It was a beautiful day for a hike – no wind, blue sky, and temperatures just above normal. The trails were not as good, though. In the morning, there were numerous frozen ice flows on the paved portions of the trail. As we started on the Badger Bowl trail, we encountered continuous frozen footsteps and ice , and everyone who had not already done so put on traction devices.

Badger Bowl Trail conditions

At the top, we stopped at the Windmill Lookout to admire the incredible views to the south and west (ignoring the view of Cochrane down below).

Windmill Lookout. Norm, Tom, Christine, Sarah

The trails conditions meant for a slower than usual walk , so we were a bit later than normal reaching our sunny lunch spot. The coordinator, who had brought along his collapsible chair, would have been content to enjoy an hour or so napping in the warm sun, but those who were standing or sitting on the snow while eating lunch started packing up after about 20 minutes.

On the way back, all of the ice flows had become melted water and even the Tiger Lily trail was just soft packed snow.

Thanks to Norman, Christine, Tom, and Sarah for joining me. Brian C/S/P