Not long after the Falls you get "Hobson's Choice"
We enjoyed the climb up Hamilton, lots of little spur trails to explore & great views to take in.
As we approached the top we got some great views of Table Mountain to the East but the Wind was pretty strong on top so we didn't linger for long. We made our way to the Saddle Junction were the views were also great & the wind wasn't nearly as bad so we stopped for lunch.
After lunch we headed on down Dons Cutoff Trail & then up & over the new bridge discussed in other recent posts.
The lower end of the new connector trail is still quite basic but an army of volunteers are working their was down from the top to the bottom.
Climbing again, we didn't meet any hikers on the connector trail but once on the Hardy Ridge Road/Trail we ran into a steady stream of hikers heading up the ridge. We made our way along the ridge and up to Phlox Point. looking back down the ridge we were also treated to great views of Hamilton we we had been a few hours before.
The return trip was uneventful, back down the trail & road to the junction with the Hardy Creek Trail, then back on down to the Falls & trailhead. The final mile between the falls & the trailhead was very busy with a lot of people heading up to the falls at 4:00pm, I'm always thinking of home by 4:00pm!
Back at the car we decided that a reward was in order for our 2 summit day
If anyone has done this route with a GPS I'd love to know what you came up with mileage & elevation wise. VonMarmot estimated it at 12.5 miles & 3900 feet but my legs say it was a bit more than that but those up down & up again hikes always seem a bit harder!
More photos of the day live here.
