This time of year you wonder if the day will give you late Winter or early Spring. Although a few drops hit the windshield on the drive from Merlin, the wet stuff stopped by the time we gathered at Grave Creek to start our 10 AM hike down the river. Patches of blue broke through the clouds and we had a calm day in the 50s and 60s to explore the trail.

Spring color was immediately apparent as we climbed the canyon wall for better views of the Rogue. Little yellow flowers (Saxifrage?) lined the beginning of the river trail. Other colors along the trail included pinks and whites reaching for the sun and  green from moss and ferns in the shaded sections. There were brief sightings of Henderson's purple Shooting Star, red fuschia-like Gooseberry, and pink Sedum clinging to the wall. From the flower sightings it was clear that Spring had returned to the Lower Rogue.

In our group of 8 we had 3 who were new to this hike, so we decided to cross the bridge at Whiskey Creek and visit the historic "Whisky Cabin" for lunch. Gold miner/hermit Lou Martin resided there in the 50s, 60s and into the 70s.

On the way back more sun broke through and the temps warmed to the 60s in the canyon. Plans for a return trip in the Fall were discussed as we completed the 7 mile RT.

At Tony's suggestion, we all stopped at the Weekend Beer Brewing Co. in Grants Pass on our way back to Ashland.

Happy Spring!
Rich