Prairie View via Jewell Pass Hike
Wednesday, May 21st
As we continued the gentle climb we noticed new signs have been posted, which makes it really hard to get lost. For those flower lovers we noticed several Calypso Orchids as well as the usual Prairie Crocus.
Although it did not feel cold, the clouds showed up and it started to... snow! very little but still, it is late May. The snow lasted for about 1km and by the time we reached Prairie View we had mostly blue skies and a gorgeous view. Since it was not windy at the top, we had lunch with a magnificent view (and company: several chipmunks trying to steal our lunch).
The descent was gradual and uneventful. As usual, great conversation and positive attitude from everyone joining.
Back at the car, my watch showed a total of 16.3 kms with 661 m of elevation. Total moving time (not counting lunch) of 4 hours and 50 minutes.
If there is continued interest in these mid-week hikes, we will try to keep them going... always nice to have the mountains - mostly - to ourselves = - )
Submitted by Ricardo