Buck Creek Trail in Spring 3/23/07

The last couple of days Elaine and I have been going out and looking at how much snow still is on the ground and on the bridges, both the foot and auto bridge at the Trinity TH. That however isn't so unusual at this time of year but what is different is that the trail that hikers usually use to get to Buck Mtn, Chiwawa Mtn and the PCT is at the present time under water, not just a little bit of water as has been the norm but a lot of water because the Chiwawa River has cut a new channel and now is feeding the back pond then heading back to the river. It will be very interesting to watch during the melt out to see if it stays or not but right now it would be good to bring waders.
The 2 top photos are of the foot bridge just different sides but there is still 8' of snow on it, the bottom pictures are where the Chiwawa River has cut a new channel it used to be the trail, the pond is overflowing to the trail that runs behind it, normally hikers have no idea the pond is there, now they will. What else will happen as the snow starts melting. Both the river and Phelps Creek and running about twice as much as it usually does at this time of year and it will only get faster and deeper as the melt/thaw happens.
It's been great having Elaine home and being able to enjoy the snow with her, now she is starting to understand what I've been saying all along "Winter is my favorite time of year, it is so beautiful and clean". We found our Paradise, hope you find yours too.

2nd Day Of Spring

Today was the 2nd day of Spring. It was so beautiful. I love playing in the snow, it grows on you. Gregg, Peppy & I were out most of the day playing in the snow. I love driving the Ranger and making trails and packing the snow. It is so peaceful and majestic. We took lots of pictures today and I had my Mother in mind. She asked for pictures, so I think we got 138, wishing we had our best camera instead of the smaller one. Still we have a lot of really good pictures. Hello to Sarah, Chad, Breece, Chris, Kerry and last but not least Austyn! Peace&Love, Elaine

What a Great Weekend

This weekend was supposed to be a wet one but we didn't get much more than a sprinkle most of time. On Saturday Ivan came up and spent the weekend we had a wonderful time playing on the snowmobiles and going up to Phelps Creek Trailhead, it was so beautiful being able to enjoy the solitude and the beauty of the mountains. We found a new snowfield to play in that usually isn't accessible because it is covered in alder and brush but right now it's just buried in snow, it was great. We were able to see where the Chiwawa River had cut a new channel and is now coming up the normal trail and into the back pond bringing much more water than it normally has, and we got to play in the snow in the sun all day, every time we stopped it seems like we were having to take off more clothes until it was time for t-shirts. Bacon and waffles for breakfast with beautiful scenery and good music, what a great way to enjoy the spring like weather in the beautiful Cascades.
We found our Paradise, hope you find yours too.