Alpine Wildflower Meadow

HOTEL IN BACKGROUND

LOONIE & TOONIE WALKING DOWN THE ROAD

Just when you think you have seen all there is, you turn the corner and see another wonder. We went by school bus to Sunshine Village which is the local ski area. It is quite eerie to go to the ski resort when it is not in operation. There were a few people hiking in the area, but there were not many hikers on the trail that we took. This is grizzly territory! The bus driver gave us instructions on the way up the mountain in case of contact with a bear, but thankfully we did not have to see if we would respond correctly. We all would love to see a bear, but not up close and personal.

We hiked up to Crystal Mountain which overlooked the lake by the campground. It is really unbelievable to see young families hiking into the same areas that we are with young children on their backs. Many have small children that are hiking with them and they all have heavy packs in addition to the children. We went through many meadows of beautiful wildflowers. It is so amazing to see how the Master Architect has placed all of these beautiful flowers in great abundance at this high altitude. We had our lunch by the lake at the campground. We did see the pole with pulleys to store your food at night if you camp so you want feed the bears.

Varmint Report-we saw 2 long horn sheep on the road that leads up the mountain to the ski resort. They just sat there and looked at us while we took pictures. We saw many mounds where the ground squirrels live in an effort to stay warm. There was an entire city of them-in fact there were several cities. I saw an elk grazing when walking back into town just off the trail .

We only hiked 7 miles, but this was a much easier hike that the other days. We were back in time to walk down to the water fall and rapids behind the hotel.

Injury Report-we all have sore muscles, but Lisa is suffering from runner's knee. We are planning on doing a hike tomorrow that she can hike in a mile or so and wait for us to come back. We could use prayer for her recovery so she will be able to enjoy the last two hiking days.

Yes-it is cold on the top of the mountain. We have to take our jackets out of our packs and put them on, but when we start back down the mountain and start working-they come back off.

ENTERING BEAR TERRITORY

BOW FALLS

MRS. ELK HAVING A SNACK