Under lovely clear skies, 2 groups of hikers drove up to the Paradise Meadows trailhead for a day of exercise. While one group's destination was Croteau Lake, the other hikers headed up to the Cruickshank Canyon lookout. The day was quite crisp up the 'hill', especially when wind gusts swept by - the 'layered clothing' concept was in full play on this one! A very muddy trail system meant progress was slower for both groups as they made their way along the routes: it took the Croteau Lake 5.5 hours to complete the hike, while the other hikers took 8.5 hours. It didn't help that snow made an appearance in the early afternoon - so much for the earlier clear skies! Talk from other groups met on the Cruickshank Canyon trail was of a mama bear with 3 cubs met along the way but none were sighted by our hikers (at least not until reaching the Condensory Rd area on the drive back, when a bear with 2 cubs were sighted in an adjacent field). All in all, despite some hardships, the two groups were happy with their day in the Great Outdoors - a certain amount of strenuous hiking is always welcome, especially in lovely surroundings.
Photos from the Croteau Lake hike are contributed by Steve Hill, MaryAnne Meredith and Dawn Moore:
Photos of the Cruickshank Canyon hike are contributed by Bill Jorgensen and can be found by clicking on Hike photos