Rattlesnake Hill

21 hikers and 5 dogs

21 hikers and 5 dogs

You would be extremely lucky if you could find the location of yesterday’s hike again at Rattlesnake Hill. Carol hid it well as we followed her and Pati through dusty back roads into the back country of Ossian in what looked like a scene from “Deliverance”. Mark and Linda were tied up but eventually found us!    Getting a somewhat late start, 21 hikers and 5 dogs began their hike at Trail #18 & #19 into an area that is rumored to harbor old quartz mines. Although Carol has already mined all she could find for her special role in the future, all we could find were good patches of wild geranium and miterwort and of course a beautiful walking trail.Rattlesnake Hill

climbers passed through a meadow

climbers passed through a meadow

Hikers used their creativity to build directional signs so others wouldn’t get lost at the turns. They passed by a beautiful ridge, fields, and dense forests.

hiking 155

ridge trail

ridge trail

large patches of wild geranium

large patches of wild geranium

After hike social enjoyed shrimp, maple butter, watermelon, hot dogs and many other great salads beside a beautiful pond setting.  Thanks to Mark and Linda for transporting the very large grill and Carol and Pati for planning the hike. Bob keep working on the Garmond!  Suggestions for the future:  don’t wash your cars before a hike!

large patches of mitorwort

large patches of miterwort

social by pond

social by pond