Perfect Snow for Two Groups on Porphyry Loop
We were blinded by the light on the way up to Kings Hill to start our moderately easy snowshoe with Sheila in tow for her first ever try at duck walking. The rising sun really shone in our eyes as we left town at just after 8 a.m., making one stop at Cougar Canyon to pick up Kalah. Choosing a start time is a balance between making sure the snowplow has gotten through, that it's not too cold to start versus lots of traffic headed to ski at Showdown or snowmobile the trails; Finding a place to park is another consideration, especially since we are driving in more vehicles than normal due to COVID-19.
We divided into two groups, again, due to COVID-19, a virus that has taken over our lives in many ways. One group was contained the trailbreakers. The others would follow in their footsteps, having an easier go of it.
The first part of the trail that heads through the campground was piled with drifting snow. Out front, Kalah had to use her hands to lift her legs out at times it was so deep. But once we got into the trees, the snow depth lessened, allowing the first group to fly down the trail, finishing almost an hour ahead of the second group. It was quite chilly before the sun peeked its head out from behind the mountains and trees, so, luckily, Maria has handwarmers to share.
Nothing else eventful happened: we didn't run into many skiers or boarders when the trails connected to the downhill section; we didn't run into any snowmobiles on their trail; no one got lost, even though we were the first to go down the loop portion of the trail.
The first group finished around 11:30 and the second at 12:30. By this time, the sun was out; the day was so nice, no one really wanted to go home. The last group arrived in GF by 2 p.m.
Note: Central Montana has had several wind events lately, with gusts over 70 mph, causing many trees to fall. Katie's husband went the 747 trail and reported taking an extra hour navigating all the deadfall. Likewise, Jasmine went the Deadman trail and reported she would need several people with chainsaws to remove all the downed trees. Camille skied Silver Crest and had to negotiate over 26 fallen logs. However, this loop, which includes the top part of O'Brien Creek and first of Ranch Creek, did not have any trees down.
Who went: Susan, Brenda, Kalah, Doreen, Sara, Kuntzie, Sheila, Maria, Brenda, Roni, Katie
We divided into two groups, again, due to COVID-19, a virus that has taken over our lives in many ways. One group was contained the trailbreakers. The others would follow in their footsteps, having an easier go of it.
The first part of the trail that heads through the campground was piled with drifting snow. Out front, Kalah had to use her hands to lift her legs out at times it was so deep. But once we got into the trees, the snow depth lessened, allowing the first group to fly down the trail, finishing almost an hour ahead of the second group. It was quite chilly before the sun peeked its head out from behind the mountains and trees, so, luckily, Maria has handwarmers to share.
Nothing else eventful happened: we didn't run into many skiers or boarders when the trails connected to the downhill section; we didn't run into any snowmobiles on their trail; no one got lost, even though we were the first to go down the loop portion of the trail.
The first group finished around 11:30 and the second at 12:30. By this time, the sun was out; the day was so nice, no one really wanted to go home. The last group arrived in GF by 2 p.m.
Note: Central Montana has had several wind events lately, with gusts over 70 mph, causing many trees to fall. Katie's husband went the 747 trail and reported taking an extra hour navigating all the deadfall. Likewise, Jasmine went the Deadman trail and reported she would need several people with chainsaws to remove all the downed trees. Camille skied Silver Crest and had to negotiate over 26 fallen logs. However, this loop, which includes the top part of O'Brien Creek and first of Ranch Creek, did not have any trees down.
Who went: Susan, Brenda, Kalah, Doreen, Sara, Kuntzie, Sheila, Maria, Brenda, Roni, Katie
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