Taylor Creek

We had a good group of 10 for a beautiful day on the hiking trail. We left a shuttle car at English Flats, the first trailhead, and drove up to the Lone Pine Trailhead at FS 2509. For those new to the area, 25 is the road we were on, also known as Briggs Creek Road, and the 09 refers to mile 9.

The trail descends and descends through the forest with the odd tiny stream to hop over. Later Tayler Creek appears far below on the left. The fog broke up and we had fabulous views of trees covered with moss and hillsides full of ferns. By lunch time we reached an open space looking over a waterfall. We crossed several new bridges along the way. Whoever built them did a great job. They look indestructible.

We reached English Meadow and took the group photo on the bridge. We managed to spot the continuation of the trail, unlike last year, and after a short diversion at a fork in the road, we headed up to the road and the shuttle car. If you ever take the right fork by mistake, turn around when you see a BBQ lid. As Bev had commented on the lack of ascending trails I arranged for a stiff climb at the end.

There was a wait of 30 minutes for the shuttle to recoup the cars because the nature of Road 25 does not encourage NASCAR behavior. Thirsty but not daunted we repaired to Baldini’s in Merlun for a libation. Everyone had a great day, partially due to perfect weather with a high of 65 degrees.

John

Hike Leader: Kerr

Photos By: John, Steve