Crazy Hiker Chick: 2013-10-27

I had the best time on my hike yesterday. I was prepared for a little snow,

but there was a lot more snow in the canyon than I expected - probably 6 or 7 inches. I'm excited for snowshoe season and the Mineral Fork trail was the perfect transition hike from fall to winter. Mineral Fork trail begins 6.1 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and starts as an old mining road. There is a heavy gate blocking the Mineral Fork road from the highway. We parked in front of the gate. The trail leads to two abandoned mines, but we didn't quite make it that far. Winter scenery on this hike was awesome! Here is a glimpse of a winter wonderland.

Oh Happy Day!

What can I say??

In the snow I like to play!!

The Hike Begins

We didn't wear our snowshoes today and we were grateful that a bow hunter on an ATV blazed the trail for us!

The trail makes several switchbacks as you climb and you will make two stream crossings.

The Canyon is still so colorful!

Bug in the snow!


Tree roots looked like elephant legs!

We made it as far as this old trail sign before turning around to head back. We were pretty tired at this point. We hiked for about 5.2 miles.

Mineral Fork Canyon

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Peaks Bagged 2013

1. Grandeur Peak ♦♦ 8299

2. Reynolds Peak ♦♦ 9422

3. South Guardsman Pass Peak ♦♦ 10,420

4. Mount Baldy ♦♦ 11,068

5. Mount Evergreen ♦♦ 9,840

6. Mount Tuscarora ♦♦ 10,660

7. Mount Wolverine ♦♦ 10,795

8. Sugarloaf Peak ♦♦ 11,051

9. Little Water Peak ♦♦ 9,605

10. Mount Aire ♦♦ 8,621

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

174.1

I'm going to deviate from hiking the Wasatch and blog (journal) about my lovely visit to Cabo San Lucas last week. There was still some hiking done in the form of beach walking and it was GREAT! We stayed in the area just north of Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez side called Cabo del Sol. I never tire of the sight and sounds of the ocean, the beautiful sunsets, the glorious sunrises, unique wildlife and warm Mexican hospitality! I love taking pictures and I love sharing what I see with you all!

My Stretch of Beach

Same hiking attire minus the hiking boots.

Sunrise on Sea of Cortez

There was a fishing tournament going on this week called Bisbee's Black and Blue for Marlin with 150 contestants and $4 million dollars in prize money. The daily winner receiving a mere $1.2 million. The fishermen were near our resort one morning.

Winner caught a 750 pound marlin!!

Wildlife in the Neighborhood

He was blocking my path!

Mexican Vultures??

Resident iguana

Live ones were too hard to photograph.

Very Nice Golf Courses (very expensive I might add!)

Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a small coastal village on the Pacific coast side of the Baja California peninsula, about an hours drive north of Cabo San Lucas. The village was founded as a mission in 1724 and has become a haven for artists and craftsmen. We rented a car one day to check it out. The drive through the country side was very interesting. I loved the fields and fields of saguaro cactus.

I would highly recommend having lunch at Tequila Sunrise. The fish tacos were awesome and so was the service. The owner was so welcoming and took such a good picture for me!

This nice merchant taught me that "It is better to live rich than die rich!"

Los Arcos

A visit to Cabo San Lucas MUST include a boat ride for an up close view of Los Arcos and Lover's Beach. We chose OceanRiders for a zodiac fast boat snorkeling adventure. It was great! Check out their website at www.oceanriders.com.mx