Hiking the North Crest Trail from Tunnel Spring Trailhead to the China Wall 9/28/2019

Mary  B. led us on a vigorous hike up the North Crest Trail in Placitas to the China Wall.  Mary does this just for fun and this time she had a large group of Hoofers to take with her.  We had a great day for the hike and a great turnout.

Front Row: Jennise, Marilyn, Annette, Judi P., Mary B.--our leader, Carol. Back Row: Barb, Darlene, Helene, Karen C., Annie, Sally, Judy A., Judy S., Missy,

And Rose -- 16 Hoofers!!

Heading Out

We had great views during the majority of the hike

Very few wild flowers 

The trail weaved itself across the northern ridges of the Sandia Mountains, slowly climbing the mountains

A poor attempt trying to capture Sally and I at the end of the line of Hoofers

This tree caught my eye as someone had placed rocks along its branches, you can hardly see them but there is a white and red rock on the curved branch

A line of Hoofers stopping for a drink, and taking in the view

This trail had a lot of climbing

With a few level spots

We came across a large deposit of Bear Scat

Using my hiking pole for size comparison Sally said as long as it is not steaming we're Okay!

You always need a picture of rocks

Only came across one tree that we had to step over

Nearby mountains east of us

And the Sangre de Cristos in Santa Fe

A small patch of Blackfoot Daisies

A patch of Buckwheat

Getting near the end of our climb

Not the best of pictures due to the strong sunlight but wanted to capture the red in this rock

Finally reaching the "China Wall" in the near distance -- we settle in to have lunch and take in the views

Karen C., and Marilyn

Judy S., Annie, and Annette

Carol, Judi P. and Jennise

Mary B., Darlene, and Helene in the foregound

Sally and Barb

Missy--who wears white on a hike...and looking so pristine after that climb !!

Judy A. and Rose

Catching some of the views while we eat

The rock wall that gives this spot its name:  The China Wall

Zooming in on our cars in the parking lot...we could hike straight down the mountain to the cars, but no, we have to meander along the  3 miles of trail to go back the way we came

Heading back THE LONG WAY HOME

It wouldn't be bad if it were all downhill, but the trail gremlins keep in some good climbs for us along the way

Another bunch of Blackfoot daisies

Slimleaf Purple Mustard 

I move along the group to get different hikers in the pictures

I am in the front row! (you have to be a Milwaukee Brewers' fan to understand that comment!) 

I can actually see Mary B. leading us along

Are we STILL going down?

I am not counting the innumerable bends along the north face of the mountain

Now I know we are near the end, put away the camera and dash to the cars!