Helo
We hiked our midweek hike on Ellie Lane Trail but modified our standard loop. At the bottom of the small valley after coming down from Table Rock there are two unnamed, maintained trails that connect with Ellie Lane Trail. We took the lower trail that runs parallel about a third of a mile to Ellie Lane Trail and then rejoins. We had hiked this trail only once before about two years ago finding it a narrow path through the chaparral. It has been recently maintained with the chaparral cut back to about a ten foot width. This trail is much easier than Ellie Lane Trail since this segment of Ellie Lane Trail switchbacks steeply over a hill.
We took our usual snack break on the boulder just south of Ellie Lane Trail at the saddle with clear views to both east and west. We continued toward the junction with Iron Mountain Peak Trail. Just short of the junction, we heard a helo somewhat close and saw that it was moving very slowly. As we watched, it hovered and then landed on the helipad, kicking up a lot of dust. The dust cleared and we thought that we would hike to the helipad since it was about a quarter-mile away. However, after about a minute with the rotor still turning, the helo started kicking up the dust again and lifted off. We’d never seen the helipad in use but it’s nice to know that it’s available for an emergency.
We continued descending Iron Mountain Peak Trail meeting only two hikers on the way down.
We hadn’t hiked for two days and we both enjoyed the exercise and scenery.