Monday, January 26, 2015

Lower Sentinel Mtn. on Jan 26

Seven hikers left their snowshoes at home so they could enjoy the ankle deep snow of the lower reaches of Sentinel Mountain.  We also enjoyed wonderful views of South Fork, plenty of tracks of wild turkeys and not-so-wild deer.  Someone also claimed that elk had left behind evidence of their presence.  The major steep segment got us up to good viewing elevation in short order (with some heavy breathing.)  Ponderosa pines of many sizes—including one huge old one—decorate the area.  We enjoyed a few rest periods on the snow-free ground beneath big pine trees.
Marilyn, who just got back from scenic skiing in Steamboat Springs, several times graciously expressed her admiration for our views right here at home. 
Next Monday, we'll have another ambulatory event.  A prediction of snow may come true, which may have us back on our snowshoes.  If not, we'll be using our hiking boots (by the way, we discovered that three of our group are blessed with large feet, wearing size13 shoes).  You are welcome to join us for these fairly short hikes in the white stuff.  We leave the South Fork Visitor Center at 10 a.m.
--Doug Knudson  873-5239
 
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Monday, January 19, 2015

Mush, you huskies!

Six snowshoers schushed over the snow of Deep Creek.  It was determined that 1.5 miles up the creek were enough, so we stopped for a while, enjoying the scenery, then headed back 1.5 miles.  We were seen by 4 deer on a distant ridge top; they watched us carefully. 
While six is a nice group, we welcome others to join us--no cost. 
Next Monday, unless we get a deep new layer of snow, we may have to hike on dry slopes, without snowshoes.  We have a plan for that, with a hike to get better acquainted with diverse routes here close to home.  In other words, without new snow, come in your walking boots, ready to go up and down a little, on a gentle dry-land hike, without snowshoes.  Meet at the Visitor Center in South Fork before 10 a.m. --Doug Knudson
 
 
 
Snowshoes barely necessary

 



"Porcupine" tree

 



This is why our route is named Deep Creek

 



Happy explorers

 



Resting rock

 



or enjoy the snow.


Monday, January 12, 2015

Lime Creek Snowshoeing

A nice group of six found "just-right" snow, exactly where Wayne and Linda said it would be.  It was nice to be able to follow in the tracks of others--not too deep, not too soft, not too solid.  About 2.5 miles of beautiful forest near Lime Creek, along with open views of Bristol Head.
 
More snow is predicted for tonight (Monday) and tomorrow, so next Monday bring your snowshoes at 10 a.m. at the South Fork Visitor Center.  Visitors are welcome. Some of us will accompany you if you're getting used to your extra big "shoes."  The exercise is beneficial--very beneficial.  The scenery is gorgeous.  You will be warm in short order.
–Doug Knudson   873-5239
 
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