It’s been relatively cool in the Pacific Northwest since I returned from my trip to Wyoming (although the air is once again smoky due to massive Oregon wildfires), so I thought I would take advantage by getting my annual search and rescue fitness assessment out of the way.

A hiking trail in the foreground and left side of frame with conifer trees, downed wood, and ferns and green plants along the ground

I returned to Cast Creek trail where I completed last year’s assessment, along with my initial assessment when I joined the team in 2021.

It was an uneventful walk, as I saw only one other hiker on the trail. But I was excited to see several undisturbed red huckleberries (Vaccinium parvifolium) along the way, and consequently took a little extra time to stop and harvest a handful.

A bright red berry on a thin green leaved branch with the ground and other green, oxalis plants in the background

Multiple red berries on thin green branches and leaves, with trees out of focus in the background

We can complete our fitness assessment any time between 6 months and 12 months after our last, so I’ll likely move next year’s assessment to the spring to avoid the likely heat and wildfire smoke this time of year.

Track

  • Distance: 6.02 miles
  • Ascent: 1,407 ft
  • Time: 1h 57m