Twenty TrailBlazers, including 4 newcomers, made the scenic drive to Mt. Magazine on a beautiful, warm, sunny day to trek 7 ½ miles on several trails. With Becky in the lead we left the Visitors Center and headed down Will Apple’s Road, making the short detour to see the remains of an old swimming pool that is now just a dirt hole in the ground. Little wildflowers were spouting everywhere. Along the way we saw serviceberry trees, flowering plum, and quince bushes. 

We crossed the horse camp to pick up the Bear Hollow Trail and continued up and down on it while enjoying the bird’s foot violets, fire pinks, pussytoes, and many other wildflowers, as well as some beautiful overlooks. Alas, Becky’s irises were not yet in bloom. After eating lunch at a picnic area complete with the civilized amenities of tables and a not-so-civilized stinky toilet, we continued on the East Loop of the Benefield Trail with lots of panoramic views. Crossing the road we were treate

d to some beautiful vistas at an overlook where we made the most of a great photo op. Next we switched to the Mossback Ridge Trail and continued trekking until we picked up the Greenfield Trail back to the Visitors Center. Bob and Ruth Ann put jewels in their crowns by providing Sherpa service for a couple of weary hikers. By using several intersecting trails we managed to do a complete loop without having to shuttle cars – way to go! It was another neat day; it’s about time the weather started cooperating with us.