Monday hike coming up--IDEA and Reminder

Hikers--

Monday, April 8, we will take a hike to an historic spot or two. Then we can follow up with an delicious lunch in an historic hotel in Del Norte.
The hotel is tied directly to the hike destination.

Yes, the 1870's Windsor Hotel is open and operating (forget the rumors). It has been an apparently smooth transition. This hotel is an important part of our county's heritage and its future. The "new" Mr. and Mrs. Chef are skilled, of local traditional families, and were working with and trained by the California couple who recently departed for opportunities elsewhere.

Judy and I ate lunch there on Wednesday and it was just as tasty and a bit less expensive than before. Yes, they have gluten-free meals and are flexible enough about other foods that you ask about when there. Yes, they offer sinfully rich desserts which could be your meal.

We sat there thinking that you would enjoy this more than a candy bar in your pack. If not, you can go home. If you would eat with us, you could help celebrate our 3 eldest hikers--I think that means Mayebelle and Wayne Odom and Ozzie--with a free lunch. (Don't say it!)

We've made reservations for at least 9 people--there's plenty of room for more. If you wish, we might be able to arrange a tour of the hotel (yet, we suppose that all who are interested will have already done this). It's an interesting experience and we think we may persuade the president or treasurer of the Hotel association to lead us.

LOGISTICS: We'll be going into our hiking place on a rugged road. Bring or ride in a high clearance vehicle. OR—if you're making a getaway on the way out in a low-slung vehicle—you can park it near the Rifle Range (smooth road), and jump in another vehicle for the rocky-in-spots <1 mile approach to the next parking place.

On this hike, I plan on a rather short walk up hill to the main feature. If that's enough walking for some of you, you can return to the vehicles or explore on a side jaunt, while the rest of us go into a 2-mile loop that should be quite picturesque.

Those who forget to bring their cameras for this hike will regret it. The walk is picturesque in nature and history.

We'll see you Monday by 9 a.m. at the South Fork Visitor Center (reminder--9 a.m., not 10).

--Doug Knudson