On Friday July 4, 2003 we had 12 hikers as we circled Devil's Lake, first on the East Bluff, lunch at the South beach, then the West Bluff, followed by a walk along the wet shoreline on the Tumbled Rocks trail. - 9 miles, Great views!
On Saturday July 5, we had 16 hikers after losing some hikers from Friday and gaining some new ones. Starting out on the East Bluff again, we tried some new ups and downs before stopping for lunch on the CCC trail at the south end of the lake, where we shared the bluffs with many rock climbers. From here we hooked up to the Ice Age Trail (some hikers thinking this would be a relief after the bluffs) where we had to pick our way through sections of heavy brush overgrowing the trail, on the way to Parfrey's Glen. The shaded gorge at Parfrey's Glen provided a welcome relief to the day's heat and humidity. - 12 miles, Great views, again!
Sunday July 6 started off rainy, which probably scared off some hikers as the group dwindled down to 7 hardy souls. The hike leaders took us on a nice "wind-down" hike through the woods. The weather cooperated, as it stopped raining just before the hike, and then held off until we were back at the parking lot. - 5 miles, making a total of 26 miles for the weekend.
Trip report & photos by John & Judy Elmergreen
