This was the first hike I’ve tried to lead in 2020. Thanks to all of you for making it a success! I spent the first part of the year recovering from rotator cuff surgery in my right shoulder. It was tough not being able to hike until May. And then I had to get myself in shape.

Mike, Jill, and Marilyn went with me. Everyone else went with Michael Humphrey on the longer hike.

The four of us started south on the trail, went through a civilized section, a frisbee golf course, and a railroad grade before reaching the low point of our hike near Black Spring.

Then we climbed past the amphitheater and walked through a sparse forest with distant views of the San Francisco Peaks. We walked by fences on the west and north sides of the park, met the other group, and reached our high point before beginning a long descent to a campground.

They’ve re-routed the Soldiers Trail on the north side, so it dips down to the south and then goes back north. We went straight across. Soon we were back at the trailhead.

Thank you for organizing this wonderful hiking! Thank you, Michael, for leading the long version of the hike so we could enjoy a longer walk in the beautiful woods! Thanks, Tom, for driving and keep a pleasant conversation in a long drive! It was a great pleasure to see many people on this hike! These are a few pictures that I took and wish to share with everyone.