The "better weather" survivors turn it around near Alpine Trail #7's Malfunction Junction. (Keith Hammer photos)

Fourteen Swan Rangers went after the Switchback Trail again on Saturday, April 27, hoping to hike higher up Mt. Aeneas on a better weather day!

Folks turned around in small groups at various points as hiking slowly evolved into post-holing!

A blue sky morning slowly turned gray and windy, but griz tracks and nice views made the day!

Everyone got high enough into the burned area to get nice views of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake!

A "better weather" view of Mud, Echo and Flathead Lakes.

The Swan Range, left, didn't get its top mowed off by the glaciers like the north end of the MIssion Mountains did (center)!

A grizzly bear recently crossed over from Camp Misery to the Birch Creek dainage!

Time to head home!

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 7:30, leaving at 8:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills. (These earlier hours will remain until November).

They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.

When hiking in bear country, remember to carry bear spray and avoid the 3-D's: dawn, dusk, and darkness.

Everyone is welcome!