but these had evaporated into a thin layer by the time I reached Point Rowland. There were numerous grass windows blooming lower down but many had already passed their peak. Several other (some very small) flowers were blooming in places but we're still a little ways from carpets of blossoms.
After dropping down, circling the lake, and passing the big waterfall that descends next to the old road,
I reached the lower Coyote Wall TH to find it closed - apparently it was taken out of service once the new recreation plan for the area was put in place. News to me.
OK, so back to the mtn bike trail, up it to the really cool old road that contours E at 1200', and along that to Catherine Ck. By now, it was a full bluebird day and tanning (or at least a reddish nose) seemed possible.
I had explored the route over Catherine Ck and up Tracy Hill back in January - it's even easier without snow. The big thrill was discovering - by stepping in them - a nest of voracious ticks in the brush at the creek crossing.
And, yes, you can climb straight up a 30 degree slope and flick ticks off yourself at the same time. Tracy Hill is an amazing area of oak groves, scattered pines, open meadows, and expansive views. Wispy clouds were coming in ahead to Tuesday's storm, making fascinating patterns.
Lorain's guide mentions a small pond at 1500' - I was drawn to it by the sound of many, very small, frogs chorusing very loudly.
After that it was back to the TH past the Arch.
I had two opportunities to hike the lower Coyote Wall trail before it was closed, so it won't go down as another one of those missed opportunities. Having continued access to Tracy Hill seems like fair compensation. 12 mi RT, 1800' EG.
. Now if it was a regular white-red sign like ones placed by landowners it would be different matter; my understanding is it's unilateral USFS move to close all unofficial trails in the area or make them official (which was impossible with this trail of course), I've been there twice before and never saw a single sign placed by landowners. But maybe now it changed...
