQOzOpdrW4zAAcoPG5RCZHVOSoO-Wgm8q1zUpe14b6_QrUpJXWl9M2CpjBH1zflmUFU-goRIlaS-pMfomC985Brokboob1p3sjulsfs/w640-h426/xb%20cinder%20dome.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Around that place I started seeing anther wildflower - the wirelettuce. I saw a few of them on my yesterday's hike to Snag Lake, but here were many, many of them. Not a dense carpet, to be sure, but many well spaced individual plants, all of them blooming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XcHnzpY-t_l_1vDqMTBa4t6vuBL4GyQ7xEwRuB9eRcU5thy2AwsOQ5PTOhjJsxWvu8bhIX-_zwGnVrKmG866PoO81yCq765-Ea419jo7hUlDXpQTLukU96myyCgxsnFwzcJwmEYGJQBa7tvMQIjytzrKxgp0jSse5jL1fPoVhYwKJRoZg5M0iDXNNWc/s2088/zv%20wirelettuce.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2088" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XcHnzpY-t_l_1vDqMTBa4t6vuBL4GyQ7xEwRuB9eRcU5thy2AwsOQ5PTOhjJsxWvu8bhIX-_zwGnVrKmG866PoO81yCq765-Ea419jo7hUlDXpQTLukU96myyCgxsnFwzcJwmEYGJQBa7tvMQIjytzrKxgp0jSse5jL1fPoVhYwKJRoZg5M0iDXNNWc/w640-h442/zv%20wirelettuce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large-flowered Wirelettuce, Stephanomeria lactucina </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I kept on tiling uphill. It was getting pretty hot, and I fount myself moving very strategically from tree shadow to tree shadow alng the trail. All that time I was all alone on the trail, so I was startled when all of a sudden a dog came running up the trail from behind me. The dog was followed by a couple of hikers, a vigorous looking man in the front and a tired and sweaty woman lagging behind him. We exchanged greetings and they kept on striding up the slope in a pace much faster than mine. It was well after they were gone from my sight that I remembered that dogs weren't even allowed on that trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g_YIQUDqIg7fGkWBeDoeN8AiTn14aYfmLY_383x5oNYS9d73JqDZnZLrQ_rXoijbL5QG-fyzCO5og4vBsAxIZCVhTBx9xrxRJhDl81oldIOsZTF-_uDEYZouWh6JDbOdG_Gj-fM1rtwn1P5upDnD0GJUkwDYR6T890FncSVfOgO3Jg3bE-SUQ_tRmhg/s1856/xd%20forest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g_YIQUDqIg7fGkWBeDoeN8AiTn14aYfmLY_383x5oNYS9d73JqDZnZLrQ_rXoijbL5QG-fyzCO5og4vBsAxIZCVhTBx9xrxRJhDl81oldIOsZTF-_uDEYZouWh6JDbOdG_Gj-fM1rtwn1P5upDnD0GJUkwDYR6T890FncSVfOgO3Jg3bE-SUQ_tRmhg/w640-h426/xd%20forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine forest on Prospect Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few minutes later I was passed by three more hikers who left me in a cloud of dust as they zoomed past me. All of a sudden I felt very inadequate. Almost subconsciously I picked up my pace, but soon I got winded and went back to my regular slow pace. I told myself that i had nothing to prove to no one, and that I was well within my time limits. Besides, at a slow pace I could see more things, Especially now that the scenery along the trail was beginning to change. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHnoRPU0nuGlzG12lt6f7c6LiV3mHz5ef_AlFH5uV4pfrLnxthFutKif4_pIBdrZ1UhwxMWblqZ6twlEnGR_EP_Rs0cQrCILivt8QJZfaTn1vcreRCheMX-qYrTRCFWhV1oFdYZ9SMyd8iHqcxeqpHQXo4fCNzlVd09kvgTEm0CF51i0epHnYPVFzWzc/s1856/xf%20dip.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHnoRPU0nuGlzG12lt6f7c6LiV3mHz5ef_AlFH5uV4pfrLnxthFutKif4_pIBdrZ1UhwxMWblqZ6twlEnGR_EP_Rs0cQrCILivt8QJZfaTn1vcreRCheMX-qYrTRCFWhV1oFdYZ9SMyd8iHqcxeqpHQXo4fCNzlVd09kvgTEm0CF51i0epHnYPVFzWzc/w640-h426/xf%20dip.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcanic rock piles and ditches</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The forest was greener and denser at the higher altitude. I estimated that I was at the Cinder Cone summit level now, but I couldn't see it through the trees anymore. I did see quite a few mre wildflowers blooming in the undergrowth now. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGxisj-5QOAgxHG9_xZhlZpyZ2Rr3b7ihunotzDUgWrdxCRtcX258c4ZLP6QZFXJqOzR7D1pgVTXzHesBzK40P8YicNZPJwCniVx2f9IaZEZ2YEgA4vLB5d-pRwitUc5W2Zx6110rO934oGjjCdGt9MEyH9yzinr5rffNeC4Dby3vXTuoqmI8mvklfiI/s1513/xg%20plant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1513" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGxisj-5QOAgxHG9_xZhlZpyZ2Rr3b7ihunotzDUgWrdxCRtcX258c4ZLP6QZFXJqOzR7D1pgVTXzHesBzK40P8YicNZPJwCniVx2f9IaZEZ2YEgA4vLB5d-pRwitUc5W2Zx6110rO934oGjjCdGt9MEyH9yzinr5rffNeC4Dby3vXTuoqmI8mvklfiI/w640-h452/xg%20plant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-veined shinleaf, Pyrola picta </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was considerably more undergrowth below the pine trees. In places there were piles of volcanic rocks. In these places the pine trees were replaced by low manzanita shrubs, and other small bushes. In the rocky areas it was easer to walk too, because the trail was hard and didn't give in under my feet. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AR4WpXydYpmm0G0kFt9t4RmLVI0T4kfl6TnezSlCiReUkqh9dhoBd78oulN0_rLDNn6MNw9p7MACtqi6xKSXomJlpeXFncmmuthppR9Z2RtGxGUWVdCFvAPNHpPDzhQQDTvIm3e6D-lqZiL30SKeg6AKd_I6wgdOjEwWPqi52edeAwJxwvfFGOy8if0/s1856/xj%20tail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AR4WpXydYpmm0G0kFt9t4RmLVI0T4kfl6TnezSlCiReUkqh9dhoBd78oulN0_rLDNn6MNw9p7MACtqi6xKSXomJlpeXFncmmuthppR9Z2RtGxGUWVdCFvAPNHpPDzhQQDTvIm3e6D-lqZiL30SKeg6AKd_I6wgdOjEwWPqi52edeAwJxwvfFGOy8if0/w640-h426/xj%20tail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rocks provided the perfect sunning ledges for the little fence lizards. There were a few of them there, but only one stayed put long enough for me to take its photo. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY_XIjdJ-iHIhdEJdaxUFviaPhgU_oBqeaMr7ETzsoiEBM5euOKLpvit7-G8sSGlX58lMBc_i0iBOI14XkrEAUVIoc5iF2XA6ntrfrjVtWsqmESxqkzwLkQda1q5s-qK34VxhDau4q3NKRkgDNGGVl6uhtyzmwZAS8E8wDSmQuHk-YXD-nHUGuJByYtc/s1321/xl%20lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1321" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY_XIjdJ-iHIhdEJdaxUFviaPhgU_oBqeaMr7ETzsoiEBM5euOKLpvit7-G8sSGlX58lMBc_i0iBOI14XkrEAUVIoc5iF2XA6ntrfrjVtWsqmESxqkzwLkQda1q5s-qK34VxhDau4q3NKRkgDNGGVl6uhtyzmwZAS8E8wDSmQuHk-YXD-nHUGuJByYtc/w640-h446/xl%20lizard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Fence Lizard</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the higher third of the mountain the trees seemed healthier and more robust, and the ground had much more vegetation coverage. It's this part of the mountain that retains the winter snow the longest, holding more and longer lasting moisture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0nJu7Ie3-xk-W-767xEXQfjHO8a65OYWQ5hpPyctWi9RrPhSk545E4qQbclSB6BrlXMbVdlcPtqK6nKCBsSLwazBQ33C9NNTvsHeA1IVIb6MHiaxk9C878EGQKZAqndjwBwWGX98g5GaJLKJ8a41XG79gISn5uEpckwCoXF-S4OWPNpld_rbxfiKFU/s1856/xu%20forest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0nJu7Ie3-xk-W-767xEXQfjHO8a65OYWQ5hpPyctWi9RrPhSk545E4qQbclSB6BrlXMbVdlcPtqK6nKCBsSLwazBQ33C9NNTvsHeA1IVIb6MHiaxk9C878EGQKZAqndjwBwWGX98g5GaJLKJ8a41XG79gISn5uEpckwCoXF-S4OWPNpld_rbxfiKFU/w640-h426/xu%20forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Penstemon plants were much more common here than in the lower part of the mountain. I didn't see carpets of them like I've seen yesterday near Snag lake, but they did grow in small groups, making little blue patches below the pine trees. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VApJFOR5hvBx1dGQz7m7kyHlmpRqUiskRtsQLGY8C1L4GEyRcD6kKwRKsls-7VL7xyySzedSims4_9CuE68rrD3En6AgQlUoJz06g2fadt8xg9RiORny3MgfqY49v3c6wZlC7SOoAWRdvKypChnKK6-JBPj69tR45EdeqfG3oDUUW_W6YJGpEv9IUP8/s1505/xp%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1505" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VApJFOR5hvBx1dGQz7m7kyHlmpRqUiskRtsQLGY8C1L4GEyRcD6kKwRKsls-7VL7xyySzedSims4_9CuE68rrD3En6AgQlUoJz06g2fadt8xg9RiORny3MgfqY49v3c6wZlC7SOoAWRdvKypChnKK6-JBPj69tR45EdeqfG3oDUUW_W6YJGpEv9IUP8/w640-h433/xp%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Penstemon, Penstemon gracilentus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Mountain Monardella however, did grow in much larger and more continuous mats. The minty fragrance of these plants was strong in the air, especially when I brushed against the plants growing near the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVfuUVkAeT1xTG0ZbqGSPlSeRa4NVQfhbLt6u-G0uukgKh8H_grFflaMIZU1sbwiyjEEt5kDBFcIIQzGRW8Fkm283GltqdnIZQUJu8pEw1Hr0v_0FMaFLfuRTyYXWfEqH9Ap8HOFX_blTBlyI5e5Ivl1GaUnIceMOh3TFYzSEjxwBsY2MT76iXFc7-nU/s1856/xq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVfuUVkAeT1xTG0ZbqGSPlSeRa4NVQfhbLt6u-G0uukgKh8H_grFflaMIZU1sbwiyjEEt5kDBFcIIQzGRW8Fkm283GltqdnIZQUJu8pEw1Hr0v_0FMaFLfuRTyYXWfEqH9Ap8HOFX_blTBlyI5e5Ivl1GaUnIceMOh3TFYzSEjxwBsY2MT76iXFc7-nU/w640-h426/xq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A hiker that I saw early in the morning yesterday when he was coming down the mountain warned me of mosquitoes in the higher elevation of Prospect Peak. I couldn't think of where mosquitoes would be, now that everything was dry. I was happy that I didn't feel any. There were plenty of other insects arund though, of the much friendlier kind. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vn5iRqTaww78VGKjGUCE-Yh-Hw_kgK8212dpLYzFUvy32oB19qFZAWTYdC3Kg8vzXTlXeHS5x-taG3cfguh0ELA0TaOxj_kCQnSK2e4qFwAV6_S5AIc4PrKc_XgsrLYuETyqrF2ZCTgE_cyab_k-2dVidym88084B3BevCgftMo7ecA3Qijn4PfL9nw/s1480/xs%20dragonfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1480" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vn5iRqTaww78VGKjGUCE-Yh-Hw_kgK8212dpLYzFUvy32oB19qFZAWTYdC3Kg8vzXTlXeHS5x-taG3cfguh0ELA0TaOxj_kCQnSK2e4qFwAV6_S5AIc4PrKc_XgsrLYuETyqrF2ZCTgE_cyab_k-2dVidym88084B3BevCgftMo7ecA3Qijn4PfL9nw/w640-h454/xs%20dragonfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bumblebees frequented the wildflowers, loading their legs with pollen, filling the airwaves with their low hum, and completely ignoring me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPxP2Q3-2kcJuIcoqYNim9KODqUBnHQ313Jh9CjURZsgipxgwQ5u-9uPW9BKP_jSb5iyyBOFeQhfiL9cI99jFO3WI9ftqb5_XFxLFqNCTrBNMW8YCcLKdoLkQwiFPIzx6qwJJFkLIGOXiuvHZ8Ykrls2ffWPi-yELWHjWMzHnbY5jK6jwkw2db8uT3W8/s1503/xv%20bee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1503" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPxP2Q3-2kcJuIcoqYNim9KODqUBnHQ313Jh9CjURZsgipxgwQ5u-9uPW9BKP_jSb5iyyBOFeQhfiL9cI99jFO3WI9ftqb5_XFxLFqNCTrBNMW8YCcLKdoLkQwiFPIzx6qwJJFkLIGOXiuvHZ8Ykrls2ffWPi-yELWHjWMzHnbY5jK6jwkw2db8uT3W8/w640-h450/xv%20bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bumblebee visiting Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't see active ants on my hike but anthills were plenty. I assumed the ants there are mostly nocturnal. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrwmvShkoKfAk6qk6hUK-qeO5tGb7_WdTiW1eddJlBArgjnvnSPqWbsis-XT9-uMxmvPn5Vre9KK6-55mCaWZ75Y2ZivIwZzejzQaAXAr_KrfN_aSXeUu-RJY0LNUNCVKQwUtvMkc0M07N2k2KYGNc_IpWMhwtdtpfdrHI6uUbQ7GhuRZ6dcnp8ZmyXk/s1856/xw%20anthill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrwmvShkoKfAk6qk6hUK-qeO5tGb7_WdTiW1eddJlBArgjnvnSPqWbsis-XT9-uMxmvPn5Vre9KK6-55mCaWZ75Y2ZivIwZzejzQaAXAr_KrfN_aSXeUu-RJY0LNUNCVKQwUtvMkc0M07N2k2KYGNc_IpWMhwtdtpfdrHI6uUbQ7GhuRZ6dcnp8ZmyXk/w640-h426/xw%20anthill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthill</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because the mild slope of the shield volcano it's impossible to see the summit from the base of the mountain. The view of Prospect Peak I got from Snag Lake showed me that the very tip of the mountain protrudes up like a butte that was planted on the wide shield form. I remembered to that the very top has much less tree coverage. Indeed, when I reached that altitude the trail became steeper and much more exposed. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoPDis9T3OEly99T2EIJgD32Fd8pRW_7AOmM9j2psg9gLfsmis2xCDRFkSFyBTlu_2g1HkX5vYoAGcQpMNCquiYeVJISzp2UEyzxo2ApOxlDaJxir8p_lgKksOz_lgrT3NP52gQL7VnhVHL5v5MjD91vhM39bLDDR4k79PindoaLxLjmTATzykuPuuG0/s1856/xy%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoPDis9T3OEly99T2EIJgD32Fd8pRW_7AOmM9j2psg9gLfsmis2xCDRFkSFyBTlu_2g1HkX5vYoAGcQpMNCquiYeVJISzp2UEyzxo2ApOxlDaJxir8p_lgKksOz_lgrT3NP52gQL7VnhVHL5v5MjD91vhM39bLDDR4k79PindoaLxLjmTATzykuPuuG0/w640-h426/xy%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had good reasons to pause frequently though, because numerous butterflies were moving busily among the monardella blossoms. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83SQq4dJQreg23rrkcNQKknzhNk3PzhZXzxnu0lgwjK7Dw615w9p7T2UrlZgVewuiOS2z-4v1Y1jnWyH3fNCcQ-aUq2BCmxio-0n37eoXUiFBKA1HPom3--mGWEVYhIBNtvy4rWwmkgyILP7_s6ZNhEWV8TawO8MaqsrnAASg8S4GKAkjX3TFumEOE8w/s1443/yb%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1443" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83SQq4dJQreg23rrkcNQKknzhNk3PzhZXzxnu0lgwjK7Dw615w9p7T2UrlZgVewuiOS2z-4v1Y1jnWyH3fNCcQ-aUq2BCmxio-0n37eoXUiFBKA1HPom3--mGWEVYhIBNtvy4rWwmkgyILP7_s6ZNhEWV8TawO8MaqsrnAASg8S4GKAkjX3TFumEOE8w/w640-h442/yb%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Lady Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tortoiseshell butterflies love the mountaintops. I've seen them swarm Lassen peak and the summit area of Mount Shasta. Now I saw a few of them (not a swarm, though) near the top of Prospect Peak. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWrtca65EP1IkuOydc2onO1GQ_mWyiBL_45EBpVkak5Ycy6cPUwG_dsq8BKjikmClxE0EerwritansbZ-Ror4OSGEB8l0JW6WiA4SKV-64LX-LOHNZ0M8quCNfxU3rlCk4mOAAsDx1fOITcjK7mTS1Gq9t8QFYJyo3gEgTPcKyQH8KY4dWLYIAhqM3IY/s1229/ya%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1229" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWrtca65EP1IkuOydc2onO1GQ_mWyiBL_45EBpVkak5Ycy6cPUwG_dsq8BKjikmClxE0EerwritansbZ-Ror4OSGEB8l0JW6WiA4SKV-64LX-LOHNZ0M8quCNfxU3rlCk4mOAAsDx1fOITcjK7mTS1Gq9t8QFYJyo3gEgTPcKyQH8KY4dWLYIAhqM3IY/w640-h452/ya%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milbert's Tortoiseshell Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The people who passed my on the way up were now descending down, the dog who wasn't supposed to be there in the lead. They assured my that the views were spectacular, and that there was no one else there. Now I wuld have the mountain all to myself. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWxMg-aQiH4561fFOQYdQeSuBZmuhEM9fkwDIENnFdVdQMfspVen6VCQrwqjOwsOuhtpTvl5lfW98AOIW4C0OMp0Kiw89W-hrhBLTHpivLy78qDJCatgI0PnyT4MZQYCjhyjZq213BsSgjKIK6D-3JPo0q-dm7E34IxATZZ0xJI5wOer8dRYzsciGy3M/s1856/yc%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWxMg-aQiH4561fFOQYdQeSuBZmuhEM9fkwDIENnFdVdQMfspVen6VCQrwqjOwsOuhtpTvl5lfW98AOIW4C0OMp0Kiw89W-hrhBLTHpivLy78qDJCatgI0PnyT4MZQYCjhyjZq213BsSgjKIK6D-3JPo0q-dm7E34IxATZZ0xJI5wOer8dRYzsciGy3M/w640-h426/yc%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I reached the open area nearing the summit. Above the trees the view opened up. To the southeast I had a nice, clear view of Snag Lake, where I was yesterday. Behind Snag Lake loomed Mount Hoffman. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtvuT0jCvZ_2k7pZFv8JE0Fv4I2cR4XMCsqOMtMhhcWv2i4JIj64X8z5tzMERjGzEoaS_SgeI9Db36Iupd9C_ymg5kxBnmQh7KfhYLBynvgQQmmkDvfqJbJd0JJLxDeRIPw3rHVCITXMceuEYAR3avlrAevjqcb1PRbGYmCtxQPSctBnikZR1izG9KzQ/s1856/ye%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtvuT0jCvZ_2k7pZFv8JE0Fv4I2cR4XMCsqOMtMhhcWv2i4JIj64X8z5tzMERjGzEoaS_SgeI9Db36Iupd9C_ymg5kxBnmQh7KfhYLBynvgQQmmkDvfqJbJd0JJLxDeRIPw3rHVCITXMceuEYAR3avlrAevjqcb1PRbGYmCtxQPSctBnikZR1izG9KzQ/w640-h426/ye%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On my yesterday's hike I thought I saw a snow patch up Mount Hoffman. From the top of Prospect Peak I could verify - Mount Hoffman still had some snow on its upper, north-facing slopes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuEpRh-Bquo56k85aLicmHAic36KwoLuL8kPG3RzFxP0i3ugsOzp-LPVxwhVf3PPIwzYxDQCF5qKtE_CSQKn30M0DmIk02jAAaqRNBk6t_He_202vb_y0m1V_YzlhgFlrnwFFTTRCN6wc9GQ_6AqjGryu6kTwmjhTeqfbtZmfK-HF-AlNUncwNwqIBT0/s1856/yg%20Mt%20Hoffman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuEpRh-Bquo56k85aLicmHAic36KwoLuL8kPG3RzFxP0i3ugsOzp-LPVxwhVf3PPIwzYxDQCF5qKtE_CSQKn30M0DmIk02jAAaqRNBk6t_He_202vb_y0m1V_YzlhgFlrnwFFTTRCN6wc9GQ_6AqjGryu6kTwmjhTeqfbtZmfK-HF-AlNUncwNwqIBT0/w640-h426/yg%20Mt%20Hoffman.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Hoffmann</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last leg of the ascend curves around the summit butte. Around the curve peeked the very familiar Lassen peak, streaked with snow lines still. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi27-1Kg--wSjjt9rKHdk-zy8JjBxfJM0Dasg196jgnMFuXc8BWJmfu9ktRnpjn_bIgdGSlVmb_Bc-NqvpJ6RnPB6-L4omtm_kAJb1FG325e3ec7pLEbc22YAD4Bz3Y8CLOAxr_CEtpnii41ZR4p_0GwMshqq3WKA7JmbD2NHiv5VJL_IBZWosBtZcXQ/s1856/yf%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi27-1Kg--wSjjt9rKHdk-zy8JjBxfJM0Dasg196jgnMFuXc8BWJmfu9ktRnpjn_bIgdGSlVmb_Bc-NqvpJ6RnPB6-L4omtm_kAJb1FG325e3ec7pLEbc22YAD4Bz3Y8CLOAxr_CEtpnii41ZR4p_0GwMshqq3WKA7JmbD2NHiv5VJL_IBZWosBtZcXQ/w640-h426/yf%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below me I started seeing different kind of wildflowers, of plant species that do well in exposed, high altitude places. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nXEXpXVfDy3KZIVRWgTln7ah7EEt7petNfogONvmo6uFjnqkkjRRwzYhXq_OG8TcxzxHms33OFARVwMSu26oVUaxrg-XV9Ecq63vlZZmr9wltAEQUPtedZEtBZBdSazBgidtR-4oktPAczM8qZNDCO9EzmzhBheKMaLUAfrX5fOJ9D6IF6ZcSm5KGQ8/s1535/yh%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1535" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nXEXpXVfDy3KZIVRWgTln7ah7EEt7petNfogONvmo6uFjnqkkjRRwzYhXq_OG8TcxzxHms33OFARVwMSu26oVUaxrg-XV9Ecq63vlZZmr9wltAEQUPtedZEtBZBdSazBgidtR-4oktPAczM8qZNDCO9EzmzhBheKMaLUAfrX5fOJ9D6IF6ZcSm5KGQ8/w640-h454/yh%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dwarf Monkeyflower, Diplacus nanus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I feared the heat when I reached the exposed part of the trail. It was hot, all right, but it was also very breezy, so all and all it was quite nice. There were a few trees, but none cast any shade on the trail. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBuif28WZz2pPmVWe6iOKLpldxsB3SV9mKYOhUDk6n4Odl7IUVzoK23v7t_nJss02VS57XfpAHdk-vyQanDoN_rhTY71pMmEzp1fCo1gGWIVKqjHKuzm1HiO1Vhy_JWeYy7eG9He2Fq67XkGX4zY_LnRs0K0LXMvX6R6EoOxgwsjMnfNi99HuXlnJwRU/s1856/yq%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBuif28WZz2pPmVWe6iOKLpldxsB3SV9mKYOhUDk6n4Odl7IUVzoK23v7t_nJss02VS57XfpAHdk-vyQanDoN_rhTY71pMmEzp1fCo1gGWIVKqjHKuzm1HiO1Vhy_JWeYy7eG9He2Fq67XkGX4zY_LnRs0K0LXMvX6R6EoOxgwsjMnfNi99HuXlnJwRU/w640-h426/yq%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In place of trees, the slope was covered with low shrubs. Some of the shrubs were blooming too, like the rabbitbrush. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1aSSsYlfb2wwA-e9_YGOzSkntNSGviZddJfT0ZY-V_xtg5EIe00ZA-W23D3Uo-NHI8EWluhHBUgl7BKrI4Ic8I1NhP9_diOQ-NGUYwC-7D5YgduH7F9VAlLBv7VJbgp_9xhhJIDNW2KstnCnEAKWncOVJ2Kdb43e1R5R3lLuOcUauXFVHl0cORCgBD4/s1613/yl%20rabbit%20brash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1613" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1aSSsYlfb2wwA-e9_YGOzSkntNSGviZddJfT0ZY-V_xtg5EIe00ZA-W23D3Uo-NHI8EWluhHBUgl7BKrI4Ic8I1NhP9_diOQ-NGUYwC-7D5YgduH7F9VAlLBv7VJbgp_9xhhJIDNW2KstnCnEAKWncOVJ2Kdb43e1R5R3lLuOcUauXFVHl0cORCgBD4/w640-h458/yl%20rabbit%20brash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>The view from up Prospect Peak was indeed grand, just as the other hikers promised. Lassen Peak loomed with all of its splendor over the low valley between it and Prospect Peak. The one problem with that view was that much of the low area was badly scarred from the fires, both older and more recent. It was sad to see the huge deforestation that happened there. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9WAmAuwTBTAP70CKU47WJBrcM8cniwJjVDOyqeIvDu1RnT8qRX9HjnnQt3TwZ1OCcahTA15Sy3uld31s-Xl5zz6rQ8eYKYwwVi9zyaoJr9ZTsfSSbjadz0NZSAFppkMb1DbkoKJt7Mdthy9Wf3dLkin4NlvshNSyG5mql2nmJk0rwuhQE9yaXxPVb_0/s1856/yn%20view%20west.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9WAmAuwTBTAP70CKU47WJBrcM8cniwJjVDOyqeIvDu1RnT8qRX9HjnnQt3TwZ1OCcahTA15Sy3uld31s-Xl5zz6rQ8eYKYwwVi9zyaoJr9ZTsfSSbjadz0NZSAFppkMb1DbkoKJt7Mdthy9Wf3dLkin4NlvshNSyG5mql2nmJk0rwuhQE9yaXxPVb_0/w640-h427/yn%20view%20west.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak View</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little blue lakes shone like gems in the fire-scarred area. Many years ago, before the fires, Pappa Quail and I did a hike there. We hiked a beautiful loop in a thick conifer forest, moving from one little blue lake to another. I remembered thinking this area look like the Wood Between the Worlds that is described so well in the Magician's Nephew book of the Chronicles of Narnia. Well, now the wood is no more. The lakes however, looked as inviting as they were. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iS7Ji4oaqdiU5NgzOnrur_d72PSL8EgYz45xu0kiW1mwAGJhPLrAp-6lspxjcXc3VyvUqWm_AUyVTPumEsqzZDKwAPMr3UpEb2USkYsOI5CHKfgp8rVAtE32inCn6yxWP-nu8DoC-GAISDlwmcg_iKyZzKiUpjLztaRv7W42UU1mRGjjeCVaZNEU8lk/s1856/yo%20lakes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iS7Ji4oaqdiU5NgzOnrur_d72PSL8EgYz45xu0kiW1mwAGJhPLrAp-6lspxjcXc3VyvUqWm_AUyVTPumEsqzZDKwAPMr3UpEb2USkYsOI5CHKfgp8rVAtE32inCn6yxWP-nu8DoC-GAISDlwmcg_iKyZzKiUpjLztaRv7W42UU1mRGjjeCVaZNEU8lk/w640-h426/yo%20lakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest lakes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail kept curving around the top of the mountain and the slope eased into almost level. All of a sudden, I was up by the summit, walking along the rim of the volcano's crater. The crater did not resemble at all the gaping hole of Cinder Cone. It was relatively flat and decently forested. I don't know when was this mountain's last eruption but it does look like it has been a long while ago. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbRQY_gmOBIKRDBdG9gwMScG6c-nvl62dUyQsKVhKVhPmgYYlQu97B56P3M_ViW6o9cU9YVbOA-MjJoYhpNHKpZXvs33h93ljhCaYy8LJD1YV4Nx9Y0S0bxnRKn8XhGN-1TyNumL6F3a4SeoI0IqyNmnRc61Uxd1VmkIj34enKkfBpJy_fnhXy-bXZoo/s1856/yu%20summit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbRQY_gmOBIKRDBdG9gwMScG6c-nvl62dUyQsKVhKVhPmgYYlQu97B56P3M_ViW6o9cU9YVbOA-MjJoYhpNHKpZXvs33h93ljhCaYy8LJD1YV4Nx9Y0S0bxnRKn8XhGN-1TyNumL6F3a4SeoI0IqyNmnRc61Uxd1VmkIj34enKkfBpJy_fnhXy-bXZoo/w640-h426/yu%20summit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak's Crater</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found the USGS mark of the summit. I took a quick photo of this mark, which was probably the least interesting thing I saw on this hike. Now it was time to find a place to sit for my lunch break. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcyjNNrsaLUiOhHrcNWB1auVzjcnItXK_9w_7CaTSEVh1aNs3wYJErUmQefG0Rnw4W0imlWA7UKrPF6vQ6BKZPGKp39zqjK-ICJrH7SouWV6Pd4xQu7F_uJu6c6_-TjBm4rEwA17AQmPhgBaJRPgMG8qQ1PL1GVQYf26ecgXbS0apAPz2tF9C_Hr9VIo/s1856/yz%208340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcyjNNrsaLUiOhHrcNWB1auVzjcnItXK_9w_7CaTSEVh1aNs3wYJErUmQefG0Rnw4W0imlWA7UKrPF6vQ6BKZPGKp39zqjK-ICJrH7SouWV6Pd4xQu7F_uJu6c6_-TjBm4rEwA17AQmPhgBaJRPgMG8qQ1PL1GVQYf26ecgXbS0apAPz2tF9C_Hr9VIo/w640-h426/yz%208340.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail continued a little further to the north and it ended on a nice, tree shaded ledge with a grand view of Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta, which <a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2021/10/at-wakas-home-days-2-and-3-to-mount.html">I summited two years </a>before hand, looked like a hovering flying saucer from a different world. I was glad to see that there was still a good amount of snow up there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfxsVgOXfRQ7wful2uFByX9F7aw0ZmcfljpZv1Y0H-LjN6kkFTbLMrPeuKw2oEKJMiahXG7PfWshS8g8GyJC3Z_gvcBUXMlpY4WzoTOjWwUhmnSBVSemvwJUTZip2F4Xx4xC_Nbs48usRygkIkr-o-OU62ap4eXvO9bu1fEmJTeiiF2BFoye6U-YPNuU/s1856/yw%20Shasta.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfxsVgOXfRQ7wful2uFByX9F7aw0ZmcfljpZv1Y0H-LjN6kkFTbLMrPeuKw2oEKJMiahXG7PfWshS8g8GyJC3Z_gvcBUXMlpY4WzoTOjWwUhmnSBVSemvwJUTZip2F4Xx4xC_Nbs48usRygkIkr-o-OU62ap4eXvO9bu1fEmJTeiiF2BFoye6U-YPNuU/w640-h426/yw%20Shasta.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Shasta</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I sat there for a while, enjoying the view. My lunch tasted so much better up on top of the mountain with the tallest volcano in California filling my view! After I finished eating I peeled my eyes off Mount Shasta and checked out my surrounding, where I found more wildflowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUEuhxpeH-2Xlo6OKDfQSvuMJJ7BRoVT2XNYlIK0gw8OsvGRMtS9uTvGJb3-5l478P7SeRwfPw4rVpnVyxTpzB-aNLD9BTJGULh_o9UMTlZgdznKnK8y5z_j_sAkT0GLuTzWusIULL6uNezLH-EuH5RnSbsya0BzamapxjkA4qIYArKQvHn6Xb-vkWII/s1979/yx%20pussypaws.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1979" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUEuhxpeH-2Xlo6OKDfQSvuMJJ7BRoVT2XNYlIK0gw8OsvGRMtS9uTvGJb3-5l478P7SeRwfPw4rVpnVyxTpzB-aNLD9BTJGULh_o9UMTlZgdznKnK8y5z_j_sAkT0GLuTzWusIULL6uNezLH-EuH5RnSbsya0BzamapxjkA4qIYArKQvHn6Xb-vkWII/w640-h448/yx%20pussypaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pussypaws, Calyptridium umbellatum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tree I sat under was also pretty to look at - very lush and healthy looking. The fires and droughts didn't seen to affect the summit area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHIxkHl2tT_E6o_3XelNnXBFCkHG27nCm4ne2WjAfxSkpqGpkz5FbsTkcgc2192TDyhdoY8mzIFf2g8ZpHUGO9KuYtqMQ2MG9JhYMpoBzZxL9WW9oUAFhpZxMsVNljjcw3nojL0KuKPGx1jczsmEHsT18EqiVEGpP2U6y-Rf-q3nQbJ_3GuBv43PSOi4/s1856/yy%20pine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHIxkHl2tT_E6o_3XelNnXBFCkHG27nCm4ne2WjAfxSkpqGpkz5FbsTkcgc2192TDyhdoY8mzIFf2g8ZpHUGO9KuYtqMQ2MG9JhYMpoBzZxL9WW9oUAFhpZxMsVNljjcw3nojL0KuKPGx1jczsmEHsT18EqiVEGpP2U6y-Rf-q3nQbJ_3GuBv43PSOi4/w640-h426/yy%20pine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below the ledge I was on I noticed blooming penstemons of a different species from what I've seen so far on my trip. I made my way carefully down to the flowers to take a closer look. These penstemons where indeed different, of a species that likes the altitude. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngWCBQLNrLNAdi9l-WBriEM-C0kiUE8-2qm9SzT7OTpFjIE6kz1SeYTgsYuAMCl_MSpNkyog6Qi76Sjbb0K-sCxZP9nlu00qN1CbEBOGHFO7VTRPebRwDz1N9Y5p0ecf63d1qvgzfrL38lmQ4ZBA70eoq3IIeCI0CKtccqvHL3VbBq_b-_BJFAoc1otw/s1577/zc%20different%20Summit%20Penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1577" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngWCBQLNrLNAdi9l-WBriEM-C0kiUE8-2qm9SzT7OTpFjIE6kz1SeYTgsYuAMCl_MSpNkyog6Qi76Sjbb0K-sCxZP9nlu00qN1CbEBOGHFO7VTRPebRwDz1N9Y5p0ecf63d1qvgzfrL38lmQ4ZBA70eoq3IIeCI0CKtccqvHL3VbBq_b-_BJFAoc1otw/w640-h460/zc%20different%20Summit%20Penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davidson's Penstemon, Penstemon davidsonii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could have stayed on the summit longer, for sure. I did plan on another hike that day so eventually I did gather myself and my things and started back down the trail. I went by a nice patch of slender penstemon, one I didn't previously paid too much attention to. This time I noticed something different and I stopped to take a second look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs0L1NXf648yAaVeiSHGb9hVqj1-LruJmDSa8qncjKMEf7FZDz7Ol9uz89b1DcyWd2dDfblkHTdYxM-tlDZCL-7zAp2mo6lrzI6XmGwmuelfO1cc4sjMwdNECWgg0BvmDBOPNnQsx4rj4SHj3rdwnnELRAGjP5nTm9c9momU_vabQtVoz2bj2ZSufLE8/s1856/ze%20summit%20penstemons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs0L1NXf648yAaVeiSHGb9hVqj1-LruJmDSa8qncjKMEf7FZDz7Ol9uz89b1DcyWd2dDfblkHTdYxM-tlDZCL-7zAp2mo6lrzI6XmGwmuelfO1cc4sjMwdNECWgg0BvmDBOPNnQsx4rj4SHj3rdwnnELRAGjP5nTm9c9momU_vabQtVoz2bj2ZSufLE8/w640-h426/ze%20summit%20penstemons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Slender Penstemon was the most common penstemon species I've seen on this trip, both on my Snag Lake hike yesterday, and on the prospect Peak hike. It has a beautiful blueish-purple color that is very pleasant to the eye. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b1H47eoFjQ30iw3-NMD2wDUIkbqW75gVR3FExm7bSFn7vv_iO9x0b-o48F0wN4p6cf4sI3uqASZI-WS7ba3GCdIPdTJLJHHBWVhVzaIbcZ4k8cKl_i006VxpfL8YJNzpyquBtcWMNnFw63qoahoZ-zpIPk3Np89igscFFbMAGqW3_RT7YYf8xJD97HI/s1652/zg%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1652" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b1H47eoFjQ30iw3-NMD2wDUIkbqW75gVR3FExm7bSFn7vv_iO9x0b-o48F0wN4p6cf4sI3uqASZI-WS7ba3GCdIPdTJLJHHBWVhVzaIbcZ4k8cKl_i006VxpfL8YJNzpyquBtcWMNnFw63qoahoZ-zpIPk3Np89igscFFbMAGqW3_RT7YYf8xJD97HI/w640-h460/zg%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Penstemon, Penstemon gracilentus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What was unusual that I notices was a white-flowering individual, completely lacking the blue pigments. There was only one such plant there and I wondered if this mutation rendered this plant sterile, or otherwise less prolific. Maybe this was a first generation mutant plant and next summer I'll find more of the white variants if I go up there. Perhaps. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kc_mAtKYzGdwzfrgIJjgiIVDWDC_kNlPvO9FKz8ZdF91wmVC_W3VPEHV16ghcOoencIiEf-0c57aGkPMbmmkF7zY9Ln1ojlKxDQ2LZqvG3oF1JVW3hAJvP6DYNnTU1MAGaTLiIn3E3A9blVblraSQneK629uxY3h13N4O2eln_-pzBundA-G5ULWO4Y/s1728/zh%20white%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1728" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kc_mAtKYzGdwzfrgIJjgiIVDWDC_kNlPvO9FKz8ZdF91wmVC_W3VPEHV16ghcOoencIiEf-0c57aGkPMbmmkF7zY9Ln1ojlKxDQ2LZqvG3oF1JVW3hAJvP6DYNnTU1MAGaTLiIn3E3A9blVblraSQneK629uxY3h13N4O2eln_-pzBundA-G5ULWO4Y/w640-h438/zh%20white%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Penstemon, Penstemon gracilentus, white form</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More butterflies enjoyed the summit bloom, and I enjoyed seeing the butterflies, and whenever they paused a little, to also photograph them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_59Lx8a13WCi72-5Wp7pqEp-6Lo7pxxHDhv5cXIay4M_mHPOx8-RATGGzhWHy9K1xJbtQVuB3GveVAnaymik1bczjYYMnp6LmgA-jEwrlOSaJ2qBKvIWkqRlFrM-f61voEGiGDhihN9wNWj1V1Z0Xk8SZFNrgoBDhR4O6S0No8jHEMXpxlrCwUn9RCg/s1428/zi%20swallowtail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1428" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_59Lx8a13WCi72-5Wp7pqEp-6Lo7pxxHDhv5cXIay4M_mHPOx8-RATGGzhWHy9K1xJbtQVuB3GveVAnaymik1bczjYYMnp6LmgA-jEwrlOSaJ2qBKvIWkqRlFrM-f61voEGiGDhihN9wNWj1V1Z0Xk8SZFNrgoBDhR4O6S0No8jHEMXpxlrCwUn9RCg/w640-h438/zi%20swallowtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anise Swallowtail Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took my time walking down from the summit. When I started this hike I expected the trail to be all the same - that dry, and very uniform pine forest with very little bloom or wildlife. All that lovely beauty on top of Prospect Peak was a wonderful treat, saved only for those who sweat their way up the slope. I was reluctant to leave it behind me now. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAsJo91q5_TmS5qEDryWFlBIFIJK2DPXb3ot4ioZmQVJ8h0MSaQk7o4y03rj9MFvfHbcdnawMg-_ygzX14E_zrjHeHdXI5NVlfF2ON_SqCfIjDt0V4nGmjL-OKxy9TuXHJjPe6ZK3WpzYaetw_qtqGTMSu18KLgW9d-bSaJQ4knYEehfJ8_oPDO1yL8A/s1499/zj%20Eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1499" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAsJo91q5_TmS5qEDryWFlBIFIJK2DPXb3ot4ioZmQVJ8h0MSaQk7o4y03rj9MFvfHbcdnawMg-_ygzX14E_zrjHeHdXI5NVlfF2ON_SqCfIjDt0V4nGmjL-OKxy9TuXHJjPe6ZK3WpzYaetw_qtqGTMSu18KLgW9d-bSaJQ4knYEehfJ8_oPDO1yL8A/w640-h462/zj%20Eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckwheat, Eriogonum sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Going downhill was, as expected, much faster. I did stop to get another look at all the grand views and take more photos of the scenery stars, like Lassen Peak. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jXkHLG3L5SYfWbWnVYtJP9IqYYjDNwG26GZMdiNCq9EWYPjjavXtHXSsoyPywNzUvysmAJ38mnD0XK9BmXyaI5bG7e2cbfXmMPyMm1B7EAlFlwe19kj7TzmB3M95pbqSSFfaaRCYIC0tIIaLj-5FYQMdCDFmMxAkK6q2fGu-kt2jXI--ABPELsnyx6M/s1856/zk%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jXkHLG3L5SYfWbWnVYtJP9IqYYjDNwG26GZMdiNCq9EWYPjjavXtHXSsoyPywNzUvysmAJ38mnD0XK9BmXyaI5bG7e2cbfXmMPyMm1B7EAlFlwe19kj7TzmB3M95pbqSSFfaaRCYIC0tIIaLj-5FYQMdCDFmMxAkK6q2fGu-kt2jXI--ABPELsnyx6M/w640-h426/zk%20Lassen%20Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What really blew my mind was the direct view of the summit of Cinder Cone. On my way up I was too strained and too focused on getting to the summit, but now I stopped to appreciate appropriately the magical view before me. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaOZxiUl1K_YSNHZKlgtDG3WtZgcBzGHQYsTBDxII6rVn858V2ddpxeFUMvUqA8Nt6SfRrrY50pdqxs3_FSrk6GhaKXAkN0eRoCLxPBh9KC8VOb_tvNhi5wKJFAR7AL9Wy6gCxhuHquWrohq7_CvedmGpCHSkL3uJ5YRSRCJrRbkc0X1KMyvsXJRn4m0/s1856/zn%20cinder%20cone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaOZxiUl1K_YSNHZKlgtDG3WtZgcBzGHQYsTBDxII6rVn858V2ddpxeFUMvUqA8Nt6SfRrrY50pdqxs3_FSrk6GhaKXAkN0eRoCLxPBh9KC8VOb_tvNhi5wKJFAR7AL9Wy6gCxhuHquWrohq7_CvedmGpCHSkL3uJ5YRSRCJrRbkc0X1KMyvsXJRn4m0/w640-h426/zn%20cinder%20cone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I increased my lens to maximal zoom and stared directly onto the crater of Cinder Cone. I could see people up the rim trail and the steep slope leading to it. This trip I didn't go up Cinder Cone, but I got to see it from an angle that I never had before. This sight alone was worth the strenuous hike up. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ442RtwHrNG1W54AYgghiFT6ajf6iD3Qvh33Dx766l_d8ZLmi3GbiORGJi0UFwm0O-chmOcbtd4sB09oUzAAd3HWBiQAn3hl5vhsgm-Vd4xDh5gekaJGC54jOEKBrvGIeszqM-jtEhVrXSLLsu67I5xNyFUEW_cgMFHzqdJoIVCWAP8mH5hIwVWJZcB4/s1856/zm%20Cinder%20Cone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ442RtwHrNG1W54AYgghiFT6ajf6iD3Qvh33Dx766l_d8ZLmi3GbiORGJi0UFwm0O-chmOcbtd4sB09oUzAAd3HWBiQAn3hl5vhsgm-Vd4xDh5gekaJGC54jOEKBrvGIeszqM-jtEhVrXSLLsu67I5xNyFUEW_cgMFHzqdJoIVCWAP8mH5hIwVWJZcB4/w640-h426/zm%20Cinder%20Cone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I dropped below the tree line and the views were blocked by the forest I started moving much faster, galloping down the trail, through the trees. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mg46_2uF0NAZRTjrk8G5b-7sY9wjE5MjOQKmIBFTXwAUNVHzMvNwR9S9f2_I8j46p0C9lZ4FFFarADtt2SBAHwgmaywZ8xMxsCLZfJsMH0YxhosUE9sn16sECnAFWFxgxgxk7EzTI95zlPmbnw99sLMuFHXVOyyp6ZkNYMmteP1WE-YOhdgEAaPqPVY/s1856/zp%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mg46_2uF0NAZRTjrk8G5b-7sY9wjE5MjOQKmIBFTXwAUNVHzMvNwR9S9f2_I8j46p0C9lZ4FFFarADtt2SBAHwgmaywZ8xMxsCLZfJsMH0YxhosUE9sn16sECnAFWFxgxgxk7EzTI95zlPmbnw99sLMuFHXVOyyp6ZkNYMmteP1WE-YOhdgEAaPqPVY/w640-h426/zp%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I like loop trail but I certainly don't mind in and out trails as well. I get to see things from a different angle this way. I also get to see on the way out things I've missed on the way in. Like these beautiful fruiting pinedrops. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoupJA6SFBvRwkQCF7kzG_iyF8mjOUgDxB-awvKx8d4j-ljr32iywVd_UBBdiPZcmTwR46R9JNuWtz9mDdcJ9dWJuLyPnKugDCbQGfg7Q-RWf7-nNYaYLZ3LDUGueZlcewTVHJjbHecumnXfLEexNmZN6MMu3g4uelyU6Mkgzp5sSXi2XB4uyKH72u28/s1682/zr%20parasite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1682" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoupJA6SFBvRwkQCF7kzG_iyF8mjOUgDxB-awvKx8d4j-ljr32iywVd_UBBdiPZcmTwR46R9JNuWtz9mDdcJ9dWJuLyPnKugDCbQGfg7Q-RWf7-nNYaYLZ3LDUGueZlcewTVHJjbHecumnXfLEexNmZN6MMu3g4uelyU6Mkgzp5sSXi2XB4uyKH72u28/w640-h431/zr%20parasite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Drops, Pterospora andromedea </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hawkweed in the rocks I did see on the way up, but the flowers were closed still. On my way down I got to see the inflorescences fully open. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAweJmqnx1RA6ywi4qLzu_PPdth7l7F_HbAp6gupiHeAiT0wAoONGU9iLMElHtYwkTHSc_Sy77CW7WLJV0obnf_qAbLnLl4NsoGt20G2JrbLQWnH7dqDJykE7pILpinIpOYc7R4NhkjqZ-Ed9paKN2bhNuIm7qw5sUE2sKOoJXhO7a6szYPI5NDOxErM/s1856/zs%20hawkweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAweJmqnx1RA6ywi4qLzu_PPdth7l7F_HbAp6gupiHeAiT0wAoONGU9iLMElHtYwkTHSc_Sy77CW7WLJV0obnf_qAbLnLl4NsoGt20G2JrbLQWnH7dqDJykE7pILpinIpOYc7R4NhkjqZ-Ed9paKN2bhNuIm7qw5sUE2sKOoJXhO7a6szYPI5NDOxErM/w640-h426/zs%20hawkweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaggy Hawkweed, Hieracium horridum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below the rocky area it was once again that dry, uniform pine forest. The breeze that eased the heat of the day up in the summit area was gone, and I was dripping sweat. Whenever I did feel a waft of wind it was like going through a heat wave. Once again I was hopping from one shaded spot to another, but the shadows were much smaller now, that the sun was high in the sky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_eaIkS5FKbZZeBJINe3DZVAQaOnWTlu_yoaZwfy_vVyEC5hLVseY74q8fJqVhdH5Omsf5ZcXtlSIiz8rn8pWDbnWG8fCfOiMlGHibkOZGaV8LfKY4j8bKCoSCOz98QlyiSf2tKXKCWAWsP8XlVd6qIKHiCA19MIczvrrVRZNhhe1nRVbowXUfa7e7C0/s1856/zt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_eaIkS5FKbZZeBJINe3DZVAQaOnWTlu_yoaZwfy_vVyEC5hLVseY74q8fJqVhdH5Omsf5ZcXtlSIiz8rn8pWDbnWG8fCfOiMlGHibkOZGaV8LfKY4j8bKCoSCOz98QlyiSf2tKXKCWAWsP8XlVd6qIKHiCA19MIczvrrVRZNhhe1nRVbowXUfa7e7C0/w640-h426/zt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Under one of the trees I found a saprophytic plant which I did not recognize. It was just budding out and not yet in full bloom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01g6nSocYeOXeq5wtINoZXoEOedzEaamlpLMHVI0T3q-jyENU8f_3yjfnxyNJIvikGoqc62rbsSn82oZaCSv1JZ3UfxbhmtuOz7P_5J4-5J9_UoBf-j9RSLpgYpwtnC8VzP-3kN6r6F3BGwIIv5dG6VJLK3g6nh8sPy0PVtL2MgIgBVNewzMNSM6OBw4/s1484/zu%20parasite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1484" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01g6nSocYeOXeq5wtINoZXoEOedzEaamlpLMHVI0T3q-jyENU8f_3yjfnxyNJIvikGoqc62rbsSn82oZaCSv1JZ3UfxbhmtuOz7P_5J4-5J9_UoBf-j9RSLpgYpwtnC8VzP-3kN6r6F3BGwIIv5dG6VJLK3g6nh8sPy0PVtL2MgIgBVNewzMNSM6OBw4/w640-h448/zu%20parasite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted to take a break but there was none. All the fallen logs I could have possibly sat on were either charred or exposed to the blazing sun. I kept trotting downhill, expecting to hit the junction with the Cinder Cone Trail at any moment. I could see the eastern ridge through the trees and I could tell I was pretty far down already. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid3UFIPUuo-XsT36CjGqbUIWZbndn8a7BiBu4FS03885bcxj_gttVkAWqFq6VLpBIThxNSnNfvi6mYE00EMdU77JTJ4KTQsdWExswt44QWIy2Hy3r_3DlRkEiJFs8CN7ybFwItZeSGD38tyXAZeQ8o1TIJ_EXdcEXn71TrHnm2WeMJZiVsiHLE6XMn_U/s1856/zw%20view%20forest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid3UFIPUuo-XsT36CjGqbUIWZbndn8a7BiBu4FS03885bcxj_gttVkAWqFq6VLpBIThxNSnNfvi6mYE00EMdU77JTJ4KTQsdWExswt44QWIy2Hy3r_3DlRkEiJFs8CN7ybFwItZeSGD38tyXAZeQ8o1TIJ_EXdcEXn71TrHnm2WeMJZiVsiHLE6XMn_U/w640-h426/zw%20view%20forest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospect Peak Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before the trail junction I saw a hasty caterpillar racing, as fast as a caterpillar can go, across the trail. i felt for the poor critter, trying to get as fast as possible away from open area where it was exposed to the sun and to the predators. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFggSd7rM0ZhZIaKSZzeBIzpRQpAL6-VtnUsjl5dW9k_J4f0bNbAaommt2PadYNiDU8VjMI8uHajH2ytQY-1PFAnTn_tif-ABV9HQuqFk7TO22qZzmzrLstALEXYGj3giedU2FfMbt9URMjZEukqyMGYmYGXNNXUhv3zHelRWYXeYo2NR5z9iNAJwROuw/s1257/zy%20caterpillar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1257" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFggSd7rM0ZhZIaKSZzeBIzpRQpAL6-VtnUsjl5dW9k_J4f0bNbAaommt2PadYNiDU8VjMI8uHajH2ytQY-1PFAnTn_tif-ABV9HQuqFk7TO22qZzmzrLstALEXYGj3giedU2FfMbt9URMjZEukqyMGYmYGXNNXUhv3zHelRWYXeYo2NR5z9iNAJwROuw/w640-h454/zy%20caterpillar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final leg of the the hike I walked along the Cinder Cone Trail. I was very hot, and exhausted. My plans for the rest of the day included driving to the main part of the park and a short backpacking to my next campsite. I wondered how I was going to hold up to that. I considered taking a short power nap before driving out of the Butte Lake area. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2QzAoCn6gFxTCRY3bbaYbKfMa3c9gbvYiY0QP9hfwpzeb3ygjUYXI1pLUi4jCENB7XagGbqAXLsJIDITOBv8k9AxtWHh7ymWT0kL8Z3RWWRMZIj_8eNpI962rb5dQzECc2DVL_3kx7JVQYWTxX3a9HScP026ngBjMuU-UnyySzrtlf_4J1pyi6hgFvI/s1856/zz%20Cinder%20Cone%20Trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2QzAoCn6gFxTCRY3bbaYbKfMa3c9gbvYiY0QP9hfwpzeb3ygjUYXI1pLUi4jCENB7XagGbqAXLsJIDITOBv8k9AxtWHh7ymWT0kL8Z3RWWRMZIj_8eNpI962rb5dQzECc2DVL_3kx7JVQYWTxX3a9HScP026ngBjMuU-UnyySzrtlf_4J1pyi6hgFvI/w640-h426/zz%20Cinder%20Cone%20Trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The solution was much simpler and better. I finished the hike and as I walked slowly toward my car I saw people swimming in Butte Lake. Without any additional thought I dropped my backpack in the car, took my shoes off, grabbed my towel and walked down to the lake. Pausing only briefly to take off my jeans, I went right into the cold water and submerged myself entirely. That short dunk was enough to cool me down and to clear my head. All invigorated, I went back to the car, changed into dry clothes and drove off toward the next part of my solo Lassen Volcanic vacation. </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-31640726586208155112023-09-11T23:10:00.000-07:002023-09-11T23:10:14.262-07:00On A Re-discovery Hike: Around the Butte Lake-Snag Lake Loop, Part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYUqp6orogChNJ9Xnqr5Rly7yzUfq98Kxfys1RXxpHUOW5MTKDgQcmlOop6pDZ1Nr7A--KWMweqL5_roRxfYTQ2oW4JnHF9Q75DjbZR--cI9sQt7rnan-dtXoxsZ9pTLvmqYyaR7-FtgVfK6UQ7yR5PpQy8AjUa93ZF682iplA90mFpzwdZn4EgPL8H0/s1809/wz%20Volcanoes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1809" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYUqp6orogChNJ9Xnqr5Rly7yzUfq98Kxfys1RXxpHUOW5MTKDgQcmlOop6pDZ1Nr7A--KWMweqL5_roRxfYTQ2oW4JnHF9Q75DjbZR--cI9sQt7rnan-dtXoxsZ9pTLvmqYyaR7-FtgVfK6UQ7yR5PpQy8AjUa93ZF682iplA90mFpzwdZn4EgPL8H0/w640-h422/wz%20Volcanoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Procpect Peak and Cinder Cone, viewed from the southeast shore of Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 27, 2023<br />Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Old Station, California</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/08/on-re-discovery-hike-around-butte-lake.html">A link to part 1 of this hike</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Grass Creek, where I finally stopped for my long desired lunch break, was approximately a bit after the half way point of my planned hike. I took my time eating and enjoying the sound of the running water, and the beautiful flowers that bloomed on the creek banks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMwuvWq0Oq-_g6sNcVbDxx0p_KRFZsltx_tHOtxPo_fmPdElv1mycjzfj8Fw8fGzV-wfkAYxOmS2C8Z0u5zdSbuQoGG4dtByy9WXU2VKWBtj-ThXOfGPzghKoMBCJf__IsxA4UlXa3JiCi28rDGrHUOgdjI1_96oc9JLLGqVwJxLiEjSrvhXnWiq1SJI/s1856/vq%20creek%20crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMwuvWq0Oq-_g6sNcVbDxx0p_KRFZsltx_tHOtxPo_fmPdElv1mycjzfj8Fw8fGzV-wfkAYxOmS2C8Z0u5zdSbuQoGG4dtByy9WXU2VKWBtj-ThXOfGPzghKoMBCJf__IsxA4UlXa3JiCi28rDGrHUOgdjI1_96oc9JLLGqVwJxLiEjSrvhXnWiq1SJI/w640-h426/vq%20creek%20crossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite of all those wildflowers by the creek was the leopard lily. There were a few of these plants there, all at the peak of their bloom. They were absolutely gorgeous. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnp8JTEpzqFPb0RpwUIWsLnQew3YLvF6ZADOx8yCRhVFggRWHUq-hHP1-4-VR6cOnmi-ZIUtz5Pdy9jK_dlvwuMFYrxXfsqY-3j1GqP5W-Jj8Mn_NLclI1UirHi1utsPr43HEiLtCmNYb1Insdp0ejyudARBDI7Pwfnh9zsNoZUJUqse0p9E3Tm0DkI4/s1856/vs%20Shasta%20Lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnp8JTEpzqFPb0RpwUIWsLnQew3YLvF6ZADOx8yCRhVFggRWHUq-hHP1-4-VR6cOnmi-ZIUtz5Pdy9jK_dlvwuMFYrxXfsqY-3j1GqP5W-Jj8Mn_NLclI1UirHi1utsPr43HEiLtCmNYb1Insdp0ejyudARBDI7Pwfnh9zsNoZUJUqse0p9E3Tm0DkI4/w640-h426/vs%20Shasta%20Lily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard Lily, Lilium pardalinum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More monkeyflowers were blooming by the creek as well. These were the familiar yellow monkeyflowers that are very common by water sources all over California. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oMckwmEXaTtRD7tRaUGCmtqaH8rOXUCb1abFXZvk2J0fZk4D4e7PgnKgkQMx62zI3MCPLeLYsLdYZsS9DOVfJO4MNIyTRfx6wZnQE29cVWNZAi-QLyCgDBfYPEqUp0aR3Y7D-e-rcPS6m_kGP5_IiVyRq8OQxlw_3T7otG-8O8ViEWvc3AaNW_ADbfw/s2207/vt%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2207" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oMckwmEXaTtRD7tRaUGCmtqaH8rOXUCb1abFXZvk2J0fZk4D4e7PgnKgkQMx62zI3MCPLeLYsLdYZsS9DOVfJO4MNIyTRfx6wZnQE29cVWNZAi-QLyCgDBfYPEqUp0aR3Y7D-e-rcPS6m_kGP5_IiVyRq8OQxlw_3T7otG-8O8ViEWvc3AaNW_ADbfw/w640-h448/vt%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seep Monkeyflower, Erythranthe gutatta<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could have stayed there longer but it was already past mid day and it was soon time to go on. I found it hard to get up after the long break because my legs got numb. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF0gJvFjf6xRLwv8p25dn7vBIQASu1wa9YUWwCMERzUCpy99fFzt3dz895LBGiBUUcNVTcU6lplriA1h2M3_ZX9o5IAuIv6PxrboZKFhfUIktertRgpqMovzcb83t6s0QNNe3RBLMp7peR20WrcDAwhXVh_yTj-PzE6QPXt5UwT3eh8wK5JrRXyRBOtQ/s1856/vu%20creek%20crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF0gJvFjf6xRLwv8p25dn7vBIQASu1wa9YUWwCMERzUCpy99fFzt3dz895LBGiBUUcNVTcU6lplriA1h2M3_ZX9o5IAuIv6PxrboZKFhfUIktertRgpqMovzcb83t6s0QNNe3RBLMp7peR20WrcDAwhXVh_yTj-PzE6QPXt5UwT3eh8wK5JrRXyRBOtQ/w640-h426/vu%20creek%20crossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a few steps before the numbness wore off. It was okay though, because there was no way I'd go fast past all the wildflowers that I was seeing along that art of the trail.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLvkbP5y1eckSWPJ4bkw_Seg2r8lg_yMOxQo3j2z8hWXxgP3GQraHCt-u_E3OU99FlUK0aLVJJdtEVzQ_Kw9R74N9c3vT1ZoMhJ5WRs5COOqZOxdW6B2UXBuREsG0Sb6xW93lGere3FOP2A6pyGT87UP_UzVhlaK33SiBgIvoXUQF1fmd7zH2WfsJsGc/s1477/vv%20hedgenettle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1477" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLvkbP5y1eckSWPJ4bkw_Seg2r8lg_yMOxQo3j2z8hWXxgP3GQraHCt-u_E3OU99FlUK0aLVJJdtEVzQ_Kw9R74N9c3vT1ZoMhJ5WRs5COOqZOxdW6B2UXBuREsG0Sb6xW93lGere3FOP2A6pyGT87UP_UzVhlaK33SiBgIvoXUQF1fmd7zH2WfsJsGc/w640-h446/vv%20hedgenettle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgenettle, Stachys sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One interesting thing was that the wildflowers on the east side of the creek were of different species than those I saw blooming on the west side. Among them were many daisies of a species I wasn't quite able to identify. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBsMxP4t_TogckN36bv607aD9aU2ifR2xx2pClhjXwuKe-bLA-RlqzPJybAogsUvHYoyNbNoDYu8RymWSG6fddh4Nyo9Mw9dtQc41etmL-mR1Vo5VJMLohuzrRPTmWU7R62mE3c-t81zVvWs8Z1viwLHYq-yqPk_2C1jcWCM3Fn2-QG29uw39f_9dWFE/s1856/vw%20daisies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBsMxP4t_TogckN36bv607aD9aU2ifR2xx2pClhjXwuKe-bLA-RlqzPJybAogsUvHYoyNbNoDYu8RymWSG6fddh4Nyo9Mw9dtQc41etmL-mR1Vo5VJMLohuzrRPTmWU7R62mE3c-t81zVvWs8Z1viwLHYq-yqPk_2C1jcWCM3Fn2-QG29uw39f_9dWFE/w640-h426/vw%20daisies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eaton's (?) Aster, Symphyotrichum bracteolatum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found there one other species of monkeyflower, bringing the count to 5 different species of them. For a long time all monkeyflower species were grouped in the genus Mimulus but a few years ago this genus was split and the monkeyflower species I found on this hike are actually of two genera - Erythranthe and Diplacus. I don't know the basis on which this split was done. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACsDsStgAXcLvfbBv3Saph9ZS9a_MdKbv1GglAdQvE1J-KmHEjDVF9QW1c1ff_4ktxK3VfyiV6F2L8Hv_ZJCrrgpmnZM_1NeqbXUu_hAwM6G0mnfbL4KyGL2u24-usRShzol5S6Mlr7VdL4Icz3uQEl0B3rOUtIjATjlml3-9WB-RQFEJPEbrpX6ohus/s1953/vx%20monkeyflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1953" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACsDsStgAXcLvfbBv3Saph9ZS9a_MdKbv1GglAdQvE1J-KmHEjDVF9QW1c1ff_4ktxK3VfyiV6F2L8Hv_ZJCrrgpmnZM_1NeqbXUu_hAwM6G0mnfbL4KyGL2u24-usRShzol5S6Mlr7VdL4Icz3uQEl0B3rOUtIjATjlml3-9WB-RQFEJPEbrpX6ohus/w640-h456/vx%20monkeyflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewer's Monkeyflower, Erythranthe breweri<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also found a few columbine plants blooming east of the creek. These are pretty common, but they are very lovely and I always enjoy seeing them on my hikes. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNQ-LYITmzM6E8ZQxLTDVpKBMIWF00UhkQhEwZNZ9AUwU6z-G_sSjHccs2gqDg66yK9NWYBLp50AqaYwTYJBsC18ZA5udQSkqZYtFPUlxjbv8kLBydetpfX4tRY3Wl7keQzkkf7te7oX_QlqhjPxlkp2p8SZS9PYFxt1sHNmG9cZECmXRs-Ye1XUwQpU/s2121/vy%20columbine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2121" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNQ-LYITmzM6E8ZQxLTDVpKBMIWF00UhkQhEwZNZ9AUwU6z-G_sSjHccs2gqDg66yK9NWYBLp50AqaYwTYJBsC18ZA5udQSkqZYtFPUlxjbv8kLBydetpfX4tRY3Wl7keQzkkf7te7oX_QlqhjPxlkp2p8SZS9PYFxt1sHNmG9cZECmXRs-Ye1XUwQpU/w640-h440/vy%20columbine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimson Columbine, Aquilegia formosa</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />There was much greenery for quite a distance past the creek crossing, indicating of a great deal of surface moisture. This was probably also why I was seeing so many species that were different from what I saw in the drier west side of Grass Creek. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHebHH-6bMDrL-MYcZi4WnWT5PFHwotZ8yzuEtdWZyMG7UvuTLWp0FsEkc0odaTKv602RJ4ZphHoqV0u3pWmITKLZvyMXfumAz1PleIMbSKlwKiyVy1-cbmFYN29om5jcKlTxaN2aywpMVqaaHQqqxIqT2ZyC8eepY3fIl_lh5G-PoQ8QZ0HiOWbl0xM/s1856/wd%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHebHH-6bMDrL-MYcZi4WnWT5PFHwotZ8yzuEtdWZyMG7UvuTLWp0FsEkc0odaTKv602RJ4ZphHoqV0u3pWmITKLZvyMXfumAz1PleIMbSKlwKiyVy1-cbmFYN29om5jcKlTxaN2aywpMVqaaHQqqxIqT2ZyC8eepY3fIl_lh5G-PoQ8QZ0HiOWbl0xM/w640-h426/wd%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few butterflies fluttered around the wildflower patch, but what really caught my attention was the low hum of a sphynx moth. These marvelous creatures fly and sound just like hummingbirds, and are no less beautiful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY90UlTBfvfu4g_KSWJsxKlIdt7nEqWahig8XD22x6jcywYn1on8wf8QjVWdgIfAcp0_nSX8uj8AeurXUqQNAyJxe78iId3ZCC_tkGxddK4cXRGunD92MXQPPcOK4wS7ZpSo9jg7U4NlOc96HJM-31VPn5Mw6d-9wes-C3z181NqJqGnoD4t54Rtdif9c/s1743/wc%20sphinx%20moth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1743" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY90UlTBfvfu4g_KSWJsxKlIdt7nEqWahig8XD22x6jcywYn1on8wf8QjVWdgIfAcp0_nSX8uj8AeurXUqQNAyJxe78iId3ZCC_tkGxddK4cXRGunD92MXQPPcOK4wS7ZpSo9jg7U4NlOc96HJM-31VPn5Mw6d-9wes-C3z181NqJqGnoD4t54Rtdif9c/w640-h468/wc%20sphinx%20moth.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sphynx Moth enjoying Slender Penstemon</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I progressed very slowly on the first trail stretch after crossing Grass Creek. There were new wildflower species almost every step of the way. Naturally, I had to stop by each and everyone of them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGRdEcyvgVPRI0YDlZV52NDhcroiVWOnBOKr7peMiBvCuSo1miwwNjY5y55kJ2E9eYba8UmdfmlToARnd6pZQ0NbEmVX5bfBOb3TCtZAs7MYxI12Adl5vWnduonzIfpRtPYHGMR3EGXcZ1m0zX4Kn2gPwPLUfr9XFs3P3XPG-2jM1o1WDOEZOWwIcOaU/s1626/we%20selfheal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1626" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGRdEcyvgVPRI0YDlZV52NDhcroiVWOnBOKr7peMiBvCuSo1miwwNjY5y55kJ2E9eYba8UmdfmlToARnd6pZQ0NbEmVX5bfBOb3TCtZAs7MYxI12Adl5vWnduonzIfpRtPYHGMR3EGXcZ1m0zX4Kn2gPwPLUfr9XFs3P3XPG-2jM1o1WDOEZOWwIcOaU/w640-h436/we%20selfheal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfheal, Prunella vulgaris</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Long stalks of checkebloom with colors ranging from deep pink to creamy white protruded over the c=greenery. While most of the plants there reached my thigh, the checkerbloom flowers were nearly the height of my eyes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQX3HlZzPwww4EcHxEX6ZthuxeM-ErpkRYIwpOcotz3JnmuiA8e2BZe_RD0k7YLj9bn8fviFoi1dEAMERq1-ynkjQaL2dFkYaezfN-SmHCHL5c7hNCD8Gp39GtKS-F6WPBMlsYkqUNO0O7V5hYoo_7D6x76U2r-f9WaDbSZPmHRNi6y7pLPW8EdWrtTE/s1564/wg%20checkerbloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1564" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQX3HlZzPwww4EcHxEX6ZthuxeM-ErpkRYIwpOcotz3JnmuiA8e2BZe_RD0k7YLj9bn8fviFoi1dEAMERq1-ynkjQaL2dFkYaezfN-SmHCHL5c7hNCD8Gp39GtKS-F6WPBMlsYkqUNO0O7V5hYoo_7D6x76U2r-f9WaDbSZPmHRNi6y7pLPW8EdWrtTE/w640-h446/wg%20checkerbloom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checker Mallow, Sidalcea oregana<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The soil became muddy and soon I was wading in a mix of flattened vegetation and mud. The wet soil supported more variety of wildflowers, including the lovely monkshood, a relative of the larkspur. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-9295WBGVLw6m5b2icWOn7KqdldghrxwR0ENZoO86hC1uBFR13xX1q9GB2zIA9gQWwXA_h1tbg2WMXG1D92_edfEcGjJ-wR8c17YoIMoiz7_2P3GvL8AL9dnFPwsVs0ny6TvB2SzYFYD9hYclh8h17ZlmBdeMhDYa-N3yE0WA6yUYtRMRp8-2EL2gvM/s1856/wh%20monkshood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-9295WBGVLw6m5b2icWOn7KqdldghrxwR0ENZoO86hC1uBFR13xX1q9GB2zIA9gQWwXA_h1tbg2WMXG1D92_edfEcGjJ-wR8c17YoIMoiz7_2P3GvL8AL9dnFPwsVs0ny6TvB2SzYFYD9hYclh8h17ZlmBdeMhDYa-N3yE0WA6yUYtRMRp8-2EL2gvM/w640-h426/wh%20monkshood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkshood, Aconitum columbianum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I kept my eyes peeled for bog orchids which like growing in damp areas. Sure enough - I found it right there, at the place where I had to tread over some grass so to not sink in the mud. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqBMKa_NWXLjV7UbftMvoNjzn17ECKxoxz8d5287dUIRTvVHyPRU50ErgVT8aX00KZUFN5oZezaRj_Xl1ikBRzaJFz42r769c-Q4KCvlR2hpW2-uWcOzgH0rqS4dBg8S4A04VW-VWxE1bkE5YUBBU2lbNfNlg604kNAm43vCAuHasVt1oYI1eFl8ArTs/s1856/wi%20orchid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqBMKa_NWXLjV7UbftMvoNjzn17ECKxoxz8d5287dUIRTvVHyPRU50ErgVT8aX00KZUFN5oZezaRj_Xl1ikBRzaJFz42r769c-Q4KCvlR2hpW2-uWcOzgH0rqS4dBg8S4A04VW-VWxE1bkE5YUBBU2lbNfNlg604kNAm43vCAuHasVt1oYI1eFl8ArTs/w640-h426/wi%20orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Bog Orchid, Platanthera dilatata <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After the muddy pond the trail became drier and the greenery less intense. On the edge of the ditch where the water collected bloomed some California cornlilies. I love these magnificent plants. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSmAExLkBWYDojkVGax-cObIPi6SlA03eGvE6jn6omaAqhVI2KMXytt4VWHHbgJbLuhGXyGgM5PpJ6sDAi1nRp3pEcwTYeg4o434P7xxrZSEMG692ThINzoC6C4hyqPOqH96kbp_KvscJVLlsUMGqmzYkzRuJA8F7g7cCwH29Na88IgmuMvAk3R1jSd8/s2294/wl%20cornlily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="2294" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSmAExLkBWYDojkVGax-cObIPi6SlA03eGvE6jn6omaAqhVI2KMXytt4VWHHbgJbLuhGXyGgM5PpJ6sDAi1nRp3pEcwTYeg4o434P7xxrZSEMG692ThINzoC6C4hyqPOqH96kbp_KvscJVLlsUMGqmzYkzRuJA8F7g7cCwH29Na88IgmuMvAk3R1jSd8/w640-h460/wl%20cornlily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Cornlily, Veratrum californicum <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the ground I saw a large patch of liverwort moss. These I nearly always see on tree trunks in lush areas. The trees here however, were all burnt and the ground there was moist enough still, so I guess that shouldn't have been a surprise. Still, not something I see everyday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fXIQPkfugmwIaaXf4WI7pYDdd4fR6Cd3mopnBqVlP1P9qyNiBYHnZvFoWbV22Bgp9Sfb-VYomHZHtQYNOIR_VwoYsIaMTEyo3XD_Nmd6XOvEaYu-ub0-ZkhrmuQ76CG7d90_AuRtEWBuTVxDL-e8YCoP_s7QtN8LjXgLglzo7BDXPg4iNj5GsMmhzxI/s1415/wn%20liverwort.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1415" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fXIQPkfugmwIaaXf4WI7pYDdd4fR6Cd3mopnBqVlP1P9qyNiBYHnZvFoWbV22Bgp9Sfb-VYomHZHtQYNOIR_VwoYsIaMTEyo3XD_Nmd6XOvEaYu-ub0-ZkhrmuQ76CG7d90_AuRtEWBuTVxDL-e8YCoP_s7QtN8LjXgLglzo7BDXPg4iNj5GsMmhzxI/w640-h478/wn%20liverwort.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liverwort</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail curved north and continued away from Grass Creek and into the area that was most damaged by 2021's Dixie Fire. The devastation of what was the largest single fire in California's history was huge. I was hiking at its boundary area and was somber. All the trees around me were dead, standing charred. Not a single tree escaped the blaze where I was now walking. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBLA55Hnb2lgtMS1-GFbFOznm2nNxVsk74M6DveIROSKR5-FCDTDvHqdbK4tiGZXthN1iQc0UjvVwwV4ertdNikDNr6mASPIf_ro0wR5WxyvBRknjM2I7dqvmw_mVcOhHN15amGd0oLYfjHQ3NIOGT4O6ct4XhYtq91GjcT9NO8FzeGGCvBxnOzute-U/s1856/wp%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBLA55Hnb2lgtMS1-GFbFOznm2nNxVsk74M6DveIROSKR5-FCDTDvHqdbK4tiGZXthN1iQc0UjvVwwV4ertdNikDNr6mASPIf_ro0wR5WxyvBRknjM2I7dqvmw_mVcOhHN15amGd0oLYfjHQ3NIOGT4O6ct4XhYtq91GjcT9NO8FzeGGCvBxnOzute-U/w640-h426/wp%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At last the trail brought me near the east shore of Snag Lake. The water was deep blue, visible between the charred trees like behind jail bars. I no longer needed a lunch break so I continued along the trail. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhJNjFdGV4YxIveFSt4PRt40mcuOfp0YKE7xKq0ps0Pxx_cQGH0zdhpLQ13sHcvHGnXL7342OtdgiZUQo8pQl_ZaHTKFmrwwvsWjm9P1OyB5TX53fSE8Sm6gEzUL7B-htbaS9l0KRGPF-ipNwdTrFIZ8OIHZDEoD7b_-tGYA_a2xKexXsNxN6-d27bLQ/s1856/wq%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhJNjFdGV4YxIveFSt4PRt40mcuOfp0YKE7xKq0ps0Pxx_cQGH0zdhpLQ13sHcvHGnXL7342OtdgiZUQo8pQl_ZaHTKFmrwwvsWjm9P1OyB5TX53fSE8Sm6gEzUL7B-htbaS9l0KRGPF-ipNwdTrFIZ8OIHZDEoD7b_-tGYA_a2xKexXsNxN6-d27bLQ/w640-h426/wq%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The charred, dead trees were a sad sight. The forest floor however, was a whole different thing. Having been exposed to direct sunlight, there were carpets and carpets of wildflowers blooming all over the place. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD3MP_wvirS3Ostpsvz9zhOaL7WVKDXCP2WAcBS97NDx35gIRSoVbfZmkVqdD5geP7ME9cAO_owsRypxBggQNUiI-x09rZPoA_II7UbCWU-weTvAZbgqFIf0GM_xk88ugjkzOOOKtovo8oakqgaYvZmU5bN7-XRJMfAeQuRhMBbAjVl903OdzsB2J1RU/s1856/ww%20Mint%20Trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD3MP_wvirS3Ostpsvz9zhOaL7WVKDXCP2WAcBS97NDx35gIRSoVbfZmkVqdD5geP7ME9cAO_owsRypxBggQNUiI-x09rZPoA_II7UbCWU-weTvAZbgqFIf0GM_xk88ugjkzOOOKtovo8oakqgaYvZmU5bN7-XRJMfAeQuRhMBbAjVl903OdzsB2J1RU/w640-h426/ww%20Mint%20Trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Monardella and Penstemon dominated the bloom fields here on the east shore area too, but there were lovely patches of other wildflowers, such as the bright red scarlet gilia. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKesRcSEA4ODNsOjF2Os1-fDY1I2_4_gJIgPXHBJg-MF7dUq-wYeJs6ndDRLor5YkBLGFIEo0SkZZI_XmfeT5Lh1shcSy_kz-_jiF0bZs2yFRiSXjQIbLBQ5m1k5AjNnJC7MrQJNvn8lQHIg7w_4nhtFkqrAA8bBaeG9xibVp68NesXhlRXtvK2iEaZk/s1856/ws%20Gilia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKesRcSEA4ODNsOjF2Os1-fDY1I2_4_gJIgPXHBJg-MF7dUq-wYeJs6ndDRLor5YkBLGFIEo0SkZZI_XmfeT5Lh1shcSy_kz-_jiF0bZs2yFRiSXjQIbLBQ5m1k5AjNnJC7MrQJNvn8lQHIg7w_4nhtFkqrAA8bBaeG9xibVp68NesXhlRXtvK2iEaZk/w640-h426/ws%20Gilia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started seeing more of the fireweed flowers. This one thrives in disturbed areas. and what's more disturbed than a burned forest? Perhaps that's how it got the name fireweed. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRITUL1QRAuV7spDs5T4zGypHCLT5bD1_5t5Cz7E9pigRPknWiqWoOzdTJNzKLj_5hVHJBQ_2sTwtdx1XcoO-UHAQYPxfJPD41-X9UWq841FH2stAZaCcVMLL0PJaKWDBMrrGGlcbh2A5FSwo6C6T15_6GGwKtYz3LKoZQ2WexZJdw_EknlLeFdtGufQ/s1856/wt%20fireweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRITUL1QRAuV7spDs5T4zGypHCLT5bD1_5t5Cz7E9pigRPknWiqWoOzdTJNzKLj_5hVHJBQ_2sTwtdx1XcoO-UHAQYPxfJPD41-X9UWq841FH2stAZaCcVMLL0PJaKWDBMrrGGlcbh2A5FSwo6C6T15_6GGwKtYz3LKoZQ2WexZJdw_EknlLeFdtGufQ/w640-h426/wt%20fireweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireweed, Chamerion angustifolium<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When the trail got close enough to the waterfront I stepped off to the shore, where I had a clear, unobstructed view of Prospect Peak and Cinder Cone to the north. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrToN6jfYU8uHAZiPR8k_IrkY_X8XQo8Sucy7cImwHLqc__0djLGqiyweLjwQdTkCP_LY5I8-Xt-hbzKERR0Xi78IRo4LKk_os7Mc297Fhcksry5-WY0wIPHiHBankWDSGVxB32x7o0oIytFyRPCN1hfMoAgYm9x_0GBCXm_kGDPdVfCudDL0XRbMLvEc/s1856/wx%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrToN6jfYU8uHAZiPR8k_IrkY_X8XQo8Sucy7cImwHLqc__0djLGqiyweLjwQdTkCP_LY5I8-Xt-hbzKERR0Xi78IRo4LKk_os7Mc297Fhcksry5-WY0wIPHiHBankWDSGVxB32x7o0oIytFyRPCN1hfMoAgYm9x_0GBCXm_kGDPdVfCudDL0XRbMLvEc/w640-h426/wx%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to zoom in at maximum to get a good view of Cinder Cone, which in the wide view photo looked no more than a little bump on the side of the much taller Prospect Peak. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKdOF0KJbHNRFXFpXhL_saUaXPKAjgqew9X36c6P2oxaV87FhigkZL1mdtHZZ-u9LwHlWwm76mZDvLchiCkHDn2iCWidVD7CaragPrhEUJJv2knjknK-K2MOmEBk6rrqTx3O7rBGdJ_arOaD-_NpVtFK1GtswQBZrQOw4EFplk8diWJOi4ezgmOnmhxw/s1856/wy%20Cinder%20Cone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKdOF0KJbHNRFXFpXhL_saUaXPKAjgqew9X36c6P2oxaV87FhigkZL1mdtHZZ-u9LwHlWwm76mZDvLchiCkHDn2iCWidVD7CaragPrhEUJJv2knjknK-K2MOmEBk6rrqTx3O7rBGdJ_arOaD-_NpVtFK1GtswQBZrQOw4EFplk8diWJOi4ezgmOnmhxw/w640-h426/wy%20Cinder%20Cone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone, viewed from the southeast shore of Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I returned my gaze to the lake shore. Here too were watermarks like those I saw on the rocks and trees when I first reached Snag Lake (photos in Part 1 post), evidence of higher water levels. Here too it was strangely beautiful. I've never seen the likes of these near other lakes. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCwTDNOUhgM6agqYry5J_GSQRmi9SdvHQU7Qggfu2m9vI_JPTXdtSPiNKV24NuSgxCE9uTpLbAjfNSMGoMA2oqDGxSpljar64cTKpmgFhPTNITKje_Iw-AKIC6ykwUh5qz3XMCwXugfDhc9l-yfi4b8G-pVJZG-arhHCAGKZ0LcY3oG-glISGQwdyS-w/s1856/xa%20watermarks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCwTDNOUhgM6agqYry5J_GSQRmi9SdvHQU7Qggfu2m9vI_JPTXdtSPiNKV24NuSgxCE9uTpLbAjfNSMGoMA2oqDGxSpljar64cTKpmgFhPTNITKje_Iw-AKIC6ykwUh5qz3XMCwXugfDhc9l-yfi4b8G-pVJZG-arhHCAGKZ0LcY3oG-glISGQwdyS-w/w640-h426/xa%20watermarks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Marks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More lupine was blooming along that part of the trail, of a different species from the tidy lupine I saw earlier on my hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4pRRepHt429C9eMsKGN-uMRM94nwpFshNl97uTiqCPrfz9PMNSqoed4OIJaJzlQZIwst48ipWXniSA3WRxzqLqUgsV3Ed4Dk53iOuaJfpe_rHwJhVRA7sYWHPazAZlwtGZMm5hJoGVaN9IL-4hswO-5aZWlFcla67fIlCOHcIK-qf3QR2lxeU0RVdFo/s1322/xd%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1322" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4pRRepHt429C9eMsKGN-uMRM94nwpFshNl97uTiqCPrfz9PMNSqoed4OIJaJzlQZIwst48ipWXniSA3WRxzqLqUgsV3Ed4Dk53iOuaJfpe_rHwJhVRA7sYWHPazAZlwtGZMm5hJoGVaN9IL-4hswO-5aZWlFcla67fIlCOHcIK-qf3QR2lxeU0RVdFo/w640-h470/xd%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silvery Lupine, Lupinus argentus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More greenery indicated I was coming up on another wet area. White willowherb flowers dotted the trail side, like tiny stars shining on the black volcanic soil. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS35X77k_mK-mrprtYUvcr-WZ3M-w8eanGxYEdaSvgq7q5MB26S_2taZR078XFqXiQHhiRSBqHv46qrJCAQD-xNvM_T0sw9_NWHHvUYJLD8uAYquWtaUHcta0VNVsHEC-1vWiNCTV8ieX69pNL9SWu0ldzQAen7wknb7aBx7KWxT3CHA4sS2E_5kNFLsM/s2094/xg%20willowherb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2094" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS35X77k_mK-mrprtYUvcr-WZ3M-w8eanGxYEdaSvgq7q5MB26S_2taZR078XFqXiQHhiRSBqHv46qrJCAQD-xNvM_T0sw9_NWHHvUYJLD8uAYquWtaUHcta0VNVsHEC-1vWiNCTV8ieX69pNL9SWu0ldzQAen7wknb7aBx7KWxT3CHA4sS2E_5kNFLsM/w640-h434/xg%20willowherb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willowherb, Epilobium sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The greenery below the burnt trees became denser and brighter, and soon I was wading through another flooded and muddy section of the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8OtJyUtlS5A2iJXuDfD-smJ8U9sTKlwo0kFPQKWpRDP_kBc2uxu1_lbXF96PogK0thbNpto9uwLkNmhbqEpqU-vLjuHttOTRh7FYOkGPY_JcXsCFmorF2qbDSJ0xWrv3l7aNquJPrSGTAp4asdwJzWRff-zvDkca0mxPzoRoqEaixK82f735qL9KRvI/s1856/xh%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8OtJyUtlS5A2iJXuDfD-smJ8U9sTKlwo0kFPQKWpRDP_kBc2uxu1_lbXF96PogK0thbNpto9uwLkNmhbqEpqU-vLjuHttOTRh7FYOkGPY_JcXsCFmorF2qbDSJ0xWrv3l7aNquJPrSGTAp4asdwJzWRff-zvDkca0mxPzoRoqEaixK82f735qL9KRvI/w640-h426/xh%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As one might expect, I found more wildflowers blooming in and around that wet area. The beautiful display of thriving vegetation made it easier to ignore the standing tree cemetery I was walking through. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDAggg8bhWd44HcUxrJOJOou28Uzo7EmFtXGhrmk6wcEZxex6n9ZoJx3IYxxWLGmjUcW8N-G2qH4ljQX1fAm-gj0f_CLRrVozMoUFJ4WQ1pTby9lTmZwoVZFTfj3ElGCfcIpzEEGaDskwtXESvBXMrwaUWD5CJ0z2qLTE8zH8654slQ5Gu6iheHxDiAc/s1637/xj%20asters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1637" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDAggg8bhWd44HcUxrJOJOou28Uzo7EmFtXGhrmk6wcEZxex6n9ZoJx3IYxxWLGmjUcW8N-G2qH4ljQX1fAm-gj0f_CLRrVozMoUFJ4WQ1pTby9lTmZwoVZFTfj3ElGCfcIpzEEGaDskwtXESvBXMrwaUWD5CJ0z2qLTE8zH8654slQ5Gu6iheHxDiAc/w640-h458/xj%20asters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleabane, Erigeron sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I even saw different forms of wildflowers I've seen earlier, like this checkerbloom that was nearly white in appearance. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpxU8qYtEfVL7xZ-wYyg2CnBR8TP1o3ZpW_RBSSuih1poTdWDIaOuFrJmavn6WR0tnp3KG83vpHCz8TuakYBLajjbbvxrflJvjnegFcIglipW9925JLVpLVF419-h43eqo_xM2IPOb_Gy_cKDd6tWU1EVxlGm9dez-yCqkLSC1TjXYkYsaYmnIP6RxPE/s1505/xk%20white%20checkerbloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1505" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpxU8qYtEfVL7xZ-wYyg2CnBR8TP1o3ZpW_RBSSuih1poTdWDIaOuFrJmavn6WR0tnp3KG83vpHCz8TuakYBLajjbbvxrflJvjnegFcIglipW9925JLVpLVF419-h43eqo_xM2IPOb_Gy_cKDd6tWU1EVxlGm9dez-yCqkLSC1TjXYkYsaYmnIP6RxPE/w640-h448/xk%20white%20checkerbloom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Checker Mallow, Sidalcea oregana</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Intense growth marked wherever a creek flowed, even if it wasn't flowing anymore. The dominant color along these creek routes was yellow, mostly contributed by monkeyflowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDxM6_j6AfrsctO9Hia8wK8bkBpe6MOa0IUXA5TGrIp0Q_M57BvQdD6qaSzz0RlOYXY0NkVgI98IW5k1HfCYpirLOe5lRY1V4Z_8z-Da5OO_aYl4O1t51jLLtPJyHaHlUP7zIZvgpeRgWHPVXt1Itl-hRhb-78b1Dw6XdeiA2zm8SDZxA0ajiolGoV-Q/s1856/xl%20Monkeyflower%20river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDxM6_j6AfrsctO9Hia8wK8bkBpe6MOa0IUXA5TGrIp0Q_M57BvQdD6qaSzz0RlOYXY0NkVgI98IW5k1HfCYpirLOe5lRY1V4Z_8z-Da5OO_aYl4O1t51jLLtPJyHaHlUP7zIZvgpeRgWHPVXt1Itl-hRhb-78b1Dw6XdeiA2zm8SDZxA0ajiolGoV-Q/w640-h426/xl%20Monkeyflower%20river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Mountain Monkeyflower, Erythranthe tillingii </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even this late into my hike I was seeing new wildflower species. This cute yerba santa formed little purple rugs that beautifully matched the yellow monkeyflowers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvK1Bt8EXkiG1esdKRmZoHKCdhaiSjMMl-koQfHoxGN8-5ELofZPR8LcuKGguadeMAxlbKKtQYFkcD5me1nwq69k5KDVJft4mtBP-MxwkqQoYVJckN8E93w4XjuGgQu9__uwiIQjvyZCOxurYj6u36gwZQUmqgwXNt1xuzypYjbtNBNtjy4QrKiEp5vk/s1856/xl%20purple.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvK1Bt8EXkiG1esdKRmZoHKCdhaiSjMMl-koQfHoxGN8-5ELofZPR8LcuKGguadeMAxlbKKtQYFkcD5me1nwq69k5KDVJft4mtBP-MxwkqQoYVJckN8E93w4XjuGgQu9__uwiIQjvyZCOxurYj6u36gwZQUmqgwXNt1xuzypYjbtNBNtjy4QrKiEp5vk/w640-h427/xl%20purple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matted Yerba Santa, Eriodictyon lobbii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After an hour or so of a slow walk in a forest without any shade I felt my eyelids getting heavy and I decided it was time to take a break. I stepped ff the trail and found myself a nice, shaded spot near the water, and sat down. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWbyjv0rt-sIP1pExA8m9by7P0XsUlmtIdOed5GZJOksRyZ0b1eqzoemYlBgHf_6ybr8j5Tw04Dbij9H1vuSPy71sqw8GI4ns0L5-he2WWCESxFVjhq9kU6o5f_Jkfkvcj3tna9TrcRnx-ap1Q61Zlhi83HFa_SpjWl6gHVGgcmfORHyQhz58Ok_eHw/s1856/xn%20volcanos%20across%20snag%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWbyjv0rt-sIP1pExA8m9by7P0XsUlmtIdOed5GZJOksRyZ0b1eqzoemYlBgHf_6ybr8j5Tw04Dbij9H1vuSPy71sqw8GI4ns0L5-he2WWCESxFVjhq9kU6o5f_Jkfkvcj3tna9TrcRnx-ap1Q61Zlhi83HFa_SpjWl6gHVGgcmfORHyQhz58Ok_eHw/w640-h426/xn%20volcanos%20across%20snag%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake, view northwest</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I snacked and hydrated. I even tried taking a nap but didn't fall asleep. It was nice t simply sit and relax, watching the sunlight play the water, riding the ripples. On my hike here with Pappa Quail 20 years ago I took the chance to go in the lake for a refresher dip. Pappa Quail remembers that a doe went in the water not too far from me. For some reason, I don't remember it. This time I stayed out of the water, promising myself a dip in Butte Lake if I'd complete the hike early enough. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Oydnhh8QOgUTKKWFR7bQMrISKsLhikr8qOGjbd8PYxnOwu3sAoTWrmNmH1pqJLgKEzqLRCWECK1q6lVl9qBb0IZY9eT29gQ2Zuj6NesrNIaUdg-AcRZgLcrWocZJBT__gr2nMc2jXKWIb6cJu9BBlNvScbiwcEAwyMSNnIMR50cswKU0mEDPErKXyE/s1856/xo%20snag%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Oydnhh8QOgUTKKWFR7bQMrISKsLhikr8qOGjbd8PYxnOwu3sAoTWrmNmH1pqJLgKEzqLRCWECK1q6lVl9qBb0IZY9eT29gQ2Zuj6NesrNIaUdg-AcRZgLcrWocZJBT__gr2nMc2jXKWIb6cJu9BBlNvScbiwcEAwyMSNnIMR50cswKU0mEDPErKXyE/w640-h426/xo%20snag%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake, view southwest</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After half an hour I felt it was time to get going again. I still had some good distance to walk and I wanted to get back to the campground with enough daylight for a possible dip in the lake. I came upon a parch of burnt aspen trees. The aspens seemed to be bouncing back big time after the fire. I later found out that these aspens are likely to all be clones of one another, connected below ground as a single super organism. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJxTe93OiDA1mFZIHJE2R3dJF8pagSgtPuzg6hwvvJ-5MjT2wcFfafsgkFZWYqsuP6kio8_b6Yhe7T7F_1WpD_k58TYEqBAiyQb-_tpfCbkcFsiq3PfQNG3z3OXVryC1WOQvqDRepk_O6PgfGXj30tQj5vTzgXtO-Fjv9usaI2EZni7f0o1WOkPygAiM/s1856/xr%20Aspens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJxTe93OiDA1mFZIHJE2R3dJF8pagSgtPuzg6hwvvJ-5MjT2wcFfafsgkFZWYqsuP6kio8_b6Yhe7T7F_1WpD_k58TYEqBAiyQb-_tpfCbkcFsiq3PfQNG3z3OXVryC1WOQvqDRepk_O6PgfGXj30tQj5vTzgXtO-Fjv9usaI2EZni7f0o1WOkPygAiM/w640-h426/xr%20Aspens.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I came across another small brook that was flowing between the aspens and the monkeyflowers. Knowing that soon the trail would leave Snag Lake I stopped and refilled my bottles with the fresh running water. Bringing my filter was a very good choice - without it I'd have had to carry a much heavier load or be in a danger of dehydration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqTPK1Rr51ul2F9HDpMSHe8Lcx34x4Om6vTYue9txTybWYQUIdnnhIfp1bwTVRxCbvdxr0J2ClTCGyGvMcAdLczTDYz5U4IHbQRwAJ7l0VHLqWVAEyMvBgBrXvRQpBvP4zkpz9QPMBK-9PpSDfObq24A8P-YNub9N73ROOvT61QiqWA6Hdq_hlpXh7nU/s1856/xs%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqTPK1Rr51ul2F9HDpMSHe8Lcx34x4Om6vTYue9txTybWYQUIdnnhIfp1bwTVRxCbvdxr0J2ClTCGyGvMcAdLczTDYz5U4IHbQRwAJ7l0VHLqWVAEyMvBgBrXvRQpBvP4zkpz9QPMBK-9PpSDfObq24A8P-YNub9N73ROOvT61QiqWA6Hdq_hlpXh7nU/w640-h426/xs%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The aspens behind me, I was now walked through burnt pine trees. The tees were dead all right, but not completely burnt. Many of them still had their branches and dead foliage. Behind them I glimpsed some green tree tops - there were some survivors there. A yellow movement grabbed my attention - a western tanager flew into the dead pines and stationed himself on one of the distant branches. At my maximal zoom I could barely see it. The photo needs to be enlarged to spot the bird. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpYWQa-O1P3X6Ccv34fFnX4jN_AELVf9KL7_LAw5HN4Mb7D5xVGyhdy6Lq_lEZbtgw8cySH8yC1jx0mbKkPatpMTmn7d2f9u2xqULqhM6pM_qX2RLUgug7v3h_EjBeWBHBLm3x1_FKVa3tk1heMHn7Tv49YmutUjD2mYmFFNKs0HakczfHq3YcBU4GBA/s1856/xu%20Waldo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpYWQa-O1P3X6Ccv34fFnX4jN_AELVf9KL7_LAw5HN4Mb7D5xVGyhdy6Lq_lEZbtgw8cySH8yC1jx0mbKkPatpMTmn7d2f9u2xqULqhM6pM_qX2RLUgug7v3h_EjBeWBHBLm3x1_FKVa3tk1heMHn7Tv49YmutUjD2mYmFFNKs0HakczfHq3YcBU4GBA/w640-h427/xu%20Waldo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find Waldo the Tanager</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leaving Snag Lake behind, without knowing if I'd ever be close to it again, I started ascending u a mild slope into the forest, going north back to Butte Lake. The forest here had mostly survived the fire. It was nice to see green pines again and to enjoy the shaded parts of the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XX07EfMnJHEki8bF_zSa5uiuyf766XWfw3qEI3cC5lmuc0eaFiyURuaOqf1XwZFhu_HJv4X-P_9Bq3uopvFmzkTnqje8I-rmpMcEMrf4-f4LFQKqYtvbjoALk7xPbORM_6a5sznyZjTnQd7SQn50JMkwWAZ_FjisAITWqnGPCbzXRUOCs4SXz0fanTo/s1856/ya%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XX07EfMnJHEki8bF_zSa5uiuyf766XWfw3qEI3cC5lmuc0eaFiyURuaOqf1XwZFhu_HJv4X-P_9Bq3uopvFmzkTnqje8I-rmpMcEMrf4-f4LFQKqYtvbjoALk7xPbORM_6a5sznyZjTnQd7SQn50JMkwWAZ_FjisAITWqnGPCbzXRUOCs4SXz0fanTo/w640-h426/ya%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake-Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I soon passed another small brook, the last water I'd see before getting to Butte Lake. I had plenty of water on me though, so I didn't stop again to refill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLp_7TMwu91kS7cSPuN98Es6yb49tgP6y1NeWXHqGRrftfkYezK9ym_oS_FGUWo5WkkBA2jr1N-WrhCs8ChA0sY_S4_Zxwc06ktyphcvscXUnv1Ry5xwD1zrd5onwraTjIBwwRVOuvh0rcpfFo4ex_noAv4Rpvjy0KNjFei1afq0OtvdwoAr1i9XWSAdM/s1856/xx%20brook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLp_7TMwu91kS7cSPuN98Es6yb49tgP6y1NeWXHqGRrftfkYezK9ym_oS_FGUWo5WkkBA2jr1N-WrhCs8ChA0sY_S4_Zxwc06ktyphcvscXUnv1Ry5xwD1zrd5onwraTjIBwwRVOuvh0rcpfFo4ex_noAv4Rpvjy0KNjFei1afq0OtvdwoAr1i9XWSAdM/w640-h426/xx%20brook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Birds too enjoyed the surviving, live forest They tweeted all around me, and I even managed to capture too of them chickadees, a parent and juvenile likely. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oei8s819JA3TjJi7mrUK5Ot3aqsto-PTA8-RDVQCxAVxTDGhHllKb_ubBHkV1z-6syz2q9B_6XJu98u7Yunr8dYe5PB-UWyy1eu3C3UmHw-UTr3tMVwqiH-CTY5OCo6MDJM0D07YAyl1p6D3jjt-5fYwfM-OGO6IiKm80MM1_OEqfd0pw92Y6mVfzG4/s1059/xz%20chickadees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1059" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oei8s819JA3TjJi7mrUK5Ot3aqsto-PTA8-RDVQCxAVxTDGhHllKb_ubBHkV1z-6syz2q9B_6XJu98u7Yunr8dYe5PB-UWyy1eu3C3UmHw-UTr3tMVwqiH-CTY5OCo6MDJM0D07YAyl1p6D3jjt-5fYwfM-OGO6IiKm80MM1_OEqfd0pw92Y6mVfzG4/w640-h483/xz%20chickadees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Naturally, the mostly shaded living forest floor had less undergrowth and subsequently, less wildflowers. The most common undergrowth plant blooming there though, was the mule's ears, named so for the shape of its leaves. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZyVse1SBIyI9gaz5ddLb2-mDsaWtyw6K_zL9NHx9TP-Tuu71c3F85eo0TI1CsRO1uace1T8f6GT3NnceTPmGeiLq7lA5CN8hHyYJlXDauiye5StHqKSLBJnn3ZO4J2sgOA5YR2dhy9bj_tcFSjpRgKl5KX4VsSckeSN_jEyqiW_VXr_GYTshir0h-k8/s1593/yb%20Wyethia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1593" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZyVse1SBIyI9gaz5ddLb2-mDsaWtyw6K_zL9NHx9TP-Tuu71c3F85eo0TI1CsRO1uace1T8f6GT3NnceTPmGeiLq7lA5CN8hHyYJlXDauiye5StHqKSLBJnn3ZO4J2sgOA5YR2dhy9bj_tcFSjpRgKl5KX4VsSckeSN_jEyqiW_VXr_GYTshir0h-k8/w640-h448/yb%20Wyethia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolly Mule-s Ears, Wyethia mollis</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught a glimpse of an irregularity on one of the mule's ears leaves. It was a little, green stink bug. I didn't sniff it to verify the name. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4XTP6963lNnnV78IZIgtFKm6kLtMkngGEQiZTJJFQ5ubP9IusDnS2xpEJpbE5hEObUAqEW6MyymrQqOejdDKiY8iObIwiJIwO8guN7FzTFwJK57-14FmcJBBD8R_kh7HZrWW-MYXfji9AxS3VS2aeGGZitS6Dzt_ekmHsC-Jcv_dslxBSKCvZTds2yU/s1330/yd%20green%20bug.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1330" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4XTP6963lNnnV78IZIgtFKm6kLtMkngGEQiZTJJFQ5ubP9IusDnS2xpEJpbE5hEObUAqEW6MyymrQqOejdDKiY8iObIwiJIwO8guN7FzTFwJK57-14FmcJBBD8R_kh7HZrWW-MYXfji9AxS3VS2aeGGZitS6Dzt_ekmHsC-Jcv_dslxBSKCvZTds2yU/w640-h408/yd%20green%20bug.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Nezara viridula</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After ascending some, the trail leveled. It leveled on the macro scale but more locally it was deeply rutted in places, heavily eroded by water. I had to be really careful not to trip on any of the exposed tree roots. In places I even left the trail to bypass difficult sections. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdeElThdaThw3QVuOfxHoa3LhoJeUgs9Qq_LYKdcsVi33Gx6OMV47nCi3AuqSW9qmY-Cmolx53MzFlwO5JoFRQS4oTWe8sZ9lmgxfuK-qJSc0T7DN4hYcxMOkihagUsUXhja55e-hz-vSAyht7AD0BvW8KTadtRVNmBC2yJ-0GIl6J5bWo11Hjzqcw7M/s1856/ye%20rutted%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdeElThdaThw3QVuOfxHoa3LhoJeUgs9Qq_LYKdcsVi33Gx6OMV47nCi3AuqSW9qmY-Cmolx53MzFlwO5JoFRQS4oTWe8sZ9lmgxfuK-qJSc0T7DN4hYcxMOkihagUsUXhja55e-hz-vSAyht7AD0BvW8KTadtRVNmBC2yJ-0GIl6J5bWo11Hjzqcw7M/w640-h426/ye%20rutted%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake - Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>One of the things I remember vividly from my hike here twenty years ago was all the fallen logs that blocked the trail. We were warned at the time by a park ranger that a recent storm dropped a lot of trees and the the trails weren't cleared yet. We chanced it anyway, and indeed we had to go around or hop over many, many fallen logs. I kept expecting to have to bypass fallen trees but I didn't have to at all - the trail was all clear of fallen trees. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVCzL4TjqdWs2FpLDDpPROLPgbyD_O9wnj2uKOnwxeNvbnpfh4vt8rW4LV30MqqeRHWTgWlLRuhSyu1zsE1oxiPuDY5QeCyn-PfRsDGu57bVFiszDwgSXh39XrDBgVzjQPH26EdiVOLs_Wzx6Dw4Ah_BhSsXA1ChxGj7RsBxION01TizDGo69pCO9GHU/s1856/yf%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVCzL4TjqdWs2FpLDDpPROLPgbyD_O9wnj2uKOnwxeNvbnpfh4vt8rW4LV30MqqeRHWTgWlLRuhSyu1zsE1oxiPuDY5QeCyn-PfRsDGu57bVFiszDwgSXh39XrDBgVzjQPH26EdiVOLs_Wzx6Dw4Ah_BhSsXA1ChxGj7RsBxION01TizDGo69pCO9GHU/w640-h426/yf%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake - Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail went on and on. The day was hot and I frequently drew small sips from my bottle. I knew that I would be coming up on Butte Lake soon but I didn't want to get there completely dry. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztqzCdKyfGDso9z57XJTefld2FxSmsuSqAHuiqqYQ4GEOTWh8aeiyeo-qUAkNoZO5EUjx7Cwo5KLfLx9MCqOnu5hqwyN7xhFXWWJgGz1Z9PjwjZB6dM9nkj6lZn59GOimSsbYq-d2QWnCkMbtJay5DYT30KLAzYFPRM2h8wNcmx1vHuf0Xk5De9kWWYc/s1856/yg%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztqzCdKyfGDso9z57XJTefld2FxSmsuSqAHuiqqYQ4GEOTWh8aeiyeo-qUAkNoZO5EUjx7Cwo5KLfLx9MCqOnu5hqwyN7xhFXWWJgGz1Z9PjwjZB6dM9nkj6lZn59GOimSsbYq-d2QWnCkMbtJay5DYT30KLAzYFPRM2h8wNcmx1vHuf0Xk5De9kWWYc/w640-h426/yg%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy Lupine, Lupinus lepidus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was indeed clear of the fallen trees, but the entire forest was full of them. Even when downed, the trees support the life of many other organisms. I met one sitting atop one of these logs. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Z-8g0g4gIzNQDJ3VLSPlOFGGn8dpGdy5AUZg3ytqyfo2zS2GqN5Fitwy_7X6UgPQxbXrJPqODNmdfq5ltuiERLv19YhV_kwimUqJ-mq_iTe0R7VCxNXM2fKDvn_52CY3Wu7GbdVtksvMlktXQk7MoqYxjQXfYtqrj25bxjblXFsP3R_o5P4hiDtbHE/s1743/yh%20chipmunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1743" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Z-8g0g4gIzNQDJ3VLSPlOFGGn8dpGdy5AUZg3ytqyfo2zS2GqN5Fitwy_7X6UgPQxbXrJPqODNmdfq5ltuiERLv19YhV_kwimUqJ-mq_iTe0R7VCxNXM2fKDvn_52CY3Wu7GbdVtksvMlktXQk7MoqYxjQXfYtqrj25bxjblXFsP3R_o5P4hiDtbHE/w640-h465/yh%20chipmunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodgepole Chipmunk</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My GPS indicated that I passed the length written on my map where I was supposed to be at Butte Lake already. There was no lake in sight and I wondered if my GPS was off, or was the map wrong. I hoped that the discrepancy would be small because I was getting tired. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZGYQaeskeL9WVBTQin6Ek_4K1JM47DvAEwFb39YEvnAaYi8PrLg9e_KSRl_XLAJOJnQRtTe1IN5wctyyeQ7hekVpv89bMOGqwsdnfvsSK9BARDUwAuHU0GcRsh7rD92Ep51v7qpF-o-bM2fwFMtH_qD9G-tswR8SfFuw9ITfAnmmVTPA9MykBzfNzTM/s1856/yi%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZGYQaeskeL9WVBTQin6Ek_4K1JM47DvAEwFb39YEvnAaYi8PrLg9e_KSRl_XLAJOJnQRtTe1IN5wctyyeQ7hekVpv89bMOGqwsdnfvsSK9BARDUwAuHU0GcRsh7rD92Ep51v7qpF-o-bM2fwFMtH_qD9G-tswR8SfFuw9ITfAnmmVTPA9MykBzfNzTM/w640-h426/yi%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again I saw charred trees. It seemed that this part of the trail was right at the edge of the fire - one minute I was walking through a healthy, green forest and in the next I passed through a charred stand of dead trees, victims of the recent Dixie Fire. I kept my eyes down looking at the thriving undergrowth, noting the lovely wildflowers and butterflies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU4YXv1MTTKE9tmrF7UphXnoprnUa9j2cGoaMbGxkiJ7E7uc54gpmpyttpH9Uy-KI8Teo7eMAiFk5Zx9_wG7YQAv5z4pE5fkWJGyV3jZb8L3hkCsPaNhjCVrRejRvOEM6qpNGhe2Syr5gP9ZXyOIIjuUwtYDMz6VtatHb60KoxL-lYfwXIyfMB8qYcS4/s1839/yk%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1839" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU4YXv1MTTKE9tmrF7UphXnoprnUa9j2cGoaMbGxkiJ7E7uc54gpmpyttpH9Uy-KI8Teo7eMAiFk5Zx9_wG7YQAv5z4pE5fkWJGyV3jZb8L3hkCsPaNhjCVrRejRvOEM6qpNGhe2Syr5gP9ZXyOIIjuUwtYDMz6VtatHb60KoxL-lYfwXIyfMB8qYcS4/w640-h442/yk%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even here, this late into the hike, I was still encountering new wildflower species. New for the hike this day, not lifers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzojBrTZ058aboVngPsf_xV3fH9Sad5fSGIHirin30tDnbANHirpIWgIiaLpsQmlax2jTAyNzx-oEIwVM7wBKshUgor1hpUyaK-oiZKGqOllYizhApN4DxGATcQNzXC9mr32_Gsye7SevkHyNXhOi131Gh1t0NyoKjTlEsj5tmPWUl1cDw0MgVU3lNA/s1913/yl%20gilia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1913" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzojBrTZ058aboVngPsf_xV3fH9Sad5fSGIHirin30tDnbANHirpIWgIiaLpsQmlax2jTAyNzx-oEIwVM7wBKshUgor1hpUyaK-oiZKGqOllYizhApN4DxGATcQNzXC9mr32_Gsye7SevkHyNXhOi131Gh1t0NyoKjTlEsj5tmPWUl1cDw0MgVU3lNA/w640-h466/yl%20gilia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Collomia, Collomia grandiflora</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another butterfly landed on a lupine shrub near me. I quickly grabbed the photo opportunity before the it took off again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBK9IgCn8uMEBHy8VLoZMEKfF0tHhXQrbHAdhKLPKHrRODLAG9_7tr1uBiJfDJZeTMxj4rwdhk9Ai-NpoiR1VOdr-TDCym59ineDN8jsiguAAKH01E0kY3WrHjRuRFcm9M0w6f-m906RirrBZ9gbT6mGlvodcw_4deqM0mWeyMGt01GVexaDgo2qr0sc/s1115/yn%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1115" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBK9IgCn8uMEBHy8VLoZMEKfF0tHhXQrbHAdhKLPKHrRODLAG9_7tr1uBiJfDJZeTMxj4rwdhk9Ai-NpoiR1VOdr-TDCym59ineDN8jsiguAAKH01E0kY3WrHjRuRFcm9M0w6f-m906RirrBZ9gbT6mGlvodcw_4deqM0mWeyMGt01GVexaDgo2qr0sc/w640-h486/yn%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At last! I saw Butte Lake more than a mile after my GPS indicated that I should be there. At the time I thought that the map was at fault, but since my navigator had faltered on some hikes later I figured it might have been it. Either way, that stretch of trail between Snag Lake and Butte Lake sure felt longer than the distance marked on the map. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0OJlOtCXu48BGF8Jmtr_wRcjzWPqeHPSZArnw9dWvIPRIDSl9wZ_--QlFmH5k8RFYYOtF3RHAeJRSdrCHMiVeSz9sdiuBfBCCHrTbw8nBokdsXKuyB3R4dygMFQ4PyV67dy6_iMPoMdU3k9AXCrVWthxrDhzKgu3kA2K-HY9mkeK4u4-VddAGpOflKU/s1856/yq%20Butte%20Lake%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0OJlOtCXu48BGF8Jmtr_wRcjzWPqeHPSZArnw9dWvIPRIDSl9wZ_--QlFmH5k8RFYYOtF3RHAeJRSdrCHMiVeSz9sdiuBfBCCHrTbw8nBokdsXKuyB3R4dygMFQ4PyV67dy6_iMPoMdU3k9AXCrVWthxrDhzKgu3kA2K-HY9mkeK4u4-VddAGpOflKU/w640-h426/yq%20Butte%20Lake%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail met Butte Lake on its southeast side. I still had to hike along it's mile and a half eastern shore, then curve around the north shore for almost another mile to get to the campground. The sight of the lake cheered me up thought, infusing me with renewed energy. I picked up my pace and marched along the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVTlfa6LEAT38BF8TT6-hjTXyBaDG45knjDjLlV1tnmwN5qT3bxaoVH89Jc8G_8gStYaOHkZ6iqLuqNoKO5qY_3aXlhMWb8Ol9yV4PhL6bfxVW7JTffMESq_DwT8rho1BhC8ei4uVLgp-vBQFVf1SrQyj21kf-qwXrNFmKyR_IfmHlf-ixhSISLDK-dM/s1856/yu%20Butte%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVTlfa6LEAT38BF8TT6-hjTXyBaDG45knjDjLlV1tnmwN5qT3bxaoVH89Jc8G_8gStYaOHkZ6iqLuqNoKO5qY_3aXlhMWb8Ol9yV4PhL6bfxVW7JTffMESq_DwT8rho1BhC8ei4uVLgp-vBQFVf1SrQyj21kf-qwXrNFmKyR_IfmHlf-ixhSISLDK-dM/w640-h426/yu%20Butte%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was startled by a flock of common mergansers that jumped all of a sudden from the shore into the water and swam away quickly. I must have spooked them with my quick approach. These mergansers were the only waterfowl I saw on that hike, spanning to large lakes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAEoc5KwkWNByM5xgI68zVz2b4SZewPkxMqy2qf88t7BBmARjMlLJci_jzjLozGQJ0L5mVuvJiL_e9QdBN4DyGc8RWc-qJ8BYFTr02AN-RA73QyYJxM_gqnkrSbYmmg8XWO74K7YGBAvpbtBOKi-J82mIE6ZZhpAQs7Ib5NMHCB57gv1OWY14D8R60tg/s1856/ys%20Mergansers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAEoc5KwkWNByM5xgI68zVz2b4SZewPkxMqy2qf88t7BBmARjMlLJci_jzjLozGQJ0L5mVuvJiL_e9QdBN4DyGc8RWc-qJ8BYFTr02AN-RA73QyYJxM_gqnkrSbYmmg8XWO74K7YGBAvpbtBOKi-J82mIE6ZZhpAQs7Ib5NMHCB57gv1OWY14D8R60tg/w640-h427/ys%20Mergansers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Mergansers</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was very close to the lake. On the east the hill sloped steeply and was covered with trees. On that narrow strip between the forest and the water grew sun-loving plants, many of which were blooming too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFZNjMykCrXoe2P7cpAQi7srNwupeT2ejv-OhOAsIN2ZvrRqa2gDgpYss4_1HKR6eCeXzXs1idQNyBUuwSn7Zl56nS2fxjYT_vXahZYLnuhSBaaTgwGAi0BkFQTZfQmuYgixOtu25heyoD0UH8Jbwqyvb65IK6_c3ngMNgB4cQHYKKkyJK-Eo4S7z23Y/s1437/yv%20Lonicera.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1437" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFZNjMykCrXoe2P7cpAQi7srNwupeT2ejv-OhOAsIN2ZvrRqa2gDgpYss4_1HKR6eCeXzXs1idQNyBUuwSn7Zl56nS2fxjYT_vXahZYLnuhSBaaTgwGAi0BkFQTZfQmuYgixOtu25heyoD0UH8Jbwqyvb65IK6_c3ngMNgB4cQHYKKkyJK-Eo4S7z23Y/w640-h476/yv%20Lonicera.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above me glided an osprey. I saw ospreys several times in the Butte Lake area, and it was nice seeing it again. It flew away quickly though, before I could get a god photo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW77wBfHHn7cUKOmuy4pzgFSY1J8zt4OTZKOqF3os8wzJrM6mjKg2yOB-dz79S_QRduZwOFVIyAehkUQsdoYBfG9bCeQt4nJ0-UOE4yHGdenl1sI8eh5hO7D9U48VBi3-jHCEdVgBSCeyi6IKUKorYbmU114Ds3UpIl4saA9EYu5bobzLH0DSq_i5glI/s1220/yw%20osprey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1220" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW77wBfHHn7cUKOmuy4pzgFSY1J8zt4OTZKOqF3os8wzJrM6mjKg2yOB-dz79S_QRduZwOFVIyAehkUQsdoYBfG9bCeQt4nJ0-UOE4yHGdenl1sI8eh5hO7D9U48VBi3-jHCEdVgBSCeyi6IKUKorYbmU114Ds3UpIl4saA9EYu5bobzLH0DSq_i5glI/w640-h444/yw%20osprey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The baby junco that I saw further down the trail was a little more cooperative, and didn't skedaddle like the adult juncos that were nearby. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswwPvraWb_dfciQg9rmQA9D4fBq8TNvIpMaJOWKn0rnIfg2zRoEmrB3UblqVxz7xM5afYIOu5jcknGzg3GGSGiMSi1BH7VeI-amFBc5cxLWiECgP0yttmqgytAFTXG7upLFotkysJGF2v5KtOmLaQ5kbRivIJqncr-PyRtUrVruYLMhOEeGON7QpHaE0/s1490/yx%20Juvi%20Junco.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1490" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswwPvraWb_dfciQg9rmQA9D4fBq8TNvIpMaJOWKn0rnIfg2zRoEmrB3UblqVxz7xM5afYIOu5jcknGzg3GGSGiMSi1BH7VeI-amFBc5cxLWiECgP0yttmqgytAFTXG7upLFotkysJGF2v5KtOmLaQ5kbRivIJqncr-PyRtUrVruYLMhOEeGON7QpHaE0/w640-h468/yx%20Juvi%20Junco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark-eyed Junco, Juvenile</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Butte Lake is long. I was walking and walking and the north shore seemed to not get any closer. It did, of course. I was simply getting a tad impatient. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwofFO4hkXrPwuZ_7cwDx1DNILHXMSGbnaPrG4D0dxq1lJNXNthQRE-AMmgRpSjlj7zLzkJQhSn86ymZ6xCCns950Ecpt-diCp9d16OUgdaHQ9ntVztJma688uNgT3PO-USVQfGI-FcBBxn5ftnduU7Xj0rqUgW1RHjGs7fHKHxL7tWyIWCQu7Pzh4ng/s1856/yz%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwofFO4hkXrPwuZ_7cwDx1DNILHXMSGbnaPrG4D0dxq1lJNXNthQRE-AMmgRpSjlj7zLzkJQhSn86ymZ6xCCns950Ecpt-diCp9d16OUgdaHQ9ntVztJma688uNgT3PO-USVQfGI-FcBBxn5ftnduU7Xj0rqUgW1RHjGs7fHKHxL7tWyIWCQu7Pzh4ng/w640-h426/yz%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As impatient as I was I still paused to look at the wildflowers along the trail, like the beautiful spiraea shrubs that bloomed near the water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KOHuVL_PKb-a7F4HyWTj3X6-qWvm94xQQTKtTOEgg5CPiXKs0Cua2ODeLJ9a4qD2q2leju5HAQbSTXpwM25WtpUxcHrIAL1f0XbVNYGLGMgfJEsW6jg2y_U4i9kN3gokT_BCy3F3WJ_814Tn3sa6aM9A3NlepKdRIDjeu0Sj-wTkPUMdR-C9K-i1gRI/s1856/za%20heather.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KOHuVL_PKb-a7F4HyWTj3X6-qWvm94xQQTKtTOEgg5CPiXKs0Cua2ODeLJ9a4qD2q2leju5HAQbSTXpwM25WtpUxcHrIAL1f0XbVNYGLGMgfJEsW6jg2y_U4i9kN3gokT_BCy3F3WJ_814Tn3sa6aM9A3NlepKdRIDjeu0Sj-wTkPUMdR-C9K-i1gRI/w640-h426/za%20heather.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas Spiraea, Spiraea douglasii </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Far ahead I saw a small peninsula jutting out into the lake. I zoomed in on the peninsula: a few small pine tree grew there, alongside a single dead tall pine. It looked like it might be a nice place to stop for a break. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsjc3Klf9wTuW7tKLGeGAL6JLpYn_r3zEd88bgUVhllZxQcTvC8p41G3jTKdzlmNXkhJBaKyNmwQaV7xJvCWTPmHpXdj5tCXlaePgNOYn43nf9OOoTS8VLfmLRgZ3FFU6X7WW9MY0AW6edyoOyrzNWWBxScAacm8Mgg8JyrnVQe03uvjLrScuLbgHiHo/s1856/zb%20Peninsula.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsjc3Klf9wTuW7tKLGeGAL6JLpYn_r3zEd88bgUVhllZxQcTvC8p41G3jTKdzlmNXkhJBaKyNmwQaV7xJvCWTPmHpXdj5tCXlaePgNOYn43nf9OOoTS8VLfmLRgZ3FFU6X7WW9MY0AW6edyoOyrzNWWBxScAacm8Mgg8JyrnVQe03uvjLrScuLbgHiHo/w640-h426/zb%20Peninsula.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't seen to many wildlife on this long hike. A few chipmunks and squirrels, a few butterflies and other insects, some birds. Then I saw this lizard, a pretty representative of the reptiles order. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdeQj9rPOic81VWcN_Qg3PlSVyiDeIYiKjIi3_-eCIasE8TiBuDIokvNrqRWBA8LkcnYCSUtEQyByJhml5Z-xtz9kNk8bpl-HZye7FbaY364VdKHipQH0nKC45BgZQzIhbvIq7ZYVwQcc66mCfDeXZesc1qGt847vb2BBr_B21z_YM0yvpTaZwud_a2s/s2640/zd%20lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1764" data-original-width="2640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdeQj9rPOic81VWcN_Qg3PlSVyiDeIYiKjIi3_-eCIasE8TiBuDIokvNrqRWBA8LkcnYCSUtEQyByJhml5Z-xtz9kNk8bpl-HZye7FbaY364VdKHipQH0nKC45BgZQzIhbvIq7ZYVwQcc66mCfDeXZesc1qGt847vb2BBr_B21z_YM0yvpTaZwud_a2s/w640-h428/zd%20lizard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western fence Lizard</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wildlflowers were plenty though. Both in numbers and in diversity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7Tx9xFgOi0iKLpYOQqt8P82vwoZCxgrndUZmIzt3fFYhlXC8pkPUAK_XueYxO2j-Yw370ONk4CCB76ri_z5s0RTeKrpeE76t-0bbMF0UX2YdJlT-yngQtMsQBFNc1gm72xyg8B6AfL3ltEhAvTak_5KxSvVU5N6P9f_AbhVy_R7WPdUYjGLy2DWe1X8/s1616/ze%20apium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1616" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7Tx9xFgOi0iKLpYOQqt8P82vwoZCxgrndUZmIzt3fFYhlXC8pkPUAK_XueYxO2j-Yw370ONk4CCB76ri_z5s0RTeKrpeE76t-0bbMF0UX2YdJlT-yngQtMsQBFNc1gm72xyg8B6AfL3ltEhAvTak_5KxSvVU5N6P9f_AbhVy_R7WPdUYjGLy2DWe1X8/w640-h444/ze%20apium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The forest receded up the slope, exposing a very rocky hillside that supported smaller trees and many shrubs. The trail meandered between large volcanic rocks, none of them suitable for sitting. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL3GmK7EnTMvlMWx3PjPaeWU5Ozhbylvrt6ZM1xA_ZXf-9cAUZkkivMr8pPIMdVJ1AfdQkAe6dnYGxX2iAf8hsqJPON2hWkcovVViL9LhMAsHIejHxGMSu3WZGa52US9ikMABC6nOZWTxXiWMX6OEa6PJjRpnBiiuXC2ziHZOEY3Y6xlvp4S9W1FIcyo/s1856/zf%20trtail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL3GmK7EnTMvlMWx3PjPaeWU5Ozhbylvrt6ZM1xA_ZXf-9cAUZkkivMr8pPIMdVJ1AfdQkAe6dnYGxX2iAf8hsqJPON2hWkcovVViL9LhMAsHIejHxGMSu3WZGa52US9ikMABC6nOZWTxXiWMX6OEa6PJjRpnBiiuXC2ziHZOEY3Y6xlvp4S9W1FIcyo/w640-h426/zf%20trtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I was getting closer to the north shore where the campground was I expected to see other hikers any minute. I didn't see any, though. Later I found out why. For now, I enjoyed my solitude. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3Z2XOpMgFw2T50vh_HWZEAhFxat3x_Uh2d7PiDsV3_dMJXT1_uMw6P2NXT24HDpJQxTkWK_s0koiF9gPs-kZrgrMlsBuvMpAYWzoE5RR97mgfZwgY7owAhN8s5N3cpZxY5bZEt2S9yD6EubxIc6cCB-1QgkCElGLvLz6k75wFPsmwnVyj1CqZdI9_KE/s1509/zg%20Eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1509" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3Z2XOpMgFw2T50vh_HWZEAhFxat3x_Uh2d7PiDsV3_dMJXT1_uMw6P2NXT24HDpJQxTkWK_s0koiF9gPs-kZrgrMlsBuvMpAYWzoE5RR97mgfZwgY7owAhN8s5N3cpZxY5bZEt2S9yD6EubxIc6cCB-1QgkCElGLvLz6k75wFPsmwnVyj1CqZdI9_KE/w640-h462/zg%20Eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naked Buckwheat, Eriogonum nudum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't see the top of the mountain to my right but the large scree rocks it created rolled all the way down to the lake. The rocks were largely exposed, but a few bushes grew between them here and there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVHnAfhC9uB0wQNsM0tNLyJntwcOeqImkFMF2IFXzHzMhF2XntfbyGJK2gzCjNfC1GQ7uFwK7cMmagNLqiq_BJT5lG8XBbjaqb7uODgbmKeCyue4sXsi1zPv02Mcx73wAKSrzaP3iIW67GClO_cmf7xS-sxXHXakrUFew3kAFjwjc9ZnVzs5nA4vBHKg/s1856/zi%20bush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVHnAfhC9uB0wQNsM0tNLyJntwcOeqImkFMF2IFXzHzMhF2XntfbyGJK2gzCjNfC1GQ7uFwK7cMmagNLqiq_BJT5lG8XBbjaqb7uODgbmKeCyue4sXsi1zPv02Mcx73wAKSrzaP3iIW67GClO_cmf7xS-sxXHXakrUFew3kAFjwjc9ZnVzs5nA4vBHKg/w640-h426/zi%20bush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I got near that small peninsula that I saw earlier. I was disappointed to see that it was unsuitable for a rest stop. I could have used another rest stop. I was getting pretty tired again. The sun howerver, was already getting low, so I pushed on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePQBBT2A2Pzr5_7vnt7P5iKKpTuFi5zKvVrBOTVqU-LPrLmNAOm3BBxxSdcunnkONVUStg-laqCoaewq08_JL7kxXGCMtOdl8YUQ1RxU_cV9glaysc8RhI-LHsbl8Is-bzmJnGazu1YjHuKP6ouIvM748zK5tXq6tb7sK2XkAk7Jl_KNqOTZAqUqFNuk/s1856/zj%20Peninsula.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePQBBT2A2Pzr5_7vnt7P5iKKpTuFi5zKvVrBOTVqU-LPrLmNAOm3BBxxSdcunnkONVUStg-laqCoaewq08_JL7kxXGCMtOdl8YUQ1RxU_cV9glaysc8RhI-LHsbl8Is-bzmJnGazu1YjHuKP6ouIvM748zK5tXq6tb7sK2XkAk7Jl_KNqOTZAqUqFNuk/w640-h426/zj%20Peninsula.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Twenty years ago when Pappa Quail and I did this hike we forgot to bring a bug repellant. It was the height of mosquito season then and throughout that long hike we were bitten by mosquitos, but the situation was manageable until we got to Butte Lake's east shore. Butte Lake then was swarming with blood thirsty mosquitos. What I remember from that part of the hike is me and Pappa Quail literally running that entire mile and a half length of Butte Lake, hopping over fallen logs (which weren't cleared then yet), swatting wildly with our hands in futile attempts to reduce the blood drain. When we got to Butte Creek we crossed it quickly and climbed the trail on the hill and own the other side to get to the campground as quickly as possible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp_6j3mZehoKVwLWEMeQGygI8uaGVkVotMBcsR-idlE5r3FWhq6vCAx7ecGvl_nCpLywskTu1hKMNzlulru9cqPzKaq7vSeCXoK_79ooj4O1GISrb0XVVRT-n5APSyQmfhUZNq-J2skqv4wa9UzTQ4K5EI8AnssydrRjmf1WiKqWsgP9PSlSg18gdYpg/s1856/zk%20low%20sun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp_6j3mZehoKVwLWEMeQGygI8uaGVkVotMBcsR-idlE5r3FWhq6vCAx7ecGvl_nCpLywskTu1hKMNzlulru9cqPzKaq7vSeCXoK_79ooj4O1GISrb0XVVRT-n5APSyQmfhUZNq-J2skqv4wa9UzTQ4K5EI8AnssydrRjmf1WiKqWsgP9PSlSg18gdYpg/w640-h426/zk%20low%20sun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I came prepared, carrying plenty bug repellant. This time however, there was no need for it. I didn't encounter a single mosquito on this hike. Oh well. I did plan to cross the creek at that place just like last time. When I reached Butte Creek though, I found that the bridge was gone and that the creek was running too high and fast for safe fording, especially as tired as I was. Across the creek was a wilderness campground with a few tents and people wearing sweatshirts and coats. They waved at me and I waved back, and wondered what should I do next. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWahQ4Fj-IFPmos1zDa3Q8OzPIGwirDDM9hUcekzFwvzLCDCPmpaWSkNE5kfNgGBLUDi0uSpsqkz3orG-rpYR2WT5Yd8G5F_1_Mf2iZuEFVu-Ov1_tQA_5lgXWFTKHNKvb62AzewCzK3NsnObeQtuFcTvi65jtAAqmRpVnQU9IHb1XiwosjGoe0240PwQ/s1856/zn%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWahQ4Fj-IFPmos1zDa3Q8OzPIGwirDDM9hUcekzFwvzLCDCPmpaWSkNE5kfNgGBLUDi0uSpsqkz3orG-rpYR2WT5Yd8G5F_1_Mf2iZuEFVu-Ov1_tQA_5lgXWFTKHNKvb62AzewCzK3NsnObeQtuFcTvi65jtAAqmRpVnQU9IHb1XiwosjGoe0240PwQ/w640-h426/zn%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was an alternative trail that split from that place to a second creek crossing downstream, looping back to Butte Lake Campground through Bathtub Lake. This trail would add at least a mile and a half more to my already long hike, but I decided to take it, hoping that the other creek crossing would be more doable. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8kkECkPID0ClnPUn3nBnDkeqyPZVdtyWK2wsy7FcW8JnEga-_6wtCQYAErhcIY_np7dVTv1Yy6MIuW_PfpxVyzYS1VW5yc-PkdARMoFqgBIP6Vb3x_pmybeyk_QbCCdxwRBqSuvUPXOj11Q4hAw6yu5Seze4vaNc86jIvYUELheU4o5uxHyssNUiRPo/s1856/zo%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8kkECkPID0ClnPUn3nBnDkeqyPZVdtyWK2wsy7FcW8JnEga-_6wtCQYAErhcIY_np7dVTv1Yy6MIuW_PfpxVyzYS1VW5yc-PkdARMoFqgBIP6Vb3x_pmybeyk_QbCCdxwRBqSuvUPXOj11Q4hAw6yu5Seze4vaNc86jIvYUELheU4o5uxHyssNUiRPo/w640-h426/zo%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Almost immediately the trail led me uphill. I walked slowly now not because of wildflowers, or because of the views (which were gorgeous) but because I was tired and my legs were aching. There was nothing to do about it now but keep on walking. I had no time left for any breaks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SARWbL9aRLxKdeijhsifqVRvyMo9PD5aMLaTzmsRFBf8ZiCkznPEuwmCiYCjPMID-JVTeoALtLSxUyYrydCa_MljYtksrLO4pPibFqT_do1HVnejzneHRzWBGVfZkeSmVYms0sUtWAG2RHnsr2zlRrt3IrvYpNi_hwjWAxPpJCkhbJ956JcCseI8xyk/s1856/zq%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SARWbL9aRLxKdeijhsifqVRvyMo9PD5aMLaTzmsRFBf8ZiCkznPEuwmCiYCjPMID-JVTeoALtLSxUyYrydCa_MljYtksrLO4pPibFqT_do1HVnejzneHRzWBGVfZkeSmVYms0sUtWAG2RHnsr2zlRrt3IrvYpNi_hwjWAxPpJCkhbJ956JcCseI8xyk/w640-h426/zq%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After what seemed to be an endless stretch of trail, which in fact was less than a mile, I went down to the creek. It was running high and fast here to but to my relief I saw a plank bridge laid across the stream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJmnKUbTJTA3nybD_xF1D2rIhpn0FF2fXpLMpYBxsaXEHGHe_dfCKilN71CB05VgwPJafQ1XE6rs52I_EaIh8eaBFOz234-P-jnpSQKj8jUuzcfjBeaxEW8KSYF_iTLyENdG7AHwfcxxZ_UcnNE4CvD42rvC09wn85stIiBwUrabs7deTrsX0DEWRrk/s1856/zs%20Butte%20Creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJmnKUbTJTA3nybD_xF1D2rIhpn0FF2fXpLMpYBxsaXEHGHe_dfCKilN71CB05VgwPJafQ1XE6rs52I_EaIh8eaBFOz234-P-jnpSQKj8jUuzcfjBeaxEW8KSYF_iTLyENdG7AHwfcxxZ_UcnNE4CvD42rvC09wn85stIiBwUrabs7deTrsX0DEWRrk/w640-h426/zs%20Butte%20Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In earlier days I'd prbably run across with no worries. Nowadays I have to be more careful, balancing on the planks, which were moving a bit under my weight. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn1uUU1RuGa69ehF9M_iQe5clfUAXC_ZESQGKI4pi6CmZSK1ols1eyCGwgzun0MQtfTxE4UOWUFYrKbC7kSWaFDLpapNO4-gH5J4rcBGHe0BqnE-9Inr0rQD7OTrEfrfX2h-m-nDMvLEQTQiGz7gLjIxIb0N3tZq9R20_M2zg57cgSoUuRtf5oNLJ3Qw/s1856/zt%20first%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn1uUU1RuGa69ehF9M_iQe5clfUAXC_ZESQGKI4pi6CmZSK1ols1eyCGwgzun0MQtfTxE4UOWUFYrKbC7kSWaFDLpapNO4-gH5J4rcBGHe0BqnE-9Inr0rQD7OTrEfrfX2h-m-nDMvLEQTQiGz7gLjIxIb0N3tZq9R20_M2zg57cgSoUuRtf5oNLJ3Qw/w640-h426/zt%20first%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Crossing</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was more uphill after the creek crossing. The train was very thin, clearly not in heavy use. I passed near a scree hill which looked like a funny pyramid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2WdRRE5RWJtgDB42Lj2hKEa0YS7w1Af3vCohw5h24ufqp-BaRvIUaqO_PlNc0LQ6mu6gEgQGv4o58mcDGPliyPpwkHKHHJOEAYDG9t6uFHvj5FMMpJ1w5QX-m_vOmzfDZGz6Co_kLt7rGjEcTS8s5ZxCOwskZpiuOz1kE6Tw6BoPIZtq1oGxUhM-qpE/s1856/zu%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2WdRRE5RWJtgDB42Lj2hKEa0YS7w1Af3vCohw5h24ufqp-BaRvIUaqO_PlNc0LQ6mu6gEgQGv4o58mcDGPliyPpwkHKHHJOEAYDG9t6uFHvj5FMMpJ1w5QX-m_vOmzfDZGz6Co_kLt7rGjEcTS8s5ZxCOwskZpiuOz1kE6Tw6BoPIZtq1oGxUhM-qpE/w640-h426/zu%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coming from the side nw, the sunlight made the grass bloom glow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyK-DiNKQ_Gbrwy-I2cgQ-7Pczz_JgJeMWr_HzifaRhf4jXk9As8sZKQn2o3oeQCV90DrL6PzoyfW3zw4gyhNjD7tScp4QziTyJSIaO0WidmREbNWupb0FbKfvMtVzEQziWAOmTYMurxdpFVnt9Q0GRPxOH9Yi1NqNgp2eKXRc22NwIxe7RzU27GaDxo/s1506/zv%20grass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1506" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyK-DiNKQ_Gbrwy-I2cgQ-7Pczz_JgJeMWr_HzifaRhf4jXk9As8sZKQn2o3oeQCV90DrL6PzoyfW3zw4gyhNjD7tScp4QziTyJSIaO0WidmREbNWupb0FbKfvMtVzEQziWAOmTYMurxdpFVnt9Q0GRPxOH9Yi1NqNgp2eKXRc22NwIxe7RzU27GaDxo/w640-h464/zv%20grass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided that I could afford a minute and some energy to go check out Bathtub Lake. Pappa Quail and I went there on a separate walk at that visit 20 years ago and found it to be small and murky, and full of mosquitos. I found that it didnt change at all. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80uq_rOiAbBttVARwmoutYTT1F8PtCImzag10V333sTaF4Fzx1di2oybXe93Yp1QOQJdKRCVl0YKFboMNbyYqvAn1am65tTcUap11fE_MCmfUeFJKge_zsdj8QjzaZ1y-IFB7fClTpy_p0rl9IsiHbXOqnx5JCiC-WxPl-69j5izL9L81NOeko7YCaWs/s1856/zw%20bathtub.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80uq_rOiAbBttVARwmoutYTT1F8PtCImzag10V333sTaF4Fzx1di2oybXe93Yp1QOQJdKRCVl0YKFboMNbyYqvAn1am65tTcUap11fE_MCmfUeFJKge_zsdj8QjzaZ1y-IFB7fClTpy_p0rl9IsiHbXOqnx5JCiC-WxPl-69j5izL9L81NOeko7YCaWs/w640-h426/zw%20bathtub.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathtub Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bathtub Lake was still small and murky. the only difference was that the bugs I saw swarming over the lake were gnats, not mosquites. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrESXASaaih_RoXkmOOHz7XmHHEcJYghA8rg1WPLli91V321W78_rnV_3D7X1JPTbrLKxkE46zxVZeKIzo8bZRkKyYUYWu-cXL-iCs6GgdNE55QtUauSwTo5l9Vd7gcsom1TanlG0HKMA8n2FQcYgkzee_pgBuuk7CFABmvt1ajTlAuDFwoXpdu6SwYTo/s1856/zx%20bathtub%20gnats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrESXASaaih_RoXkmOOHz7XmHHEcJYghA8rg1WPLli91V321W78_rnV_3D7X1JPTbrLKxkE46zxVZeKIzo8bZRkKyYUYWu-cXL-iCs6GgdNE55QtUauSwTo5l9Vd7gcsom1TanlG0HKMA8n2FQcYgkzee_pgBuuk7CFABmvt1ajTlAuDFwoXpdu6SwYTo/w640-h426/zx%20bathtub%20gnats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnats over Bathtub Lake </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I resumed my walk back to Butte Lake Campground. On the way I passed above another lake, fr which I saw n name marked on the map. It was a beautiful reflection though.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ebCSWWPxOoNZVw7wn2OQDNGcW5RWHkXJI5SGCFi4MpRopS3xbAdBoR9ILxn2XXCQZChhJISbv9fz4H65O1Xqq7RwwxsPLaQuXHlxjXyWJ9V2b6hC6gYDRPJTosIHKMzq66y1Nz6OAuvRm2Xoh7IQ0goPY7FHFy6PZ2w0Rz2c9X_EEar4D0hL30nGHjE/s1856/zy%20no%20name%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ebCSWWPxOoNZVw7wn2OQDNGcW5RWHkXJI5SGCFi4MpRopS3xbAdBoR9ILxn2XXCQZChhJISbv9fz4H65O1Xqq7RwwxsPLaQuXHlxjXyWJ9V2b6hC6gYDRPJTosIHKMzq66y1Nz6OAuvRm2Xoh7IQ0goPY7FHFy6PZ2w0Rz2c9X_EEar4D0hL30nGHjE/w640-h426/zy%20no%20name%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually I was coming down to Butte Lake's north shore. It was a great hike, but I was extremely tired and I had to sit down on one of the benches at the nearest parking lot and breathe a little before going to the campground. It was too late for a dip in the lake, and once again preparing and eating dinner would extend into darkness. My GPS showed 14.6 hours when I turned off the recording. I nearly beat my length record of last year of 15 miles <a href="https://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-six-days-of-whitney-day-5-tumanguya.html">getting over Mount Whitney</a>. Nearly. I felt just as exhausted though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoSthBvI2v76EkAGDvWCL65Z_nX5pIa5Skb2jEt-EVhh1k_OHo30fJTbd28hZ5SKuCRnSl-hUN6r98PDLgrhq_dzCGqVDi-jVfDLzi-UmhpKtZ36yZhmdfjLJ_IFypf5l0XTBOr537OvJhbKxSgyhj7Fh4-E95PUu57dn-UseT9956x9w_x-vLBL3QkM/s1856/zz%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoSthBvI2v76EkAGDvWCL65Z_nX5pIa5Skb2jEt-EVhh1k_OHo30fJTbd28hZ5SKuCRnSl-hUN6r98PDLgrhq_dzCGqVDi-jVfDLzi-UmhpKtZ36yZhmdfjLJ_IFypf5l0XTBOr537OvJhbKxSgyhj7Fh4-E95PUu57dn-UseT9956x9w_x-vLBL3QkM/w640-h426/zz%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I planned to go up Prospect Peak on the following day. By the time I went into the sack I was sure I'd have to forgo that plan. I was so tired and sore that I didn't think I'd be up for it in the morning. As it turned out, I was wrong about myself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569808897258087311.post-77485928944895650862023-08-31T23:41:00.003-07:002023-09-25T22:28:08.633-07:00On A Re-discovery Hike: Around the Butte Lake-Snag Lake Loop, Part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bneObOAmME-doMO79ZUlncs87aC5wnqzscMx-l1B4GVxc5j0YxP88jWLRlLq8JECLnV4ITzDdcaC45luKbDTosheZvnZP1I_U8GxqHDGx--l9TBnEZhZsc951uGcCyg1EyH527LSg7lEeyVY96xzpS9of5kU0oj7OYvMInSe4ABE_bVXoytWLi5g6Is/s1856/um%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bneObOAmME-doMO79ZUlncs87aC5wnqzscMx-l1B4GVxc5j0YxP88jWLRlLq8JECLnV4ITzDdcaC45luKbDTosheZvnZP1I_U8GxqHDGx--l9TBnEZhZsc951uGcCyg1EyH527LSg7lEeyVY96xzpS9of5kU0oj7OYvMInSe4ABE_bVXoytWLi5g6Is/w640-h426/um%20Snag%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Date: July 27, 2023<br />Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Old Station, California<br />Coordinates: 40.563795, -121.302279 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Length: 14.5 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Level: strenuous</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every summer BC (Before COVID) I used to take my hiking family group on a 4 days camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. I wanted to renew that tradition this year, but the group didn't come together this summer. I decided that I'm not giving up on my annual trip to my favorite National Park in California, so I went there on my own. I reserved myself a single camp site in the Butte Lake campground, and arrived there on Wednesday evening, with just enough daylight left to pitch my tent and to cook dinner. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The next morning I woke up early. The hike I planned for that day was, on the map, about 12 miles. I wasn't in top shape and I knew I would walk slowly and I wanted to give myself as much time as I could for this hike. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As I walked awy from the campground toward the trailhead I saw a woodpecker checking out a nearby pine tree. it's nice to open a hike with a neat wildlife sighting like this. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzXDQQ4BqWNEk8wlDOzI4Y6gCwGvQFakFaL4udZEPm2xsBmHd9giETHR1zKiAlYZDIpB-7njZUMDeBLlRyEQ4gwV702zN-eZdxj1pfaGX4l2Zxl-SFlXhFhV2Lm5758z8tYosg50Kw3uQTtnUriQZbldUfCm7Twp-Krad1Q5Ks7IqHynrQuocVPBB2E/s1392/ra%20white%20headed%20woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1392" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzXDQQ4BqWNEk8wlDOzI4Y6gCwGvQFakFaL4udZEPm2xsBmHd9giETHR1zKiAlYZDIpB-7njZUMDeBLlRyEQ4gwV702zN-eZdxj1pfaGX4l2Zxl-SFlXhFhV2Lm5758z8tYosg50Kw3uQTtnUriQZbldUfCm7Twp-Krad1Q5Ks7IqHynrQuocVPBB2E/w640-h460/ra%20white%20headed%20woodpecker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-headed Woodpecker, male</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail I planned started at the Butte Lake swim area. At 7 am no other human was at the lake and the water was calm, save for the light ripples that moved gently toward the shore. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8dKoRFPHQWbtvUKlCWDj_E8HCZLvENqNRFoynhS-ZiYCuNzHrSN9ZSDySiOLpjczlT1fO-_YaAKy_FuqoPHup9fWCrdLfFW8p2tJZHwt08MH1gHoLbXayLrF5GBWcyre_o4Ve15yQySOV9-TW3ErEpCirzGCAvGl5vQYxrCJnt784MQUkAQirE8YC2o/s1856/rb%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8dKoRFPHQWbtvUKlCWDj_E8HCZLvENqNRFoynhS-ZiYCuNzHrSN9ZSDySiOLpjczlT1fO-_YaAKy_FuqoPHup9fWCrdLfFW8p2tJZHwt08MH1gHoLbXayLrF5GBWcyre_o4Ve15yQySOV9-TW3ErEpCirzGCAvGl5vQYxrCJnt784MQUkAQirE8YC2o/w640-h426/rb%20Butte%20Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trailhead I started at was the Cinder Cone Trailhead. In fact, The firs mile and a half are on the Cinder Cone Trail. I was very familiar with this part of the trail and I expected to walk it quickly, not taking too many phots, because I've been on this trail many, many times. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH_DLTKngbUpwrJctRnp3ywyzxzkrnmfx-3QW0QKD5Iy9rIHmaTAdo2MfhpNkT7UyJp-FSKkBYESOze2-RR-9QZf9561Qj7areX1Oh-VmPuxGWMtGkyU_mFewFwcIlpanmsUDsb2pfxphuR9JWvSL-7ba6sDVKjLeayHsGjs8_50IwaXAxIL5KnsInuI/s1856/rc%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH_DLTKngbUpwrJctRnp3ywyzxzkrnmfx-3QW0QKD5Iy9rIHmaTAdo2MfhpNkT7UyJp-FSKkBYESOze2-RR-9QZf9561Qj7areX1Oh-VmPuxGWMtGkyU_mFewFwcIlpanmsUDsb2pfxphuR9JWvSL-7ba6sDVKjLeayHsGjs8_50IwaXAxIL5KnsInuI/w640-h426/rc%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But when wildlife pose itself in front of me, I cannot resist, even if it's a very common bird, such as the yellow-rumped warbler. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI3lRGluF85woHQTApzZJY6a68CVCK5DjKinw2rBLk32RxlkopG_wEqhv42PjoqrijMylm8qEK6fdVQWxAntumIyVzYVpagZwD6d04GXcI1_d6nsjRXWpnhcYdyiJ19hkzpyZNoBy38FpUGLk993vBsIeMGIzuvlPuuy7b4XQz9FHzLkkQDd4xF1mzpY/s1564/rd%20yellow-rumped%20warbler.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1564" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI3lRGluF85woHQTApzZJY6a68CVCK5DjKinw2rBLk32RxlkopG_wEqhv42PjoqrijMylm8qEK6fdVQWxAntumIyVzYVpagZwD6d04GXcI1_d6nsjRXWpnhcYdyiJ19hkzpyZNoBy38FpUGLk993vBsIeMGIzuvlPuuy7b4XQz9FHzLkkQDd4xF1mzpY/w640-h438/rd%20yellow-rumped%20warbler.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon variety</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tiny, star-like flowers decorated the pine forest floor. These little flowers were incredibly difficult to photograph, and I spent a few long minutes trying to do that, with barely acceptable results. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9ZRHSG8TEg3tYznspIvevkhY5S3qjofw1DMEtLslrVvQFm0pH5yghsFaEkDMcp0YfY5fQ2f9km-7A2H21fR8-fCoMrgb3r8gZOg-KmPJ0RamO1BpPGyldbQeu1v-SWgRbu-Ho3DDxvskqjTBRGF5YiilmATByP6rfO_aSHi08_HyvNtxxGUsPbHNg3Q/s1512/re%20little%20white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1512" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9ZRHSG8TEg3tYznspIvevkhY5S3qjofw1DMEtLslrVvQFm0pH5yghsFaEkDMcp0YfY5fQ2f9km-7A2H21fR8-fCoMrgb3r8gZOg-KmPJ0RamO1BpPGyldbQeu1v-SWgRbu-Ho3DDxvskqjTBRGF5YiilmATByP6rfO_aSHi08_HyvNtxxGUsPbHNg3Q/w640-h472/re%20little%20white.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The area of Butte Lake and south is has good coverage of pine forest, populated by at least 4, possibly more, species of pines. In most of the area adjacent to Butte Lake the forest is still intact, having survived the huge Dixie Fire of 2021. Movement on one of these trees caught my attention - it was two little chipmunks interacting with each other up and down the tree. These were lodgepole chipmunks. Lodgepole pines are probably the most common pine species there. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_Y03sHF0F47O63851bOXF5p7a6gdVrJJWmcLjWkHuwTVUJjomZBqU73Df0MPNurxvNlY6ovMbJqXdidvWSKcZI2ebbVfAVSWSB9VGve0Z_YWE9k06hb5LySMT3yZuMy91cMU6F3qp5HKgNLfiRuP9txhs7TLnumbcaDe3OJ3vXbFNS-EBCVrWK4Y194/s1587/rg%20chipmunks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1587" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_Y03sHF0F47O63851bOXF5p7a6gdVrJJWmcLjWkHuwTVUJjomZBqU73Df0MPNurxvNlY6ovMbJqXdidvWSKcZI2ebbVfAVSWSB9VGve0Z_YWE9k06hb5LySMT3yZuMy91cMU6F3qp5HKgNLfiRuP9txhs7TLnumbcaDe3OJ3vXbFNS-EBCVrWK4Y194/w640-h452/rg%20chipmunks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodgepole Chipmunks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail I planned to hike was a large loop trail surrounding Butte Lake, Cinder Cone, the Fantastic Lava Beds and Snag Lake. I have hiked this loop before with Pappa Quail about 20 years ago when it was just the two of us. What I remember from that hike I'll share in bits throughout this post. One of the things we did on that hike 20 years ago was to go up Cinder Cone. It was our second time going up Cinder Cone and the first time we had descended from its south side. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfrsbiN6IAQoDfbjEXaXbPzyVgfP1Nkbif6qAuEMMK8iagMZILd7MdhY42O5A40PWAhNPTYjGkIUBB_hsm4q7TqGYfPFU0_2dyid_HHNywIkgoyVJ69S5IDyU_qeFtWhzJAt5hevU3t_uFiArunA0CiwbBCxvjkK4h6qhnf4xesx4wchhqKtNEKZujek/s1856/ri%20cinder%20cone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfrsbiN6IAQoDfbjEXaXbPzyVgfP1Nkbif6qAuEMMK8iagMZILd7MdhY42O5A40PWAhNPTYjGkIUBB_hsm4q7TqGYfPFU0_2dyid_HHNywIkgoyVJ69S5IDyU_qeFtWhzJAt5hevU3t_uFiArunA0CiwbBCxvjkK4h6qhnf4xesx4wchhqKtNEKZujek/w640-h426/ri%20cinder%20cone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I decided to pass on ascending Cinder Cone. I've gone up this most beautiful little volcano more times than I can remember in the last 20 some years. the last time being last year with my sister. Come to think of it, I might write a new blog post about the Cinder Cone hike, because the posted one is pretty old. As I passed the trail junction I saw a sole hiker descending from the cone, striding down in half jumps to the bottom. I waved to my favorite volcano and continued on the trail bypassing it in the west. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpjzX5sDIw-F3DxvV4Q0FLMIqMah3hv2G5CUgVhoDPRZZwBGFk5MQYg6slcmCW82a31ZzTXv8SmPtKB-OE4uvLIW0Y6v7pV_yTb8cfHWrnbV8oCf7_3TIa5gnwST3lI3XUtydTFQepmJTvoZXt4OJ_AwUjFvTsTN_SsHqWjo-M4M1uHXen7s51BCcnUA/s1856/rj%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpjzX5sDIw-F3DxvV4Q0FLMIqMah3hv2G5CUgVhoDPRZZwBGFk5MQYg6slcmCW82a31ZzTXv8SmPtKB-OE4uvLIW0Y6v7pV_yTb8cfHWrnbV8oCf7_3TIa5gnwST3lI3XUtydTFQepmJTvoZXt4OJ_AwUjFvTsTN_SsHqWjo-M4M1uHXen7s51BCcnUA/w640-h426/rj%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone-Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Out in the open bloomed more wildflowers, nearly all of them buckwheat, two or three species of buckwheat. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwk-ynLYFllBertZ6tGY9WWCJpHXOLIKXAJ11xE-IojL-oLjfYAXWjHASvGQJ9EtnGtHvS9mScU1nJPGCS3Rj4hWvinRz8lDoBTOGVqD0e4mIJwxJeVVK_6gqn6AeklMzBGYWU8oPQOA6MSlFpvLerXfl9RAioQP0xQCWepXy1PYNZIX4hoSO-Egui5k/s1761/rk%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1761" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwk-ynLYFllBertZ6tGY9WWCJpHXOLIKXAJ11xE-IojL-oLjfYAXWjHASvGQJ9EtnGtHvS9mScU1nJPGCS3Rj4hWvinRz8lDoBTOGVqD0e4mIJwxJeVVK_6gqn6AeklMzBGYWU8oPQOA6MSlFpvLerXfl9RAioQP0xQCWepXy1PYNZIX4hoSO-Egui5k/w640-h484/rk%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naked Buckwheat, Eriogonum nudum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The field west of Cinder Cone is strewn with large basalt stones that fell from the cone when it erupted, about 300-400 years go. The trail went right between the large stones and the area flanking it looked like a field of huge, black pumpkins. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XJDKOVMIfWGyZJ1opea9XCr-bTqYvcPytcnDu6lcpZLkKid1V7kmzDtLYb5SxN0jNZ18UB3qibqC4rirp3oiOSkFmVxfSdoCbB7P4F8TJ8-QekwWced14A2y2ka7P8U7uEObf62lg8DBGOqYi_Ip2q4MIemOj4-9eM7mWB6X7FlkSDtP0_p-AZ1R42w/s1856/ro%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XJDKOVMIfWGyZJ1opea9XCr-bTqYvcPytcnDu6lcpZLkKid1V7kmzDtLYb5SxN0jNZ18UB3qibqC4rirp3oiOSkFmVxfSdoCbB7P4F8TJ8-QekwWced14A2y2ka7P8U7uEObf62lg8DBGOqYi_Ip2q4MIemOj4-9eM7mWB6X7FlkSDtP0_p-AZ1R42w/w640-h426/ro%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone-Snag Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the formations that are best seen from the top of Cinder Cone are
the Painted Dunes. I wasn't going up Cinder Cone that day, but there
area some painted dunes south of it, and the trail went very near them. In fact, the trail that comes down the cone from the south side goes between these dunes. I was very saddened to see the foot prints of people who chose to climb the dune faces. This defacing of their beauty is sacrilegious. And the damage can last a very long time. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcioUJsAibPRxDdfSahdjghfbaSk3T6R3geF_gi8rhQS-GVMb4DXqcIx96bdtbsBLcEiBAJwm8SJRzrzyDieiu0eiaGG7PkCRv3buJ-4J4Jq8IZRmrGLdnUDeUM3ppNpUTvvIycym6wLcRh6UJc05EooMvuwMTxmFIgfjn5fwvDhkhbQVGz7En2jC3tQ/s1856/rp%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcioUJsAibPRxDdfSahdjghfbaSk3T6R3geF_gi8rhQS-GVMb4DXqcIx96bdtbsBLcEiBAJwm8SJRzrzyDieiu0eiaGG7PkCRv3buJ-4J4Jq8IZRmrGLdnUDeUM3ppNpUTvvIycym6wLcRh6UJc05EooMvuwMTxmFIgfjn5fwvDhkhbQVGz7En2jC3tQ/w640-h426/rp%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Dunes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The painted dunes are not true dunes. They are part of the Fantastic Lava Beds that were coated by the hot volcanic ash of the final eruption stage. The heat and exposure to the air caused the metallic elements in the ash to oxidize and create the beautiful colorful display that gave these hills their name. As I passed the painted dunes I paid attention also he to colorful flowers that bloomed near the trail, well dispersed in the arid terrain. Butterflies were also giving them attention, and for a tastier reward. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfMbbtDFbEyvT6kYY096M8ds4W8oBkWjfbzsjNovaDt2Xd3YtDVsfBHeg9HEtMfInMdQZff9n11P8L3ZOmXtmGWbIMH6WFoad0pIfsKDKnZ7Y1eVuaaouWbThyc9YJ3IZiv45Ll0jcq-eIaeCWSHYv_qp01j4_w3ac49G_JfcmZ6enPboltlJmGTQJXQ/s1878/rr%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1878" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfMbbtDFbEyvT6kYY096M8ds4W8oBkWjfbzsjNovaDt2Xd3YtDVsfBHeg9HEtMfInMdQZff9n11P8L3ZOmXtmGWbIMH6WFoad0pIfsKDKnZ7Y1eVuaaouWbThyc9YJ3IZiv45Ll0jcq-eIaeCWSHYv_qp01j4_w3ac49G_JfcmZ6enPboltlJmGTQJXQ/w640-h430/rr%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I barely cleared the painted dunes when I noticed the snow peak peeking over on the southwest - Lassen Peak looked gorgeous between the black volcanic earth and the bright, blue sky. I had plans to get much closer to it on the morrow, but there was one more hike I wanted to do in the Butte Lake area besides the one I was on at the moment. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF-XkTaz_o01NREgTgIfXdzVXhixhS2rmX8YcEZpv0r_Kx9vzRa7XNc569Z5kmGCXdgxbqfm6pWf8HcNupI9ikNGGSOuMP8JxUBsoHxSRZq5KRJpqQSEwAHpS3zBPq-TOHynMmf7CcrpM5sBYVTOFNqjYYgqSRH0J6K6pgHnpz_acexJX7CooOtcQ9DM/s1856/rs%20Lassen%20Peal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF-XkTaz_o01NREgTgIfXdzVXhixhS2rmX8YcEZpv0r_Kx9vzRa7XNc569Z5kmGCXdgxbqfm6pWf8HcNupI9ikNGGSOuMP8JxUBsoHxSRZq5KRJpqQSEwAHpS3zBPq-TOHynMmf7CcrpM5sBYVTOFNqjYYgqSRH0J6K6pgHnpz_acexJX7CooOtcQ9DM/w640-h426/rs%20Lassen%20Peal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen peak</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ahead of me loomed another volcano - Fairfield Peak. I thought I saw a trail leading to it when I checked my map earlier. I wasn't about to hike there today, but it would be nice to go there on another visit to the park. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRnryO2zcGWWgQXWZ3OTZ1o3tEG63WNiYm0n5IJTuiM0iG6z7M7tbwkyQTGKlKABr0WtJR6Am5sY3de0NIRzbnkq0-TwwsxvqXmPBqeds0qyHFQYIU499ohkjJlPWLdTxIN8apYaflgTP8KetPTgTvBijwH0YyRm89dNv0Xq2CDKCKk_eyFzyl8WYdZ4/s1856/rt%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRnryO2zcGWWgQXWZ3OTZ1o3tEG63WNiYm0n5IJTuiM0iG6z7M7tbwkyQTGKlKABr0WtJR6Am5sY3de0NIRzbnkq0-TwwsxvqXmPBqeds0qyHFQYIU499ohkjJlPWLdTxIN8apYaflgTP8KetPTgTvBijwH0YyRm89dNv0Xq2CDKCKk_eyFzyl8WYdZ4/w640-h426/rt%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The seem between the Fantastic Lava Beds and the flatter earth below seemed to be a little more supportive of plant life, possibly because of the water runoff from the lava beds. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvDGGc-ZAxK1DEfM_kpEWGydUQP7NRDzLnLlVDYsCP0wBaZQb041Fa7C03Qkf1ppt3k5mPoEkuzyMw2Q9WFk8X0S38gR2Z2oqCILCVrb205QO_pCtypVOhPIQlgGq0YFCIKMZY1Cq8Q0fXoz0V0q9qZrwGfeZ_3nJ9SnephCsFaK74B1I8rEgX7y-ZwI/s2166/rv%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2166" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvDGGc-ZAxK1DEfM_kpEWGydUQP7NRDzLnLlVDYsCP0wBaZQb041Fa7C03Qkf1ppt3k5mPoEkuzyMw2Q9WFk8X0S38gR2Z2oqCILCVrb205QO_pCtypVOhPIQlgGq0YFCIKMZY1Cq8Q0fXoz0V0q9qZrwGfeZ_3nJ9SnephCsFaK74B1I8rEgX7y-ZwI/w640-h476/rv%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Penstemon, Penstemon heterodoxus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was walking for about an hour and it was morning still, but the day was already getting hot. I saw a fallen log by the trail, a log that wasn't all charred by fire, and decided that it would be a good place to stop for a drink of water. The log itself was very pretty, with all the twists and the knots of the exposed wood. A lizard was also sunning itself on it, but it escaped before I could take its photo. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxKnsRxLDoVrs9xs0ypvBQRyYCgByWMMg6zzDocpObE52INVu2nA1ZS4Gc9ntCH4V7iR0uVHJOZlTBHQiqban_Z-lkWL6tSjkU9Uj3SEvO1JoIJgWyZuTE9zEMczxcQCDlWNapuWNNTnkFCDOzuOG9rDteL9xFKwe43KXfcC1PDvIq-fu3wHuUPYM8g/s1856/ry%20log.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxKnsRxLDoVrs9xs0ypvBQRyYCgByWMMg6zzDocpObE52INVu2nA1ZS4Gc9ntCH4V7iR0uVHJOZlTBHQiqban_Z-lkWL6tSjkU9Uj3SEvO1JoIJgWyZuTE9zEMczxcQCDlWNapuWNNTnkFCDOzuOG9rDteL9xFKwe43KXfcC1PDvIq-fu3wHuUPYM8g/w640-h426/ry%20log.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the most common wildflower along that part of the trail was the sulphur buckwheat (yes, that's the correct spelling). The little cushions of intense yellow stood in strong contrast to the black cinders of the local terrain. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hmAj-Ds8-nbryrStEleoHfJzJRFUvUDGJgxk2O3SUiMNLxO1Fjwr4wwlYMY8fyDcFnpLKSp78AA7DbK1GbKGa0vcE6qra72XS9WdPUlJO7a9Bp98EW2RxllpLmywmqwLgJz_ew2nCIKJPXq5xaLaljI-oTIDcNmjsQVLJJPyDPCnqviLjBQJ9nV3atM/s1856/sa%20eriogonum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hmAj-Ds8-nbryrStEleoHfJzJRFUvUDGJgxk2O3SUiMNLxO1Fjwr4wwlYMY8fyDcFnpLKSp78AA7DbK1GbKGa0vcE6qra72XS9WdPUlJO7a9Bp98EW2RxllpLmywmqwLgJz_ew2nCIKJPXq5xaLaljI-oTIDcNmjsQVLJJPyDPCnqviLjBQJ9nV3atM/w640-h426/sa%20eriogonum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulphur Buckwheat, Eriogonum umbellatum </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail dipped into a flat area that looked greener than all of its surrounding. It must have retained moisture longer than the flanking area. Perhaps that was the place of the last snow before it melted. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxoCssme-iHeTzN2KOE4UjvU8J4Yp8kbHHcQw5vm4gIG5vz4Ntqh5cxNdoNm7D0CAwKDywjLM9adhw0XFzaeT8Sx-UGkC3qc0eBqtFPo6KtPLOThI6iy5BpMlTBhzTqp2A0aQLj2NssJCuGQNCe2JLm8caHU9SUyAgEwc06sTP1KweOabNaRA_2gEf4c/s1856/sc%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxoCssme-iHeTzN2KOE4UjvU8J4Yp8kbHHcQw5vm4gIG5vz4Ntqh5cxNdoNm7D0CAwKDywjLM9adhw0XFzaeT8Sx-UGkC3qc0eBqtFPo6KtPLOThI6iy5BpMlTBhzTqp2A0aQLj2NssJCuGQNCe2JLm8caHU9SUyAgEwc06sTP1KweOabNaRA_2gEf4c/w640-h426/sc%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As might be expected, there were different wildflower species blooming in that area where the moisture lingered longer. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtXxo_2b-RVTW7hW8Qx5UPuBDbrKUisls_2F3vwsHX_K3IuvxYPFTFYnp8r-A-yAPRBitnYN4k8pmHLDRePrkH-sgeGh7JcNJ1hjbC4oojlv7VtrBROP7JCv92155OhTmGzSaOHzas6bc_InZXs4fhbCDgTjiaiwwfm_9Zgr7-Nq49P2XzjyTQ7pOnoE/s2334/sb%20groundsel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2334" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtXxo_2b-RVTW7hW8Qx5UPuBDbrKUisls_2F3vwsHX_K3IuvxYPFTFYnp8r-A-yAPRBitnYN4k8pmHLDRePrkH-sgeGh7JcNJ1hjbC4oojlv7VtrBROP7JCv92155OhTmGzSaOHzas6bc_InZXs4fhbCDgTjiaiwwfm_9Zgr7-Nq49P2XzjyTQ7pOnoE/w640-h437/sb%20groundsel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain Groundsel, Packera streptanthifolia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail continued on the west side of the Fantastic Lava Beds. These lava beds came out of that small, perfect volcano, the Cinder Cone. The lava cut off the flow of Butte Creek, forcing the water to collect into two lakes - Butte Lake, where I started my hike, and Snag Lake, where I was now headed. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB20iPq0QxbOp6vTVfKYYXO-krLMdg1MJmMOpMcIKZH5IijwipvJhGr68vTyvrvJcwKNn0c7e0Du88IjMUxVFp0wEqlyQbrmY15LIVBkbuch-LSJzQrLv_F0AdsxdbzvMlGOWn0wLg1-FAwYeUF35Q7eA-ZhfpfeQkcYF6QEnycwWTmTzDdSBLUKEXrLI/s1856/sf%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB20iPq0QxbOp6vTVfKYYXO-krLMdg1MJmMOpMcIKZH5IijwipvJhGr68vTyvrvJcwKNn0c7e0Du88IjMUxVFp0wEqlyQbrmY15LIVBkbuch-LSJzQrLv_F0AdsxdbzvMlGOWn0wLg1-FAwYeUF35Q7eA-ZhfpfeQkcYF6QEnycwWTmTzDdSBLUKEXrLI/w640-h426/sf%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake-Snag Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I turned around and looked at the back view of Cinder Cone. I felt a bit remorseful for not ascending it this time. As it turned out, that was a smart decision, because at the end of the loop I came upon an obstacle that forced me to add nearly two more miles to my hike to bypass safely. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqF2BihDqLpsE77GBDGH69-vR5-wkJVgq4WtqKaQyrihRA0NEa_OumkDe79jZq8NFWTHZHn1_Vm6aMVcqVMC60sbQ_Ee7ZyD5sA6CO6dVH_HKhZWhVz2cHrj4WfwlWsRxWcRxXxgYT7LCzBpZLGQ-VTu4UIHLzbTWaZO0sqo4UZghYdspJZfTxAQ0Hcw/s1856/sg%20view%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqF2BihDqLpsE77GBDGH69-vR5-wkJVgq4WtqKaQyrihRA0NEa_OumkDe79jZq8NFWTHZHn1_Vm6aMVcqVMC60sbQ_Ee7ZyD5sA6CO6dVH_HKhZWhVz2cHrj4WfwlWsRxWcRxXxgYT7LCzBpZLGQ-VTu4UIHLzbTWaZO0sqo4UZghYdspJZfTxAQ0Hcw/w640-h426/sg%20view%20back.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Cone, view north</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides the buckwheat, the volcanic cinders ground supported also sparse - growing pussypaws. Most of them were already done blooming but I did find a few straggling individuals. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj23F6j_qCQeDk0HaTTHTkDvLVeD8vtU6nv1YpyQ2rU6V9Pb6fB6eHO_DMUKMbWzcf7347LWbipJN4VDsFTpFI4XK5o3BD_VdYbgv-eXBt2A7o8FMoGdvSyxqXQlKfdik35O9lYpEKH_q2NRC0wXxp7vObr_CCulSOgF9FOnc93ziu2udallHlH7Hb-w/s1757/sh%20opussypaws.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1757" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj23F6j_qCQeDk0HaTTHTkDvLVeD8vtU6nv1YpyQ2rU6V9Pb6fB6eHO_DMUKMbWzcf7347LWbipJN4VDsFTpFI4XK5o3BD_VdYbgv-eXBt2A7o8FMoGdvSyxqXQlKfdik35O9lYpEKH_q2NRC0wXxp7vObr_CCulSOgF9FOnc93ziu2udallHlH7Hb-w/w640-h464/sh%20opussypaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-seeded Pussypaws, Calyptridium monospermum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">nearly all the trees I saw along the hike were pine trees. Of those, they were mostly of the lodgepole pine species. The pines that weren't affected by the fires seemed healthy and looked beautiful.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYn_N44X6MNPg_iDRkEqfILDVLM3Bl0KmkxxpgU5XPI-GnOh4Lzb3PS-c6iaGfFcGBwXetqeGKOHhPhl55XKIWNnZhht9m0rf8AYg9yCcrcAspAr8mDFxiljyS4o2vy47EHfsSNfj9Dwr7NC-Q0nFS67zdpC9rYmyRJa0-CAjEDccebJGbE7pVFxSvYg/s1492/si%20pine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1492" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYn_N44X6MNPg_iDRkEqfILDVLM3Bl0KmkxxpgU5XPI-GnOh4Lzb3PS-c6iaGfFcGBwXetqeGKOHhPhl55XKIWNnZhht9m0rf8AYg9yCcrcAspAr8mDFxiljyS4o2vy47EHfsSNfj9Dwr7NC-Q0nFS67zdpC9rYmyRJa0-CAjEDccebJGbE7pVFxSvYg/w640-h458/si%20pine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinus contorta<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What was just as beautiful were areas of the Fantastic Lava Beds that differed from the standard black basalt piles. in some places the rock was colorful, usually in reds and blues.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-usr45VVUBc1n730rcFKgQ0VkKuonIk05e6OYe4lLIIyV5qo32XmmO7tGKnYJMHT51Le2Wpgtj93ci24OCOUd7nJX2oGConx4RBvWdU1t4J5NuKBd0O2_CnarHg8GFMbp2M9J9H9KXvclkXPaBQOufWDNCzvraGD5S0u0aP4vZmVWoNHgGbIxb4K1hA/s1856/sj%20lava%20beds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-usr45VVUBc1n730rcFKgQ0VkKuonIk05e6OYe4lLIIyV5qo32XmmO7tGKnYJMHT51Le2Wpgtj93ci24OCOUd7nJX2oGConx4RBvWdU1t4J5NuKBd0O2_CnarHg8GFMbp2M9J9H9KXvclkXPaBQOufWDNCzvraGD5S0u0aP4vZmVWoNHgGbIxb4K1hA/w640-h426/sj%20lava%20beds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Lava Beds</td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> In places the rocks were covered by colorful cinders, like in the Painted Dunes, only not as exquisite, at least not on a side view. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-ov14V5D58XOPSjTfy7P_z99j3x9REKBvWNXcilOLbOfQ23VMSMbMtvp44oWrGD9ZiigJogOCeJFK_0joTCDsWsmCyBYVxqv0rJI5RH_uSndwkfzfWkfpaTLTB1O8bgDeOZtqxxjfs8M7nzPDvP0nTuyZg-MKm13YdKLGkuPX9Zb4kuibVOEFm2eGk/s1856/sk%20fantastic%20lava%20beds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-ov14V5D58XOPSjTfy7P_z99j3x9REKBvWNXcilOLbOfQ23VMSMbMtvp44oWrGD9ZiigJogOCeJFK_0joTCDsWsmCyBYVxqv0rJI5RH_uSndwkfzfWkfpaTLTB1O8bgDeOZtqxxjfs8M7nzPDvP0nTuyZg-MKm13YdKLGkuPX9Zb4kuibVOEFm2eGk/w640-h426/sk%20fantastic%20lava%20beds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Lava Beds</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day was bright and sunny. There was not a single cloud in the deep blue sky. There was however, something white and fluffy floating right above me - a seed parachute without the seed. I watched it move gently through the air, and eventually remembered to take a photo before it floated away into infinity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSB9HBNttz8FN7ZVwEP_Gg1aj41G-2hk6jsRciChb4bwssywdV1_HDIWU_ki6YGMocat9BYl0xv5XWwVAhW7FqjdGHtHygbBXKd4g2mwM1acp6UslGthHtCPFRCwcMWkX8YBWeaNYzQ-b-sAORRQk2tj5OZUQ7DYZwaJSf2Q7SSKavqf1_Fl9pF-xuT4/s1377/sl%20parachute.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1377" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSB9HBNttz8FN7ZVwEP_Gg1aj41G-2hk6jsRciChb4bwssywdV1_HDIWU_ki6YGMocat9BYl0xv5XWwVAhW7FqjdGHtHygbBXKd4g2mwM1acp6UslGthHtCPFRCwcMWkX8YBWeaNYzQ-b-sAORRQk2tj5OZUQ7DYZwaJSf2Q7SSKavqf1_Fl9pF-xuT4/w640-h412/sl%20parachute.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another thing moved through the air near me. This one was moving fast and with intention - a dragonfly. It settled briefly on a bare twig of a gooseberry bush, then flew away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG92f3VfGFX7an8HrCwZMKevwQyyekR0sJYn3Hs8PgsrY6k7LOo8Fq2M1rgI2_kjYk7ZVPb2cbc_-E7PyRBvE90xY3EY7WJXnTa2F-QAm9qNlm1nNHpxMQr07WhkCQRzSZrBuhtWy1Vcy2NvZEq452mArN0SIiG003fq1HwUcoR_VBxD7PgL_a9yN52gI/s1437/sm%20dragonfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1437" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG92f3VfGFX7an8HrCwZMKevwQyyekR0sJYn3Hs8PgsrY6k7LOo8Fq2M1rgI2_kjYk7ZVPb2cbc_-E7PyRBvE90xY3EY7WJXnTa2F-QAm9qNlm1nNHpxMQr07WhkCQRzSZrBuhtWy1Vcy2NvZEq452mArN0SIiG003fq1HwUcoR_VBxD7PgL_a9yN52gI/w640-h448/sm%20dragonfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I resumed my hike. The trail moved in and out of the pine forest. The trees were far enough apart to allow a lot of sunshine through. The hour was early still so the shade of the thin pines stretched long enough to allow some relief from the heat. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCzJu-AoqqKDvkxwSPJIx7kXHfi313ke8pgOT2G3iAu5xPSsen0ghHlHeH7Q0PJyrR4uqQgC0y8UVWIV-BsHtvbrZkuOZfkbC3jL8xkSwep2lp_9MPgUvlnQ8-eb3ZLpzltanm5dXOB3mz_QzSMerQoQaLgTRKg1aM-e1hSaoGZy34_8rQF9gDnmKzn0/s1856/sn%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCzJu-AoqqKDvkxwSPJIx7kXHfi313ke8pgOT2G3iAu5xPSsen0ghHlHeH7Q0PJyrR4uqQgC0y8UVWIV-BsHtvbrZkuOZfkbC3jL8xkSwep2lp_9MPgUvlnQ8-eb3ZLpzltanm5dXOB3mz_QzSMerQoQaLgTRKg1aM-e1hSaoGZy34_8rQF9gDnmKzn0/w640-h426/sn%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake-Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every now and then the trail dipped closer to the Fantastic Lava Beds, allowing me a closer look at the impregnable wall of black rocks. I sure at some point in time there were people crossing the lava field, perhaps in search of refuge, perhaps in exploration. I remained on the trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG9g2LIdf8rdezXy1YxkTK9the3175BuEpcRBwLDH9Rbe0fLSTGM2Kl53NVijiKfs9c-4aP6qfV0N6czvlWlYj_wAwk3VeW5KNR2Rh4RqbnxZTo64oSxouudMgA-XZxfVPY-bgfs9RprwgflNrbjbZXevJmkHVumliLSFVU7M2xboZMj71waHLtOEtGk/s1856/sp%20lava%20beds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG9g2LIdf8rdezXy1YxkTK9the3175BuEpcRBwLDH9Rbe0fLSTGM2Kl53NVijiKfs9c-4aP6qfV0N6czvlWlYj_wAwk3VeW5KNR2Rh4RqbnxZTo64oSxouudMgA-XZxfVPY-bgfs9RprwgflNrbjbZXevJmkHVumliLSFVU7M2xboZMj71waHLtOEtGk/w640-h426/sp%20lava%20beds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are conflicting opinions as to when the Cinder Cone erupted. I think the current thought is that it occurred between 300-400 years ago, meaning there were human eye witnesses of the event for sure. It takes a long time for the land to recover from a volcanic event in this high, and relatively arid area. There were very few trees growing on the lava beds, and they looked small, although they were probably older than they appeared. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujhPOKkVmZIxikF-HgnTsPot1bD3jMsnT1nngrSNAATEdhcImvHyvnIcWhKVYjrRuVs_dlOl_5wUcsbbayUAGSj5Azfya5ylIXwfU1TP0OlAy9Ztovi-_svEeCBgvxJzARSbdNy9MplmpLwlS5RywdTLco8ofhqVQPAtaMmoL5yRb2c4GBI9kAlZt1Pc/s1856/sq%20lone%20pine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujhPOKkVmZIxikF-HgnTsPot1bD3jMsnT1nngrSNAATEdhcImvHyvnIcWhKVYjrRuVs_dlOl_5wUcsbbayUAGSj5Azfya5ylIXwfU1TP0OlAy9Ztovi-_svEeCBgvxJzARSbdNy9MplmpLwlS5RywdTLco8ofhqVQPAtaMmoL5yRb2c4GBI9kAlZt1Pc/w640-h426/sq%20lone%20pine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Lava Beds</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Members of the California Geology Forum suggested that these colorful rocks are in fact, fragments of the ancestral Cinder Cone that were dislodged and swept away by the lava flow. That is very cool indeed! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFee-gSL3M7yubO7wvt_zIYbaiaGGlM-_qNB_wobRwvsRDm-h4M9Pr_CKQwUFV6Xy139UAu37tx-8NBIqGZXlsWcbwEx_DKzaq9m0nFP7SME6yGdzGIZwoth2RkE4ZSt4a8Lf-_uwjhfaF4WTloHP4W7caJE2iMwtJpBzB3j01bLKwmmZsrSh5-w9h_f8/s1856/sr%20fantastic%20lava%20beds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFee-gSL3M7yubO7wvt_zIYbaiaGGlM-_qNB_wobRwvsRDm-h4M9Pr_CKQwUFV6Xy139UAu37tx-8NBIqGZXlsWcbwEx_DKzaq9m0nFP7SME6yGdzGIZwoth2RkE4ZSt4a8Lf-_uwjhfaF4WTloHP4W7caJE2iMwtJpBzB3j01bLKwmmZsrSh5-w9h_f8/w640-h426/sr%20fantastic%20lava%20beds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Lava Beds</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was admiring the Fantastic Lava Beds but knocks to the right of the trail pulled my attention - at the base of one of the trees there, a hairy woodpecker was busy searching the tree for morsels. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmY2Q5TtHaUuDZ9jwViskd0MZ18qDy5OiuSp6dBwmznInSU0Cwbtc_nZZNn39xRNb71qrGybbasZ8Wv7stshFxcSXZZkQMCA2OJa5RTdnxtzXS9FuZG8_UvUbIir9U_K0pYrAgHeXHWB6evrqiPiIlsqbPSGUMDjf6SzRNRTjzJwcaZKy6LAZhdeBE1Y/s1722/ss%20hairy%20woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1722" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmY2Q5TtHaUuDZ9jwViskd0MZ18qDy5OiuSp6dBwmznInSU0Cwbtc_nZZNn39xRNb71qrGybbasZ8Wv7stshFxcSXZZkQMCA2OJa5RTdnxtzXS9FuZG8_UvUbIir9U_K0pYrAgHeXHWB6evrqiPiIlsqbPSGUMDjf6SzRNRTjzJwcaZKy6LAZhdeBE1Y/w640-h447/ss%20hairy%20woodpecker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Woodpecker</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was aware that the Dixie Fire of 2021 had caused much damage in this area. West of the trail and of Snag Lake though, the fire damage was much older, and the forest was already recovering. I walked through large areas with a few standing dead trees and many, many young, and very healthy looking pines growing vigorously. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJmuF-9tPX2wdpG8xRT9K7N_uGR52v9i7nHkxk6GLnEeaeqob8JKGb-8P46t9Wo5jyHtL-Y4ZDTI4iBiH_G4jFqtQ1TTT-WOM_lkCWYjikpqkvoAB1rjOQfOaZBhiwQVXlzeNVc3ml3OFUQMX0kH0aJK3q2_tmRrFnD19sNEvkfVMHskh5hB5tR2eb1E/s1856/sx%20nursery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJmuF-9tPX2wdpG8xRT9K7N_uGR52v9i7nHkxk6GLnEeaeqob8JKGb-8P46t9Wo5jyHtL-Y4ZDTI4iBiH_G4jFqtQ1TTT-WOM_lkCWYjikpqkvoAB1rjOQfOaZBhiwQVXlzeNVc3ml3OFUQMX0kH0aJK3q2_tmRrFnD19sNEvkfVMHskh5hB5tR2eb1E/w640-h426/sx%20nursery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail was mostly flat with only minor undulations up and down. I was getting hot and started thinking of a break when from a high spot on the trail I saw Snag Lake far below and my heart jumped. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsP_nssqqryAkmPZqvAFS_mU_Y6LoN6ZgDhUI7-3sUzESDwEaP-WfBZ_weIpFeIdRfO0eaXi8i9tQGn6Hlwk4HuJSHiQPK0QEX6ummKMoKhC631O8u4eDpk86cmJMPw9n1u3VXH8exNUNpugS4e3_OvtRwGb2-SGS9kRrr1I6sER3qBN4QJTzELNigqM/s1856/sy%20lakeview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsP_nssqqryAkmPZqvAFS_mU_Y6LoN6ZgDhUI7-3sUzESDwEaP-WfBZ_weIpFeIdRfO0eaXi8i9tQGn6Hlwk4HuJSHiQPK0QEX6ummKMoKhC631O8u4eDpk86cmJMPw9n1u3VXH8exNUNpugS4e3_OvtRwGb2-SGS9kRrr1I6sER3qBN4QJTzELNigqM/w640-h426/sy%20lakeview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte Lake-Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Across Snag Lake was a volcano, one of many within Lassen Volcanic National Park. On the side of this volcano, Mt. Hoffman, I notice a white and sparkly spot. Could that have been a leftover snow patch? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt5k2jk2qS43YRffTsyTcQzwaaP6_W9FYGgArUa20ocC-oEkbSWXENKbblDmJFiukr71WJ2KlksyeliUYIc3M2BS9eEGWZGZc0I9GMIGsPQrdYbZ3MkRD8dONyOyINpIHArJnUcTz91l3KTW5GNhNy3JnfIgrlalfGh5BPI-qJxwNxNhi_U1sH8_1Iq4/s1869/sz%20snow%20patch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1869" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt5k2jk2qS43YRffTsyTcQzwaaP6_W9FYGgArUa20ocC-oEkbSWXENKbblDmJFiukr71WJ2KlksyeliUYIc3M2BS9eEGWZGZc0I9GMIGsPQrdYbZ3MkRD8dONyOyINpIHArJnUcTz91l3KTW5GNhNy3JnfIgrlalfGh5BPI-qJxwNxNhi_U1sH8_1Iq4/w640-h454/sz%20snow%20patch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that snow?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hopped and trotted down the cinders trail to Snag Lake, slowing down only for the little, pink wildflowers that bloomed under the pine trees. These were wirelettuce, and there were many of them around. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJEBufzohBYnQhjnfPQT0tL3SKuBnLu_rNJ-hY95VUsOxoOGvems5q1W88baBD3ynDmaeIuD95RS94oEXznq6APg_VwmnhYb1Db1ncuCXqaf_u3VHb-ttMNTqVqrl5FcNaSjnI9LYOz-jkjuNVBifKGnqX7jU-Svf2LqRQcxoJpMoRbYeh-r48E2qctE/s2174/tb%20Stephanomeria.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2174" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJEBufzohBYnQhjnfPQT0tL3SKuBnLu_rNJ-hY95VUsOxoOGvems5q1W88baBD3ynDmaeIuD95RS94oEXznq6APg_VwmnhYb1Db1ncuCXqaf_u3VHb-ttMNTqVqrl5FcNaSjnI9LYOz-jkjuNVBifKGnqX7jU-Svf2LqRQcxoJpMoRbYeh-r48E2qctE/w640-h458/tb%20Stephanomeria.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large-flowered Wirelettuce, Stephanomeria lactucina<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I paused also to try and capture a beautiful dragonfly that stopped to rest on the trail right before me. The background hid it almost completely, it is better to open the photo to see the dragonfly. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5Q8BB0zldHxVObas5ffd5Wpndh1xwH9mZDsFiW4Hs3XAEKjVGf6KEtTOxKDrS5OTMB1j6oC0dEH4JxP6AR3BpO2o8Xncfw9VhUEdcFr7KnBoUGRObLxxd8QfS3XXD60MDQnM9FXuJY0vmucEFjy6OoFZWOwK2nt_zIgt3EG9Rr411rWc8Ile5MMsqHw/s1800/tf%20dragonfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1800" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5Q8BB0zldHxVObas5ffd5Wpndh1xwH9mZDsFiW4Hs3XAEKjVGf6KEtTOxKDrS5OTMB1j6oC0dEH4JxP6AR3BpO2o8Xncfw9VhUEdcFr7KnBoUGRObLxxd8QfS3XXD60MDQnM9FXuJY0vmucEFjy6OoFZWOwK2nt_zIgt3EG9Rr411rWc8Ile5MMsqHw/w640-h460/tf%20dragonfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Snag Lake lay before me, beautiful blue between the black lava beds and the quiet pine forest. There was no other human soul there. In fact, from the moment I left Cinder Cone behind me I saw no other human on my hike until I was back in the north side of Butte Lake. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAFapSy_y5wGdGAlQwJ8mGcRAgmYcn6yMKTBlD8-zhI6wKVc4xbUDYikimYXCb35FELYdrjL0CC3ekugfLOMkkXsCM5KC2TB4DLqWVJAdHIpn4aez9vdYNJDw5oSBh7zPyPsswiuMpp1PF9W-XjtcgqEKfl-2odTNTIOP2lEGdHsnGtkY65t7iK-P2gI/s1856/td%20lake%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAFapSy_y5wGdGAlQwJ8mGcRAgmYcn6yMKTBlD8-zhI6wKVc4xbUDYikimYXCb35FELYdrjL0CC3ekugfLOMkkXsCM5KC2TB4DLqWVJAdHIpn4aez9vdYNJDw5oSBh7zPyPsswiuMpp1PF9W-XjtcgqEKfl-2odTNTIOP2lEGdHsnGtkY65t7iK-P2gI/w640-h426/td%20lake%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I reached Snag Lake and stopped in the tree shade for a short break to hydrate both my body and my soul. Now that I emerged from the protection of the lava beds wall I could feel the breeze caressing my face. The wind was strong enough to raise little waves in the lake. <br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4lZjm07FK1rg1FZK84Ta850oVNpoz5gXcDePjWPIb2uEttc2N_lIQiRJ_mNknDdxk9HkbAg1sJUYyz3hMbQH3B3t4QdPVQ5ZfiK1LS9Kc-WMDWZH8y8KCj2tIVkPYYc6_Sjk7pkDaRgKCg07kDkOUCj3cs9T3PhWHeKQqX0RAFG4DAvDGNkWN6uCD5Q/s1667/ti%20waves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1667" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4lZjm07FK1rg1FZK84Ta850oVNpoz5gXcDePjWPIb2uEttc2N_lIQiRJ_mNknDdxk9HkbAg1sJUYyz3hMbQH3B3t4QdPVQ5ZfiK1LS9Kc-WMDWZH8y8KCj2tIVkPYYc6_Sjk7pkDaRgKCg07kDkOUCj3cs9T3PhWHeKQqX0RAFG4DAvDGNkWN6uCD5Q/w640-h430/ti%20waves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because of the massive precipitation that Lassen Park got this past winter I expected to see the lake full to the brim, and I was surprised that that wasn't the case. What really caught my attention were the strong water marks on the rocks and the trees up the shore. These marks indicates not only that the lake levels were this high at some point, but also that the high water marks changed in distinct steps and not in a continuous manner. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIP0U59RI0l5DBYW3DN6Hj5VCedjSExoV5mUpmDOQ5N-kuL6BQukMciq8_N5teEtrlGNUU7e9_UWAWuJcicpNGqe9iKLf5Hai-szhQffZF7pRGtNAeU7FPiBfz08oo0J1ePzdVzDoToATL6gw_ZnhKSmwjqWB2JUvlzhAeWf3cEpxpi2_9eCi-7MBl1A/s1856/tg%20watermarks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIP0U59RI0l5DBYW3DN6Hj5VCedjSExoV5mUpmDOQ5N-kuL6BQukMciq8_N5teEtrlGNUU7e9_UWAWuJcicpNGqe9iKLf5Hai-szhQffZF7pRGtNAeU7FPiBfz08oo0J1ePzdVzDoToATL6gw_ZnhKSmwjqWB2JUvlzhAeWf3cEpxpi2_9eCi-7MBl1A/w640-h426/tg%20watermarks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Marks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were small groups of aspen growing in the water. Their trunks also had the high water marks, which looked like barcodes. Just scan and go. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqscwZiEiTJKqhFJtJ63uBQVxS9Cbx89Ninh-Pb_2KkkPTTsh9LKPU22e8Tvur3DsFub5rE9vSKNvgunEEeKZSL39vh6q-9n3j7kig3f3ieP0VR5_cUau5-59fwSx9U5FhgRsFDzDltuSjGJVThl4MRfhuDC54rP8IkJJ9FLsAskTXbPf6Ow-Wvchj6E/s1856/th%20watermarks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqscwZiEiTJKqhFJtJ63uBQVxS9Cbx89Ninh-Pb_2KkkPTTsh9LKPU22e8Tvur3DsFub5rE9vSKNvgunEEeKZSL39vh6q-9n3j7kig3f3ieP0VR5_cUau5-59fwSx9U5FhgRsFDzDltuSjGJVThl4MRfhuDC54rP8IkJJ9FLsAskTXbPf6Ow-Wvchj6E/w640-h426/th%20watermarks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Marks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I moved to a more open area along the lake shore and scanned the lake's surface for waterfowl. There were no birds in the lake but I enjoyed seeing the sunlight playing with the little waves.Mt. Hoffman loomed over the southeast shore. I could also see the giant scar that the Dixie Fire left in the forest below.<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkksEL0W4OK8jeDQr-RKiwTo83RaoRGSBlcSLlcyX5uqR_S3cOHLvn3SJOpe9p8GkjaCm7abu4uAyKtbNSHTUl-a26PFIiAD3ce7cF3mUdAp1ikuADlQxqIllcBJK1sbHkpy0wO4uznT_0Y6ajOe0iNoUmKqWbk4-NzLYNnhYa07a1DSIG4xG-xBB0l0/s1856/tj%20snag%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkksEL0W4OK8jeDQr-RKiwTo83RaoRGSBlcSLlcyX5uqR_S3cOHLvn3SJOpe9p8GkjaCm7abu4uAyKtbNSHTUl-a26PFIiAD3ce7cF3mUdAp1ikuADlQxqIllcBJK1sbHkpy0wO4uznT_0Y6ajOe0iNoUmKqWbk4-NzLYNnhYa07a1DSIG4xG-xBB0l0/w640-h426/tj%20snag%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trail continued south along the west shore of Snag Lake. One of the things I remember vividly from my hike here twenty years ago was all the fallen logs that blocked the trail. We were warned at the time by a park ranger that a recent storm dropped a lot of trees and the the trails weren't cleared yet. We chanced it anyway, and indeed we had to go around or hop over many, many fallen logs. I kept expecting to have to bypass fallen trees but I didn't have to at all - the fallen trees were pushed to the side or cut, and the trail was all clear and well maintained. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oO0O65g9-cviChROWM5KoRAl62MMIX-tSISfuaMMikJ7CO3BbyKCUVXT5Nr-Jpp4nDJhb5mhiD4fycGJIvxpjs_fciGXnnC67hV2gQkmfFIuzb92ShFAeRf7HJESOKJWq5tQHtxLQgwbGVGRXRzpT5djd0u1syXDnTB_uSVCQmQzFcAWQPAoI3OesPw/s1856/tk%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oO0O65g9-cviChROWM5KoRAl62MMIX-tSISfuaMMikJ7CO3BbyKCUVXT5Nr-Jpp4nDJhb5mhiD4fycGJIvxpjs_fciGXnnC67hV2gQkmfFIuzb92ShFAeRf7HJESOKJWq5tQHtxLQgwbGVGRXRzpT5djd0u1syXDnTB_uSVCQmQzFcAWQPAoI3OesPw/w640-h426/tk%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I passed a few gooseberry bushes along the way. They were already in the fruiting stage, but the fruit not yet ripe. No snacking here, then. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv6InDugIXM9-emP3RhbB6MsPBvHuY1UgrL6XYMQtrUOpV1J3rPK6KZ9qBXnp2RkvjNhqS-lY4jrFT4aTQBKWPKJoK4ySmbroK5TOm7ZuwXwnHptBGF3hg7hPZreyHtLVZO-Hk4Wv3nL-lTLdUFQNb2li5dBjlNJWXGqzSyGpkimOB0U-VmM9K5NW9qY/s1652/tl%20gooseberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1652" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv6InDugIXM9-emP3RhbB6MsPBvHuY1UgrL6XYMQtrUOpV1J3rPK6KZ9qBXnp2RkvjNhqS-lY4jrFT4aTQBKWPKJoK4ySmbroK5TOm7ZuwXwnHptBGF3hg7hPZreyHtLVZO-Hk4Wv3nL-lTLdUFQNb2li5dBjlNJWXGqzSyGpkimOB0U-VmM9K5NW9qY/w640-h444/tl%20gooseberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gooseberry, Ribes sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little lizards were sunning themselves along the trail. Most were too quick for me and darted off before I could photograph them. This one paused between the bushes long enough for me to react. Maybe that's how it lost its original tail in the first place. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfqcfXdyqstfjxFX7Qp3GY2fwXj97NFZmo2E8zFDwgf6LY3meqmwRA7wOnyyMnaARWX1iOXI2jaZETpfygSX-3toosAalQ5Jy3M5XbTmBq-KfVrtz1eiPwqfGaEWqEICcucRXQGdgDt_NPvKj5y-D5Yg93DzQRddCHlByM3FO94AT0JcABdwUsNeAElY/s1635/tm%20lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1635" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfqcfXdyqstfjxFX7Qp3GY2fwXj97NFZmo2E8zFDwgf6LY3meqmwRA7wOnyyMnaARWX1iOXI2jaZETpfygSX-3toosAalQ5Jy3M5XbTmBq-KfVrtz1eiPwqfGaEWqEICcucRXQGdgDt_NPvKj5y-D5Yg93DzQRddCHlByM3FO94AT0JcABdwUsNeAElY/w640-h427/tm%20lizard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western fence Lizard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The time moved along with my hike. It was getting close to lunchtime and I was getting hungry and started thinking of having a lunch break soon. I wanted to stop at a nice place near the lake but stopping on the west shore would be just a bit too soon. I looked ahead and saw a lovely little peninsula jutting into the lake were nice, healthy looking trees were growing and casting a welcoming shade. It would have been a lovely place to stop, but after consulting the map I realized that the trail goes too far from that peninsula. In fact, if I wanted to stop by the lake, yet not too soon, I would have to make it all the way to the east shore where the traile nears the lake again. Oh well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhqPPAC9-zyZ05FrI3NRVcpMyRidhw1sfFt3557zRuSbbL35dBkMTknP7jCWQBYdmJ_Ekv5oLVTOu47Qos5GBBHcxEHTlwV_i0bMgaHEBLGf8TiHjpHJIx43HvA7Pwld1My9pwxTd_b7mHZ49L4RM01bDC9S7zDWu017dbTIqoRBh0XA9MzJmjGqgHRw/s1856/tr%20peninsula.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhqPPAC9-zyZ05FrI3NRVcpMyRidhw1sfFt3557zRuSbbL35dBkMTknP7jCWQBYdmJ_Ekv5oLVTOu47Qos5GBBHcxEHTlwV_i0bMgaHEBLGf8TiHjpHJIx43HvA7Pwld1My9pwxTd_b7mHZ49L4RM01bDC9S7zDWu017dbTIqoRBh0XA9MzJmjGqgHRw/w640-h426/tr%20peninsula.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided that so it would be. I'd walk all the way to the east shore before lunch, unless I find a nice place to stop before then. One of the things I knew for sure that I'd want would be shade. It was already quite hot and I was hopping from one tree to another, attempting to minimize my exposure to the direct sun. At times that was difficult because the old fires had killed the older trees in large areas. It was nice to see the vigorous recovery though. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lBY-MD3nxLmybZhaAK90pegjgECpdh8RLsDuRXtqo81LWKt7BbnUYCGCfuER3NYade_YYsjLlWt82-arS7kfHBtElfIj-rfD7FBQ0Mp9jmKY39F6BEgRl_5im3hyb2ufTFQt12ExZSgRl1xPWglRPAQdRem8qpSli4yMhFdD9gW9U36nbp1qgna9yOM/s1856/ts%20nursery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lBY-MD3nxLmybZhaAK90pegjgECpdh8RLsDuRXtqo81LWKt7BbnUYCGCfuER3NYade_YYsjLlWt82-arS7kfHBtElfIj-rfD7FBQ0Mp9jmKY39F6BEgRl_5im3hyb2ufTFQt12ExZSgRl1xPWglRPAQdRem8qpSli4yMhFdD9gW9U36nbp1qgna9yOM/w640-h426/ts%20nursery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old survivor and new growing pine trees. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pines were the dominant trees all around but the aspens had their own little dominions here and there, especially near the lake or by the side creeks. The breeze made the aspens quake in the loveliest sparkle dance. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TJEpQDCcL0IvXRxpineuKyXaeMZsQLp-W9-gqymeTx_k80D1PFvfmIcZkIxJnVaOeGd_I-xG-QptM95TK3tFEzyXjssDKWSeT18PXeIQER9YzwTGydo7Ugj4I0YRm2H4CFbg_uRHQrq6sUwg2vL2KmFgZhtT9XStFaf8hsU1BbGojAWV0_-6PvLOuKw/s1856/tx%20shiny%20aspens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TJEpQDCcL0IvXRxpineuKyXaeMZsQLp-W9-gqymeTx_k80D1PFvfmIcZkIxJnVaOeGd_I-xG-QptM95TK3tFEzyXjssDKWSeT18PXeIQER9YzwTGydo7Ugj4I0YRm2H4CFbg_uRHQrq6sUwg2vL2KmFgZhtT9XStFaf8hsU1BbGojAWV0_-6PvLOuKw/w640-h426/tx%20shiny%20aspens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the water were some plants too - a patch of green rushes just off shore. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBqxGROcwP6UOVq0MVd76jYzhEjKwOo9O5H6JpAFhJwbsWJmtD8a6qiZKLCFggrOz5UJpKSVHWMCuH2899sS0SVQu7tiXiLIDc9JitcAutvtXPqgWRC4_BOsoRw7rBiyaPWK-Opa2kyGffx18H2V1z3kj7p5vqDAm7s2Kdg3O6PRwVnpS0p6ya2tH7OI/s1856/tw%20rushes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBqxGROcwP6UOVq0MVd76jYzhEjKwOo9O5H6JpAFhJwbsWJmtD8a6qiZKLCFggrOz5UJpKSVHWMCuH2899sS0SVQu7tiXiLIDc9JitcAutvtXPqgWRC4_BOsoRw7rBiyaPWK-Opa2kyGffx18H2V1z3kj7p5vqDAm7s2Kdg3O6PRwVnpS0p6ya2tH7OI/w640-h426/tw%20rushes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nearing the south end of Snag Lake I was now walking entirely in the open. I wanted to go quickly but there were too many things to see along that part of the trail, including many wildflower species. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmmKd5JE5A3w7ypX8oSEX0ugLT-ef_pvUwMSyq-pRjvsqDX3cmJiwrZEGWSVcYFoeLAHDuCKwNO3UIU0SiPIEoBP6TYcjhFuDyYTiytlcm0sDpzCwkOJ0XrrJaKZsU9YXMoq9tavouGruR58133oJ5xhPKsBpj8kMR7vPdg3DMutZ3ZMIvSsz_jWdAhY/s1856/uf%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmmKd5JE5A3w7ypX8oSEX0ugLT-ef_pvUwMSyq-pRjvsqDX3cmJiwrZEGWSVcYFoeLAHDuCKwNO3UIU0SiPIEoBP6TYcjhFuDyYTiytlcm0sDpzCwkOJ0XrrJaKZsU9YXMoq9tavouGruR58133oJ5xhPKsBpj8kMR7vPdg3DMutZ3ZMIvSsz_jWdAhY/w640-h426/uf%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Along the west shore of Snag Lake is also where I started seeing the
mountain monardella, and I was glad to see they were at peak bloom. I
resisted the temptation to pick some for my evening tea. The butterfly didn't need to resist anything, it simply indulged itself. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvbVcB0IeEJaQkHJnyAYuUWRk0GjygeJ_AJCWfYpTpDURXpsYetkSzIt_u-8Ln0PYAuGOKEzn_t-r5yw4abdrwzEVLzIGdBnpbQukNUp0oXo4lOOFZEFKbK4CUI49m21qHNHxUkWVgtMNnJ1NS4ub6P3U2_PoVJCeoSzOCe9HYaomq1T57uNfliAvzxI/s2078/ua%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2078" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvbVcB0IeEJaQkHJnyAYuUWRk0GjygeJ_AJCWfYpTpDURXpsYetkSzIt_u-8Ln0PYAuGOKEzn_t-r5yw4abdrwzEVLzIGdBnpbQukNUp0oXo4lOOFZEFKbK4CUI49m21qHNHxUkWVgtMNnJ1NS4ub6P3U2_PoVJCeoSzOCe9HYaomq1T57uNfliAvzxI/w640-h432/ua%20butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Monardella, Monardella odoratissima</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides butterflies, there were also many dragonflies in the air. They weren't interested in the flowers although they did fancy some stems as convenient perches. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYY7I2K0MOz94AYy72EshzyRdagjo2ahvYj7QIJ8sbW9042nwaD60E84-hkwWMwG9YdgRsEKLeVIik3Gc7P_3bSU3akTJV2J0XbQ-TmIiCILswDZSxxjbugdDLDafhRlbB536kRKBtB21TlG8vKk5cd3--U7lkrH3uQ5KxLCNahEReWsU2VA0SgN7EcM/s1392/ub%20dragonfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1392" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYY7I2K0MOz94AYy72EshzyRdagjo2ahvYj7QIJ8sbW9042nwaD60E84-hkwWMwG9YdgRsEKLeVIik3Gc7P_3bSU3akTJV2J0XbQ-TmIiCILswDZSxxjbugdDLDafhRlbB536kRKBtB21TlG8vKk5cd3--U7lkrH3uQ5KxLCNahEReWsU2VA0SgN7EcM/w640-h458/ub%20dragonfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A plant that I often see in other places but usually not so much in Lassen Volcanic NP is the pearly everlasting - named this way because the dry inflorescence looks like it is still a fresh bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXksgx_h0b1p5ajPbI6k8o8vphOxIWmzTAIx9f3E9jrSzqq0TIqNOALfVhP0UTSKLfem3Yzwa1n_kDMkUqcnb8EHQ21KcdINR0hC_ECURET08-fA_BFVYRmPxjdHRSY0h9yvVE1x5bkC80sciQ0sykVc89bwb2Z2_sSs-GN4Eznwu9hPAv7fjUPrFjy7Q/s1645/uc%20pearly%20everlasting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1645" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXksgx_h0b1p5ajPbI6k8o8vphOxIWmzTAIx9f3E9jrSzqq0TIqNOALfVhP0UTSKLfem3Yzwa1n_kDMkUqcnb8EHQ21KcdINR0hC_ECURET08-fA_BFVYRmPxjdHRSY0h9yvVE1x5bkC80sciQ0sykVc89bwb2Z2_sSs-GN4Eznwu9hPAv7fjUPrFjy7Q/w640-h453/uc%20pearly%20everlasting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearly Everlasting. Anaphalis margaritacea <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I came across a little side brook, one of several I crossed on this hike. It was a good place to wash my hands and face for freshening up. It was also a great place to see more wildflowers, of species that grow in wetter places. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxvT7AZdm52caQkzeIh4GlvYy69JOLIR1DsupXxIiKG1HW7H6yJP8WFYZzGAVGpM-zCdmCnm3OXTZTi5zN5dFgo6-n4rSC5RCYa_eS6zgN4iinZ0yKIZ_i6088n11KVQXEencqDAwHIxBznYGbMz--zFEms1Swc2lL5CehUdLPqk4Vu7eiAxLXbh4jn0/s1856/ug%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxvT7AZdm52caQkzeIh4GlvYy69JOLIR1DsupXxIiKG1HW7H6yJP8WFYZzGAVGpM-zCdmCnm3OXTZTi5zN5dFgo6-n4rSC5RCYa_eS6zgN4iinZ0yKIZ_i6088n11KVQXEencqDAwHIxBznYGbMz--zFEms1Swc2lL5CehUdLPqk4Vu7eiAxLXbh4jn0/w640-h426/ug%20creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cinquefoil is a common genus I see on my hikes. This gens has many species, and I couldn't identify the species of this one. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavGp3tHdrhloavw0Wp6HgIxpYnG5MpkMR4ZPI8X9KVciubB6lbr9cHAnmU-cz7jEDr6SW8NUmBf4mfW3lTlLWcknkaBYs4hXMZks7zIfIfUMp78Vu_1UfE4HcTweJ_ZCEf81RCTK4JU_3HZlyVZ_L9wCSko3KZZfPQMMu-Rfb7RTa_T6WRa1OEebY5Xc/s1829/ue%20cinquefoil.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1829" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavGp3tHdrhloavw0Wp6HgIxpYnG5MpkMR4ZPI8X9KVciubB6lbr9cHAnmU-cz7jEDr6SW8NUmBf4mfW3lTlLWcknkaBYs4hXMZks7zIfIfUMp78Vu_1UfE4HcTweJ_ZCEf81RCTK4JU_3HZlyVZ_L9wCSko3KZZfPQMMu-Rfb7RTa_T6WRa1OEebY5Xc/w640-h432/ue%20cinquefoil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinquefoil, Potentilla sp. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are also many, many species of monkeyflowers, and I saw at least three different species on my hike that day. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPeos0rHIFqm9USHsvbdvej-D08v-XKIGpVCWRWwvkiM7Q9PdFUqMU-nKYopyDQ9-J53Ea8bjDh0VU5V9eHplr_9s44-AIiWELs_Mz1_4yaUyb9SMaq4wh0mF-cKkBhBbDhQt3EVm-a6yBkIc85RBH5vnNaVrbyoR4eJl3mfE-vbfeq18LnW7dYQ4N8I/s1800/uh%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1800" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPeos0rHIFqm9USHsvbdvej-D08v-XKIGpVCWRWwvkiM7Q9PdFUqMU-nKYopyDQ9-J53Ea8bjDh0VU5V9eHplr_9s44-AIiWELs_Mz1_4yaUyb9SMaq4wh0mF-cKkBhBbDhQt3EVm-a6yBkIc85RBH5vnNaVrbyoR4eJl3mfE-vbfeq18LnW7dYQ4N8I/w640-h467/uh%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musk Monkeyflower, Erythranthe moschata</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My most exciting find however, was one of the smallest flowering plants I saw on that hike - the dwarf chamaesaracha. It's a tiny solanaceous with flowers that bloom underneath the leaves and are pointing downward, like bells. This is what is called in the botanist jargon, a 'belly plant'. Indeed, I had to go on my belly in order to take this photo. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8CotZtLQKxkGWQhY_ocFHEGWC1BTR7YscMjK-JIhpe6TjhPu8XG8ueTKpb3pmRrqtrQD7zXRF5Zl99O1D3mF8-YwRfrp2XrLBHKfX9FivKoHLNO6mTEV6KNMLjY_E8H7wuPgYvNdfRuOHvOEqyJ92Kx2fqgBRHIKhB1_4FE9Df0DYfljra9QjAFi0CY/s2250/uk%20Dwarf%20Chamaesarana.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="2250" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8CotZtLQKxkGWQhY_ocFHEGWC1BTR7YscMjK-JIhpe6TjhPu8XG8ueTKpb3pmRrqtrQD7zXRF5Zl99O1D3mF8-YwRfrp2XrLBHKfX9FivKoHLNO6mTEV6KNMLjY_E8H7wuPgYvNdfRuOHvOEqyJ92Kx2fqgBRHIKhB1_4FE9Df0DYfljra9QjAFi0CY/w640-h432/uk%20Dwarf%20Chamaesarana.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dwarf Chamaesaracha, Chamaesaracha nana </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unlike the wildflowers which were plentiful and diverse, most wildlife remained hidden from my eyes or run away as soon as I lifted my camera. Even the ants, which usually ignore me, wouldn't pose. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKVQ4VPQmQIvjP_PRNYNe7D1waykUjq4GN2TOsyAbQSd6iaZmexjPk9XiVkngPVZlwRTbRSfZyglSOEr8teUFENHmYCi87Eosk7aPvIflAMyGPg0JxbVotnpPdrW9AosZ84P-pqqxEy7ptsTTxfpVXUFTsSG9xNjQ2yc631RKLrBuoHQT6nO00znA0Bc/s1398/ui%20ant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1398" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKVQ4VPQmQIvjP_PRNYNe7D1waykUjq4GN2TOsyAbQSd6iaZmexjPk9XiVkngPVZlwRTbRSfZyglSOEr8teUFENHmYCi87Eosk7aPvIflAMyGPg0JxbVotnpPdrW9AosZ84P-pqqxEy7ptsTTxfpVXUFTsSG9xNjQ2yc631RKLrBuoHQT6nO00znA0Bc/w640-h469/ui%20ant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest Ant<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The shadows were shifting and getting shorter. It was almost mid day and I still didn't fid an idea place for a lunch break. I knew that soon the trail would distance from the lake so I tried increasing my pace. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFy99Hg5yRlH_vEJBK5bZARhc64ax4nAjTDaJx9cemyq5ggJDYLbgYessJiZG5a6qdv1IU2DbUOCWz7oOxqi7Bf124D4t1u_zcrzikU0448VsjthYUGBeZEK7PSwmFI3od3lDKOZZ6wlQlAt3b1UWxWZSOthcP-_-VyBzGHyvFeEfYFuTGG0qvgFQqhk/s1856/uj%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFy99Hg5yRlH_vEJBK5bZARhc64ax4nAjTDaJx9cemyq5ggJDYLbgYessJiZG5a6qdv1IU2DbUOCWz7oOxqi7Bf124D4t1u_zcrzikU0448VsjthYUGBeZEK7PSwmFI3od3lDKOZZ6wlQlAt3b1UWxWZSOthcP-_-VyBzGHyvFeEfYFuTGG0qvgFQqhk/w640-h426/uj%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake and Mt. Hoffman</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't walk fast for very long though. There were just too many beautiful flowers all around me. I think at that time I already knew I'd be splitting this hike into two blogposts. I was seeing and experiencing so much on this hike, and it was a very long one. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVS6G9-9bscaBIumGlbYuQvkM3yOEiUFnkyRagv2XR-1mpTcwNVcqi2o8gHlRLE9aIrQ5ZUfBuBN-dcLVA9ZBmogQF8umLwOUVQMWuP7Jr_a1-aiQOMjAZX-ikLb9z5TdFhaJtZMmZDcYdyIDuPDnxIS2QYXD8OpylkEuZlla07K-b2uJNxDUrTZL4Zg/s1495/ul%20mule%20ear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1495" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVS6G9-9bscaBIumGlbYuQvkM3yOEiUFnkyRagv2XR-1mpTcwNVcqi2o8gHlRLE9aIrQ5ZUfBuBN-dcLVA9ZBmogQF8umLwOUVQMWuP7Jr_a1-aiQOMjAZX-ikLb9z5TdFhaJtZMmZDcYdyIDuPDnxIS2QYXD8OpylkEuZlla07K-b2uJNxDUrTZL4Zg/w640-h440/ul%20mule%20ear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Arnica, Arnica nevadensis</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The penstemons I've been seeing for some tome along the west shore of Snag Lake, but the more south I got, the more of them I saw, and more intense in color they were. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeULgQeruoJ9K1Ne73djIEMzC67BpiPlqZIVX0krKbCVXGkiA7ypE_8LvSxoGphKgGlASZnQjfyPXB7ik8MS3kSDj4RuGNkGVIMs7WkBDmRMVD86B15hZQr_Oj-q5yXuDeBa6jotUIKTgUmeKSsyT6TqWxYKij53K9lWaliotMhXIE8fx0PWAnnG3HAU/s1686/un%20penstemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1686" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeULgQeruoJ9K1Ne73djIEMzC67BpiPlqZIVX0krKbCVXGkiA7ypE_8LvSxoGphKgGlASZnQjfyPXB7ik8MS3kSDj4RuGNkGVIMs7WkBDmRMVD86B15hZQr_Oj-q5yXuDeBa6jotUIKTgUmeKSsyT6TqWxYKij53K9lWaliotMhXIE8fx0PWAnnG3HAU/w640-h438/un%20penstemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender Beardtongue, Penstemon gracilentus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Indeed, soon the trail started distancing from the lake. There were many old fallen logs in that area, many of them charred. I remembered having to climb or hop over fallen logs on my hike there, twenty years ago. I was very glad that I didn't have to do any of this now, since my leg has been bothering my for some time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvpjVeZFxPQ6GAGZ6zTfgZr9Ke0JGVTgyRCCv3Hizoh72AuJUNJKKsGOmf5DCIbxCpsXNo1HVAUFYSn76a9cZrAg6jH71n554PLXioF2vxXAOEWZVb7T8CBg6XZz4-60gSK2RIlYTRoA28dc2qtus_9vKYMKbxDBUe9o8Wxy2sMcSeuy5NV_jSxDk0c/s1856/uo%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvpjVeZFxPQ6GAGZ6zTfgZr9Ke0JGVTgyRCCv3Hizoh72AuJUNJKKsGOmf5DCIbxCpsXNo1HVAUFYSn76a9cZrAg6jH71n554PLXioF2vxXAOEWZVb7T8CBg6XZz4-60gSK2RIlYTRoA28dc2qtus_9vKYMKbxDBUe9o8Wxy2sMcSeuy5NV_jSxDk0c/w640-h426/uo%20trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>At some point the trail rose a little over the lake and I got a nice view of that lovely peninsula that I saw earlier from afar. A channel of water separated the east shore from the peninsula. It wouldn't have been easy to get there, and likely would have cost me some precious time. Perhaps on an overnight hike I'd get to check it out. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPajNg4OHktyicANyM-fiD0E2dwoS8XsfxAeqq5zCTQ04-GUPx_kS-uymlOYFoWdDZqr3IdSCIv2FKmNGMIFGxdiGhUPnwgfFejEmXka_aiA8RJruHyooGGQDeWSZ6q1mOnmIQDk9P-2B43Nf6Tvw4V9gIbIBAXAsaIlzASJ3MEmAG9z6fvnGncn4ZKo/s1856/ur%20inner%20ponds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPajNg4OHktyicANyM-fiD0E2dwoS8XsfxAeqq5zCTQ04-GUPx_kS-uymlOYFoWdDZqr3IdSCIv2FKmNGMIFGxdiGhUPnwgfFejEmXka_aiA8RJruHyooGGQDeWSZ6q1mOnmIQDk9P-2B43Nf6Tvw4V9gIbIBAXAsaIlzASJ3MEmAG9z6fvnGncn4ZKo/w640-h426/ur%20inner%20ponds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It seemed that my lunch break won't be happening very soon. I decided to sit down somewhere for a few minutes to rest and drink, and maybe snack a little bit. I found a fallen log between numerous yellow-blooming rabbitbrush shrubs and sat down. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ViKc7FaVbupgey5Vgf5HjGHaq_n9xgQMyH6WPk3z8kSJSqd8yGod444kw1nBLgZDzzKNBCVFh3H9SiRg-INbfznbk6VtwgZL2BGSjgaURMZLSD-B3oyVHRaPxnBotsHruecomvZKqBFcYTlavcRFaMDS6pYsqcLVuTqB_xrE98iB957Hg0Or2CMD44M/s1856/us%20rabbit%20brush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ViKc7FaVbupgey5Vgf5HjGHaq_n9xgQMyH6WPk3z8kSJSqd8yGod444kw1nBLgZDzzKNBCVFh3H9SiRg-INbfznbk6VtwgZL2BGSjgaURMZLSD-B3oyVHRaPxnBotsHruecomvZKqBFcYTlavcRFaMDS6pYsqcLVuTqB_xrE98iB957Hg0Or2CMD44M/w640-h426/us%20rabbit%20brush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbitbrush, Ericameria sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took a few sips and pulled some nuts from my trail mix bag when I noticed a squirrel running on top another log across the trail. This was a female golden-mantled ground squirrel. She was pregnant and was holding nesting material in her mouth. She kept looking at me but didn't run away to hide. Eventually she climbed a standing dead branch and sat there, gazing at me intensely. At first I thought that she wanted to share my snack but she didn't behave like any other begging squirrel that I've seen before. Eventually my penny dropped and I realized that I was probably sitting exactly where she was fixing her nest ... I apologized, collected my things and resumed my hike down the trail. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOdF7hq_Ey3w_Vkjmro6B59P3wJmP0C0yFjG79t4MSSSwkjHcLLYmPGzAZVe1m55Ax3anx-lehKsak9DCXZr3qFbg6ABVzbNNvgTjs5sdh6i95ocVy9KYdpWhx_l6LbPfLH-vzrdzGXWQ17PvwZfKav6Z9ScLLnIfrtLxCfo6qptkg0J0_n58szmzjNg/s1480/ut%20squirrel%20mama.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1480" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOdF7hq_Ey3w_Vkjmro6B59P3wJmP0C0yFjG79t4MSSSwkjHcLLYmPGzAZVe1m55Ax3anx-lehKsak9DCXZr3qFbg6ABVzbNNvgTjs5sdh6i95ocVy9KYdpWhx_l6LbPfLH-vzrdzGXWQ17PvwZfKav6Z9ScLLnIfrtLxCfo6qptkg0J0_n58szmzjNg/w640-h434/ut%20squirrel%20mama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Away from the lake the vegetation changed greatly. Now the forest floor (yes, I was back in the forest) was dominated by small, knee-high shrubs. I photographed one of them that looked unusually pale, ghost like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYbY0epfeSFG7pB8T2UE1w20MQoIfb4TDylVc1l3Pr4drW5Dmz8ZRwqp_uhb6DAM55UAgYrBoS5U2L2AkmT9X2IKGWWYelRpaSPso3Gk7op6mdlC6UbRRBit5Rx7LkO7T5zSvPXDcTd_pRO1EWZ_Eh24Wg5N-2QPJcAa5kJR2wuYQx9Lc17NCUxD3Mtg/s1856/uu%20yellow%20bush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYbY0epfeSFG7pB8T2UE1w20MQoIfb4TDylVc1l3Pr4drW5Dmz8ZRwqp_uhb6DAM55UAgYrBoS5U2L2AkmT9X2IKGWWYelRpaSPso3Gk7op6mdlC6UbRRBit5Rx7LkO7T5zSvPXDcTd_pRO1EWZ_Eh24Wg5N-2QPJcAa5kJR2wuYQx9Lc17NCUxD3Mtg/w640-h426/uu%20yellow%20bush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here and there were patches of wildflowers. Some of them looked like common weeds from my yard but I had not the knowledge to know. The yellow composites can be challenging to identify. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_uQACLug0c9jMtgyVwoF8EMVEtR-E43s1vWnOlgvDHurwm9mXc2RaCMDFMPecxFM7dgzLI9roLjIiHusnvsjkAnb0Z5TlDZLwfA2Dt5z4OZ5gCxKSpWCQh4RGwAqDtI12qgFxWlrSIlhiQGKmLCY012SO5S2p7n7j1FsdIJICdnOj3sul9rY9l-w2z8/s1470/uw%20agoceris.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1470" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_uQACLug0c9jMtgyVwoF8EMVEtR-E43s1vWnOlgvDHurwm9mXc2RaCMDFMPecxFM7dgzLI9roLjIiHusnvsjkAnb0Z5TlDZLwfA2Dt5z4OZ5gCxKSpWCQh4RGwAqDtI12qgFxWlrSIlhiQGKmLCY012SO5S2p7n7j1FsdIJICdnOj3sul9rY9l-w2z8/w640-h442/uw%20agoceris.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DYC</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw surprisingly few Indian paintbrush plants on this hike. I don't know if that was because they were having a less than optimal year, or that this was simply or their best habitat. The paintbrush plants I did see seemed small and lonely. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiBNKXz-bdywIa16X4a1QWQNHKq1-Ns-MZ7FgwlqwYCgvP9t2QRJRZ0s3kK9tA9Imr9nyySTlh2SN9QsEMv6Yb97ZL3U4QO0PRlcEhwOQ0yJYXI6DiDQbxPWlpcnkP_KIIbnviyY94qFAT2QZvapohmZktJSdCz-pILNW5qPfinDo1lLE6daoCaee-jA/s1586/ux%20paintbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1586" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiBNKXz-bdywIa16X4a1QWQNHKq1-Ns-MZ7FgwlqwYCgvP9t2QRJRZ0s3kK9tA9Imr9nyySTlh2SN9QsEMv6Yb97ZL3U4QO0PRlcEhwOQ0yJYXI6DiDQbxPWlpcnkP_KIIbnviyY94qFAT2QZvapohmZktJSdCz-pILNW5qPfinDo1lLE6daoCaee-jA/w640-h444/ux%20paintbrush.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paintbrush, Castilleja sp. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another genus I haven't seen much of on this hike was the Silene, or campion. I think I saw only this one plant, and even this was nearing the end of its bloom. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5bgs4-Yv0am_9YAGRcTbtbD45_hqvlsEiqHusELTpiGJHV6p7iz4jN6bSi7qqfBkqexPHe5cq9UEMwAlKMT-KW4BKYXHJ67U_gbcXv8lifTEhej3jf94j2_l0qezeH1IRilFnAqvErHfG-dOMZ8D8hgqTmx3sh0guqz-ydTntSGGkEmr_oY3wL6trF8/s2189/va%20campion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2189" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5bgs4-Yv0am_9YAGRcTbtbD45_hqvlsEiqHusELTpiGJHV6p7iz4jN6bSi7qqfBkqexPHe5cq9UEMwAlKMT-KW4BKYXHJ67U_gbcXv8lifTEhej3jf94j2_l0qezeH1IRilFnAqvErHfG-dOMZ8D8hgqTmx3sh0guqz-ydTntSGGkEmr_oY3wL6trF8/w640-h463/va%20campion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas' Campion, Silene douglasii</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting to make the curve around the south shore of Snag Lake, I was also entering the Dixie Fire impacted area. This wasn't the hardest burned part of the forest - many of the burnt trees were still alive, their canopies green over charred trunks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5k_9dYREIlTG69T515WUYZCJGMVPDKVQFZ8_lyMaLf4FQdmRncO9dxaQBgo0IllkwFyVeVKBBMEA2BTzfo7mLvE2pnuMx361VLvD-dv_59hSSLGCIWGytJTvDHOIlIv2SOyhRSKoIdARyBE_0lqRAWSjoNtaUi626OWtd0yOr1GN6Tc7ykM5CdneEtI/s1856/vb%20inner%20ponds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5k_9dYREIlTG69T515WUYZCJGMVPDKVQFZ8_lyMaLf4FQdmRncO9dxaQBgo0IllkwFyVeVKBBMEA2BTzfo7mLvE2pnuMx361VLvD-dv_59hSSLGCIWGytJTvDHOIlIv2SOyhRSKoIdARyBE_0lqRAWSjoNtaUi626OWtd0yOr1GN6Tc7ykM5CdneEtI/w640-h426/vb%20inner%20ponds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ground too was greatly affected. Just under two years since the fire, most of the forest undergrowth consisted of annuals and small shrubs. It was there that i saw one other species of monkeyflower, and there were many of them in that one spot. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDAP14UcWc33z0a9-uNAUWgGe99FGIbeBT1sUFgoFCjygXfz9S9vprOzJKFuj4kLljRmru1yHd7lLbfnJJ2ESUWKUK6zE2s0fmqyn2iBcFL6oZtTlBxsUexm4LyUOJZxnLiMDBtRBmxJlBh5aoG67TwBMBFlxSKT_5ofcKdbhl7RT3E1lg6TJ1yFFSSs/s2168/vc%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="2168" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDAP14UcWc33z0a9-uNAUWgGe99FGIbeBT1sUFgoFCjygXfz9S9vprOzJKFuj4kLljRmru1yHd7lLbfnJJ2ESUWKUK6zE2s0fmqyn2iBcFL6oZtTlBxsUexm4LyUOJZxnLiMDBtRBmxJlBh5aoG67TwBMBFlxSKT_5ofcKdbhl7RT3E1lg6TJ1yFFSSs/w640-h443/vc%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrey's Monkeyflower, Diplacus torreyi</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A bit further down the trail I was already in the area that was impacted much harder by the fire. The forest was completely burnt above ground. All the trees were dead, and I was walking through a forest of charred, upright tree corpses. I kept my eyes down where a much happier scene spread before me - that of colorful wildflowers that were going crazy now that the trees were no longer shading them. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5l2VCZFkRy-XzsaWmspeQATDFkXU9yBml5RM7kGw9rkd2gnR9kxOAv4AgNZLsTyLHoeArYOisLP2qcVE6X5BfwzBYxLkZ6p-0rqih1ymOR785KnVIPB9N8dkBXthmv6krZNiecpoZ3Jn4TEh9wnJ64VFlhe-BPp0asOyehpk9qwqJzpi6uGDRTtgLIQ/s1856/vd%20recovery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5l2VCZFkRy-XzsaWmspeQATDFkXU9yBml5RM7kGw9rkd2gnR9kxOAv4AgNZLsTyLHoeArYOisLP2qcVE6X5BfwzBYxLkZ6p-0rqih1ymOR785KnVIPB9N8dkBXthmv6krZNiecpoZ3Jn4TEh9wnJ64VFlhe-BPp0asOyehpk9qwqJzpi6uGDRTtgLIQ/w640-h426/vd%20recovery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snag Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">here and there were areas that were greener and had some different vegetation. It could be that moisture was retained longer in those spots. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawiyhQ5_SlBVMUj-HwuBxNmo-7peqb8wO_fagMaB-p1zLp835JKs9doNuajJr40hox8QWlDicKtH4badQePU_Hkn6L_rjKgVvk9s28v7k-QF2LsU2sI6_Ww1Cqotsst-jTuootD2iww95mD8fofPHTnrZ0tEtK9rXjv_DLOT_NUkCGul5E1to8zci3os/s1558/vf%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1558" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawiyhQ5_SlBVMUj-HwuBxNmo-7peqb8wO_fagMaB-p1zLp835JKs9doNuajJr40hox8QWlDicKtH4badQePU_Hkn6L_rjKgVvk9s28v7k-QF2LsU2sI6_Ww1Cqotsst-jTuootD2iww95mD8fofPHTnrZ0tEtK9rXjv_DLOT_NUkCGul5E1to8zci3os/w640-h458/vf%20thistle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anderson's Thistle, Cirsium andersonii </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dead forest thickened. The smell that came to my nose with each step was the minty fragrance of the monardella - the most dominant undergrowth wildflower of that burnt forest. Co-dominant with it was the slender penstemon. The entire forest floor was white and blue with these two species blooming together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0-OQze-w2jfWhkw9eeT8ISjGvFKf6zU7AoSYwElklsK1ez78-_rROePn-ohAjyIyC4zknu8qP-gRBmKgc3org2GQnPJVjd4BNf2W0t4Xl_cH3Fy7i2VXjAf12p2FRWMDyKyZMuyqHMtgOk-em0s_qeCnRtT42zEg8m2V9J3vP_qyd2yrDehuv9HA7cc/s1856/vg%20recovery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0-OQze-w2jfWhkw9eeT8ISjGvFKf6zU7AoSYwElklsK1ez78-_rROePn-ohAjyIyC4zknu8qP-gRBmKgc3org2GQnPJVjd4BNf2W0t4Xl_cH3Fy7i2VXjAf12p2FRWMDyKyZMuyqHMtgOk-em0s_qeCnRtT42zEg8m2V9J3vP_qyd2yrDehuv9HA7cc/w640-h426/vg%20recovery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These weren't the only ones though. Between the penstemon and monardella bloomed a few other wildflower species. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n5gmnrumWLV5pLHY1QFJv-xkEeZb43AY0xx37ICcF1zFqGStaHwoD0sUPOEBVolhZ44Jv9AsOMjZ1xRm-nJIEvESOF9iu9kxEod3dEbM0GRx7hVIsOwQTH885N6DqAUNgxQoam4Coze629vG6cuBgfmedyQmzTfwkGsLmVsSl6aXEiftNHzPv2pq_hE/s1974/vi%20clover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1974" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n5gmnrumWLV5pLHY1QFJv-xkEeZb43AY0xx37ICcF1zFqGStaHwoD0sUPOEBVolhZ44Jv9AsOMjZ1xRm-nJIEvESOF9iu9kxEod3dEbM0GRx7hVIsOwQTH885N6DqAUNgxQoam4Coze629vG6cuBgfmedyQmzTfwkGsLmVsSl6aXEiftNHzPv2pq_hE/w640-h450/vi%20clover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Productive Clover, Trifolium productum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of these plant species I would see in huge numbers on the east side of Snag Lake, later on the hike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK2loGZjuebgBj0nR59Rd_1I4Y247i2v1wNEctePVEx0pURECLK6SSYDEsxt6XsUoZwfDE3III_t0DVo--I---OrT1V5rZxqZDl3RgeR2UtnLUjB5iXe2feSLTwabTWYeD-Dm9C4sY5xnalwWkAXyCQlb0q7B6J6FjNH3C5CTOOUHxKJwSmmTuWs9MSo/s1557/vh%20monkeyflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1557" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK2loGZjuebgBj0nR59Rd_1I4Y247i2v1wNEctePVEx0pURECLK6SSYDEsxt6XsUoZwfDE3III_t0DVo--I---OrT1V5rZxqZDl3RgeR2UtnLUjB5iXe2feSLTwabTWYeD-Dm9C4sY5xnalwWkAXyCQlb0q7B6J6FjNH3C5CTOOUHxKJwSmmTuWs9MSo/w640-h448/vh%20monkeyflower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Mountain Monkeyflower, Erythranthe tillingii </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Others, I saw there only once on my hike, like this California Stickweed. In fact, it was good I didn't catch it on its fruiting stage. Their pods are a pain in the rear to remove from the socks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOwSH-6fADbsbuBhYHenTO9767_b2qg_wMITG3HhfnPSsZLrGaeydwRtFhewbeQ-rmwIXardD1Lv_ST_47368vshe5REhzyy30esBnP4HKqZpUS1WpEelxQXX5x19L6m22pU7YdLim9lD227D2KrSbvd4ZXtsOYdZIOj85biTvURZM7G8pQP46Q42Hq0/s2093/vj%20houndstongue%20white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="2093" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOwSH-6fADbsbuBhYHenTO9767_b2qg_wMITG3HhfnPSsZLrGaeydwRtFhewbeQ-rmwIXardD1Lv_ST_47368vshe5REhzyy30esBnP4HKqZpUS1WpEelxQXX5x19L6m22pU7YdLim9lD227D2KrSbvd4ZXtsOYdZIOj85biTvURZM7G8pQP46Q42Hq0/w640-h460/vj%20houndstongue%20white.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This trail isn't heavily used and without close attention it would have been easy to miss any trail junctions, especially in places where the vegetation cover was low. I was glad therefore, when I came upon the sign marking the trail junction marking where I should turn. Going on straight south I would reach Juniper Lake, and area that was very beautiful a few years ago when i camped there with my family, and was now closed still, off limits because of the Dixie Fire damage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXjmFnBoFF4VwIEJkj3DWdnaM0q7IGu9CZtxzWex6YGaEKZgn1G2yw37OP2M1yrrudTceuffhvb3ebV1GawPSQFeK7pJy8XbdFI_l3NGXqyjjpqCiKP3IHnqhk3PfDNGD8T0W--ieF5ox35lPBqJIn3P7AWL2VCU-ni_MLz_JkOHhoUZzinfITKfSfZM/s1856/vk%20sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXjmFnBoFF4VwIEJkj3DWdnaM0q7IGu9CZtxzWex6YGaEKZgn1G2yw37OP2M1yrrudTceuffhvb3ebV1GawPSQFeK7pJy8XbdFI_l3NGXqyjjpqCiKP3IHnqhk3PfDNGD8T0W--ieF5ox35lPBqJIn3P7AWL2VCU-ni_MLz_JkOHhoUZzinfITKfSfZM/w640-h427/vk%20sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I turned east, fallowing the trail that would bring me to Snag Lake's eastern shore and eventually back to Butte Lake. With the change in directions, I also started seeing different plants. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYSMLtJaN5XzYX6MXZQlujpKlyTrW36S7HYAz-Y3v3B4E-z-c0Xp7Tgko9HR9QS5l_IWWDcwNuIyKLqvF1ATwffV_YaIFpG5agIK_ZKCglA4sezlMxn9C--WVkBJEuVgbSnlO4E1zics537bTqrurQZYLOGGEi-g7ptCxePXB4Zb7kmWTSVXNMWNkomc/s1596/vl%20lupine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1596" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYSMLtJaN5XzYX6MXZQlujpKlyTrW36S7HYAz-Y3v3B4E-z-c0Xp7Tgko9HR9QS5l_IWWDcwNuIyKLqvF1ATwffV_YaIFpG5agIK_ZKCglA4sezlMxn9C--WVkBJEuVgbSnlO4E1zics537bTqrurQZYLOGGEi-g7ptCxePXB4Zb7kmWTSVXNMWNkomc/w640-h438/vl%20lupine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy Lupine, Lupinus lepidus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The penstemon was now getting augmented by other blue-flowering plants such as the lupine above and the aster below. I found neither of them in large numbers, however. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixMNqkjumqV5Mf_opPJTRg-I-OIvbuCP-Ve6u2HhPi0mMI8QP3jDUuisFg5n2mgOo5EgpZPpXuaMHFln6tViEZ2qbAGoWkuMOLNFUlZdNx0xVxoG4V0hKqUkpzwSD07qfpzGPIEShCxABMWcFq7U9WzBBOAEhqDaGCC7cZoBxV9gw_gd2Rt_AI2KI_NE/s1868/vm%20aster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1868" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixMNqkjumqV5Mf_opPJTRg-I-OIvbuCP-Ve6u2HhPi0mMI8QP3jDUuisFg5n2mgOo5EgpZPpXuaMHFln6tViEZ2qbAGoWkuMOLNFUlZdNx0xVxoG4V0hKqUkpzwSD07qfpzGPIEShCxABMWcFq7U9WzBBOAEhqDaGCC7cZoBxV9gw_gd2Rt_AI2KI_NE/w640-h466/vm%20aster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoary Aster, Dieteria canescens </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was getting tired and really needed that lunch break i started thinking about over an hour ago. I increased my pace again in hope of reaching Snag Lake's eastern shore soon. On my map was marked a creek crossing on my way, but I haven't paid it much consideration. Most creeks I crossed so far were either dry or barely flowing. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjBx-XA3_gV95DKUV_2T1Eqfxb0ZVb1MYQ4x8iUxqMWAupkGnLkKaxngyY5gB5FwhHt4JQNUZNri4RUV59PwzAtA_B2TtnMrPN2Arrz9O5pzmeerEXVKcfcsnU17dsrJ556RZvzOJcueD3N6bmM8j7qZYI2bqbwqCtDSZDnMMpy-MPZ49vpx5s0iInTw/s2063/vn%20phlox.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2063" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjBx-XA3_gV95DKUV_2T1Eqfxb0ZVb1MYQ4x8iUxqMWAupkGnLkKaxngyY5gB5FwhHt4JQNUZNri4RUV59PwzAtA_B2TtnMrPN2Arrz9O5pzmeerEXVKcfcsnU17dsrJ556RZvzOJcueD3N6bmM8j7qZYI2bqbwqCtDSZDnMMpy-MPZ49vpx5s0iInTw/w640-h444/vn%20phlox.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading Phlox, Phlox diffusa</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was therefore, very surprised when I came upon that creek and found out that there would be no crossing of it without wetting my feet. I wasn't prepared for creek fording, having left my sandals at the campground. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMwuvWq0Oq-_g6sNcVbDxx0p_KRFZsltx_tHOtxPo_fmPdElv1mycjzfj8Fw8fGzV-wfkAYxOmS2C8Z0u5zdSbuQoGG4dtByy9WXU2VKWBtj-ThXOfGPzghKoMBCJf__IsxA4UlXa3JiCi28rDGrHUOgdjI1_96oc9JLLGqVwJxLiEjSrvhXnWiq1SJI/s1856/vq%20creek%20crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMwuvWq0Oq-_g6sNcVbDxx0p_KRFZsltx_tHOtxPo_fmPdElv1mycjzfj8Fw8fGzV-wfkAYxOmS2C8Z0u5zdSbuQoGG4dtByy9WXU2VKWBtj-ThXOfGPzghKoMBCJf__IsxA4UlXa3JiCi28rDGrHUOgdjI1_96oc9JLLGqVwJxLiEjSrvhXnWiq1SJI/w640-h426/vq%20creek%20crossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sighed because I knew I'd have to cross barefoot and the rocks that made the creek bed were not smooth pebbles at all. What made me very happy though, were the lilies that bloomed near the water. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprVettLbRbrNjhjIgZs46ud63wwT5XLZdctUEPUCDBX9HFnA5vrABxsvI7-8tKTWBoSAg9ViEwMC7MoIns4JIaIwy5tpA-aYzS3TNC3Ks9euKIeS4UkiV0hw3LBPFQ5pR5uLzlyN3ejYqnO3wbdkYoPBCZK-rMLcSzIoreri_Y-M77G2xn96gMXU9dUs/s1856/vp%20lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprVettLbRbrNjhjIgZs46ud63wwT5XLZdctUEPUCDBX9HFnA5vrABxsvI7-8tKTWBoSAg9ViEwMC7MoIns4JIaIwy5tpA-aYzS3TNC3Ks9euKIeS4UkiV0hw3LBPFQ5pR5uLzlyN3ejYqnO3wbdkYoPBCZK-rMLcSzIoreri_Y-M77G2xn96gMXU9dUs/w640-h426/vp%20lily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard Lily, Lilium pardalinum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sat down by the creek, removed my shoes and socks and folded my pants up. Hanging the shoes on my neck I carefully waded across. the water was cold and the sharp rocks hurt my feet. I walked very slowly to the remains of what used to be a bridge a flood or so ago. I sat down on that bit of bridge and as I wiped my feet dry and put my shoes on again I thought that this would actually make a very nice lunch break spot and that I don't need to hurry to get to the lake's east shore. My mod improved at once as I opened my backpack and puled my food bag out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://mammaquail.blogspot.com/2023/09/on-re-discovery-hike-around-butte-lake.html">Link to the second part of this hike</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mamma Quailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05993314324354771559noreply@blogger.com2