Model T Park

Christy “blesses” Mod. T

Model T % Current friend

Nap before heading down

*12’ aspen growth in 8 years

Mod T Park/Million burn, Sentinel Mtn

Strange forms of burned trees

Lineup at the top – Fran Rhea, Marty, Christy, Marilyn, Pat, Penny, Dick, Linda, Barbara, Lloyd

Mariposa lily

Mountain Harebell

Monday's hike--proclaimed as a tough one.

A dozen started; 2 took a special circle route; 10 went the long way to Model T Park. The forest burned in 2002. More than 60% of the surface is now covered with grasses, wildflowers, and aspen sprouts. The roots in the soil probably occupy 90% of topsoil. We saw no
regeneration of spruce, douglas-fir, true firs, or Ponderosa pine, even on the borders, where live trees had produced cones.

As the pictures show, many burned trees are now starting to cover the ground. The new vegetation and the fallen trees seem to be holding the soil and water very well. We didn't short-cut through the fallen trees. Thanks to the Forest Service or others who cut many fallen trees from the trail recently.

Next week, we'll have two events--
• On Monday, July 19 at 9 a.m., a hike on the Continental Divide again, weather permitting, plus …
• A Wednesday, July 21, picnic at the Dove Cow Camp at 12:30. Dick has some new beef ready for hamburgers. Dick needs to know how many will be there. He inventoried those of us on the hike. Other hikers interested, may call and tell him of their numbers at 849-0084 by next weekend.

Thanks for your participation, endurance, and good humor.

--Doug Knudson