I have no objective reason to be disappointed. True, my hike today was really short (2.2 miles) but there was enough elevation gain that I had a decent workout. And I did get out on a trail, the day is beautiful, the views were awesome so I am trying to work myself into a better mood.
The problem is that I suggested to Derek that we go up to Truck Summit via Zig Zag Trail on Saturday and today I thought I would reconnoiter the route. I figured I would eventually hit snow, but I hoped it would be high enough that I would be able to push on to at least the top of Zig Zag, 2750 feet up.
But (see photo above) I hit total snow cover at 2100 feet and I turned around. I am sure I could have gone at least a bit farther, but I figured I would have to go back down this very steep, very narrow trail in the snow and that it might be a bit dangerous.
My hope was that I could make it up to the top of Zig Zag and then go back down via the service road, which is longer and safer. I even brought garbage bags for my shoes if Mine Creek was high. I was ready to do a long hike but, solo, I was not comfortable going up and down so steeply on a snow-covered trail. And I also know from experience that this trail gets lost in the snow and navigation is an issue.
But, as I say, the views were great:
Also, at the western end of the Hall Creek Bridge I found a huge rock that looks like something Derek might want to climb:
I will go somewhere on Thursday, maybe on Squak Mountain, and Derek and I will discuss what to do on Saturday. It might even be possible to get at least to the top of Zig Zag, if not all the way to Truck Summit, but there are other options and we will discuss.
Here is the track. I did spend a good 20 minutes or so on the Hall Creek bridge, just soaking in the beautiful views. I was completely alone, I saw not a single person the entire time. I had nature, a really really huge nature, to myself.
