There were a few takers for a mid-winter ascent of Barrier Lookout, although the weather forecast was much more spring-like. As usual the coldest part of the trip was the morning traverse of Barrier Dam where a stiff westerly breeze and minus 3 temperature made for a chilly start. Once out of the wind it was much more pleasant and the road only had a few icy patches up to Pigeon Lookout. Some decided to add a short scramble up to the cliff top viewpoint:


Scramble on Barrier Lookout trail

From there we had a fine panorama view of Mt Baldy and the frozen lake below:


Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy

We continued up to the fire lookout and the trail was a little more slippery, although there was more crunchy snow than ice. Out of the wind a leisurely lunch was enjoyed with fine views. We headed down towards the Jewell Pass trail, Jim was not quite sure what to make of the Men in Shorts:


Shorts in February

The trail through the trees was surprisingly dry most of the way to the junction where it became crunchy snow. Heading to the lake, the creek was quite iced up from the waterfall on down


Icy stream on Jewell Pass trail

Frozen waterfall, Jewell Pass trail

Frozen rapids, Jewell Pass trail

Arriving at the lake, three participants headed back along the power line road while the three who had lugged their skates along went down to the lake and put them on.


Skaters on Barrier Lake (Barrier Mtn in the background)

The ice at the west end was quite smooth to practice our style then we loaded up our packs for the trip to the parking lot


Hiking on Barrier Lake

The ice made occasional glumphing sounds but was quite good for skating. There are interesting bubbles suspended in the ice and the cracks give an idea of how thick the ice layer is:


Ice cracks on Barrier Lake

There was a westerly breeze and one only had to hold one’s arms out to be pushed along without expending any effort. An interesting way to spend a February day for Francisco, guest Maria, Madeleine (and Skyler), Jim, Carl and Ron (coordinator and scribe).