5:17 p.m. on April 19, 2012 (EDT)
peter1955
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On Sunday the 17th of July we left the hostel for an easy walk up Ribbon Creek. Elevation gain per my altimeter 535m over 7.5 km each way.
The hike starts with a walk up an old road that follows the creek. Within a kilometer or so, it gradually turns into more of a hiking trail although it's still accessable by bike.
At about 4 km, there is a rack to lock up bikes, and the trail is a bit more interesting. Waterfalls, and nice views of the mountains that ring the valley, and lots of good places to stop for a break.

After a while it opens up as it rises, and eventually you reach the Ribbon Falls campground, then Ribbon Falls at 350 m elevation.
The trail climbs from there steeply up through the forest then pops out and traverses up to the chains to Ribbon Lake.

One problem with leading a group hike is always deciding where you are supposed to be. Do I get to go with the more advanced people up the chains, since they're the ones who are taking the biggest risk, or do I have to stay with the larger group of less advanced people, since they are presumably the ones most likely to need care? This time, I decided I had to stay back with the three slower people, so I missed the final leg.
Still, nice views and good company.
Lunch, then back down again, an easy walk back to the hostel. 
More pics:
