Jim and Vickie's Anniversary

Today is Sunday, Dec. 22, 2007 and is Jim and Vickie's anniversary. We started the day at 9 am and headed for the Sky Country trailhead of Cougar Mt. It was a wet and slightly rainy day. Due to the particular good luck of Mary, the rain never became significant. This luck most likely was due to a boon Mary must have received from earlier years' good works. Although at times muddy, the hike around Mine Shaft Trail via East Fork Trail, was very enjoyable. We hiked 3.23 miles in 1 hour and 52 minutes.
We returned to a delicous brunch prepared by Chef James Carlson at the Carlson home. After brunch and superior conversation Mike and Mary returned home to relax. Mike commented on the way home how pleasant was the comparny of the Carlsons. It was a great day.

Mary checks her map with help from others

Today, Sunday Dec. 16, 2007 (which incidentally is Tyler's 1/2 year birthday), Jim, Vickie, Mike, and I hiked from the Redtown Trailhead to the Sky Country Trailhead. We started down Redtown Trail and turned up Indian Trail. I meant to have us turn right onto Quarry Trail but as Jim got me talking I inadvertantly missed the turn. When the mistake was discovered, we were far down Indian Trail so turned off at Far Country Trail. We looped through the lookout point and continued on this beautiful secluded trail which turned into Shy Bear Trail, turning right into Fred's Railroad Trail. We soon were on familiar ground and reached Sky Country Trailhead. We took a shorter route back and found we had hiked 5 miles which took 3 hours. Our extended distance cost us an hour but made an enjoyable and rewarding hike.

Hike between two trailheads