On the Homestead
Phase 1: South Mesa to Homestead Trail
S and D2 took an early start this evening to trek the South Mesa Trail loop (~2 miles), adding a half mile leg along the Homestead Trail. A bit of temperature joined the ascent, for an 85 degree day.
Along the way, a couple of fellow adventurers warned us about a rattlesnake on the trail; nevertheless, our fearless adventurers marched on, encountering a minimal number of snakes (that is, zero). There was however a spotted towhee in a bush near the Towhee Trail, appropriately enough.
At the end of the evening, a train crossed along the high tracks at Rattlesnake Gulch, upon which sight our fearless adventurers agreed to hike that vintage Humpday route sometime later this summer.
On closer inspection of the train photo, it does seem to be a passenger train, likely the legendary California Zephyr, headed downhill to Denver from Winter Park and parts west.
