Limekiln valley

I heard rumors of a Monday road hike. This is the Tuesday outing, with the Kleins joining us for the first time this year. We explored the Limekiln Creek and adjacent valleys. The place is beautiful, sunny, with attractive rock ridges. Limekiln, Pup, and Dog peaks decorate the skyline close in. Pintada Peak stands snow-covered in its broad majesty. Much of our hike was beyond the reach of motorized conveyances. Thanks to Barry Nelson for his quiet, vigorous leadership through the maze.
Barry will probably be back next Tuesday, trying to find new ways to enjoy Penitente Canyon. If not, Wayne and friends will see if they can find some creative ways to slide through the rocks there. Meet at the Community Center before 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Plans are to partake of the "best burgers in the valley" in La Garita, or to find their competitors in Del Norte. Bring water and wear boots. No pets, please.
If you are a Tuesday "sitter-upon-vibrating-machine-with-wheels" aka "dust breather", you are welcome to hike on Monday--a day set aside by edict of the Silverthread President for healthful, clean-air walking. Gather at the Community Center parking lot before 9:00 and you will be led on a gentle or vigorous walk, depending upon your calm choice as a group.
So you are not surprised by changes in this new hiking arrangement, there are some who cannot make Tuesday hikes and some who strongly prefer not to do Monday hikes. One thought is to evaluate whether Thursday is preferable to Monday (some want to hike on two days per week, with a rest between). Another is to take a fit group on longer (±10 miles), steeper, more adventuresome hikes at least 6 times per summer. Things will settle into a pattern as June approaches. Please stay flexible and kind.
--Doug Knudson

among the rocks

Limekiln-- go with the flow

The kids

limekiln

3 birds