The hike started out warmly under sunny skies as we worked our way through some fine displays of early flowers on the grassy hillsides of our ascent route. The crossing of Marston Creek was not a problem and the steep hillside beyond that had many balsamroot in bloom:

balsamroot hillside

After a rehydration break we continued up and along the hillside:


Traverse trail on the way up Bull Creek Hills

It was windy in spots but it was helpful in keeping us from overheating on the climb. After about 2.5 hours we attained the summit and there was a strategically placed rock band that sheltered us from the southwest wind:


Lunch spot on the peak - what is that dark stuff in the background?

This was the only place we saw another group of hikers. Clouds had been building to the west and showed signs of virga around us, so we started down as we wanted to be off any steep sections if it rained in earnest. It did start to sprinkle and we did put on rain gear, but it only lasted 15 minutes and didn't even wet the ground:


Panorama view of the Highwood Valley on the descent

This left time to admire a dusky grouse that was trying to attract a mate:


Dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) drumming

and Bill spotted a flower that is not often seen north of Waterton:


Smooth Woodland-star (Lithophragma glabrum)

Lower down the cloud dissipated and we spent a leisurely break basking in the sun. The dark cloud returned and we had another sprinkle session, but it only lasted 10 minutes before the sun returned for our breezy descent to the cars, arriving at 2:45.

Thanks to a great group of participants for joining me on this jaunt to the foothills: Ron C/S/P, Bill (photos), Barbara, Peter, Brenda, Aldis, David, Lenard.

Fauna report: wood tick count: one. Dusky grouse: one:

My, what pretty eyebrows you have

Butterflies: two each of two types: one was possibly Northern Blue. Equine evidence, photo is one of many samples at one location, from possible feral horses:


Hmmm, Sherlock, this seems to be a clue from a large horse

On the drive there were lots of hawks seen on power poles.

Flora report: the above mentioned balsamroot:

balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) in bloom

Plus the Smooth Woodland-star and many others, e.g. shooting stars, forgetmenots, saskatoon bushes, strawberries, smooth blue beardtongue for a few.

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