A very leisurely start on the trail at just after 11 followed by a very leisurely walk sampling trails we don't usually do.
One of the many new signs for the trails
We discovered that there were brand new signs, fences, gates - dating from this summer. With the closing of the Pine Creek trail, we chose some loops that would give us about 9km and probably 100 m or so of elevation gain: Mountain view- Ranchers-Fescue-Paradise (new)-Aspen trails.
Mountains to the west
Blue Rock to the SW
We still get all the great views. Lunch at Pine Creek Lookout then a short break at the West Lookout and back to the car around 3pm.
13 lined ground squirrel sampling thistle flower
Almost the last thing we saw on the trail was a squirrel as it stretched to catch a thistle flower and eat the seeds. Thanks to Brieta and Tom for sharing this lovely day with me. C/s/p Dorothy-Ann