On the Spring Equinox we hiked in the Dewdrop Range, using the Bluebird Trail as a starting point, then climbing up to the top of Dewdrop Ridge.    We hiked northwest on the trail on top of the ridge as it angled down to join the Battle Bluff Trail.   From there we went west on the Bluebird Trail, adding a loop route up to a viewpoint, then all the way back to the start.    The weather was mild, but windy.    This is an outstanding hike in any month, but even better on the first day of spring.

From the east end of Dewdrop Ridge, there are excellent views of Kamloops Lake, the Thompson River and the hills above the valley.

As we went west on the Ridge, we looked down on Battle Bluff and at the western end, the views extended down Kamloops Lake.

The Bluebird Trail winds through grasslands hills and open forest.    It extends for 6 km, but for this day we wanted to do about half that, enjoying the meadowlarks singing, the sagebrush buttercups in bloom, and shrubs leafing out.    To the north, the Red Plateau Escarpment rises 2000 feet above the Dewdrop Range.    We will be back to hike to the rim when the trails dry out later in spring.

We did encounter ticks, but we know the protocol and removed any passengers before driving away.    All those clothes go directly into the washer and we continue to check for any hitchhikers for this day and for the next weeks of hiking.