Two new hikers joined us, making a total of 17, as we headed up the trail to get a table-top view of the Rogue Valley.
Our favorite wildflowers were blooming including the blue Camas, pink Slender Clarkia and pussy ears. Higher up the trail Henderson’s Stars, blue lupin and Hairy Owls Clover were peaking. We paused for a water break at the second bench under the shady madrone trees. Hikers that had gone to the recent AHG Wilderness Prep training talked about hydration, salts, and the importance of staying together and Wendy shared that she had already applied her training to assist another hiker on a recent hike. Others peered at a slanted madrone that appeared to have grown into a second tree (see photo).
Continuing, we emerged from the rocky climb into brilliant sunshine on top. We headed on the flat trail, once a plane landing strip, to the cliff edge. Lunch on the cliff rocks always brings new perspectives. Turkey vultures catching thermals glided past at eye level. The Rogue River flowed below through vineyards and farms with Mt. McLaughlin in the distance. The sun was brutal, so we reluctantly returned down the trail to the shady madrones.
At the top bench Sue shared information that she had obtained about the two joined madrones. She told us that this is called “inosculation”. It occurs when trunks or branches of two trees grow close together. As the growing trees touch each other, the touching surfaces rub in the wind and can self-graft as the two branches grow and expand.
We returned down the trail seeing more wildflowers that had opened with the warming sun.
Total distance: 5.1 miles, elevation gain: 810’.
Kay
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1.IMG_5778
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2.Camas
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4.Debi
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5.Penny
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6
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7
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8.Two joined trees
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9
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10
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11
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12
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13
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14
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15
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16
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17
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18
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19
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20.Hairy Owls Clover
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21.Henderson's Stars
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Group
