In order to do my August calendar picture post and the Learned-in-July-List in a timely manner, this week’s Mineral King report is landing on the wrong day. Flex with me, Readers!

It was a time of many people in our neighborhood, with much socializing and renewal of friendships. I felt as if I fit in, never mind that my buddies were 8 and 10.

I did no real hiking, only walks. It is weird to me that I resist going on something as pleasant as a walk with friends. . . cue the whinging. . . it’s too hot, I want to knit, this is a good book. . . When I push myself to get off my duff (what’s a “duff”? Dunno, it came from my dad’s vocabulary), it is always worth the effort.

These guys were tired. Horses and mules don’t often lie down. I wonder if the one on the right is named Spot

The destination was Soda Springs, about 1-1/2 mile from the bridge, an unmarked trail known to locals but occasionally frequented by other folks. It is a spot where we often take visitors when we want them to actually enjoy the walk instead of dragging them straight up one of the other trails or hauling them behind us for long distances to lakes.

The flowers continue to amaze and delight this year with their profusion, abundance, and variety.

Soda Springs is a peculiar little spot of water bubbling out of the ground. People swear that it is carbonated; I think it tastes like the drinking fountains at Hartland Camp when I went to summer camp there. Ick. Metallic.

The flowers!! Looking upstream:

Looking downstream:

Let’s end with an evening shot of Farewell Gap with the Crowley Family Cabin.