The hike up Baldy Mtn aka Iron Mtn on May 6 was attended by 6 people; Cathy and Ed, Peter, Rika, Blain and Johanna. It was a cool clear morning and the meadowlarks sang us up to the top. The balsamorhiza sagittata was beginning its splash of colour on the steep hills. A good rain 2 days previous had filled several ponds where mallard and cinnamon teal were observed. C&E will list the other birds including a red-tailed hawk and a sitting dusky grouse out on a grassy ridge. Heading closer to the top, a swath of few-flowered shooting stars, fritallaria (yellow bell), and western spring beauty confirmed that spring is truly here. Viewing our valley, the town and the surrounding hills from the top always elicits talk of “who’s ranch” and “there’s my house”. Johanna gave a brief history of the people who lived there; the Chisler family who had a zigzag road down to Coyneville, Cox and Meuller who lived on Holmes Mtn, and Bill Budd. Finding a bit of shelter from the chill wind we gingerly hunkered down amongst the prickly pear cactus and had lunch while watching the six mountain goats graze on the far hill. An enjoyable day was had by all in a bucolic setting of green hills with the cows and calves kicking up their heels around us.
Submitted by Johanna
