Our Second Adventure

Boyfriend and I went on our second hike last weekend. My goal is to go on one hike every weekend. We'll see how long it lasts, but so far we're 2 for 2.

Mesa Trail

Boyfriend and I took off on Monday (Labor Day) morning for Eldorado Springs for our second hike. We stopped by the trail head to find out which trail(s) to follow. This area has a ton of trails that meet up with each other, so you can choose how many miles you want to hike and then find a combination of trails that will make it work for you. The main trail we followed was called the Mesa Trail, but we actually followed Homestead Trail up the foothill (What I consider to be a mountain the locals here call foothills. Apparently the mountains are the really, really big ones behind the foothills), met up with Mesa Trail and followed Mesa Trail back down.

The trail head warned us that we were in rattlesnake country. Prairie rattlesnakes to be specific. They apparently habitat in abandoned prairie dog holes. If we get bit, don't panic and seek medical attention immediately and "do not attempt to suck out the venom via another person's mouth!" I want to know who thought that would be a good idea!

In addition to rattlesnakes, there are also black bears and mountain lions in the area. A list of what to do should you come across one of these animals followed. It had crossed my mind that this may not be the smartest or safest place to hike, but the large number of people that seemed to be hiking in the area convinced me that the black bear and mountain lion sightings must be somewhat rare. Otherwise, I don't think the trails would have been so popular. So, on we went.

A view from the beginning of the trail leading into the foothill

Officially in the foothills, the trail continues upward

A view of "Devil's Thumb"

One of the many views along the way

View of the city from the peak of our trail. Other trails continue much higher up the foothill, but we're new at this, so we decided not to get too carried away just yet.

The trails we followed totaled a distance of about 3 miles. I give Boyfriend a props for putting up with my constant stopping along the way to take pictures. He was very patient. Finally, we made it back to the car. We looked back at what we had just hiked only to be surprised by....

Smoke! A wildfire had started off in the distance!

We were completely shocked to see a big cloud of smoke (I suppose most people would be). Our first thought was, "It's not supposed to storm today! Then we realized what was going on. I think we were in awe for a few minutes because neither of us had never seen a wildfire before, at least not in person and we never really expected to see one. Also, we had a view of the edge of that foothill for a good portion of the hike and the sky was bright blue with not even one cloud in the sky the whole time we were hiking. In fact, here is a picture of the same view maybe 20 minutes earlier...

Notice the clear blue sky - minutes later it would be filled with a huge cloud of smoke

It was another great day for hiking and another great trail! More to come later on the wildfire.

I leave you with one question that Boyfriend and I have been debating on since starting the trail. Would you rather come across a black bear or a mountain lion while hiking and why?

I would much rather come across a black bear, because they are not naturally aggressive unless provoked, startled, or if you are between a cub and it's mother. Otherwise, it they hear you coming they usually leave the area to avoid humans. Boyfriend, however, is on the side of the mountain lion claiming they'd be easier to fight against since they weigh so much less than a bear.