On August 7, 2010, on a perfect day for hiking, eleven FOU  hikers
climbed to the very top of Mt.  Scott, elevation  8,920 feet.  The air
was invigorating at the top with a hint of the cold  to come in
another month or so.  This is always a popular hike and it was a busy
trail with parties of the very vocal young and other older hikers who
with a slower pace also attained the summit.  It was noticeable that
our members made very good time on the uphill trek.

Haze from the fires in Russia,  combined with the  smoke from the
Northwest’s  local  fires,  curtailed some of the magnificent views
usually available from the pinnacle but hikers identified McLaughlin,
Theilsen, Bailey, Diamond Lake,  Klamath Lake  and most sublimely
Crater Lake,  awesome as always, in its serene majestic self.  At the
top, there were hundreds of ravens  flying in ascending circles and
following the wind drafts, perhaps gathering to  prepare for their
winter exodus.

The trip back to the trailhead didn’t take nearly as long as the slog
upwards and  two carloads headed for ice cream and home,  going back
the same way they came.

Lois’ carload decided to continue around the rim and investigate some
of the wonderful overlooks of the lake including Cloudcap Overlook and
Vidae Falls.  They also took the Castle Crest Wild Flower Trail,
walking  the quarter mile loop, crossing Munson Creek and hopping on
the creek moistened stones between banks of exquisite giant
Monkey flowers, Penstemon, Marsh Marigolds  and Asters.

Bill’s chickens needed feeding so they decided to forgo ice cream,
but went home satisfied with the day.