Flowers, Rushing Water, Sunset Highlight Evening Trek to Sluiceboxes
 Mary S, Gail, June, Cathy K, and Bonnie J arrived at the Sluice Boxes Trail Head about 5 PM and were grateful for the cool breezes that accompanied us as we made our way to the railroad tunnel. Belt Creek was running at its Spring time high levels, providing us with the rushing sounds of water that were never far from our earshot. From what we can remember (ha!) we saw Mt. Bluebells, Sugar Bowls, Oregon Grapes (?) , Arrow leaf Biscuit Root, Mt. Clematis, and a bunch of “little white flowers” that none of us could remember their names! We were greeted along stretches of the trail by White Lilac fragrances, that along with the cool breezes were refreshing and delightful. We reached the tunnel around 7PM for our ‘poles-up’ photo shot and short rest. Wanting to be back to our car before sunset, we made a small push back to the trail head, arriving about 8:30. Great timing!! While the hike was a splendid “after work” revitalizer, it was almost paled by the beautiful sunset that greeted us as we headed back into Great Falls! The distant mountain tops appeared to be ablaze in a golden fire-like backdrop. The approaching storm clouds that spread throughout the sky, with their swirls and bunching, also reflected oranges, reds and pinks that were spectacular. Ours was not the only car pulled to side of the highway to take pictures of the amazing sun set. Cameras could not do justice the intricacies and highlights of dusk-show! All in all, a wonderful way to end a ‘work-day’! |
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