A cool and windy morning with some of the 7 hikers wearing hats and gloves. The leader had forgotten his water so another hiker helped out with her stash. After starting at the daycare, we had to demonstrate that walk and talk does not apply when we meet someone on the trail who knows us but we don't know them. The rock staircase at Ice Mountain was ascended with only moderate difficulty. The 2nd short climb was under-appreciated as some chose an easier route. We then made our way down to Esten Lake on an exclusive trail to have lunch at Tim's fishing spot. The next leg back to the ATV trail was a bushwack compass march with Emily assisting as the compass lady. The return was straightforward except for a large steaming pile of bear sign. We all had a good and relaxing workout.
