The Chances

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to hike through the Sutter Buttes on the Middle Mountain Foundation's Ridge Trek. I recommend this to anyone who hasn't been! It was a pretty leisurely hike for half the way, but the second half was a bit of a chore. In fact, the second half was optional, in the event people felt they couldn't make it to the top.

On the way in, we passed through Bragg Canyon, learning about the history of the Buttes and their geology.

This was also a bit of a dream of mine. After many years of my father telling me of his time hiking (illegally) through the Buttes when he was young, I was finally able to do it on my own. I wish he was still alive to go with me.

At the beginning of the hike, we saw an old manmade well and a small workshed of sorts, built out of stone. I believe this was a late-1800's structure.


Some of the trees were in early blossom. The guide said that by the April wildflower hikes, these blossoms will not be here.


This view is looking toward where we came in. The pond in the middle is a manmade reservoir that was built in the 60's. Many deer and geese get their water from this reservoir.


The beginning of the final ascent. As you can see, it was pretty steep. National Geographic Topo listed it as 12% grade.


We rested at the top of the first crest. Sadly, I don't have pictures beyond this point, as my camera's battery died. Incidentally, I'm replacing it ASAP!


If you're interested in taking this or other MMF hikes, visit their website at http://www.middlemountain.org/. They are wonderful to work with. I plan on going on a more of these hikes as time goes by.

Finally, if you'd like to see the rest of the pictures I took, you can at http://www.thechances.com/gallery/SutterButtes021806/.