March 16, 2013
Hite Cove Trail, Mariposa County
Total distance walked: 4.5 miles
Being out on a hike after a long winter indoors felt incredible. The sunny walk today was a true blessing; it lifted my spirits and, unfortunately, sunburned my scalp because I left my hat at home.
For our first spring hike, Mary Elizabeth and I traversed the slender trail that meandered over the hills. The tread was loose as the trail rose above the southern fork of the Merced River hugging the hillside. There were some spots where the drop-off was sheer. We could hear the sound of water rushing as it scurried along scouring the boulders smooth.
It was evident by the number of photographers on the trail that word is out: the flowers have arrived!
Although spring has not officially arrived, the trail was lined with a variety of wildflowers, presenting a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors.
Yet, it was the poppies that stole the show. The colorful display arrived early this year, possibly a result of the unseasonably warm weather.
A gentle breeze cooled us, while in the distance, the rhythmic knocking of a woodpecker could be heard.
We wandered down the rough and jagged steps to the water’s edge, then decided to turn back rather than continue to the cove where an old, abandoned mining settlement lies. Our sole objective was to see the flowers that were abundant in the initial two miles of the trail.
Today marked a picturesque beginning to what I hope will be an invigorating season of hiking.
Until we meet again…
Happy Trails!
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Janet, I am so envious of your spring. Having thus admitted, it was nice to see pics of you! And, surprisingly, I have just been looking through old photos in my file of my visit to Mariposa. Ahhh…you do live in Paradise.
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The weather is such a contrast across the country. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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GREAT PHOTOS!!! Love remembering our TIME with you and the “trek” into the park. Our two “token photos” hand in our master bedroom!!! Another Little Note from The Dorie! 🙂
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Yay for the beginning hiking season for you! The flowers were amazing, it make me anxious for spring to hit here….
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I don’t want to admit it, but my thighs are a little sore from the up and down. 🙂
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Janet,
It’s good to have you back on the trails again and you picked a really GREAT day to start the season. I’ve missed your blogs.
Dad
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It was a great day seeing as rain is in the forecast this week.
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I am jealous! I was in Joshua Tree this weekend and not a flower to be found. It was very hot.
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Spring is coming slowly here. I hope to get out there hiking on a daily basis in April.
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I guess you didn’t fall asleep while walking through the poppy field?
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I thought about that, Andy. 🙂
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Your flowers are so exotic to a Midwesterner! Thanks.
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Thanks for reading, Celia. 🙂
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