To Trout Creek and back--
Our hikers on Trout Creek Trail seldom see the creek. Our swift pace-setter Marilyn eased us over two ridges and gently down the valley slope to this beautiful little creek with dramatic rocks rising above it from the deep valley. It deserves more visits--by pedestrians.
We found two experienced ATV riders/fishermen who asserted that they would never come this way again (they had followed us and passed us slowly). We caught up with them again at the creek, where they sought advice on how to get out "any other way." Marty's advice was to go West up the creek and pop out near Goodrich Park and Peak. (That's where Dennis and group will be hunting mushrooms on Thursday.) We took a chance and drove up the Metroz Lake "road" a while, but did not encounter them.
Our walk was steady, flowing @2.3 mph, and pleasant, allowing a round trip of just over 8 miles (including a 30-minute lunch by the creek) . At last, several of us saw and enjoyed Trout Creek, including a courtesy view of one of the 12-inch namesake denizens, before he shyly slipped under a big rock in the creek.
Next week, we'll do it again, somewhere else. Meet before 9 a.m. at the SF Visitor Center.
Near-future possibilities:
1. Our invitation to Taos' Wheeler Peak is still open--but only two of us have indicated any interest. My brother (hopefully our guide) has reported that August 19-20 will not work for him, so we're open for suggestions. If you are interested, please call me/leave a message at 873-5239. This peak is just over 13,000 feet high and is a pretty easy route, but fairly steep in places.
The trip will require an overnight near Taos on the night before. Camping is free (no reservations).
If I hear nothing, we'll make future arrangements.
2. Marilyn has proposed a trip up San Antonio Mountain, just south of the Colorado/New Mexico border. Any interest in that "long-drive" but short hike to about 11,000'? Let me know, soon.
Trout Creek has visible trout
Lunch beside Trout Cr
DSC01645
Parry's gentian
Interesting rocks on the north slope of Trout Cr.
Yagotme--sometimes in spikes, sometimes more spread out.
Is this the end?
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