Per co-leader Judith 31 fair weather hikers headed to Hobbs State Park via War Eagle Mill. The new visitors' center is worth a trip by itself: a lovely building with interesting exhibits, including a simulated cave. The weather could not have been better with a sunny sky, no wind, and the temperature reaching 70. Pigeon Roost Trail runs up and down ravines, over ridges, through hollows, and alongside Van Hollow Branch of Beaver Lake. Two wise Trailblazers choose to hike the inner loop for a distance of 4 miles. The rest of us opted for the 8.4 mile hike. Both trails were clearly marked and very well maintained. Two sharp eyed gals slowed down and spotted eagles. We all enjoyed the lake view from Pigeon Roost Hollow. 

Becky reports it was a tough 8.5 mile hike up and down the tree-covered hollows. At about the 4-mile mark we were able to see Van Hollow Branch of Beaver Lake along with some nice rock bluff lines on the opposite side. After leaving the lake view, we followed a dry scenic creek bed most of the way back to the trailhead. Jeanette and Cindy managed to see and photograph eagles in spite of a large group of hikers. The best thing about the hike was that it was a beautiful, sunny winter day. (It is about time the forecasters got it right!) Most of us got more of a workout then we expected.