A much needed overnight rain did not dampen the spirit of eleven Monday hikers. We were marking our one year anniversary trip to Soda Mountain where last year we were greeted by near freezing temps and ice falling from trees. This year though cloudy with a gentle rain at the start soon warmed to temps in the 50s.

We set out up the PCT to Little Pilot Peak for cloudy views of Ashland and spectacular Fall Colors leading up to Pilot Rock. Along the way our flower lovers, Liz, Nanci, and Francie sought out seed pods from remnants of wild peonies that had grown on the graded field leading up to the peak. Liz hopes to grow the wild peonies in her garden.

Back at the cars we got rid of the rain gear before heading up the short route to Hobart Bluff for lunch and the view. The group was enthusiastic and hungery as it was five minutes after noon. They took off without their leader so I took the role of sweep going up to the bluff. After lunch some of us followed Francie out to a point so we could see Lake Hobart down below.
Back on road we headed up to the Green Springs Inn for pie or beer.

Rich

Track download: Soda Mountain and Hobart Bluff 10-1-18.gpx