If it was, I failed miserably! And no, just two different trails that follow the same path for a bit. It seems like red and blue are really popular colors for blazes. Maybe they stand out more?

Tick nest?

Nothing was really moving. I am not sure at all. I have a couple more pics of it, but they're at home. I'll check and see if I got any better angle on the black mass. A quick google search says not tick eggs - these have legs. The tick eggs seem to be smooth round things. Also, another situation in which I am overly thankful for zoom lenses.

ETA: I can share links of the bigger pics, maybe? Let me know if it works
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ays26B6ij8UulVyu1
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fNTAKtCSJ2xGCQmJ3 <- same photo I posted, but better resolution
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qvjaZA0FlPp5SAJF3

Degrees of difficulty?

Seems all trails would be difficult with no feet.

what? :eyebrow:

Those other pics are visible. It's a mystery but if those things are legs, :bolt:

Right!?! I didn't stay around long. I was afraid of them falling on me or something :eek::greenface

I assume you didn't taste one. :haha:

Nope. I'm on a diet :3eye:

Bwahahaha. :lol2:

I was thinking the different colored blazes night indicate levels of difficulty also.

The hikers represented on the blazes have no feets.

There'd be no getting that stuff outta ya teeth.

I never even noticed that detail!!

The colors don't indicate anything except for which trail you are on. Places with more trails use color and shape for the blazes - no peoples. This park only had 2 trails

Some shots from the dry part of my hike last weekend

Tiny mushroom in the path
Attachment 63879

The path
Attachment 63880

Attachment 63882

A stupid flower that I had to get a photo of and I almost fell down the rocky path when I squatted down. Scratched my UV filter on my lens.
Attachment 63881

Rainy vines. Should've been an indicator
Attachment 63883

Balanced Rock
Attachment 63884

Almost to the top
Attachment 63885

LIZARD!
Attachment 63886