Month: October 2019

Hike Coordinator: Richard O’Neill

Narrative by Richard O’Neill

Yup, it was raining, yesirree. That might explain why only 4 hikers set out on the North Umpqua Trail beginning at Toketee Lake.

But really, it wasn’t raining that hard and besides which, that’s what rain gear is for. So, accompanied by the steady patter of rain drops striking hat brims we set off on the trail and were immediately greeted with a colorful palette of autumn hues and colors. The forest along the river was really putting on a show with pink dogwoods, yellow bigleaf maples, and multi-hued vine maples making things festive despite the inclement weather.

By the time we were nearing the Deer Creek bridge, our intended turnaround point, the rain abated and a good hike was taken to the next level. On the way back, our two photographers Tim and Richard lagged behind speedwalkers Lindsay and Patti,  as the camera-toting duo felt compelled to take photos of everything, be it colorful leaves, emerging mushrooms, crusty lichen, coursing river, or anything else that struck their photographic fancy. 

Because of the rain, we did not stop for lunch so we availed ourselves of that opportunity at the covered pavilion at the trailhead. And right on cue, the heavens opened up. Lunch just tasted better when accompanied by the sound of rain on the roof and we all agreed we had partaken of a grand hike and actually felt sorry for everybody that stayed at home because of the weather.

Read about this hike on Richard O’Neill’s Blog

More pictures on Richard O’Neill’s Flickr page

Pictures below by by Richard O’Neill

[Show slideshow]

Hike Coordinator: Lane Harris

Narration by Lane Harris

It was a clear, chilly day when the envoy of nine hikers arrived at the trailhead. We had two new hikers join us this day, Rita and Ruth. Liz also joined us, her second time with the club. Regulars John, Edwin, Diane, and Coreena rounded out the group with Lane and his son Colby.

Prior to setting out, 4 walkie-talkies were handed out to various people so we could keep in touch as we would inevitably be spread out along the trail. Several of us had hiked this trail before, but it had been many years ago. We thought it would be a good idea to bring the radios, just in case information needed to be relayed to others about trail conditions or if the trail is difficult to follow or find. That decision turned out to be a very wise one for the reasons just stated.

Our single group of nine quickly split into 4 distinct groups, each one with a radio. John, Edwin, Coreena and Ruth sprinted out front, followed by Lane and Colby. Diane was her own group of one, while Liz and Rita brought up the rear.

It wasn’t long before John reported trees across the trail. Then a required log crossing to get across a creek. Then a spot where the trail was hard to follow. Then more trees. Then another creek crossing. Needless to say, this information passed via radio was valuable to everyone, as we all helped talk the next group through this obstacle course they call the Muir Creek Trail. Lane even left orange trail flagging at key parts of the trail to help other hikers navigate through portions of the trail where it got a bit sketchy.

All but 2 hikers made it to the designated lunch spot. Liz and Rita turned around early, apparently discouraged by nature’s cruel trick of putting trees across the trail. Perhaps they were onto something with that decision…

After a quick lunch, the faster group did what they did on the way up, which was to hike fast, this time back towards the vehicles. Diane, Lane and Colby decided to make a detour to see the actual falls prior to heading back.

This little excursion to the falls made all the log and creek crossings worth it! A small but tedious rock-hop across the creek was the cost of admission to see the falls up close. After grabbing some cool photos, the trio jumped back across the creek and headed back down the trail.

With all heads accounted for back at the parking area, we all agreed that having the radios with us made this hike possible. We were able to pass along vital information about trail conditions, knew where everyone was, and also when hikers were turning around. It certainly made things easier and allowed us to have a very enjoyable day on the trail.

More pictures on Lane Harris’ Flickr page

Pictures below by Lane Harris

[Show slideshow]