Last year the hands down winner for best hike was Big Red Mountain because of the thousands of Bear Grass in bloom made the hike like a trip to OZ. This year 17 hikers showed up to see the awesome display but only about a dozen blooms were sighted. Still it was a wonderful day on the mountain with clear skies, mild temperatures and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

At lunch we viewed the billowing smoke from the ongoing Klamathon wildfire. We hope it can be kept out of the Rogue Valley.

There was still a wide variety of wildflowers to enjoy along the trail. But no snow to put down backs like last year's memorable hike. Refreshments were taken at The Pump House in Talent.

Rich