First Snowshoe of the Season: Warm but Weather Blows In
We were grateful that several other snowshoers had ventured up the trail ahead of us, so we didn't have much trail to break. And Katie's husband Tom had also gone up first, providing tracks for us to follow. In addition, the ski patrol was busy on the hill practicing rescues and preparing for Showdown's opening on Sunday, so there were plenty of people around as well as groomed trails when our paths intersected with the ski hill.
On the way up, we followed the blue diamonds of the marked cross-country ski trail. On the way back, we went down the actual ski hill trails, starting at the top of Quick Silver and connecting to Golden Goose.
It was such fun to get out with friends, enjoy the fresh air and fresh-fallen snow.
At the top, we had a quick lunch as the wind whipped up and started blowing in a storm. About a half mile from the car, the snow started coming down, with it turning to a near whiteout on our drive back to Neihart, at which point the snow turned to sleet and then rain. Along the way , we saw a chipmunk and a mouse skittering across the trail.
Since it was raining, we had to skip the trip to see Memorial Falls, so we will have to save it for next time. It is always fun to see the frozen falls as the crystal formations are never the same.
We had a hot drink (and some of us ordered the sweet potato fries as well) at Bob's bar before heading for home. We arrive in Great Falls before 5 p.m.
Who went: Katie, Kathy M, Susan, Gail and Jeanne
Link to Katie's pictures
Link to Kathy's pics