Sept 12; An early start the next morning for the first hike of the trip. The weather is perfect (about 60), and homemade breakfast at the cute B&B Inn helps to power myself and other hikers staying here.

Small rabbits roam freely everywhere on the grounds here, and I see wild turkeys and a large elk near the inn and adjacent river most days. But I came here to hike -- so let's get started.

Bear Lake is scenic, and a good starting point since it connects to many other hikes, lakes and trails here.