Deer Ridge

Our first hike of the summer after school let out. We wanted to go somewhere where there were flowers blooming, and views. The weather looked like it would hold so we went to Deer Ridge. We did the same hike last year at the same time since it is one of the few hikes that is high, and views this early in the year. Views were impressive today, lots of snow on surrounding mountains but none on the trail. We saw 6 deer in the lot by the campground and they were not afraid of us at all. Encountered just a few people on the trail. I always forget how steep it is in spots, but definitely worth it. This is the first hike i have been on since one of my "bestest", and best hiking buddy could not go. She is battling breast cancer and after chemo on Tues has no strength to climb. We are soooo hoping that she will get stronger as the summer progresses and can go hiking like she loves to do!
We also had a strange encounter. 40 minutes from the parking lot going downhill, (would be much longer going up) we passed a man going up the trail with 2 small children....maybe 18months, and 3-4yrs old. Wrote down he was going to the park boundry which is 3 1/2 miles from the parking lot. Kind of a long way with two kids that young.....
we saw Indian paint brush, phlox, and lots of rockery plants. Was a very fun day....and lots of filtered sun! Doesn't get much better!