It wasn’t a propitious start to the day. The temperature was near zero at the trailhead and there had obviously been a recent snowfall. Indeed, most of the trails we were on were snow covered, with 5 to 10 cm. of fresh snow on the Prairie Link trail. The trails that weren’t covered with snow consisted of slippery mud.

Typical conditions on the trail

As we stopped for a brief lunch at the Prairie Link junction, a brief snow squall passed over. Accompanying us on the hike were a Rambler on her first hike , and three guests. Although they must have wondered what they had gotten themselves into, they fit in with the group very well and participated in the many conversations going on. At one point, I stepped off the trail to allow some on comers to pass by. When I warned them that there another 11 people behind me they said “We know, we could hear them!”. Despite the trail conditions, I think that most people on the trip enjoyed the day.

More photos to follow.

Thanks to Marietta, June, Linda, Robert, Mohsen, Douglas, Jennifer, Terri, guest Terry Crawley, {-1 maren crawley}, and guest Sandie Sundgaard for making a somewhat miserable day quite the opposite. Brian C/S/P

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