Mickelson Trail

Karen caught this scene our first day on the trail near the Kirk Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:13:13Z

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Karen caught this scene our first day on the trail near the Kirk Trailhead

South of the Kirk Trailhead; we believe this is Whitewood Creek

2009-06-11T12:13:37Z

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South of the Kirk Trailhead; we believe this is Whitewood Creek

Remnants of the old Bismark and Wasp mine area not far from the Englewood Trailhead. Gold, tungsten and silver were mined here, but never with great success

2009-06-11T12:00:30Z

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Remnants of the old Bismark and Wasp mine area not far from the Englewood Trailhead. Gold, tungsten and silver were mined here, but never with great success

Wildflower not far from the Kirk Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:13:55Z

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Wildflower not far from the Kirk Trailhead

Beetween Kirk and Englewood

2009-06-11T12:19:20Z

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Beetween Kirk and Englewood

Karen takes a break near the Kirk-Sugarloaf junction at MP100.5

2009-06-14T17:13:44Z

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Karen takes a break near the Kirk-Sugarloaf junction at MP100.5

From the trail; a rare afternoon shot. We were usually off the trail by early afternoon

2009-06-11T11:53:23Z

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From the trail; a rare afternoon shot. We were usually off the trail by early afternoon

Near the Dumont Trailhead north of Rochford

2009-06-11T12:17:04Z

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Near the Dumont Trailhead north of Rochford

Larry readies his camera for a deer crossing the trail

2009-06-11T12:07:52Z

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Larry readies his camera for a deer crossing the trail

Wild daisies are abundant throughout the Black Hills

2009-06-14T17:04:18Z

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Wild daisies are abundant throughout the Black Hills

A trailside stream between Dumont and Rochford

2009-06-11T12:03:00Z

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A trailside stream between Dumont and Rochford

A lush meadow along the trail south of Dumont

2009-06-14T17:12:21Z

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A lush meadow along the trail south of Dumont

Karen spotted this beaver near Tunnel D north of Rochford

2009-02-15T17:59:55Z

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Karen spotted this beaver near Tunnel D north of Rochford

Trail security? No, just a few dozen National Guard OCS trainees hiking from Lead to Rochford -- about 25 miles. They coveted our bicycles!

2009-06-14T17:06:13Z

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Trail security? No, just a few dozen National Guard OCS trainees hiking from Lead to Rochford -- about 25 miles. They coveted our bicycles!

Karen stands before one of four hardrock tunnels on the trail. These were cut for the original railroad line between Edgemont and Deadwood. Burlington Northern abandoned the line in 1983.

2009-06-11T12:19:06Z

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Karen stands before one of four hardrock tunnels on the trail. These were cut for the original railroad line between Edgemont and Deadwood. Burlington Northern abandoned the line in 1983.

Birds were our most frequent companions on the trail, providing photo opportunities and plenty of music

2009-06-11T12:20:09Z

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Birds were our most frequent companions on the trail, providing photo opportunities and plenty of music

The early bird stands guard

2009-06-14T17:39:55Z

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The early bird stands guard

We saw many Redwing Blackbirds in the central Black Hills

2009-06-11T11:56:50Z

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We saw many Redwing Blackbirds in the central Black Hills

Relatively new dwelling north of the Englewood Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:03:34Z

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Relatively new dwelling north of the Englewood Trailhead

No matter the size, Karen always seems mesmerized with, if not fond of, any snakes. This is a small green snake

2009-06-14T17:22:34Z

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No matter the size, Karen always seems mesmerized with, if not fond of, any snakes. This is a small green snake

Docile with Karen, this green snake was downright irritated with Larry

2009-02-15T17:21:46Z

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Docile with Karen, this green snake was downright irritated with Larry

These were abundant along the trail

2009-06-11T12:02:38Z

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These were abundant along the trail

We saw wild flowers of all sizes and descriptions

2009-06-11T12:07:17Z

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We saw wild flowers of all sizes and descriptions

Larry captured this daisy with his Canon Rebel

2009-06-11T12:22:31Z

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Larry captured this daisy with his Canon Rebel

Cyanide-lid roofed building at MP-89.4 Obviously, this was built long before the Environmental Protection Agency was created!

2009-06-11T12:37:57Z

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Cyanide-lid roofed building at MP-89.4 Obviously, this was built long before the Environmental Protection Agency was created!

Much land adjacent to the trail is privately owned, and occasionally their critters try the trail

2009-06-11T12:39:30Z

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Much land adjacent to the trail is privately owned, and occasionally their critters try the trail

Site of the old CCC camp near Rochford

2009-06-11T12:37:32Z

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Site of the old CCC camp near Rochford

Approaching from the north -- Rochford is just around the corner

2009-06-14T16:53:15Z

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Approaching from the north -- Rochford is just around the corner

That's the Rochford Town Hall

2009-06-11T12:43:41Z

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That's the Rochford Town Hall

You've heard of the Ivy League? Rochford University may well be affiliated with the Pine Cone League!

2009-06-11T12:25:04Z

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You've heard of the Ivy League? Rochford University may well be affiliated with the Pine Cone League!

Administration Building for Rochford University

2009-02-15T17:21:09Z

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Administration Building for Rochford University

Closed on Mondays, this is the Black Hills-famous Rochford Mall

2009-06-14T16:57:16Z

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Closed on Mondays, this is the Black Hills-famous Rochford Mall

We also found it closed on a Tuesday

2009-06-11T12:48:24Z

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We also found it closed on a Tuesday

The Moonshine Gulch Saloon has character -- and pretty good hamburgers

2009-06-11T12:24:10Z

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The Moonshine Gulch Saloon has character -- and pretty good hamburgers

A cabin nestled along the trail between Mystic and Hill City

2009-06-14T17:07:09Z

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A cabin nestled along the trail between Mystic and Hill City

Both Castle Creek and Rapid Creek can be seen between Rochford and Mystic

2009-02-15T17:56:55Z

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Both Castle Creek and Rapid Creek can be seen between Rochford and Mystic

Larry focuses on one of the four old rail tunnels that now accommodate Mickelson Trail bikers

2009-02-15T18:00:16Z

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Larry focuses on one of the four old rail tunnels that now accommodate Mickelson Trail bikers

We generally found the bridges on the northern half of the Mickelson Trail to be better constructed and smoother. This one is north of Hill City

2009-06-14T17:22:26Z

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We generally found the bridges on the northern half of the Mickelson Trail to be better constructed and smoother. This one is north of Hill City

A cabin....a creek....and a golfing green. It doesn't get much better than this!

2009-06-14T17:07:28Z

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A cabin....a creek....and a golfing green. It doesn't get much better than this!

Shadows along a Mickelson Trail bridge

2009-02-15T17:59:17Z

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Shadows along a Mickelson Trail bridge

These residents are from Winner, South Dakota, and they have a nice getaway home in the northern Black Hills

2009-06-14T17:34:32Z

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These residents are from Winner, South Dakota, and they have a nice getaway home in the northern Black Hills

Plant life along the Mickelson Trail

2009-06-11T12:09:22Z

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Plant life along the Mickelson Trail

Governor George S. Mickelson dedicated the first six miles of the trail in 1991

2009-06-14T17:21:37Z

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Governor George S. Mickelson dedicated the first six miles of the trail in 1991

Originally named the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail, it was re-named in 1993 following the untimely death of Governor Mickelson

2009-06-14T17:04:03Z

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Originally named the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail, it was re-named in 1993 following the untimely death of Governor Mickelson

Mornings on the trail are especially pleasant when you're greeted by bright wild flowers

2009-06-14T17:07:00Z

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Mornings on the trail are especially pleasant when you're greeted by bright wild flowers

Animals, skylines, and beautiful creeks offered lots of photo opportunities

2009-06-14T17:19:17Z

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Animals, skylines, and beautiful creeks offered lots of photo opportunities

Falls between Rochford and Mystic -- one of our favorite places

2009-02-15T17:55:20Z

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Falls between Rochford and Mystic -- one of our favorite places

Karen focuses on a wildflower

2009-06-11T12:24:22Z

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Karen focuses on a wildflower

Trail entry at Rochford

2009-06-11T12:10:06Z

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Trail entry at Rochford

Rochford Trailhead

2009-06-14T17:29:30Z

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Rochford Trailhead

Pretty. Wonder what it is?

2009-06-11T12:10:42Z

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Pretty. Wonder what it is?

This is a Black-eyed Susan

2009-02-15T17:55:37Z

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This is a Black-eyed Susan

Karen leads the way between Rochford and Mystic

2009-06-11T12:05:10Z

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Karen leads the way between Rochford and Mystic

A captivating meadow just north of the Mystic Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:06:39Z

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A captivating meadow just north of the Mystic Trailhead

The Mystic Trailhead was a loading/unloading point for the Millers

2009-06-11T12:25:50Z

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The Mystic Trailhead was a loading/unloading point for the Millers

McCahan Chapel at Mystic was built with funds contributed by a lady back east

2009-06-11T12:12:40Z

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McCahan Chapel at Mystic was built with funds contributed by a lady back east

That's Harney peak looming to the south. At 7,242 ft., it's the highest point in the Black Hills

2009-06-14T17:12:47Z

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That's Harney peak looming to the south. At 7,242 ft., it's the highest point in the Black Hills

Newer structures north of Hill City -- many appear to be rentals

2009-02-15T17:53:08Z

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Newer structures north of Hill City -- many appear to be rentals

In 1890-91, four tunnels and some 100 miles of track were laid in just 255 days

2009-06-11T12:08:19Z

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In 1890-91, four tunnels and some 100 miles of track were laid in just 255 days

I'll have to ask engineer Pat Vaught about this device; it appears to be a smokestack -- but from what?

2009-06-11T12:02:14Z

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I'll have to ask engineer Pat Vaught about this device; it appears to be a smokestack -- but from what?

There are numerous rest stops along the trail -- not just at trailheads

2009-02-15T17:59:04Z

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There are numerous rest stops along the trail -- not just at trailheads

Nine miles north of Hill City -- the Redfern section house

2009-06-14T17:09:24Z

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Nine miles north of Hill City -- the Redfern section house

Ponderosa Pine and Blue Spruce dominate much of the Mickelson Trail

2009-06-11T12:16:34Z

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Ponderosa Pine and Blue Spruce dominate much of the Mickelson Trail

Morning in Mystic -- looking north

2009-06-14T17:14:15Z

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Morning in Mystic -- looking north

A slate wall overlooks the Mickelson Trail just south of the Mystic Trailhead

2009-06-11T11:52:12Z

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A slate wall overlooks the Mickelson Trail just south of the Mystic Trailhead

Looking north near the Mystic Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:08:55Z

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Looking north near the Mystic Trailhead

Karen takes a break near Tunnel B

2009-06-14T17:11:35Z

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Karen takes a break near Tunnel B

Looking north from Tracy Park in Hill City

2009-06-11T12:06:55Z

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Looking north from Tracy Park in Hill City

The Hill City Trailhead at MP 60.1

2009-02-15T17:57:00Z

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The Hill City Trailhead at MP 60.1

Meadow near Oreville

2009-02-15T17:57:00Z

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Meadow near Oreville

Along U.S. 385 near Crazy Horse monument -- a tourist attraction?

2009-06-14T17:33:07Z

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Along U.S. 385 near Crazy Horse monument -- a tourist attraction?

A trailside farmstead between Englewood and Dumont Trailheads

2009-06-11T12:24:06Z

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A trailside farmstead between Englewood and Dumont Trailheads

Between Rochford and Mystic -- a creative yard sign

2009-06-14T17:11:22Z

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Between Rochford and Mystic -- a creative yard sign

A rustic building remains just below "The Mountain" Trailhead

2009-06-11T12:27:58Z

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A rustic building remains just below "The Mountain" Trailhead

Karen testing her stamina up the long mile to Crazy Horse

2009-06-11T12:02:25Z

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Karen testing her stamina up the long mile to Crazy Horse

Sign near Milepost 49 tells about the Custer Expedition through this region in 1874

2009-06-11T12:11:03Z

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Sign near Milepost 49 tells about the Custer Expedition through this region in 1874

Signs often warn bikers about rattlesnakes and poison ivy -- we saw neither. Yay!

2009-06-14T17:04:09Z

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Signs often warn bikers about rattlesnakes and poison ivy -- we saw neither. Yay!

These cloud formations transported Karen to frontier times -- she said these could have been smoke signals

2009-06-11T12:22:18Z

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These cloud formations transported Karen to frontier times -- she said these could have been smoke signals

Horses quench their thirst adjacent to the "Mountain" trailhead north of Custer

2009-06-11T11:58:41Z

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Horses quench their thirst adjacent to the "Mountain" trailhead north of Custer

North of Custer

2009-06-11T12:21:52Z

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North of Custer

Usually the more cautious one, Karen allows herself to take a hand from the handlebar to wave "hello"

2009-06-11T12:18:57Z

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Usually the more cautious one, Karen allows herself to take a hand from the handlebar to wave "hello"

Beautiful outcropping of rocks north of Custer

2009-06-14T17:05:07Z

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Beautiful outcropping of rocks north of Custer

Better days were in the past. Crazy Horse monument is just over the hill south of the teepees on the ridge

2009-02-15T17:58:20Z

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Better days were in the past. Crazy Horse monument is just over the hill south of the teepees on the ridge

You can't take the country out of the girl! Karen makes friends near The Mountain Trailhead

2009-06-14T17:12:40Z

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You can't take the country out of the girl! Karen makes friends near The Mountain Trailhead

"The Mountain" trailhead just south of Crazy Horse

2009-06-11T12:02:33Z

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"The Mountain" trailhead just south of Crazy Horse

Between The Mountain Trailhead and Custer

2009-06-11T12:10:22Z

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Between The Mountain Trailhead and Custer

Near Milepost 49 north of Custer

2009-06-14T17:08:11Z

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Near Milepost 49 north of Custer

Deer are abundant along the trail -- as are wild turkeys

2009-06-11T12:02:01Z

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Deer are abundant along the trail -- as are wild turkeys

Bambi wanted in the picture, too!

2009-06-14T17:11:15Z

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Bambi wanted in the picture, too!

Karen on the downhill segment into Custer

2009-02-15T17:56:18Z

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Karen on the downhill segment into Custer

Most of the trail has a three percent grade or less

2009-06-11T12:01:11Z

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Most of the trail has a three percent grade or less

Old buildings adorn the trail just north of Pringle

2009-02-15T18:00:12Z

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Old buildings adorn the trail just north of Pringle

Feldspar, a silicate of aluminum used to make white glaze for bathroom fixtures, was mined at White Elephant south of Custer

2009-06-11T12:02:01Z

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Feldspar, a silicate of aluminum used to make white glaze for bathroom fixtures, was mined at White Elephant south of Custer

Sanator, near Milepost 37 north of Pringle, was a tuberculosis sanatorium and later the Custer State Hospital. It is now the Custer Youth Corrections Center

2009-06-14T17:09:12Z

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Sanator, near Milepost 37 north of Pringle, was a tuberculosis sanatorium and later the Custer State Hospital. It is now the Custer Youth Corrections Center

The Mickelson Trail passes under State Highway 89 a few miles south of Custer

2009-06-11T12:24:12Z

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The Mickelson Trail passes under State Highway 89 a few miles south of Custer

Looking south from a rock summit about four miles south of Custer

2009-06-11T12:16:47Z

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Looking south from a rock summit about four miles south of Custer

"Final Resting Place" just south of Custer

2009-06-14T17:01:57Z

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"Final Resting Place" just south of Custer

Several "W" signs remain along the trail -- they reminded engineers to "whistle" for upcoming crossings

2009-06-11T12:12:15Z

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Several "W" signs remain along the trail -- they reminded engineers to "whistle" for upcoming crossings

The Mickelson Trail is usually far from major roads or cities; State Highway 89 near Pringle runs right alongside the trail

2009-06-11T12:02:47Z

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The Mickelson Trail is usually far from major roads or cities; State Highway 89 near Pringle runs right alongside the trail

This deer carcass serves as a reminder that highways are hazardous

2009-06-14T17:04:09Z

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This deer carcass serves as a reminder that highways are hazardous