January 6, 2009 Hike #1
It's time to take advantage of ideal trail conditions. The mountains could definitely need some fresh snow, but as far as getting to the top of the mountain in good time, conditions couldn't be better. So with that in mind and a snowstorm in the forecast, I took the day off from work to continue my assault on the 48 in 1 winter. My dog, Madison, has joined me for the day.
Scar Ridge from the parking lot
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The Osceolas from the parking lot
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The trail was so well packed I started today's hike without putting my snowshoes on.
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There are definitely some advantages to hiking in the winter. The rocks are now all hidden. I didn't need to rock hop across the streams. They were frozen over so I just walked right across.
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Arrow Slide on North Hancock
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As I made the last half mile push up to North Hancock the snow had drifted so I put my snowshoes on.
Nearing the summit
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Maddie was patiently waiting for me on the 4420' summit of North Hancock.
This makes winter #25 for me overall and #6 for this winter.
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Maddie and I then walked down to the overlook.
I saw her pawprints, evidence that she had already been here.
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Maddie at the Hancock lookout with Scar Ridge in the background.
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We headed over to South Hancock. Here's a look back at North Hancock.
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Maddie and I stopped for a few minutes at the 4319' summit of South Hancock. This was winter #26 for me and #7 for this winter. I then enjoyed a long, fun butt slide down. Maddie had fun chasing me. Once we finished the Hancock Loop Trail, I met the only hiker of the day at the junction. His name was Mike. He had two HUGE dogs, Goliath, a St. Bernard and Winston, a Newfoundland.
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"I can't imagine what your grocery bill is for them," I said.
"I go through a 40 lb bag of dog food a week," Mike said.
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"What's your dog's name," Mike asked.
"Madison," I replied.
"After the mountain."
"You bet."
After talking with Mike for a few minutes. Madison and I were on the move. Once back at the parking lot, the only other vehicle besides mine was a Jeep. That must be a tight fit for Mike getting both those dogs in there. All right, it was only 12:30. Plenty of time for hike #2.
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