As we get older (what a way to start a blog), we have gotten a little more picky about the conditions under which we hike. Retirement has afforded us this luxury. Yesterday, the temperatures were moderate, a light breeze kept the pesky bugs away, and the skies were sunny: in a word, a perfect hiking day. Our good friend Alan suggested climbing two mountains which are part of Windham Ski Center. His dog Bookah was recovering from some kind of an intestinal bug, so this hike was chosen with Bookah's recovery in mind. Not to worry - Bookah did just fine. She even posed for us amongst some lush ferns.
Signs showing the various ski trails were a bit confusing as we started up to West Cave Mt.
We chose a muddy, rutted route which eventually took us into some trees and then up a steep section to the top of West Cave Mt. The views looking back towards the Ski Center were hazy but I'll take it!
On top of West Cave we took a short break.
We continued along the ridge, down to the col, and then up again to Cave Mt. Workers were moving large wooden spools in a two-wheeled trailer.
The "space ship" building where skiers get off the lift was the perfect place for a lunch break.
Wildflowers were in abundance. I took some shots of daisies.
We enjoyed views of distant Highest Hundred and Highest Two-Hundred peaks.
Solutions to erosion of the banks along the ski trails (to the left in the photo below) involved draping nets (maybe impregnated with seeds) to bind the soil.
I can't say we enjoyed "a beautiful day in the woods," but I can say "a beautiful day on two mountaintops."