I know, its been awhile. This past winter just hasn’t been good for hiking. Oh, I’ve been doing the usual Rattlesnake and Cedar Butte, sometimes with Kent from work. But snow and cold doesn’t motivate me much to get further out there for new stuff worth reporting.
Today, March 20, was forecast to be upper 60’s and sunny. As with many other people, I decided it would be a good idea to get out there and hike too. With a lot a snow still in the upper elevations, I’m just not ready to head further out yet, so I remain close to home and do the usual.
A couple weeks ago I did Rattlesnake lake to the East tower, 8 miles RT. I did it again today with the nice weather. Started at a few minutes past 10am, which is a later start than what I normally like, but it was still 40 degrees out at 7 am and I really didn’t want to hike in the cold. I so much want some warm weather. Anyway, today there were TONS of people already at the lake when I got there at 10am. The parking lot was 75% full and some were starting to park out on the street. But hiking up wasn’t that busy, just a hand full of people coming down as I went up to the ledge. No one passed me, but I did follow a few people. I got to the upper ledge in an hour, and to the East tower in 2.5. Had my lunch with a cool breeze and a view. Still some snow for the last half mile going up which kept things cool. I wasn’t cold going up, but good thing I had a sweater and wind breaker.
Fed some birds while I ate my sandwich, said hi to a few people arriving, including 5 guys from the local Search and Rescue doing some training. Apparently it was a big S&R training day, as there were various groups of them as I hiked back down. As I got back toward the ledge, and down further toward the lake, I was slowed down by various large groups, including a cub scout troup, among others. Most people either don’t notice you or just don’t care, and I slowly follow most until I can find a good passing point like a switchback. I usually have to say Excuse Me or something.
Got back to the car about 2:30 and home by 2:45, just exhausted. This past two weeks was bad with a sore lower back, had been to the Chiropractor twice, AND got a massage. But I was feeling good the past couple days and this morning, so nothing was going to keep me from going. But my legs definately let me know the lower back problems aren’t fully gone, so I’m staying off my feet the rest of the day. Ice packs and a hot bath will help a lot.
The weather for Sunday is forecast with some rain, so my plans then are to stay in.