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| Hiking | 8.38 Miles |
1,635 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.38 Miles | 4 Hrs 44 Mns | | 2.10 mph |
| 1,635 ft AEG | 45 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | What a wonderful hike. A nice breeze with temps in the high 40's gave me a shiver while I was readying for the hike. That went away soon enough when I reached the switchbacks; the view of Pine Canyon made me all but forget about being cold.
I made a mental note on the way down the switchbacks that the trail was exposed to the sun. Let's hope that breeze lingers. By the time I reached the canyon floor, I felt like I was in heaven. A lush canopy of pine, maple and oak and a mostly flat trail made me want to stay all day. Pine Creek had a nice flow. I made the most of the side trails, checking out Darling Rocks, Parsnip Spring and the Tiny Cave. The Darling Rocks trail follows Pine Creek most of the way, making it worth the one mile round trip.
I stopped at the foot bridge at the Bearfoot Trail junction and took a lengthy break. Ate a sandwich and some fruit before laying down on the small bench to watch the tall pines sway in the breeze high above me. Sunlight trickling down through the swaying trees added to the moment. I thought about a nap, but it was time to head back.
I encountered rattlesnake just before Cinch Hook Canyon, a blacktail I think, curled up behind a rock in ambush mode on the right half of the narrow single track. My approach brought it out of its revery and into defensive mode. It was a beauty, big and healthy, but also unyielding. I had to hike up and over to the left of the trail to pass, the snake rotating around with every step I made.
I wanted to stay and play (no, not really) but I needed to get home. The switchbacks were not as bad as I thought they would be, though I did make numerous stops to take photos. At least one photo per switchback. Okay maybe two or three. The breeze that I hoped would linger was now gusting wind, enough to blow my hat off. No worries about being too warm.
As I reached the final stretch where the switchbacks transition to a gentle incline for the home stretch, I realized my legs had gone about as far as they were going to go today. Not quite at failure, but close. A good workout for sure!
I did not see another person (or critter besides the snake) all day, on what I can only describe as one of the nicest weather days I've enjoyed up here. I'm glad I made the trip. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
The flowers in the photo set, though pretty, are about all of them. |
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