Bluestem Blues
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Phase 1: Lower Big Bluestem to Shanahan
Something different tonight as our intrepid explorers headed west (instead of south) from the South Boulder Creek West trailhead, and found themselves on the Lower Big Bluestem trail. After a mile or so they crossed the familiar paths of Shanahan Ridge, traversed some meandering switchbacks, and finished eastward, back to the trailhead.
Along the way, plenty of wildfire smoke. Also some joggers, cows, poison ivy, and various songbirds hopping down the trail, looking for bugs. At the end of the road a rabbit, who dove unto the verge and was never heard from again.
Phase 2: South Boulder Creek West Picnic Area
A solitary picnic table, with mosquitos buzzing about, apparently telling all their friends that Phase 2 had begun. For the hungry adventurers, sandwiches and water; probably a bug or two.
Phase 3: Ibid.
A cauldron of bats sailed above the nearby pond, completely ignoring the scourge of mosquitos that had descended upon our fearless adventurers. Consigned to chemical warfare, our intrepid explorers smeared themselves with Off!, and enjoyed their DEET-flavored desserts.
Questions of the Night
What’s the fare for the tourist Shinkansen, vs its fastest line?
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Sapporo on the Shinkansen?
Bats
