After-action report for the Misty Mountain Rangers patrol on Hevensday, the 17th of Thrimidge, the year 1424 by the Shire Reckoning - year 2 of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth (Sunday, May 7th, 2023, Gregorian).
In short, we had a very fine hike in the Pike National Forest, at Rampart Reservoir! Our party consisted of 5 Rangers, including myself. We convened outside the large Walton-Market in the alpine village of Woodland Park, from which point we made caravan up to the trailhead. This was a bit daunting, as the road was not easy to follow, and there were signs of numerous orc settlements in the area [Lots of “no-trespassing signs, and some very grouchy locals who apparently do not care for their road being used frequently by hikers]. Finally arriving at the trailhead, we ventured out into the wilds. Beautiful vistas abounded, with wonderful views of the lake and the peak of Caradhras [Pikes Peak].
The weather was fair, although QUITE breezy, and at one point it even snowed briefly, despite the temperature remaining in the mid-50s or so.
We hiked down to the area by the lake, surveying the area for any possible orc patrols, but luckily found none of any major concern. At the western end of the lake there was a swift-running stream, which we decided to investigate, despite it being in the opposite direction of our intended route, and along the way we met a number of locals and their faithful hounds, apparently out for a day of trade and/or recreation. At the mouth of the stream, we turned back and made for our original path, which led east and northward in a large loop back towards the trailhead. Overall, we added about 2 miles to our original path, and once back at the trailhead we had completed something close to 6.5 miles in total.
All told, it was a beautiful trail, closely adjacent to several other very nice (if slightly busier) trail systems, and I would absolutely explore this area again! Along the way we observed many curious rock formations, a wide array of local flora, and one obvious sign of local predators - we found the leg of a deer along the trail which had likely been discarded there fairly recently by a bear or mountain lion!.
Afterwards, three of us visited a local tavern [The Swiss Chalet] for some very fine cuisine (I partook of a truly fantastic wild-boar stew, personally) and shared a lovely bottle of wine, before heading back down from the mountains to our respective homes.
Can’t wait for the next outing! Hope you all enjoy the pics!
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