Katie did it. She got the GiG lost. Well, not really lost but on the wrong trail that would have ended up in a 10-mile snowshoe, ending in the dark had we not turned around. And we had a newbie with us, so it wasn't the best impression for her. However, she said she was a good one to have it happen to. She wasn't phased much at all.

After a drive to the top of Kings Hill pass at 8 a.m., we started out on the trail that takes one up to the top of Porphyry Peak. After a brief break to use the bathrooms and have a snack on top, we dropped over the side on the Ranch Creek trailhead. However, Katie missed the turn off point. She started wondering why so many people had traveled the usually sparsely used 747 trail and why it was so well marked. She figured Jasmine had come and put up blue diamonds, so it was nice not to have to rely on old marking tape to indicate  the trail. The day, despite being predicted to have snow, was gorgeous and sunny with little wind. We really rejoiced in the beautiful day and discussed how it was good we went to the trailhead instead of cancelling.

However, after the downhill, the trail went back up, another clue that we weren't on 747. We went a bit farther until we came out on a large open area, what must be a beautiful meadow in spring. Then the trail continued up and looked to be the Mizpah Bowl area, and in fact it was.  We turned around, Katie thinking we were on the Ranch Creek trail. A pair of skiers came by and confirmed that we were on Ranch Creek and would have at least five more miles to go before dropping down to the road. And if we did continue, we would get out late and have to hitchhike back to our cars. It was lucky we had decided to go back. But then, we had to face climbing Porphyry Peak again. If we had been on 747, we would have had only a bit of uphill at the end, not a reclimb of a mountain. This had a few of us discouraged, feeling tired. One had knee pain.

So three of the gals went ahead to warn the ski patrol at Top Rock Cafe that we has some who were struggling who may need a ride the rest of the way.  Luckily, no one actually needed the ski patrol as we muscled our way to the top within 20 minutes of the other group.

After meeting at the top, some had coffee and sandwiches in the Top Rock Cafe, while others decided just to head down to the car. We all met together before the end of the trail, feeling lucky to get off our feet.
Then it was off to Cougar Cafe for some drinks: hot chocolate and a few a bit harder than that, before heading home. We arrived home around 6 pm., an hour later than we anticipated, but then we also climbed 800 more feet and went a mile longer than expected too.
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Who went: Mary, Susan, Paula, Dedre, Sara, Katie

Whoever hikes Jefferson Creek next will come upon four snow angels along the trail, one for Chrissie, one for Colette, one for Dan (Sooz's husband) and one for Julie (Sue's daughter). After a tough year of losses, it is hard to hit the trail at times without remembering our dear friends and relatives who are no longer with us except in our memories. So two of us took the plunge into the snow to commemorate our loved ones. Luckily, there were quite a few others who could help us up!

We actually started the day with a quick trip up to take a look at Memorial Falls, a three-quarter mile, slightly uphill climb to see the frozen cascade with water still running behind the crystalized falls. This canyon holds usually holds inversions that chill us, and today was no exception. It also has an ice hazard from the spring that seeps from a large rock. There is no way to avoid the ice as it abuts the creek. But with careful foot placement, we picked our way without any slips this time.

Then we headed up the road less than a quarter mile to hike up Jefferson Creek. The sun was shining and the creek gorgeous with the snow covering parts of it, resembling fluffy floating marshmallows.

After about two miles of hiking, we turned around and headed to see Tony at Bob's bar for a late lunch before going back to Great Falls.
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​Who went: Jeanne, Sue, Susan, Sooz, Maria, Mary N, Katie, Roni

Just Katie and Susan ventured out on a warm (30+ degrees) day with no wind. On the drive, we came across a host of birds, including a huge bald eagle, feeding on a deer by the side of the road. They all flew a ways off as we approached, but it was a sight to see.

Our first stop was for a quick trek without snowshoes to see the frozen Memorial Falls. The parking lot hadn't been plowed, but Susan's truck handled the deep snow well, even getting us over the berm without goosing it. On the hike, what really surprised us was the frost on the rocks. The creekbed really held an inversion, which made us a bit chilly.

Then it was a short drive to the Jefferson Creek parking area, where we took a 1.5 mile hike up the road along the snowed-in camping sites.  The creek held a lot of snow, but it was running and broke through the snow and ice in places, revealing sparkling  crystals and gorgeous ice formations. Before we turned around, flakes started coming down, but not enough to worry about.

We got back to the car and ate our lunch before driving home.

Katie had to get back to town, so we didn't stop for anything to eat.