Silver Crest, Dec. 16, 2019: Gail Solves Snafu with Brand New Snowshoes

The 7 of us left 4 B's parking lot at 8:30 and headed up highway 89 towards Kings Hill Winter Recreation Park just beyond Newhart with Susie M. and Susan C. as our drivers.
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: Sue M., Susan W., Susan C., Viki, Maria, Brenda, and Gail.
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: Sue M., Susan W., Susan C., Viki, Maria, Brenda, and Gail.
Jefferson Cr. & Memorial Falls, Dec. 7, 8 2018: Sunny, Cold, Sets Up Tony's Last Day at Bob's
Silver Crest, Dec. 4, 2018: Perfect Day of Snowshoeing![]() Gail, Viki, Susan C, and Jo Ann left Great Falls at 8:30 a.m. for snowshoeing at Silver Crest. Thank you, Gail, for driving. We were pleased that the road was mostly bare and dry, the parking lot was plowed and the trail was mostly broken. Gail led and Jo Ann was the sweep until the warming hut. After our stop at the warming hut for a snack and a drink, Jo Ann and Susan broke trail, three or four inches, on the slight uphill climb.
There was no wind. We all commented about the fast moving clouds. A couple times when we stopped for a photo of the snow glistering on the trees, a cloud moved over and spoiled our shot. But, in a moment the sun was out again. It was peaceful trekking through the trees, roundtrip about two miles. On the way back to Great Falls, we stopped at Bob’s Bar for lunch, but the restaurant was closed. So, we continued to Monarch and stopped for lunch at Cougar Canyon. We all had great burgers and excellent service. The bartender told us that Bob’s closes on Monday and Tuesday each week. The bartender overheard us discussing bear spray and asked if we carried it when snowshoeing. He told us that recently mountain lions have killed deer in the yard of a few resident’s in the area. Apparently, the lion population is increasing with no predators. We arrived back in Great Falls about 2:30 p.m. A perfect day in the mountains. |
Sunrift, Baring Falls, Sun Point, Nov. 30, 2018: Sixteen Gals Meet for Hike in St. Mary Valley
Silver Crest, Nov. 18, 2018: Breaking Trail on Short Course Perfect for Newest GiG Members
Hidden Falls, Oct. 30, 2018: Surprise Animal Blocks Trail; Eight Miles Turn into 10
Apgar Lookout, Oct. 24, 2018: Golden Larch, Hazy Day Provide Fall Colors on Apgar Lookout
Scalplock and Rock City, Oct. 20-21, 2018: Golden Glow of Larch Leads Way to Top of Scalplock Mountain, Stay in Essex Followed by Rock City the Next Day
Rock City, Oct. 20, 2018: Sunny Day for Hiking Among the Hoodoos
Three gals headed for a sunny day among the hoodoos as they wandered around Rock City amazed at the unusual rock formations. After peaking in and out of the sentinels and other fun stone sculptures, we followed the trail down to the bank of the Two Medicine River, right before it merges with the Marias. Then we hiked along the upper rim to a high point where Birch Creek comes in. We were amazed at the overhang and wondered if it were wise to stand in some of the places where we just were.
After we hiked around for about a mile and a half, we headed into the town of Valier, where Doris gave a brief history of some of the older parts of town followed by a quick visit to Lake Francis. Then it was lunch at the Panther Cafe and home. Who went: Doris, Viki, Randi |
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Crown Butte, Sept. 15, 2018: Mary S. Finally Climbs Crown Butte
![]() The GiG has climbed Crown Butte four times: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, but Mary S has never been able to make it. Plus we had at least three other trips planned, but the weather and gumbo roads prevented us from going.
So it almost seemed like a miracle when it didn't rain, the roads were good and we made it to the parking lot without incident We did have a few cows blocking the road (and a dead one to drive around), which Mary expertly navigated. The weather was nice, very slight breeze, some clouds and haze from the smoldering fires. We made it to the top easily, enjoying some late flowers (showy and white asters, blazing star/gay feather, Canadian goldenrod. The fall colors were just starting, and currants plentiful. Along the trail, we saw much bear scat with berries. We also saw one live and one dead mouse and a snake at the very end of the day. The snake coiled and made some noise, making us think it might be a rattler; but then we saw a pointed tail and knew it was just a bull snake, thankfully. We also saw hawks (or maybe harriers or falcons) and heard them. We even saw one try to make a meal of a magpie, but they all flew off cawing. When we neared the top, we saw an abandoned bike. We were amazed at the athleticism the person must have to be able to bike up the steep trail. And since we didn't see any other car around, we knew the person must have pedaled the 7 or more miles of dirt road. We wondered who it might be. But we didn't find out. We saw no one on the top; the bike was still there when we left. On top, we had a fun look-see around the rim, admiring the lime-green lichen, the spires of shonkinite with its black embedded augite crystals creating interesting formations on the edge of the butte. We also wondered about the cracks in the rock that almost looked like they had mortar in them. In places, the spires looked man-made. We did find the Nature Conservancy sign on an overlook facing Square Butte. We left GF at 10 a.m. and returned by 4 p.m. after a stop at the Mennonite deli. Read more about Crown Butte here. Visit Montana Virtual field trip with geology (won't work on most mobile devices) Who went: Karen, Mary S, Katie |
Info from Nature Conservancy
Crown Butte rises 900 feet above the foothill prairies just east of Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front. Fortified by tall columns of igneous rock and never cultivated or heavily grazed, the butte serves as an outstanding example of undisturbed native grassland. Looking west towards the Front Range of the Rockies, wading through the robust native grasses atop the butte, the visitor feels transported in time to an era long before the first wagon train moved west across the prairie. GeologyCrown Butte is a geological formation called a laccolith. It was formed by intrusions of molten rock, called dikes, which flowed between layers of shale and sandstone that were laid down as marine deposits nearly 80 million years ago. The weak overlying layers bulged upward as the molten rock (magma) intruded, creating the lens-like body of the laccolith. Some of the dikes are visible to the west of Crown Butte, and the soft underlying layers of shale and sandstone are seen at the mouth of the canyon to the south. After the magma cooled, it formed the resultant rock called shonkinite. Shonkinite is a distinctive rock that contains the glossy black mineral augite, which appears as small stubby crystals. Upon cooling, the rock contracted, causing vertical fractures that formed the towers and columns. While this weather-resistant rock still protects the underlying sedimentary rocks, the surrounding layers have eroded, exposing the butte. Laccoliths are rare formations, particularly ones with exposed dikes. Crown Butte is one of the finest examples of a laccolith in central Montana and most likely the world. WildlifeAlthough the most striking features of Crown Butte are the rising columns of rock and the wild grasses, the preserve also provides a rich habitat for wildlife. Mule deer are often seen browsing on the summit or along the north slopes of the butte. The loud chants and trills of the rock wren can be heard from every outcrop on the butte. American kestrels, Cooper’s hawks, great horned owls, and prairie falcons hunt the butte, as do golden eagles. The rocky remains of an “eagle catch” are found on the southeast corner of Crown Butte. Here, within the circle of stones which form the “catch,” native people would hide under branches that they had laid across the top. By placing meat or other bait on the branches they lured eagles to the “catch.” Once the eagles were lured, the natives reached up through the cover of branches and grabbed the legs of the great birds. The eagle’s feathers, considered to be sacred, were then used in clothing, head-dresses and ceremonies. Vegetation Crown Butte offers an exceptional opportunity to encounter an undisturbed grassland ecosystem. The four main grassland habitat types are grouped according to dominant plant species. They are: 1) bluebunch wheatgrass/blue grama (on west-facing slopes and on the crest of small knolls); 2) rough fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass (on slightly more moist sites); 3) rough fescue/Idaho fescue (the most productive climax plant community on the butte); 4) Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass (found less frequently, usually on west-facing slopes, and includes needle-and-thread grass and thread-leaf sedge). |
Ptarmigan Tunnel, Sept. 14, 2018: Gail Crossed Ptarmigan Tunnel off Her Bucket List
![]() We were off to make a dream come true for Gail: achieve the hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel. For some reason, in all of the years of GiG, she had never done this hike. The weather looked good, and the Park Service had just reopened the trail after more than a month of closures due to bears.
The day started off at 5:15 a.m. and took us through fog, lot of it, slowing us down as we drove around Duck Lake, amaking us worried that we would have a bad day of hiking despite the "mostly sunny" predictions. As we started the trail, we noticed the path to the Many Glacier Hotel was closed with a Danger-Due-to-Bears sign. We realized that the bears must have moved over just slightly; all day long we saw piles of bear scat on the trail, full of currants and berries. We did have fog for the first part of the hike; however, we had beautiful glimpses of snow-dusted Mount Wilbur, Gould and Grinnell, that got hit with the white stuff the night before. The trail had a few puddles to prove that the weather had come and gone, too. But what really impressed and wowed us were the fall colors: reds of the huckleberries and fireweed, salmons of the spiraea, oranges of the currents, yellows of the silverberry, aspen and thimbleberry. The brightness almost hurt our eyes. And we couldn't stop taking photos, which probably cost a half an hour of time, but who cares? Another surprise was that some of the trees around Ptarmigan Falls must have fallen down as we could get a full view of this before-hidden cascade. As we took the turn toward Ptarmigan Lake, the trail took an uphill slant, but we kept moving and pretty quickly. The wind started coming up as well, chilling us. Just before we got to the lake, we heard a large animal walking around and hitting rocks in the creek below us; however, the willows and other brush was too thick for us to see. We imagined it was a moose due to the willows. A little later we heard what sounded like gunshots and some rocks falling from the mountainside to our right. From past experience, we knew that bighorn sheep were in the cliffs butting heads, but alas, we couldn't see them even though we looked and listen for a bit. We wondered if what we heard before was sheep crossing the creek before heading up the hillside. At the lake, we took a very short break, grabbing a quick lunch and putting on more layers. Then we had to remind Gail about Susan's advice: do not look up. At this point, it is easy to get discouraged, look up at the switchbacks through the scree and give up. But we weren't going to let that happen. We were going to make it no matter how long it took, so slowly, slowly we did just that. It took about 50 minutes from the lake to the tunnel. We took a few pictures at the overlook and in front of the tunnel before heading through it. And the views! Wow, we had fantastic sights into Lake Elizabeth and the Belly River country. Most of the hikers we met going down as we headed up said they were unable to see the lake due to fog and clouds, but by the time we got there, the clouds had lifted. We commented that sometimes there is a benefit for taking your time. Then we went a bit further down the trail so that we could see Old Sun Glacier, one of the few that isn't melting rapidly and in some years actually grows a bit. It sits higher than the others at 8,200 feet and has a mostly northern exposure, further protecting it. Read more We admired the striated rock and the lime-green lichen clinging to it, before heading back through the tunnel to descend. On our descent, the colors were still popping, even a bit more, since the sun had poked its head out of the clouds. The underbrush on the side of Grinnell Point really stood out. At the parking lot, we saw three huge, silver-backed grizzlies above the trail--luckily they were quite far off. Several people had spotting scopes to get an up-close look at them. We had a nice early dinner (4:40) at the Swiftcurrent Inn before heading back home. On the way, we saw one black bear and four more grizzlies. We arrived in Great Falls around 9:15 Who went: Gail and Katie |
Piegan Pass, Sept. 11, 2018: Pretty Rock Turns into Surprise Find on Piegan Pass
![]() This day held a surprise along the way, which would unfold once the gals attained the top of the Piegan Pass.
Three gals, all of whom had never taken this path before, decided to give this nine-mile hike with just under 2,000 feet of gain, a try, planning for a slow pace if necessary. Two others had really wanted to do this hike, but weren't able to make it. They sure missed a nice one. With all three of us having never done this hike before, we decided to play it safe and start really early as the days are rather short in September. We left Great Falls at 5:30 a.m. and got on trail at just before 9 a.m. We had no trouble parking in the small lot at Siyeh Bend as we were the first ones there. At this time of day, it was quite chilly. In fact, it was so chilly that normally on-fire Susan even put on a jacket, much to the other two gals' amazement. But in not time, we were shedding layers as the uphill starts out right away. The hike itself was beautiful. Preston Park and other sections of the trail still had flowers, mostly asters, pearly everlasting and Indian paintbrush, sticking out among the fall colors of the underbrush. The berries really shined too: elderberries, black twinberries, mountain ash. In general, we had the park to ourselves, seeing only about 20 people on the trail and most of them were heading to Siyeh Pass, so we lost them at the fork. We did come across some hikers at the top of the pass who had come up from the Many Glacier side, having done the hike the hard way with 4,000 feet of gain and only 2,000 feet of loss. We ate lunch at the top of the pass and didn't see any of the pesky marmots that can harass hungry hikers. On top, June went off trail exploring a bit when she found what looked like a very pretty, but very uniform-in-shape, rock. When she picked it up and turned it over, she saw it was a small stone plaque that had a name, number and date on it. We weren't sure where it had come from and surmised maybe it was on top of the mountain and had come done in a rock slide. It read: "Forever Loved, #4014 Mark S. Williams, 2017." It appeared someone may have scattered ashes or just wanted a remembrance of a loved one placed on the pass for some reason, perhaps it was one of his favorite hikes. We wondered what the #4014 meant. Gail did some sleuthing and found a reference to a Mark Williams dying in 2017 with reference to the same number, but still the number is a mystery for its meaning. We left the rock plaque where we found it. See photo slideshow below and this link. We didn't see much for animals, except one sheep that was lying down both coming and going. We surprised ourselves by finishing the hike at 3:30, about an hour earlier than expected, but the weather had been perfect, not too hot, enabling us to really make good time. On the way home, we stopped at a couple places to eat but they were all closed, so we just headed home. We arrived back in Great Falls at 7:30 p.m.. Who went: June, Gail, Susan W. |
Firebrand Pass, Sept. 8, 2018: Fall Colors, Wind Blew Us, Canadians Away
O'Brien Creek, Sept. 1, 2018: Obstacle Course: Bushwhacking, Stream Crossings, Deadfall
Lake O'Hara, Yoho, Aug. 12-16, 2018: Yoho Camping with Smoke, Steep Trails, Scary Ledges
![]() It took four gals three days of calling with over 800 phone calls each day to get us our four days of hiking, five days of fun, but also smoke, in Canada’s Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. We were able to get 12 spots, three short of our hoped-for 15. (Thanks to Jo Ann, Gail, Susan, Mary for all your persistence)
So 12 of us took off Aug. 12 and returned Aug. 16 for an adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Day One It all started at 6:45 a.m. as we crowded 12 of us and our 50 pounds each of gear into two vans, with Catherine and Deb driving. Thank goodness for these vans, which were full, luggage even at our feet. Our first night would be spent in Canmore, a seven-hour drive, with a quick hike to the Grassi lakes, two emerald green gems with a wonderful waterfall along the way. We did the loop hike and followed the easy road-like trail to the top and then the steeper rock-stepped trail with railing back to the parking lot. This hike was a great leg warmer for our future harder hikes to come in Yoho. We had a nice dinner at Wood, a sports bar type restaurant, and then a few stopped to get some libations and fresh food (we weren’t allowed to take fresh fruit or much alcohol over the border) for our first day in camp. Then we had Roni’s homemade Scotcheroos for dessert. Our rooms at the Silver Creek Lodge were very nice: two bedrooms, two baths with a somewhat uncomfortable pull-out sofa to sleep six each (expensive at almost $500 per room per night). One of the baths had a weird shower that dropped a steady, hard stream directly from the ceiling, and one of the rooms had a non-functioning air conditioning, which was difficult to manage since the smoke was too thick outside to open the windows. But we survived the one night. Day Two It was up early for our drive to the shuttle stop, which would take us into the Lake O’Hara campground, our base camp for the next four days. The shuttle for which we had tickets was the 10:30 a.m. one. We arrived at the parking lot at 9:45, just time to purchase our park pass, unload and then park the cars and visit the pit toilet before boarding our shuttle. The Lake O’Hara Lodge bus and shuttle to the Elizabeth Parker Hut came before the campground one, but we were ready. The driver gave us each a green plastic token that we had to keep for our return trip. And despite prior years, the driver did not weigh or even pay too much attention to our bags that we had carefully checked to make sure we weren’t overweight. After a very bumpy bus ride, we arrived at the campground and had a few of our gals claim our sites while the others unloaded and watched over the gear. The ranger gave us a talk about leave no trace, how to use the wash basins to catch our grey water and put it down the toilet and about using only biodegradable camp soap to wash. She also explained about putting all food items, toiletries or anything smelly into the bear-proof lockers and then placing the rest of our items, including poles, boots and packs, inside our tents. Anything else could be placed inside the storage area by the lockers. Then the ranger told us about a closet that housed extras: extra sleeping bags, pads, emergency blankets, tarps, etc. These are items donated or left behind by other campers for all to use. These would come in handy later for us. The day was gorgeous, without smoke, since it had rained the night before. We also thought we were a bit north of the fires and hoped the north wind would keep the smoke blowing to our south. After we set up our tents, we took a hike to Linda Lake and the Morning Glory Lakes, a hike Katie had never been on, but which on the map looked fairly flat with just a few hundred feet of elevation gain. The hike was beautiful, wandering through what we called a gnome forest with gorgeous green underbrush, ferns, mushroom (especially red-capped russula) and many lichens. Then Linda lake was very pretty with the surrounding mountains and lovely meadows, full of paintbrush, showy asters, arnica, fringed grass of Parnassus, and western/seedhead anemone, aka hippy on a stick. Then we continued to the Morning Glory lakes, but this section was steeper and longer than expected and not as pretty. It did, however, take us on a loop hike instead of an up and back. At the end, it passed by the Elizabeth Parker Hut, a backcountry hut run by the Alpine Club of Canada, the sister club of the U.S’s Sierra Club. Then in another quarter mile, we hit the road and stopped at the Le Relais shelter for fudge bars and sodas before heading back to the campground to fire up our JetBoils to make our supper of dehydrated meals. After dinner, four of us (Karen, Susan, Roni, Katie) took a two-mile stroll around the lake, visiting the Seven Veil Waterfall, admiring the cabins (Katie’s favorite is number 6) and getting gorgeous photos of the orange-pink alpine glow on the mountains and their reflections in Lake O’Hara as the sun set. At the camp, we talked to some of the other people to hear their hiking tales; Katie met two Italians, both from northern Italy, one from a town near her relatives. Everyone was very friendly. Then we faced a very cold night that got down to 35 degrees. Our breath was visible as we got up to watch for the Persied meteor shower, but no one saw even one shooting star, unfortunately. Several got cold, so we visited the closet with the “extras,” using two sleeping bags and two mats. Catherine needed two extra bags plus an emergency blanket. Katie’s new mat went flat so she used one of the mats (but it wasn’t comfy so she slept on top of her clothes); Jeanne used a second matt to keep warm. Day Three Today was a big hike day for both groups: those doing part of the alpine circuit and those who planned to hike to the lake and maybe meet up with the alpine circuit group to tackle the Yukness ledges. Katie was leading the alpine group, while Gail led the lake hikers. The alpine group had to make its way up the insanely steep Wiwaxy Gap, which travels 1600 feet in just over a mile. Some of us realized that we weren’t in shape for the task, saying, “I’m done with uphill.” “I didn’t sign up for this.” “This is harder than anything I have ever done.” “Oh gosh, I don’t think I can make it.” Toward the top, we were taking 30 steps and then resting for 30 seconds, and some were eating one Honey Stinger every 30 minutes for more energy. Susan encouraged everyone by saying, “We got this, Girls.” We all did make it, the views were spectacular, but this ended hopes of doing more of the alpine circuit as it had taken us over three hours to do one mile. Sidenote: the purple saw wort flowers were almost dead, an unusual flower we do not have in Montana. Those doing the high trail also faced some “scary” sections on the Huber Ledges as we descended. Several of the ledges were narrow with steep drop offs, so Kuntzie, Roni and Katie led showing where to place feet and hands and checking out best routes for the others. By the time we reached Lake Oesa, most had had enough, so Katie made the decision that we would not do the Yukness Ledges part of the trail and instead call it a day and head back along the Lake Oesa trail. We had hoped to meet the other group at Lake Oesa, but we didn’t see them. At one point, Katie thought she spied them sitting at the lake as we looked down from above, but once we got to the lake, they weren’t there. We wondered if they had made it to the lake. On our way back to the campground, we didn’t’ see the other group, but we did enjoy Victoria Falls, Victoria Lake, Yukness lake and Lefroy lake. However, the smoke really set in. We could no longer see the surrounding mountains, and a haze set in over the lake. We arrived in camp after a stop for ice cream and cokes at Le Relais by 4:30. As we were preparing dinner around 5:30, we started to get a bit concerned about our other group since they weren’t back, and we hadn’t seen them on the trail, so Katie started asking incoming hikers if they had seen three gals on the trail. No one coming from Lake Oesa had but two couples were pretty sure they had seen our gals on the Yukness Ledges. They said they were moving slowly but all was well and that the gals were having a great time. We weren’t convinced that the three were Gail, Karen and Jeanne, but we were encouraged a bit. Then the ranger came with the last shuttle of the day at 6:15. Katie and Kuntzie thought we better tell her about our gals not being back yet. The ranger told us that she has seen our gals and that they had done the ledges! She was surprised that they weren’t in camp yet. We were so happy and amazed that they had gone on this tough route. Then Katie and Susan thought the gals had probably stopped at Le Relais for ice cream, so they started down the road to meet them, which they did. The gals had stopped to soak their feet in the lake. They looked great and had stories to tell about the ledges, being a bit scared but glad to have done them. We all hugged them as they entered camp, so happy they were safe and so proud that they had done the Yukness ledges when the rest of us hadn’t. Gail said they almost ran out of water but that they met a hiker “Jean Pierre,” and he had given them iodine pills just in case. Jeanne said that she now knew what scrambling and bouldering meant. After they fixed their food, Roni got out the rest of her Scotcheroos and some cookie bars! What a treat these homemade desserts were. A few of us played the dice game “Greedy,” a variation of Farkle or 10,000. Katie said goodbye to her Italian friends as they only had one day in the park (they got in on a cancellation). That night, several of us went to the Le Relais shelter to hear a talk about bats; however, it was a bit elementary and relied on audience participation. No one was cold this night as the smoke has warmed the air. We noticed when we got back that the clientele had changed from mostly older hikers to young families. We were in for a “no sleep” night with screaming kids and crying babies. The kids were really running around the camp too. And when we asked the parents about their hikes, they explained that they had gone off-trail climbing Mount Schaffer and Wiwaxy, class three and four scrambling that required roping the children while the babies were strapped to the parents’ backs. We were a bit horrified by the description. Funny exchange during the hike as we made our way along the ledges: “Watch out for the rock.” “Which rock?” “The green one.” “They’re all green.” Sidenote: Susan accidentally dumped her meal on the ground; several of us shared our meal. Day Four By now, Katie knew that no one would be up for another alpine hike (the original plan was to get up very early and try for the Oderay Overlook); the smoke would hinder the view anyway, so we planned to hike together to Lake McArthur, the most beautiful lake in the park. We still got up a bit early in hopes that the cool evening had damped down the fire a bit. But the smoke was still thick. We were happy to get out early anyway as we beat the other hikers to the lake and had it to ourselves for a while. But it was too bad that we couldn't really see the glaciers or the gorgeous sky blue of the lake. s we had lunch, everyone was bugging Brenda to try more things: she sampled an apple, mango and a few other items that had not passed her lips before as she is our meat-potatoes-pasta gal. Along the way, we saw many, many western/seedhead anemones, many that were pulled up with roots exposed along the trail. We wondered if kids had picked them or if an animal had been munching the roots and pulling them up. This hike has a couple of challenges that require using hands to get through the rocks, which everyone handled like experts both coming and going. The surprise on the trail was a pika that came out from a rock right by several of the gals feet. And he didn’t disappear under rocks like pika usually do; he/she stayed visible running along the rocks and stopping so we could get good pictures. Maybe this was the culprit making a meal of western anemone roots? We added speedwell to the list of flowers we saw. Anyway, we arrived a Le Relais for another fudge bar/ice cream snack at 2:30. Then it was back to camp for a rousing game of Greedy (Kuntzie came from behind, then Roni passed her and then finally Catherine nailed the win with five ones/aces—Wow! Our laughing caught the attention of other campers, who commented they hoped they would be having as much fun as we when they get to “our age.” Hah! We had a quiet evening of visiting and coming up with “trail names” for those on this adventure and for the others in our group. (See our website for our names). Katie gave out information on what we had to do to be ready for tomorrow morning’s 9:30 shuttle as we prepared to leave our Yoho trip. Then a few of us headed to Le Relais one for time for the night program, which was on the artists of the Canadian Rockies. However, even though the gal was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, the projector didn’t work so we couldn’t’ see well and many of us were tired. The program ran over on time, so we lost interest. Too bad as her presentation had such potential. It did spur some of us to do further research on these artists once we returned home. Day Five We got up around 6:30 a.m., took down our tents, put away our borrowed gear and had breakfast, putting our bags “in line” at the shuttle stop by 9 a.m. as requested by the rangers. We said our goodbyes to Lake O’Hara with several of us taking one last half-mile walk down to the lake (Katie, Susan, Roni, Deb). We knew we would have a long 8.5 hours of driving. Susan and later Katie talked to the author from the night before, who told us about her favorite restaurants in Canmore in case we wanted to eat lunch there. After arriving back at the parking lot, we sent the drivers to bring the cars around, packed them up, used the facilities and were on the road by 10:30 a.m. We decided to eat in Canmore after a brief look at Lake Louise as several had never seen it (a mistake as we couldn’t even see anything due to traffic and smoke. We drove in to be turned around by security and pointed back to the highway as all lots were full.) The author-recommended restaurant Blake turned out to be a wonderful stop, with excellent and interesting food (or were we just sick of dehydrated food so anything tasted good?) Then it was back home with a few stops for gas/breaks and snacks in Shelby. No one was hungry in Lethbridge, so we just scooted on home, making it in by 8:30, a full 10 hours (which included a long lunch) of travel time. Some of the silliest things we brought: make up, eyelash curler, gin, rum, wine coolers, melatonin, sleeping pills, foundation, mascara, ear plugs, mattress pad that had a hole in it, lipstick, battery charger, way too much food Good deeds we did: gave out two maps to those who had none; gave coffee packets to others, gave dessert to family who had kids, left emergency blankets for the “extra” closet, talked to others about how scary/not scary Wiwaxy was; found a man’s missing glasses Who went (by tent): Susan, Katie, Catherine; Sue, Kuntzie, Mary N; Jeanne, Gail, Karen; Brenda, Deb, Roni |
Mount Robson, July 29-Aug. 5: WoW, GiG Team up for First Ever Backpack
Siyeh Bend to Sunrift Gorge, Aug. 4, 2018: Panoramic Views Aren't Diminished Due to Reynolds Creek Fire
Ptarmigan Tunnel, July 22, 2018: Bear Blocks Gals on Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail

An incident with a bear ruled the day as the gals had to get their bear spray out and scoot 20 paces off the trail to let it by. One foolish and lucky man followed it just a few feet away, taking pictures the whole time.
We left Great Falls at 5 a.m. and arrived back home around 9:30.
Who went: Josy, Catherine, Mary S and Susan W
We left Great Falls at 5 a.m. and arrived back home around 9:30.
Who went: Josy, Catherine, Mary S and Susan W
Muddy Creek Falls & Our Lake, July 23, 2018: Waterton Women Meet GiG for Two Hikes
Poia Lake, July 12, 2018: GiG and WoW Survive Insanity Six Times (Three Up; Three Down)

“Insanely steep”—that’s how one hiking book author (Erik Molvar) described the Sherburne cutoff trail that the Girls in Glacier and the Women of Wonder traveled on the way to Poia Lake in Many Glacier.
The trail climbs 1,000 feet in just over a mile, so it is steep; and in three places, it is very steep, but we all made it and safely, just taking a few more breather breaks than normal.
Our day began with six gals from the GiG joining seven from the WOW on our 8.5-mile trek to the gorgeous alpine Poia Lake on the Red Gap Pass trail. If we hadn’t taken the Sherburne cutoff trail, the hike would have been 12.5 miles. So we hiked in honor of Doris and Terry Sherburne, two of Katie’s friends, mother and son, who passed away this year and whose family after whom the cutoff trail is named.
On this trip, we welcomed Susan C on her first hike with GiG while realizing that this was Bonnie J's last hike with us as she heads to Las Vegas.
As a side note, even on a Thursday, Many Glacier was so crowded that there was nowhere to park at the picnic area or the lodge; we had to wait for about 20 cars at the entrance gate when we arrived at 8:45. Just pure craziness in the park.
It was 10 a.m. before we started on what was heating up to be a very hot day, but we made it up the steep hill to where the cut off trail connects to the main Poia lake trail that originates at the Apikuni Falls trail. Three sections were very steep, the first one with small ball-bearing rocks that made a few gals think we should walk out the long way instead of going down the slippery, steep slope on our return.
Most of the hike is through the trees, but just before the intersection, the trail breaks out, revealing gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Sherburne Lake. And the meadow area had many flowers, especially orchids. Some were the following: lady slipper, spotted coralroot, early coralroot, white bog orchid, sticky geranium, nine-leaved biscuitroot, harebells, yarrow, lupine, wood nymph
A little farther and we encountered a hidden lake: Swiftcurrent Ridge Lake, a gem hidden behind trees.
Finally, after a lot more uphill, we crested the ridge and started our long descent into the lake, crossing large boulder fields that had a lot of pika droppings, but we didn’t see one. We also saw bear scat and prints as well as moose and deer prints. At one point, Katie scared a deer as she was in the lead during this section.
The lake was pretty (we didn’t arrive until 1:30 pm), surrounded by Yellow and Red Gap Mountains. Some of the ladies walked a way around the lake for better views of the surrounding cirque while the others enjoyed a longer lunch.
Then it was time for the long hike out. At the decision point where the cutoff trail meets the main trail, we all decided to take the cut-off and go slowly to save the extra 2.25 miles of hiking in the heat. And we all handled the steep downhill well, a few sliding on our backsides at times.
It was time to say goodbye to each other, the Canadians headed north and the Americans south to enjoy a meal at Buffalo Joe’s along the way.
Insanity over.
The trail climbs 1,000 feet in just over a mile, so it is steep; and in three places, it is very steep, but we all made it and safely, just taking a few more breather breaks than normal.
Our day began with six gals from the GiG joining seven from the WOW on our 8.5-mile trek to the gorgeous alpine Poia Lake on the Red Gap Pass trail. If we hadn’t taken the Sherburne cutoff trail, the hike would have been 12.5 miles. So we hiked in honor of Doris and Terry Sherburne, two of Katie’s friends, mother and son, who passed away this year and whose family after whom the cutoff trail is named.
On this trip, we welcomed Susan C on her first hike with GiG while realizing that this was Bonnie J's last hike with us as she heads to Las Vegas.
As a side note, even on a Thursday, Many Glacier was so crowded that there was nowhere to park at the picnic area or the lodge; we had to wait for about 20 cars at the entrance gate when we arrived at 8:45. Just pure craziness in the park.
It was 10 a.m. before we started on what was heating up to be a very hot day, but we made it up the steep hill to where the cut off trail connects to the main Poia lake trail that originates at the Apikuni Falls trail. Three sections were very steep, the first one with small ball-bearing rocks that made a few gals think we should walk out the long way instead of going down the slippery, steep slope on our return.
Most of the hike is through the trees, but just before the intersection, the trail breaks out, revealing gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Sherburne Lake. And the meadow area had many flowers, especially orchids. Some were the following: lady slipper, spotted coralroot, early coralroot, white bog orchid, sticky geranium, nine-leaved biscuitroot, harebells, yarrow, lupine, wood nymph
A little farther and we encountered a hidden lake: Swiftcurrent Ridge Lake, a gem hidden behind trees.
Finally, after a lot more uphill, we crested the ridge and started our long descent into the lake, crossing large boulder fields that had a lot of pika droppings, but we didn’t see one. We also saw bear scat and prints as well as moose and deer prints. At one point, Katie scared a deer as she was in the lead during this section.
The lake was pretty (we didn’t arrive until 1:30 pm), surrounded by Yellow and Red Gap Mountains. Some of the ladies walked a way around the lake for better views of the surrounding cirque while the others enjoyed a longer lunch.
Then it was time for the long hike out. At the decision point where the cutoff trail meets the main trail, we all decided to take the cut-off and go slowly to save the extra 2.25 miles of hiking in the heat. And we all handled the steep downhill well, a few sliding on our backsides at times.
It was time to say goodbye to each other, the Canadians headed north and the Americans south to enjoy a meal at Buffalo Joe’s along the way.
Insanity over.
Mount Aeneas, Hemlock Lake, Seeley, July 8-10, 2018: GiG Conquers Two Hikes, Canoe Trail, Enjoys Sunset Cruises |
St. Mary Waterfalls, July 7, 2018: GiG Visits Three Falls on Combined Trip with Canadians
Bullhead Lake, June 2018: Glacial Till Shows Gray on Cloudy Day Not Usual Milky Aqua
Porphyry Peak, July 24, 2018: After-Work Hike Leads to After Dark Adventure
After getting a later-than-expected start (around 5 p.m.) due to waiting for a no-show, seven of the GiG headed to the Little Belts for an evening adventure. When we arrived at the top of Kings Hill Pass, parked and started walking, we had to reroute from the trail to the dirt road due to construction in the campground.
Without snow, the road is easy to see and follow. Apparently, the forest service was taking down dead trees and had closed the campground. Instead of continuing up the road, we decided to go up the gut of the ski hill. Going this way, gave Mary S the workout she wanted. She had a full backpack with about 30 pounds to get in shape going uphill as she was getting ready for a backpack trip. The climb was a good one, but everyone made it easily. At the top, we stopped at the picnic tables to have dinner and enjoy the views of the mountains. A few of us climbed up the lookout tower to get even better views. Unfortunately, the lookout wasn't in the tower at the time. Then we went down the road that curves around the side of the peak. After, we jumped int o the cars and were going to stop at Bob's Bar, but it was closing at 9 p.m and it was almost 9 when we got there. Then we continued on to Monarch and stopped at Cougar Canyon but it too was closed. So we arrived home at just after 10 p.m. Who went: Kuntzie ,Gail, Sue Julie, Josy, Mary S, Susan W, |
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Hiawatha Bike and Blackfoot Float, June 17-19, 2018: Rain, Overboard, Crash, Lots of Laughs on Hiawatha Bike Ride, Blackfoot Float
Rogers Pass, Sculptures, June 14, 2018: Chocolate Lilies, Canadians Welcome New Hiker
North Fork Highwoods, June 9, 2018: Flowers Dot Ridge Overlooking Mountain Range

Although the arrowleaf balsamroot were fading, we still happened upon a stand or two in full yellow bloom. And we saw many other flowers: arnica, lupine, chickweed, larkspur, bistort, threadleaf phacelia, pink and white sticky geranium. The lupine were especially showing off in their purple-gorgeousness.
We hiked to the ridge and then went off trail to the top of a little knob where we could see the mountains in both directions before descending back down to the trail, going about three-miles.Along the way, we heard of Bonnie's exciting new adventures: her move to Las Vegas and new job at a charter school and her required class to be certified in Nevada.
We left GF at 6:45 a.m. and were home around 11:15 a.m.. Nice flower walk that still left us with time to hit the Farmers Market and enjoy the afternoon.
Who went: Roni, Mary, Deb, Bonnie and Katie
We hiked to the ridge and then went off trail to the top of a little knob where we could see the mountains in both directions before descending back down to the trail, going about three-miles.Along the way, we heard of Bonnie's exciting new adventures: her move to Las Vegas and new job at a charter school and her required class to be certified in Nevada.
We left GF at 6:45 a.m. and were home around 11:15 a.m.. Nice flower walk that still left us with time to hit the Farmers Market and enjoy the afternoon.
Who went: Roni, Mary, Deb, Bonnie and Katie
West Butte, June 7, 2018: Thunderstorm Speeds Hikers on Ascent/Descent of West Butte
Pioneer Ridge, June 2, 2018: Orchid Walk Awesome with Calypso Fairy Slipper and More
Many Glacier, May 5, 2018: Can't Beat this Lunch View: Grinnell Point, Swiftcurrent Lake
York, Kelseya Uniflora Rose, May 5, 2018: Kelseya Uniflora Blooms Amaze Gals in Limestone Canyon |
Mount Ascension Loop, York, April 29, 2018: A Day of Climbing and Roses: Mount Ascension Loop Provides Views while Trout Creek Beautiful Pinks
![]() The GiG headed out at 6:30 a.m. to do two hikes: Mount Ascension Loop and then to hike along Trout Creek by the Vigilante Campground out of York to see the rare Kelseya uniflora rose in bloom. This flower only grows in a few places in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, clinging to certain limestone rocks near water. Read more.
scension was a 4.5 mile hike with two more miles along Trout Creek after a fun lunch at the York Bar. Everyone said the burgers were great. June, Brenda and Susan headed back right after the Mount Ascension climb. Although the day threatened rain, it didn't start until the ride home, so everything turned out well. Who went: June, Susan, Brenda, Kuntzie, Gail, Denise, Bonnie, Sue, Catherine, Deb, Roni |
Two Medicine Snow Hike, April 22, 2018: Glacier Mountain Eye Candy for First Hike of 2018
Sharp-Tailed Grouse Blind, April 20, 2018: Grouse Mating Dance Brings Hawks, Coyotes a-Calling

The weather was perfect; the birds cooperated; and despite the cool morning and having to leave at 5 a.m., everyone was very satisfied with the "show" of the mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse.
For two years, we have tried to get drawn for a permit to go to the Benton Lake blind to view this spectacle, and for two years we were disappointed. So this year, Katie put in to go on a Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday, and it worked. We did get in, but on a Friday, which prevented some of those who work from being able to join in. So seven of us were lucky enough to go.
The blind is a bit tricky to find at dark, but we made the traverse across the swampy uneven ground, lugging our cameras, blankets, extra chairs, snacks with the light of our headlamps, silent as possible so as not to disturb the grouse. As we approached the blind, we could hear the birds were already out, making their drumming and cooing noises.
As we situated ourselves, moved the chairs and then slowly opened the blind windows, we were amazed to see over 40 grouse. The ranger at the office has said not too many birds had been dancing. She wasn't sure if many had died over the long, cold winter we had or if the long winter had delayed their mating, but not many had been on the lek (the term for the dancing ground). But they did show up for us.
We saw around 32 show-off males and many choosy females. As the sun arose, so did other animals. A hawk flew overhead, causing the grouse to lie low and quiet for a while, followed by two coyotes, one of which caught a bird (we think a duck and not a grouse as he was closer to the ducks) for a tasty breakfast. At this time, most of the grouse dispersed, leaving a few sitting, very quiet, females.
We left the blind at 7:37, the time which we were allowed to leave if the birds had stopped dancing, which they had (one hour past sunrise).
We arrived back in town at 8:10, with some of us having to scoot off to work and some to breakfast.
Who went:Jo Ann, Bonnie W, Susan, June, Roni, Catherine, Katie
For two years, we have tried to get drawn for a permit to go to the Benton Lake blind to view this spectacle, and for two years we were disappointed. So this year, Katie put in to go on a Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday, and it worked. We did get in, but on a Friday, which prevented some of those who work from being able to join in. So seven of us were lucky enough to go.
The blind is a bit tricky to find at dark, but we made the traverse across the swampy uneven ground, lugging our cameras, blankets, extra chairs, snacks with the light of our headlamps, silent as possible so as not to disturb the grouse. As we approached the blind, we could hear the birds were already out, making their drumming and cooing noises.
As we situated ourselves, moved the chairs and then slowly opened the blind windows, we were amazed to see over 40 grouse. The ranger at the office has said not too many birds had been dancing. She wasn't sure if many had died over the long, cold winter we had or if the long winter had delayed their mating, but not many had been on the lek (the term for the dancing ground). But they did show up for us.
We saw around 32 show-off males and many choosy females. As the sun arose, so did other animals. A hawk flew overhead, causing the grouse to lie low and quiet for a while, followed by two coyotes, one of which caught a bird (we think a duck and not a grouse as he was closer to the ducks) for a tasty breakfast. At this time, most of the grouse dispersed, leaving a few sitting, very quiet, females.
We left the blind at 7:37, the time which we were allowed to leave if the birds had stopped dancing, which they had (one hour past sunrise).
We arrived back in town at 8:10, with some of us having to scoot off to work and some to breakfast.
Who went:Jo Ann, Bonnie W, Susan, June, Roni, Catherine, Katie
Neihart Mining District, April 17, 2018: Old Cars, Old Schools, Contaminated Ground Make for Lovely Hike
Izaak Walton Inn Essex, March 15-18, 2018: Everyone Wins when Team Canada and Team USA Combine for Three Days of Snowshoe Fun over Long Weekend
King's Hill Pass to Silver Crest, Feb. 3, 2018: Finally, a Nice Day for Getting Out
Flesher Pass, Jan. 20, 2018: 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 |
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Paine Gulch, Jan. 13, 2018: Sunny Day Gives Reprieve from Below Zero Days

After several days of below zero temperatures, it was wonderful to get out into the sunshine and 40-degree weather. We had a fun time hiking past the old mining claim with a cabin and old school bus, up the creek bed to the wide open valley with a gorgeous ridge dotted with sandstone outcroppings. Some of us thought about hiking to the top through the burned trees, left from a fire about 15 years ago, but we saved the climb for another day.
We saw deer, coyote, rabbit, and mouse tracks along the way as well as snow fleas, which seemed way too early ahead of the spring time when they usually hatch in tree wells.
After, we ate at Cougar Canyon and enjoyed a nice meal. It has improved quite a bit from when it first opened, replacing the Cub's Den, an old standard in Monarch.
Who went: Roni, Deb, Kuntz, Sue, Susan, June, Anita, Katie
We saw deer, coyote, rabbit, and mouse tracks along the way as well as snow fleas, which seemed way too early ahead of the spring time when they usually hatch in tree wells.
After, we ate at Cougar Canyon and enjoyed a nice meal. It has improved quite a bit from when it first opened, replacing the Cub's Den, an old standard in Monarch.
Who went: Roni, Deb, Kuntz, Sue, Susan, June, Anita, Katie
Jefferson Creek & Memorial Falls, Jan. 7, 2018: Four Snow Angel Memorials Mark Sunny Day of Snowshoeing

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.
Who went: Jeanne, Sue, Susan, Sooz, Maria, Mary N, Katie, Roni
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.
Who went: Jeanne, Sue, Susan, Sooz, Maria, Mary N, Katie, Roni
Jefferson Creek/Memorial Falls, Jan. 3, 2018: Two Gals Go On First Hike of YearJust 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. |
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