June 17, 2020
Glenn took another Wednesday off and this time we hiked without Katie since these longer hikes seem to do her in. We drove up towards Mt Ashland and hiked an out and back on the Pacific Crest Trail, a segment known as
Ashland Meadows (due to the varioius meadows with wildlflowers along this trail) or Grouse Gap (since most folks turn around at the Grouse Gap Shelter for a nice 6.8 miles hike). We were actually a little early for the full blooming of wildflowers although there were plenty to see including Larkspur, Pussy Paws, Wallflower, Skunk-leaved Jacob's Ladder, Blue Stickseed, Mission Bells, a Dwarf Lupine and many more. About 2-3 weeks from now should see the wildflowers at their best. As we began our hike there was some leftover ice/snow from the recent storm, but that soon gave way to plenty of sunshine, blue skies and temps around 62 degrees --- beautiful! We had views of snow-covered Mt Shasta to the south and there was plenty of run-off water crossing the trail. We did meet one PCT hiker who started in
Castle Crags SP in Northern CA and was planning to go all the way to Canada. He ran into 5" of snow in Seiad Valley a few days ago. We had a beautiful 11.4 mile hike as we went a few miles past Grouse Gap (after a break at the shelter) before deciding it was time to turn around. We wanted to just keep going! Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol
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| The old familar trail sign at the start of the Grouse Gap hike. |
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| First meadow comes into view. |
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| View of Mt Shasta to the south |
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| Wallflower |
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| PCT indicator |
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| Trail segment past the Grouse Gap Shelter |
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| The elusive but beautiful Mission Bells |
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| Grouse Gap Shelter and Restroom |
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| View at our turnaround point |
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