The final hike of 2013 was with Eric to Mirror Lake/Tom, Dick, and Harry Mtn near Mt Hood. It was super foggy in the valley but by the time we reached Sandy, we were beginning to get out of it. We made good time through the dark woods to the lake, no snow or ice until we got to the loop junction. After that the trail was pretty much ice covered except for a few open spots. And the ice was slippery. I had my Yaktrax but Eric only had his stellar balancing abilities and the resilience of youth. We hiked to the left, then turned left to head up the mountain. Right away the trail got worse and didn't let up. Lots of slippery ice. Some of the trail was on a pretty steep slope drop-off and that was a little hairy. I especially was concerned for the trip back! But we persevered and made it to the top at around 1p. Hiking on ice is slow work. We enjoyed a wonderful 360 degree view, clear skies, 6 volcanoes, and fog low in the valley. We had it all to ourselves too.
Great end to a great year of hiking :-)
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| our destination |
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| Mt Hood and Mirror Lake |
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| ice covered trail |
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| Olallie Butte, Mt Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack |
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| Lunch spot |
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| coming down was easier with a low center of gravity |
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| Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Adams, and Mt Hood |
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