Today was one of those “Much ado about Nothing” hikes, at least from the perspective of the weather.  The forecast started out the week with 90% chance of rain, then dropped to 50% by hike day.  However, we never saw rain and actually experienced some blue skies. 

There were some flowers along the trail, but they were just getting started.  The path was generally dry and we found a reasonable spot with views of the mountains across the valley west of us for lunch.

Everyone was in good spirits today, especially given the good weather, plus it was a fun hike in the woods.  Turns out that the leader took the long (i.e., wrong) way to start the hike.  John K. found the shorter way to return, which will be used and remembered on future hikes, thus enabling us to go farther along the trail next time. 

Refreshments were taken at Boomtown Cafe in Jacksonville.

Keeley

Track download: Sterling Mine Ditch North from Armstrong Gulch.gpx