Ice Formations upstream Phelps Creek

Yesterday morning when we went for our morning hike we headed upstream on Phelps Creek and found it to be colder that heading downstream towards the Chiwawa River. It's quite easy to get there now because the alder is buried under the hardpack snow and there are ice bridges everywhere, some cover the creek completely. Peace, Bear & Lillie love getting out and hunting, following scents to every tree the find, and playing chase and having fun.
I'm also curious about the forecast we have been having for this week, I keep seeing fog forecast but we haven't seen fog or anythig else but beautiful blue skies with a few clouds on occasion. It has been about 4-8 degrees colder than being forecast for the nights which is causing moisture to be pulled from the snow and beautiful hoar frost on the surface of the snow, to me it looks like beautiful snow feathers some alsmost 3/4" tall and the dogs love to eat it as they are walking & playing. It looks like the cold temps will get colder through the weekend with Sunday down to possible -2. When hiking around we hardly leave footprints even in the hoar frost. It's been great to be able to go any direction we want each day without fear of post holing or the snow dropping out from under your feet, no need for snowshoesbut some good ice cleats don't hurt.

The water temp of Phelps Creek usually stays between 42& 47 year round until we get into single digit temps, upstream is not as open as downstream therefore it stays colder because of mountains on both sides, not as much sunlight reaches it at this time of year and it is why we are seeing the great ice formations in the creek, I think they are beautiful, hope you like them too.

I am really enjoying having the snow set up so well so early in the winter and I've been taking advantage if it and using it as part of the rehab on my knee. I go walking everyday with the dogs to exercise and keep my knees stronger, it's just very confining when it is so deep and POW with no bottom makes it much more dangerous, you never know if it will hold you or not. Becasue the snow looks like big white pillows and is uneven it makes for good therapy, helping me to strengthen both knees, up & down, crossing creeks, side hilling to get some places and inclines that challenge me without being so dangerous, each day we do a little more. Every morning we go out for a 1.5-2 hour walk and exploration, checking out places to ski and snowmobile that aren't usually accessible and then come in for brunch, which also helps the healing I normally don't eat but once a day. After brunch and a slight rest we head out again for another hour or so, everytime heading a different direction, I'm finding it to be great therapy and fun at the same time.

If you like being outdoors and hiking this is the time to get out and enjoy it, no snowshoes necessary, pack a snack and water and a good walking stick of choice and get out and enjoy. For those that like winter camping there are plenty of snowpits readily available from treewells and fallen trees that will protect you and give you a warm place to sleep.
No need for trails since you can literally walk anywere you want without having alders and vine maple everywhere to hinder you. Jump on your sled, grab your dogs or friends and get outside and enjoy this beautiful winter weather, it'll do you some good.
We found our Paradise, hope you find yours too. Peace