Gail Solves Snafu with Brand New Snowshoes
The roads were essentially clear most of the way and with very little traffic. We arrived around 9:40 am in the parking lot and began to don our snow shoes and other gear when Maria mentioned that she needed assistance with her brand new MSR snow shoes. She just wasn't able to adjust the straps effectively to allow for comfort when walking. Some of our ladies with MSR experience, stepped in to assist but without success. There were a few frustrating moments struggling with her equipment when Maria said " I've got enough problems right now!". In the midst of this.. Susan C. found a black plastic piece of something un known to anyone around.. We decided to leave the plastic piece at the car in case we would need it later. As we headed across the parking lot to the head of the trail, Brenda, began to fiddle with her new snow shoes and seemingly had trouble with the fit of them, too!!
Gail, in her wisdom, came to the rescue and determined that both pairs of snow shoes still had some of the packaging materials attached to them which interfered with appropriate fit!! Tis explains the mysterious black piece that Susan C. found near her car!! AH HA!! Once that was settled, we headed up our trail with Gail in the lead and Susie M and Susan W. as sweep. Now the adventure would begin!!
And what a beautiful day to snow shoe. The temps were actually perfect with wind from the south at 10 miles per hour. Once we travelled into the trees , the temp stabilized to 32 degrees which turned out to be very comfortable. With blue skies, we headed toward the hut on the Chaser trail where we met Fin and his wife. The were wonderful to take a few pictures of our group and explained that they were involved in the support of trail maintenance at Silvercrest and are acquainted with Katie and Tom!!
After a brief 15 minute rest break, we moved on and headed up the hill into the wide open field (not well marked) in search of the final loop of Springboard trail. It took us a total of 2 hours to complete all 3 loops and return to the parking lot!! We headed down the road to Bob's Bar for a late lunch- and had a nice visit with the soon to be new owner , Janice. (gave her a copy of the Silvercrest Trail map)
We arrived back in Great Falls around 2:30 pm ! Attendees: Susie M., Susan W., Susan C., Vicki, Maria, Brenda, and Gail.