Spring is a time for wildflowers, especially at Catherine Creek in the Columbia Gorge. From mid-February on, a parade of blossoms carpets its rocky slopes. However, last summer the large Burdoin fire burned this area, leaving much of it blackened. What will happen this spring? Will flowers return? On this trip we will visit a site which was unaffected by the fire and compare it with the burned area. Recovery of wild areas from disturbances like fire, floods, and volcanic eruptions is of special interest to biblical creationists because it helps us understand how the entire earth recovered biologically following Noah's Flood.

 (Hiking distance will be about 3 miles. Good physical fitness is required.)

Meet: Promptly at 9:00 A.M. near the Hood River Starbucks. We will conclude by 4:00 P.M.

Leaders: Keith Swenson and Robyn Beck

Questions: E-mail Keith Swenson (khswenson@live.com)

Fee: individual - $35, family - $65