We hiked almost 3km up the north side of the Baril Creek valley to the southeast end of the largest hill. After a short break, we started up the steep slope, that in the heat, seemed to be never-ending. Another break once we gained the ridge and then we hiked northward to the high point for lunch. From the south end of the ridge along to the high point we were swarmed and covered by tiny bugs. They didn't seem to bite but were crawly and annoying. They plagued us through our lunch stop but they disappeared shortly after we started north from the high point.
At the north end of the ridge, we found an animal trail starting in the trees and here is where we started our descent. We managed to keep to open forest and meadows all the way down, although there was a stint near the top that was quite steep. Then, after successfuly navigating all this way we managed to have a deviation on the way out along the old road. We didn't realize we had landed west of the junction to Fitzsimmions Day Use and inadvertantly started heading north. Although we discovered our error quickly, we then decided to short cut back to the old road - big mistake! We ended up on the wrong side of the beaver ponds and this required much bushwacking to get back to the old road. It was still a great trip and a hike I would repeat - after bug season and on a cooler day! We will be wiser next time!
Thanks to a great and patient group for a very enjoyable day. Five participants ended up going for protien and electrolyte replensihment back in the city. Brenda c/s/p
Participants: Nancy,Brenda,David,Barb,Lenard, new member Donna - Welcome!, and Karen
Natural springs with some kind of algae slime
Taking a pause on the ascent
Along the ridge views were limited by the smoky haze
Teeny tiny annoying bugs!
At the high point. (swatting the bugs away!)
Descending through open forest and meadows