Hike coordinator: Brad Bishop
Narration by Brad Bishop
Sixteen hikers showed up to get 2026 off to a healthy start as the giant full moon greeted us on this brisk but dry morning.
If we played our cards right, or should I say our footsteps right, we would have no rain for our journey.
As we gathered at the comstock picnic area I assured the group that we were going to hike the same route as last year’s hike and it only had one vigorous uphill jaunt.
Off we went, as this will be the year we all hike numerous treks. Wow, after that first mile the trail kept climbing. Hmmm, I attributed it to geologic processes and hoped no one thought that was the hill I was concerned about. After we made another hard-breathing mile, we made it to a junction where I wanted to assure my comrades that the hill I was talking about was just ahead, and after that we’d be cruising.
Some seemed to be apprehensive of my muse, but on we went. Up we went, on the dreaded last hill where we were rewarded with beautiful views of the North Umpqua Valley below.
Surly now everyone will be happy with the trail I chose. Except, as the trail flattened out for a bit, I saw us approaching yet another hill. No, surly we aren’t going that way! But wait! I spied a trail right before the hill started ascending. So, that’s probably our route, right?…
NEGATIVE. I picked up the pace so I would be beyond rock throwing distance, and finally the trail started to descend, rather steeply.
Well, all that wanted to share comradery, after my false narrative, were treated to clam chowder, an assortment of breads and Sparkling Cider, nonalcoholic of course.
Pictures below by Rheo Wheeler
