Three hikers and one dog enjoyed a lovely 2½ walk in the woods. Because Daphne wanted to add lots of steps on her FitBit, the coordinator ensured this would happen by going the wrong way, not once, but twice. We began at the Hopespring entrance, continued past the three sisters on to the grove of old growth. We then headed up the trail, supposedly toward the Thompson trail, which actually took us close to Rousseau Ridge, adding about half an hour to the total trip. According to the FitBit we took about 14,000 steps.

Sandra

Thanks to Sandra and Vic for the photos.

Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Loop – 21 Feb 2018

Five women met at the Thompson trailhead for a two and a half hour hike.  Having missed the threat of snow the previous day, we had a dry and sunny morning, with the temperature a bit above freezing and light wind from the north.  We headed up Thompson Trail to the first viewpoint.  After stopping to take in the views north and east to gloriously snowy mainland mountains, we walked north down the open ridge, dropping to the forest floor at the big maple tree.  From here, we followed a deer trail north to the B&B trail, turning south on the B&B at this point through pleasant second-growth forest and along a deeply-cut unnamed stream.  Reaching the Thompson Trail junction, we followed it south to the second viewpoint.  Climbing to the top of the ridge, we stopped for a break in the warm sun, again taking in snowy views to the east.  From here, we followed a rough off-trail route east and north down the ridge, eventually connecting to Thompson Trail and back to the vehicles.  The weather and company were perfect for a stunning December hike.

– Janis

hiking-thompson-bb-trail-loop-20-dec-2017