In August we met to hike Serendipity Peak but due to thick smoke didn’t make it out of the city. Instead, we indulged in a movie and potato pancakes. On Sunday we made it to the trailhead but heavy snow halted us from even attempting this peak. Bruce suggested Picklejar Lakes as an alternative and all were on board. We left the Lantern Creek parking lot while big white flakes fell from the sky blanketing the ground. After 30 minutes of hiking on the trail it stopped and the clouds lifted but not enough to treat us with a blue sky. Just below the first lake we met four tethered horses and stopped to visit with them. Further up the trail we passed four hunters, obviously connected to the horses. While descending to the first lake we broke trail in approximately 30 cm of snow and were hit with a fierce wind. After regrouping we continued to the second lake where we opted to retreat and find a sheltered area for lunch. On the way down, snow had melted turning the trail into wet, slick mud. Most of us kept our microspikes on to prevent a face plant in the brown sludge. We were back at the cars by 2:30 p.m. and it was pouring rain. Thank you to Suzy, Mikako, Katrin, Teresa, Tomiji, Jim, Bruce, Ricardo, Shirley and Janice for being such troopers and providing great company. Yours truly, Christine M.

Suzy and Shirley on the Picklejar Lakes trail under whiteout conditions.

This is where some of us put on the microspikes.

Jim the horse whisperer.

This is as good as it gets in terms of the view.

A rainbow of color as we head to the second lake.

Seeking shelter from a blistery wind.

What are the chances of ever finding a fire? We huddled here to warm our hands.

Participants: Jim,Ricardo,Shirley,Janice,Christine,Bruce,Teresa,Suzy,Mikako,Katrin,Tomiji