A morning that started with temps below freezing, blossomed into a Spring like day by lunch time.

We were joined by 10 hiking friends; and welcomed back Liz from her bout with Omicron which she declared a 12 round draw. She said she wasn't sure how much of the 6 miles and 750' she could do after her 2 week quarantine, but she completed the whole route like a champ and we were all happy to have her back.

The starting temp up at White Rabbit TH was nearing 40o  and increased into the 50os as the sun rose. It was calm and partly sunny. A very good day for hiking.

From the Caterpillar trail we turned off to the right and onto the Gyre trail which we took out to the Lewis Lookout. Before heading to the Lookout, I looked down by the sign post and saw a bit of purple. Upon a closer look I was happy to ID the blooming Snow Queen; the first wildflower of the Spring season on Jan. 17!

This handy local hike actually has two loops sort of like a figure 8. One loop is heading out and back from the Lookout; and the other  bigger loop is completed when you take the Gimble trail coming back from the Lookout and head up to Lewis summit for lunch in the sun and views of Mt Ashland and Mt McLoughlin.

After a leisurely lunch, we headed back down the trail and back to our SUVs.

We had completed our day's hike and it wasn't yet one o'clock.

It was a most enjoyable outing.

Rich

Track download: Lewis Loops 1-17-22.gpx