We had a cloudy start from Dawson trailhead and it was cool enough to begin with an extra clothing layer until the climbing warmed you up. At the viewpoint looking east to Moose Mountain we noted that the clouds had lowered so Moose's peak was covered. As we ascended to the ridgetop there was mist blowing from the southeast and Teresa's mini-thermometer measured 6C, which with the windchill was rather cold:

Summit ridge of Cox Hill

Arrival at the summit was a letdown, no view at all. We managed to find shelter behind some of the summit trees for a lunch break. On the way down we came below the clouds and decided to take the off-trail option for part of the return:


Below the cloud, heading off-trail: Teresa, Cecil, Rosalee, Lenard & Barb

In some ways it is better than the part of the trail at the base of the ridge where it is becoming quite rough and eroded from mountain bike traffic and water erosion. We were back at the parking lot about 2:30 where the temp was 10C. Not exactly a scenery day but good conditions for a hike.

Participants: Ron C/S/p, Barbara, Teresa (photo), Lenard, and welcome to new members Rosalee and Cecil on their first Ramblers hike where they got a bonus short bushwhack.

flora report: a few flowers hanging on, notably purple fleabanes, paintbrush, spirea and red-berried bunchberry.

fauna report: golden mantled ground squirrel & spruce grouse

crowd report: a bunch of bikers and 4 other hikers. On the highway traffic was busy but no slowdowns.

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