As far as temperature and sunshine goes, it was a beautiful fall day for hiking. However, trail conditions showed that we were in winter. Wherever the trail was in the sun, it was bare and dry. If the trail was sheltered from the sun, it was solid ice. Since everyone had traction devices, the icy portions did not present any significant problem.
The difference between sun and shade
We did a loop by hiking up the Tom Snow trail to the intersection with the Ridgeback segment 4 trail. We had an enjoyable lunch near the intersection of the Ridgeback and Snakes & Ladders trail.
Nice fall hiking conditions
lunch with a view
. After lunch we followed the Ridgeback segments 3,2, and 1 trails back to the Diamond Loop and the parking lot.
Icy Diamond Loop
Altogether, we walked 14.7 km with an elevation gain of 400 m.
Thanks to Madeleine(p), Francisco, Barb, guest Dee(p) ,Lenard, Cristina, and Ginger for joining me . Brian c/s