Monday was bright and beautiful in Ashland and for forty miles up I-5, but Grants Pass was thick with fog emanating from the Rogue River. 😟 Still our “hiker’s luck” followed us to the Espey Road TH at Cathedral Hills as the fog lifted just three miles south of town. ☺️

However, the earlier morning fog had reduced the starting temperature on the trail to the low 30s and made the path through the forest crunch with frost.🥶 But, after about five minutes our blood was circulating and we warmed up for a good hike through 400 acres of Douglas Firs.😅

We were hiking the trail system’s outer perimeter, steadily heading up to higher grounds to find the sun for our lunch spot.

Along the trails, our nature photographer continued her trend of snapping pics of the local mushrooms. 🍄 We met and visited with a blind man and his two herding dogs who came up from the nearby neighborhood. 🧑‍🦯

Lunch was up off the Skycrest Trail Loop and we spread out on a sunny hillside with temps now in the 50s. ☀️

Our group of 16 enjoyed a relaxing lunch completed with two rounds of chocolate! 🍫 😃

On the day, we hiked 6 miles with an elevation gain of 800′.

Post-hike we all traveled south on Highway 238 for about 8 miles and stopped at Pennington Farms to treat ourselves with their wonderful pie and scones. 🥧

Another great day on the trail after a chilly start.

Next Monday, we’ll give Songer Butte (2700′) at Emigrant Lake another attempt weather permitting (9 am from Rite Aid).

Note: something discussed at lunch, for those who would like to contribute to the Siskiyou Mountain Club, our trail maintenance and clearing partners, you can mail a donation to SMC at PO Box 61, Ashland, OR 97520 or drop by their Siskiyou Outdoor Store at 33 Third St corner of Main St. 🙏☺️

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Linda, Randy