Alpine Plateau/ Little Elk Ride and Hike July 6, 2024

The lady was out of town, so my plan was to spend the day hiking up on the Alpine Plateau above 11,000 feet. But, it was so windy up there that the plan didn't interest me at all. The flowers and views were amazing at the end of a little used old logging road.
I remembered a trail off on the east side of the mountain that I had never explored. So, I headed over there and found it was much less windy. However, it was much warmer down around 9,000 feet. I decided to give it a go anyway on the Little Elk Trail. It goes for many miles, but I only went around 4 down to Elk Creek. It was just too hot. I had a large bandana that I soaked in the water and wrapped around my neck and shoulders for the way out. That kept me sufficiently cool for the steep hike up from the creek.
All in all, it was a great day in God's creation. I'm blessed!