It finally happened, after two years of snow drought got a good amount of snow and cold enough to sustain the snow. This gave an opportunity for hiking in the snow. Started a little late in the day after not being able to get into the ski ares for most awaited ski day post the surgery. But I’m glad I didn’t get there else I would have had this thought and opportunity to walk through the trails.
Started here when the sun was about to set and was hoping to quickly return before the sun went down. I was fully covered up and had my water pack and everything, I guess I knew it was bound to happen. Be prepared for all the possibilities that could happen during the hike is one of my key takeaways and I was prepared. So it was all good.
This is a well travelled trail and there were a few trailblazers who did make it easy for me by walking the path before me, even in this not so conducive weather. The path was clear and but the trail was like a completely different place. There was snow all over and it was so pretty to be there. I did take a few pictures but the pictures do not do justice to the experience of being there and the beauty of it. The stream flowing through the snow was surreal. There were places where the top was frozen and the stream was flowing underneath the ice.
Then reached the cascade falls and it was almost frozen and still falling, living up to it name. Spent some time here trying to see how close I could get to the falls without cracking the ice.
Hiked further down to the Hanging bridge and it was covered in snow and not a lot of folks have gone through it to disturb the snow settlements. Spent some time here and took some time to take it all in. The sun was setting, so only the tree tops on the peaks had the orange hue around them and it was getting little dark. Took some pictures for the blog and then decided to head back.
This is when I realized why not take a different route and not go back the same route back. I had my maps downloaded and the phone had a pretty good charge and I had water and felt I had enough energy to take the longer route back in time before it goes from twilight to the night sky. So started on a different route back. One thing I forgot, was to look at the elevation climb in the route I chose (Another key takeaway for those taking notes). It was uphill most of the way, I felt like I lost because the markings on the trails seemed missing. But with the maps I was able to navigate the trail. Not a nail biter but I did feel a boost of adrenaline when looking down the steep cliffs (I didn’t take pictures of those, because I was little nervous). But then there was this deer that was walking around me, showing off how easily it could climb. But all in good sport. Then it did get dark and the trails were not so visible now, not that it was super visible before.
I finally reached the what felt like the hill top. From here it was mostly down hill, just from elevation perspective. I took a break, had some water and then started heading down. Felt like uphill was easier but now it was slippery. The energy levels were up but my speed went down because of being cautious to now slip and fall. Never knew what was underneath the snow, could have been rocks or branches. It did become dark now and I was rushing to get back to the known trail. When I reached there I was relaxed and started heading back with a sense of accomplishment that I had made it back. Again I don’t think it was life or death situation, but it did keep me on the edge. The moonlight with the snow there was enough light even though I had a bought a headlamp for this situation, and knowingly left at home. I still had my phone torch which was not needed too. Finally reached the end of the trail and back to the paved roads. Felt a little odd walking on roads after walking on the snow for about 2.5 hours. This is the story of my first hike in snow.
Jay
Nice 👏