Bard Creek
Our plan was to wander around the trails near Empire and Bard Creek would be the start. We aired down at a parking area very close to town and the weather looked like it was going to be perfect. We didn't even see any other traffic on its way up.
We passed by the trailhead for Democrat Mountain, planning on coming back to it. Then we were off to see the rest of the trail.
It was bumpy in spots but not too bad. We saw a couple of hikers and vehicles parked to the side of the road. We didn't get out to check out Bard Creek Mine at all because there wasn't anywhere to park our group.
When we got to the end we drove to the top of the mine tailings and parked. There were some people starting the hiking trail that continues up the valley. It was nice and sunny but not too warm, so we weren't in a hurry to get back in our vehicles. Still, we had a lot planned for the day so we eventually got back in our rigs to drive back down.
When we got to the trailhead for Democrat Mountain there was someone camping there who had a dead car battery. Hoa gave him a jump start and we chatted for a little bit. Then we were off to our next trail.
Report from a Different Day
