Keeping a hiking group together on a backcountry tour can be challenging . . . especially if it is the first time for them to see such wilderness.  Keeping leaders both in the front and back of the group helps to keep some control. Explaining off trail etiquette, and the buddy system, at the beginning, helped somewhat, but there is no substitute for experienced leaders.

This hike, on the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail gave our large group of international visitors a chance to explore trails along the mountain ridge.  Towering fir and Ponderosa pine forests, along with open meadows.

It led to some amazing conversations and newly made friends.