I explored the hills above Battle Creek in the Cache Creek Hills, watching for shale slopes (fossils), wildflowers, interesting rocks, and wildlife.   There were no trails and I picked an eclectic route.    I spotted more hills to explore, so I will return again this year to climb through the hills.

The Thompson River wound through the valley bottom towards Ashcroft.

And, off to the east Juniper Beach Campground was in the foreground with the Thompson River winding its way down from Savona.

There were some white shale deposits on the slopes, and I looked through various piles and outcrops for fossils.

I climbed to a hilltop only because it was there.

From the viewpoint I looked at new areas to explore up the Battle Creek Canyon.   In the distance were the Arrowstone Hills.    I hiked to the top of the hill on the left side of the photo last year.

In the unfenced areas were some free-range horses who watched me with a bit of caution.

I will return to explore more hills in the area this year.   As always, I proceed with Leave No Trace practices, taking nothing but photos, leaving nothing but ephemeral footprints.

• My rating for this hike –3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0