I didn't get a hike in last week and I seriously missed being on a trail. Something akin to withdrawals I suppose. - confession of a hiking addict. So today I went hiking solo, picking a very familiar trail but adding a new twist. It was wonderful!! To be up in the mountains, out of this stinkin' inversion and to breathe clean air was just what I needed! My destination was Dog Lake via the Mill D North Fork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail was snow packed which made for easy hiking with just a few places iced over at the beginning. I recently purchased a new pair of YakTrax I wanted to try. More on those later. No snowshoes needed. Sure do wish the mountains would get more snow!
The sky was the most exquisite shade of blue!
I followed these bike tracks all the way up the trail and thought really??!! And sure enough there was a mountain biker on the trail today. Now that is an extreme outdoor sportsman! Kudos to him!
I was truly alone today, but it was okay. I made it to Dog Lake and kept on going.
Dog Lake
From Dog Lake I headed east following another hikers trail climbing up a small knoll through dense quakies finding an amazing vantage point with wonderful views (by now everyone knows I love a good mountain vista). A perfect spot for a snack and to soak up some sun!
 |
| Looking into Millcreek Canyon all the way to Antelope Island. |
 |
| Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond |
Back country skiers know this area very well from the looks of all the ski tracks. I also saw a lot of animal tracks, but no actual animal sightings.
More of what I love best about hiking!
 |
| A mighty Ponderosa pine next to a mighty Douglas Fir. |
It was a great day on the trail! I hiked 5.4 miles and saw only one other hiker and the mountain biker.
I'm kind of getting into gear these days. I purchased these YakTrax which slip over your hiking boots designed to keep you from slipping and sliding on the snow and ice while hiking during winter months. I would rate these a B+. They worked great on the packed snow, but on ice I needed more traction. And they did slip off the toe of my boot a couple of times. They cost me $20 on Amazon.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
******Miles hiked tally
beginning March 22, 2013
216.1
