Bobcatting Cowles Pond to Cave Creek **THURSDAY**

Description: Bobcatting Cowles Pond to Cave Creek (Thursday)
Round Trip Hiking Distance: (see description) 6.75 or 8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4+ hours
Elevations: 8200'-8600' or 8200'-8800'
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Mellow Plus

Please know your Atalaya ability before RSVPing and do not RSVP for this hike if you cannot go up and down Atalaya in under 3 hours. This helps us to stay together as a group enhancing the hiking experience for everyone. It is not about competition, but cooperation. This is a group hike and participants are expected to stay with the group. You must be vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend this hike and if you have recently contracted or definitely been exposed to Covid-19, you must be in compliance with CDC rules on quarantining and isolation. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description:
Cave Creek looks great right now, so I'm scheduling this special hike to catch the blooms before they fade. Since Panchuela campground is closed for renovations, the hike will start about 1.5 miles from that trailhead at Cowles Pond. Because of this extra distance, we may cut this short and not go to the Cave, but rather just enjoy the wildflowers. It'll be a game time decision.

Anyway, Cave Creek trail, about a 1 1/4 hours from Santa Fe, follows the Panchuela River through woodland and meadows full of at-their-peak lady slipper orchids (see pic) as well as about 20 other wildflowers. The orchids are putting on quite a show and hopefully it will last until Thursday. Just over 3.25 miles in, the trail turns and crosses the river via a stepping stone bridge that is not hard to cross. If we cross, we'd continue along Cave Creek for another .6 miles to the eponymous cave before returning as we came.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 3+ hour hike
Lunch and snacks

Meeting Place:
We'll meet in the north parking lot of Albertsons at St Francis and Zia, along Zia Road. Enter from Zia and immediately turn right in the lot. We leave promptly at the meet time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. Parking may require a Federal park pass (it's unclear).

Drivers/SUVs. Car pooling is up to attendees. The road is okay for all vehicles.

Release. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including: 1) injuries from falls, living things, pre-existing health conditions, vehicles, and weather, and 2) injuries resulting from the Event Leaders not undertaking the least risky option available (e.g., hiking a steep slope instead of a gentle slope) or not treating an injury in the optimal way (e.g., due to insufficient training). The preceding sentence supplements any other exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.