13.5 miles of hiking • 3250' elevation gain •
Had a mid-winter hike in the middle of the hottest summer ever. Felt pretty darned good!
On the way up the Hardy Ridge loop, we encountered a Pacific Giant Salamander - a first for both of us. Very cool creature! The trail up from the junction was as brushy as ever, and clouds sweeping over us insured it was dripping wet. By the time we reached Phlox Point, we were basically soaked to the skin. There were people in front of us, but they apparently didn't go all the way up, as we were totally alone on top.
Coming back down, we found that someone had once again knocked over Boot Rock. Fixed that! Took a turn towards the Equestrian Bridge, goofed around a bit there, then continued down and had lunch beside Hardy Creek at the next lower crossing.
Our plan had been to climb Hamilton Mountain after Hardy Ridge, but a minor injury forced us to choose just going up Beacon Rock instead. Which was nice, although it's a helluva task escorting two dogs through the flip-floppin' crowd on that thing!
Another great day in the Gorge!
