Snow hiker!

There has been something very odd as I have been walking around in the forest this "summer".  This funny white stuff tries to throw you off your course, wear you down, and sometimes even put you right on your _____!  At least now you only have to worry about snow just under the 5000 foot level, but on the north slopes and the nooks and crannies, there is still up to 5 foot of snow!  At most points along the trails, it will be a patch of 5 foot snow piles (which are fun to play on and do trail tricks), then trail, then snow pile, then a patch that extends further than you can find trail.  Then what?  

  Well, as many times as I have walked Burnt Lake trail #772, I felt very comfortable in my surroundings even though I was no where near the trail.  Map and compass are fun for me and I enjoy figuring out a plan of action.  On this hike I was playing around with the GPS system that Mt. Hood Adventure rents at their shop and I have to admit, I loved it!  I have never been a big fan of GPS, extra batteries, and putting one more thing in my pocket.  (My pockets consist of my wallet, my Suunto Observer minus it's wristband, one fine point Sharpy pen, my Write in the Rain notebook, my camera, a hanky with sweat and nose run off, and one pocket that I store litter that people have left for me).  I am surprised my shorts stay on!  I could just follow the trail on the GPS and I would run right back into the trail and get that feeling of comfort.

  Be aware that not all the trails are in on the GPS software, as with my hike when Burnt Lake trail #772 junctions with Zigzag Mountain trail #775.  In this case I did use my map with GPS to find the ridge I was supposed to be on and hit trail right where I knew it was.  At that point I was on the ridge that was mainly free of snow, so the next 8 miles where a breeze!

  There is still snow out there, so always be prepared and be aware of your surroundings.  

 

  Have some fun in the forest, Chop.