Windy Pass Gives Way to Sunny Hike, Sculpture Garden Walk
The roads weren't too bad for a winter drive up two passes: Rogers and then Flesher. But the wind whipped us at the top, sending scarves flying and turning us freezing cold as we got on our gear. Some had to head out quickly as hypothermia threatened. Leaving early gave some of the gals first dibs on the one outhouse about a quarter of a mile into this hike along the Continental Divide Trails or CDT. We forwent the traditional start up the hill to the views into the Seeley/Swan valley and stuck to the road to shelter us from the howling wind. And sheltered we were from then on out, only occasionally feeling a bit of a breeze. After everyone geared up and made it to the picnic area, we followed the freshly broken trail, which actually headed up much higher than the real trail, revealing more views. The colors were popping today: The blue skies contrasted with the fresh white snow. The lime green wolf lichen clung to the trees, making for some pretty photos. At the first view point, our newbie for the day decided she had gotten her fill of trying a new sport. She and Carolyn turned around while the rest of us went another mile down the trail. We made it to the overlook; however, the clouds blocked our view into the Seeley/Swan. When we arrived back at the pass, we found the wind just as strong as when we arrived. Hats and scarves went flying again. Then it was on to Lambkins in Lincoln for a lunch--everyone was very hungry as we didn't make it until 1:15. After lunch, we headed to Blackfoot Pathways sculpture garden to see the new constructed items from this summer among the wonderful ones from prior years. It really is a fun walkaround. Read about it here We headed home by 3:30, so that the melted snow wouldn't turn to ice on the way home. We arrived back around 5 p.m. Who went: Carolyn, Sandy, Susan, Kuntzie, Roni, Deb, Emily, Bonnie, Katie |