Beautiful day for a hike!  The sun was out. With all the recent rains, the creek crossings were pretty deep – just over my knees and I’m 5’ 8”. I had read this on some other trail reviews and brought water shoes that I changed in and out of at each crossing to keep my feet dry. The shortcut lived up to its reputation. Once on the ridge, the views were incredible.

Also – beware, I saw some pretty fresh cat tracks on the ridge trail. From the size I’m thinking bobcat.  I’m not in any shape to fight off a wildcat in hand to hand combat like that guy from the news… That being said, the most wildlife I actually saw on the trail were deer and a salamander. 🙂