BWSTL lewis and clark trail 2.20.11.wmv

If this doesn't stream well, reduce to 240p resolution

BWSTL- Lewis and Clark Trail February 20, 2011

The first hike of the spring BWSTL Hiking Club was at the Lewis and Clark trail in St.Charles County. The temperature was 70 degrees for a February weekend. Vicky and I have hiked this 5.3 mile trail dozens of times and the turn out for the BWSTL walk was again fantastic. 30 people came out for the walk.

The whole group started at once

 The trail was very muddy in spots, especially at the very beginning and ending of the trail

Looking up at the first big uphill climb

 This trail does give you great views of the Missouri River from high on the bluffs.

Looking Southwest

Looking Northeast

 With such a large group we took several breaks

Rob ( Backwoods sales person) and his friends move along the trail

 Vicky moving smartly

 Turkey tail fungus

Q: Can you identify the bird that this feather belongs too?
A: It is an Oriole feather ( I can't say I have ever seen an Oriole before)

 It was a great day to be in woods

Rick and Janine. Thanks so much for organizing these great days out in the woods

Animal Sightings:

humans, humans and more humans

Afternoon Hike in the Snow at Broemmelsiek Park February 13, 2011

The temperature soared to 50 degrees and finally both Vicky and I were over our flu season and could go for a walk. We went over to Broemmelsiek Park, which we know well, but decided to walk it in opposite direction.

 We saw a lot of animal tracks in the snow. some small and then some large! the one on top looks like the delicate track of a racoon or opposum but the one on the bottom was large and looks like a Bear print! Not sure what animal would have made this track with 4 long sharp toes and a pad print in back.

 It was a nice day to be out

The snow was still deep in some spots all through the woods

The creek water was running well under the ice

Animal Tracks in the snow:
Deer, Racoon, Opposum, Coyote, ( Bear or Bobcat?)

4 miles in 1 hr 45 minutes

Vicky braking trail and crossing a creek at Broemmelsiek Park

Milestone- 250 miles hiked in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Official confirmation that I have hiked 250 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

I didn't think that it would be that big a deal to actually have a momento of the event, after all I have the memories of all those hikes, but I may not get back to that park for some time, given the other hikes I want to do, so it does represent a very good feeling of accomplishment and lots of fond memories.

Trail Total

256.4 miles