Forest Bathing on the Wonder Trail 11-1-24

Photos by Kay

Ashland Hiking Home

It wasn’t raining when nine of us started up the New Wonder Trail, but rain was predicted.  The madrones were shedding their red tree bark.  Lichen and moss clung to the trees.  We steadily hiked up the winding trail enjoying hill-side views. 

A gentle rain started, enhancing the fall colors. As we passed through fern-covered valleys and the first, big granite boulders, the rain became heavier.  By the time that we hiked past the whitish, big granite boulders, rain was falling heavily.  No one was interested in snacks or chocolate.  We returned down FS2060 in a pelting rainstorm. We did see more large golden maple leaves on the trees and the ground than last week in Enchanted Woods. 

At the end, the resilient hikers noted that this hike was an opportunity to test the rain proofing of our outdoor gear.  Spirits remained high as the hikers headed back to their snug, dry homes.