The near constant drizzle did not dampen the spirits of today’s avid trekkers wanting to get out to the mountains regardless of the weather. The temperature remained above zero for the entire 6-hour, 15 km trip to Mount Dyson. We left Sandy McNabb trailhead on Microspikes, in part because the parking lot itself had become a sheet of ice as was the trail descending to Sheep River.

Sheep River Crossing (photo Cristina)

After finding a suitable spot to cross the frozen river, we followed the mostly-packed trail heading south to an open swampy meadow adjacent Wolf Creek Hill to the east. We traversed clockwise around the marsh, noting the SE fork leading up a valley to Channel Ridge. We reentered the trees and resumed our southward journey paralleling Wolf Creek until the super saturated snow made it more efficient for us to change over to snowshoes. We soon reached the cutline heading SW to the base of our true objective, Mount Dyson. Surprisingly, a snowmobile track made the going to this point much easier than expected. We started heading up the nearly snow-free east ridge and made it up to the first bump for an overdue lunch break.

Teresa heading up Mt. Dyson, fashion accessorizing with snowshoes

Jim demonstrating the versatility of snowshoes

Cristina, Teresa, and Jim on 1st top of Dyson

At this point the rain had turned to sleet and the group decided to forego the final stretch to the summit, which would not have afforded good views anyway. We retraced our route back, and enjoyed watching a number of White-tailed deer playfully heading for grassy open slopes.

Deer in the meadow near Wolf Creek Hill

The precipitation finally stopped for the last hour of our trip. The Sheep River crossing was a little more challenging due to the running water accumulating on top of the ice.

Brian attempting to walk on water (photo Cristina)

Conditions were not ideal, but the company certainly was. My thanks to Cristina,Jim and ,Teresa for joining me Brian (trip coordinator & scribe) on this adventure.

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