4 Ramblers and their canine companion started out under sunny skies in hopes of attaining the top of Cox Hill. The trail was wet in the lower parts, but not slippery, then dry for a few km, then some parts of the trail were snow-covered.

The snow got increasingly deep, maxing out at about a 3 ft, but was soft and packed on the trail, so not much of a problem. We had donned our gaiters before this point on advice of other hikers coming down the trail.

Around 11:30, it started raining, which turned quickly to hail which persisted for about 20 minutes. We took shelter amongst the trees. As the hail abated, 2 of us decided to carry on another 15 minutes or so to see what we could see, while the others turned back with plans to wait for the others at the first next lookout spot.

Bill and Barb were rewarded with sunny skies, much less snow and expansive views less than 5 minutes after leaving the others, and went further up the trail towards the summit, but turned back after the promised 15 minutes without reaching the top.

That seemed like a good choice, as we heard quite a bit of thunder and didn’t want to be caught in an exposed area if lightning were to strike. The others saw lightning on nearby Moose Mountain from their viewpoint.

We reconvened and enjoyed lunch under sunny, dry conditions, with nice views, then returned to the cars.

There were only a few sprinkles of rain on the return trip.

There were not many flowers out, but some nice Fairy Slipper orchids

and Clematis

were seen on the lower parts of the trail, Jacob’s Ladder

mid-way up, and lots of Crocuses up higher. Thanks to Madeleine for coordinating this hike from Denise, Bill, Skyler and Barb (P/S)

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