Once we managed to don boots, which in some cases proved a challenge, we were off and away through the forest. We took a short break at the site of the strip coal mine, then continued on to the open meadows. There were abundant flowers, predominately fleabane and northern bedstraw.

Mt. Kidd

We continued on at a fairly steady pace, with the occasional pause to regroup. We sighted a packrat in the rock garden area along with various other rodents, either on the way up or back.

Inquisitive packrat

On reaching the summit, the rather threatening clouds fortunately thinned out and there was virtually no wind—ideal for a leisurely lunch.

Summit & lunch: Evan, Doug, Ingrid, Yolanda, Sue and Gary

The descent was perhaps the most scenic part of the hike given the views of the rock garden and the Memorial Lakes.

Descending to the Rock Garden

Gary & Susan, Upper Memorial Lake in far background

Although the trail was fairly busy, everyone seemed to be enjoying their outing.

A very pleasant day in the company of:

Philip c/p/s, Yolande,Gary,Douglas,Susan,Evan, andIngrid.