We started our adventure at Ferdinand in a new location attempting to strategically encounter a bathroom and water source more toward the middle of the hike. We chose to start at the fire tower but discovered after we had entered the forest that the parking area by the tower was actually located outside of the park.
Since we were already inside the limits, we parked the car at Parking Area 2-2 and walked 1/4 a mile on a gravel road until we reached the red trail.
Today I noticed so many wee wildflowers and a new purple mushroom!
Last time we hiked here, we found a mandible on a bridge. It was still there today. Bill stopped and looked off into the creek bed. Suddenly, he exclaimed he spotted the vertebrae.
Lo and behold, he found more that just that at the crime scene. We can only speculate how this animal met its demise and ended up in this spot.
When we arrived at the fire tower, we were both exhausted but Bill headed up the stairs. This surprised me because we have never climbed to the top before.
Several of the steps leading to the top had been painted.
My husband, who does not like heights, was petrified that I would drop my iPhone while taking this photo.
The number of steps we had to climb more than made up for the view. I’m not sure I’ll do it every time we pass this spot, but likely I’ll do it again to count the steps.
After our descent from the top, we hiked the last stretch back to the car. Our route today took us 11.3 miles in 5:09. After yesterday’s half marathon walk, we were both glad to have made it this distance.
Impressive