David, Carolyn, Ron, Steve, and Ann the photographer and leader began the 3rd leg of the Blue Mountain Section under overcast skies.
Ron spots a beautiful flower as we start our hike.
We wind through fields before crossing Hwy #124.
Another find of a different sort.
The trail passes grain fields near the beginning of the hike. Good thing Stefan didn't join us today given his allergy to grasses.
Ferns!
More fields!
A short lesson to a willing but challenged student.
The long straight road! Are those rain clouds up ahead?
The road walking was broken up by interesting sights along the way.
The trail turns back into the forest where it kept getting darker. I thought it wasn't supposed to rain.
But rain it did! Luckily I had my waterproof cotton shirt on.
We were tempted to take the side trail given the rain and where we ended up a little later.
The descent was tricky but the Standing Rock caves were worth it.
With interesting ferns for Ron and all.
The exit from the cave was a little tricky as well, especially given the rain.
Is that a walking fern?
Standing Rock. No one was tempted to climb up despite the provided rope.
Nothing like elevensies in the rain.
Is that sunshine?
At least this guy was enjoying the rain.
Ron gathering a sample.
A brief stop on the roadside. Ron appears happy about something but he is always happy.
The Pretty River at last. Only Helgy's Hill to go.
A short explanation of how the vines are choking the cedars.
More vines.
The end is in sight through the cedar forest.
