Snowy Hike Story

For the past few weeks I've been aching to hike up to a fire tower near by. The path isn't too bad, but I've had some issues with my knee preventing me from any steep hikes. So today I drove the 45 minutes to the trail head.

Here there's barely a dusting of snow. The more I traveled north though, the more accumulation there was. When I finally turned onto the dirt road taking me the 7 miles down to the trailhead I felt like I was driving at home, 20 mph, and in the middle of the road. There was probably about 6 inches on the road, and being dirt it was just compacted snow.

It was a bit nerve-wracking, looking at my gas gauge reading a quarter tank, knowing I was in the middle of nowhere. I figured I may not be able to hike the path, but I at least wanted to try.

Finally crunching through the snow into the parking lot at the trail I felt excited. Getting out of the car the snow was halfway up my shins! Thankfully I put my long underwear on under my jeans, and brought a hat and gloves, so I was all prepared to go. I strapped my camera case over my back, locked up the car, and hit the trail.

To find the trail I just followed the tracks of the hikers in front of me. Actually, without those it would've taken me a good half-hour just to find it! About 100 yards into the path there was a small registration booth, pretty typical for trails around here. In a pull-down section there's a registration book you sign with your name, address, and phone number, so the police know if anyone is still on the trail.

After signing in I made my way up the path. It's pretty level at the beginning, but that didn't matter. Usually when hiking the paths are rough, with roots and rocks. Imagine that all covered in a foot of powdery snow. I tried following the footsteps of the people who had passed through earlier, but my footing slipped quite a few times making the walk slow and scary. It's like walking blindfolded.

After passing by a picnic bench and fire pit, the trail seemed to peter off. I made my way up the only clear area. The path became increasingly difficult as the incline steepened. At only a half mile into the path I realized it was far too dangerous to be hiking in the snow. I couldn't quite make out the path, and I was having a very difficult time keeping my footing under the slippery conditions.

On my way back down I took many of the pictures below. Now I'm home safe, and about to go take a hot shower! I'm still chilled through!

Snowy Hike

Hike Sandstone

Last weekend I wanted to go hiking, and upon the suggestion of a friend, I decided to hike another trail along the river. The pictures below are from the trip. You can start from a few different spots, but I decided to start at the halfway point and hike the northern end of the trail.

It follows the river from an intake, along the penstock, past the power plant, and then onto an island (which is really a peninsula). It was raining throughout, so I kept my hood up, and watched my step, but it was gorgeous!

Finishing up the trail I walked along the road next to the penstock back to my car. I always look forward to these little day trips, because it pulls me from artificial and places me back in the real world.

Hiking Again!

Oh Canada, and hike.

My apologies for not posting stories on my most recent trips. It's been a busy few weeks. In any case...

Oh Canada:
A few weekends ago I traveled to Prescott, Canada to house-sit/visit with a friend. It was a great weekend, you should see some pictures below.

I wish it was legal to stop a car on the bridge so I could take a picture looking down the span, but the customs officers gave me a hard enough time. I know, I know... I just appear to be such a trouble maker (no comments from the peanut gallery, if you please).

Anyway, I had a great time. It was nice to be able to go for a hike in a small town, and walk along the St. Lawrence Seaway for a bit. I have to admit it was cold, so the walk was very short.


Hiking
The following weekend I went on a hike along Stone Valley. It's a 4 mile hike (I believe) along the river. Weaving in and out of the woods, and up and down hills it was a great hike. The trail starts at the power plant/dam in one town, and follows the river downstream.

From the pictures you can see the water was rampant, and there were signs everywhere telling people to stay away from the river, as it rose without warning. It was a gorgeous walk.

Alright, I have more stories, but I'll post more pictures, and then tell the accompanying stories.

Hiking

Oh Canada