Today we did the southern half of the NCT side of the Jordan Valley. Running down the middle is the Jordan River. It always looks so lush; the water comes right up to the banks.
As we were walking along, we noticed a commotion high above our heads. A big nest.
My guess is that this is dad. The other eagle was flying around and seemed larger to me. Females are larger. They probably have chicks in the nest. I had to look up when they breed, but they ARE early breeders, so it seems likely. This was right on the trail. This pair didn't get the memo that they don't like to nest near humans. (I've seen some other nests very close to homes, etc, so I'm not sure this is a really accurate rule.)
After quite a few ups and downs, we came back to the Jordan River at Pinney Bridge.
The most anticipated part of today's hike, for me, was passing this sign. Of course, I've hiked here before, but that was prior to when anyone realized that this is the ONLY crossing of the 45th parallel made by the NCT. A sign has now been added, and lots of people take their picture here. Me too!
We ended with the big climb up to Landslide Overlook. Not too much to see at this time of year, but the trees are just barely turning red.
The other big event was that the temperature hit 83 degrees while we were hiking. That's just too hot for me this early. My enzymes haven't adjusted yet.
But the heat sure made spring think that it's time to spring into action. We saw hepatica in bloom.
Carolina spring beauty.
And even some bloodroot.
P.S. There was NO snow on the trail at all. First day for that.
We are going to get out on the trail earlier tomorrow because it's supposed to be even hotter. The heat just sapped our strength.
Miles today: 8.8. Total miles so far: 4525.0
 | See Buddy Bill's Back |
5 comments:
My husband and I spent the last three days hiking near Hillsdale on the NCT. The heat completely zapped us, too. So you're not alone! We were going to find the geocache with your name on it, but it was just too hot on that bridge to look for it. Maybe the next time we're in the area. Happy Trails, Joan!
What a great day for hiking. It sure is pretty out there.
My husband and I met Joan today (4/15/2023) as we were hiking at the Jordan River Valley Deadman Hill Pathway. We happened upon Joan (and Bill) as they were resting under a tree, listening to birds. It was such a joy to meet her and to hear about her walking the NCST. I immediately came home to look her up on the internet. I am so moved to hear about her and how she has followed her passion through all these years. If every person was as connected to his/her passion as Joan is, imagine how relationships and the world might be different. There would be lots of authentic people contributing the absolute best of themselves to the larger human community.
Melissa- we just aren't used to the heat this early! Not sure what geocache that is...
Ann- it was a beautiful section
Mary- Hi! It was nice to talk with you, even if you thought we had died on the trail when you found us!:D
Lulu: "Our company from New York would have liked some of that 83 degree weather, but it's only been in the 50s the whole time they've been here!"
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