Trip Report

The trip to the Steens was enjoyed by all. First I would like to thank the individuals who help make this trip so much fun and very comfortable. Nancy Whitfield, who went early with me to make sure we could grab the needed camp sites for the group. We did grab the group site usually it is full. Brad and Mike came the next day. They included in their gear many items the group used that kept us dry and warm. Oversized pop up with a 14 foot rug plus a propane fire pit. Bea, for leading the caravan over on Monday getting them to camp at 4. The first day Nancy and I checked out the water crossing at the Bilitzen Creek, high and fast. So we moved up stream and found a safer place. Sunday, Brad and Mike showed up setup their camp and we all took off to check out horses and do a short hike pasted Roaring Springs Ranch. We found large heard of horses and an old line shack with old old wood stove. BLM, setup year round water trough. We were gently herded away by 2 young stallion who wanted a drink. The hike that day was short and steep. We were treated to watching 3 teenage girls heading a large group of range bulls to new pastures. We made back to camp in time to meet the caravan. Everyone got to setup and get ready for the hike into Big Indian Canyon. There are 3 water crossings in the first 3 miles of hike. With the help of Brad and Mike everyone made all 3 without incident. After that I cut lose the 5 fast hikers to try for the head wall. 2 turned around after 5 miles. All others were back together prior to creek crossings. The wildflowers and the geology were great. Wednesday, 3 hikers headed for the upper locked gate and the rim.
The rest of us headed for Riddle Ranch by car or foot. While everyone checked out the historic ranch I-took off to check out the Willow Creek trail. Nancy and I hiked this trail to the confluence of Bilitzen Creek and Big Indian Creek. That evening we were all surprised by a blueberry cobbler thanks to Ross Davies and his Dutch oven. Very good. We received are usual nightly weather report thanks to Mike. Rain from 9pm to 6 am. We had great weather all week until 6am Thursday when we woke up to 2 inches of wet sloppy snow. No, Blitzen hike. Out came the propane fire pit we gathered around this for the next 3 hour or so before it finally stopped. At this point I called the trip. Some people packed up and took off for home
. A few stayed one more night to keep from driving at night. Over half the group had never been to this area so I had a great time leading this trip.