The first red-tailed hawk was silhouetted against the trees below us. It gave that piercing call we have heard in all the Western movies; then another hawk screamed above us and dove rapidly towards the first. At first we thought we were going to see a fight, but quickly realized that it was a pair of hawks, gold-red tails reflecting in the light. They caught the updrafts and soared closer and closer to us until we were a part of their world.
That’s the Star Peak trail, folks. We followed the orange flags and old tread up the hill and got close to something magical. Oh, there were masses of wildflowers along the way, a creek that springs from the mountain, great views, and everything else you’d expect when you step into our local wild. But the hawks were a gift.
Trail work may not sound glamorous- you could get dirty and sweaty, even if you are just there to cheer the team on. But if you are looking at your calendar and deciding what you are doing on July 8, remember the hawks. Come out and do something that’s both fun and significant with a great group of Friends.
Contact trails@scotchmanpeaks.org to volunteer.
In the meantime, don’t forget the “Bearly Summer” hike season kick-off party at Evans Brothers this Thursday, June 21 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Idaho Conservation League and FSPW are your hosts for a “beary good time”.
The Idaho Native Plant Society gathers at the Drift Yard June 22-24.
As if that wasn’t enough, a dog-friendly hike along the East Fork Trail will be led by Phil and Deb on June 24th. Then, on Saturday June 30th there are two education series hikes, a Riparian Ecology class and hike led by the always enthusiastic Brian Baxter, AND U.S. Forest Service archeologist Rachel Reckin leads a trip back in time up to Little Spar Lake.
Show your support for Scotchman Peaks Wilderness! We need volunteers to get out their FSPW shirts and march in the 4th of July parades in Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Heron and Noxon. Contact info@scotchmanpeaks.org if you want to walk.
See you on the trail!
