Time: 12:00. Place: Woodland, UT. Date: March 15, 2009. What: Snowshoeing with the fam. A gorgeous day in the Uinta Mountains where the snow sticks sometimes to the middle of June, but not so much this winter. Even though we were in the lower elevations (9000 ft. or so), the south facing slopes were a bit on the skimpy side for snow. Three years now this area has been a favorite for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, but this year has definitely been a mild winter.
Even though, the snow was powdery in the shade and made for great fun on the downslope. We did a short 2.25 mile hike and took it real slow so that we could take in the wondrous view at the top of our climb. Snowmobilers were everywhere too! I really do dislike snow machines! Tracking up the pristine snow and polluting the the airwaves with the droning sounds of engines revving. I reveled in the poetic justice as we passed a few guys who were trying to get one of their nasty machines unstuck with a rope. They had to ditch one and ride back for help. We continued on our way at a tortoise pace, but we were moving, they were not! I recalled something a biker once yelled at me when I was running, "There's an easier way to get there buddy!". I just smiled and ran on as I thought, "not if you get a flat tire bucko!". There is something to be said about slowly trudging to the top of the slopes, out of breath, heart pounding. You've accomplished something. You've beat the hill; it builds character.
Even though, the snow was powdery in the shade and made for great fun on the downslope. We did a short 2.25 mile hike and took it real slow so that we could take in the wondrous view at the top of our climb. Snowmobilers were everywhere too! I really do dislike snow machines! Tracking up the pristine snow and polluting the the airwaves with the droning sounds of engines revving. I reveled in the poetic justice as we passed a few guys who were trying to get one of their nasty machines unstuck with a rope. They had to ditch one and ride back for help. We continued on our way at a tortoise pace, but we were moving, they were not! I recalled something a biker once yelled at me when I was running, "There's an easier way to get there buddy!". I just smiled and ran on as I thought, "not if you get a flat tire bucko!". There is something to be said about slowly trudging to the top of the slopes, out of breath, heart pounding. You've accomplished something. You've beat the hill; it builds character.
We continued on, downhill this time, all the way back to the Rover that we spotted from atop the hills. A steep hill gave way to a fun slide back down to the trail reminding us that Mother Nature still holds suprises. (Without the shoes we would have been chest deep in powder!).
A nice short retreat for a Sunday. Another day at my place of worship! The backcountry is always a treat! Unfortunately, with the warmer weather, the snow is receding fast. Unless I get back up soon, I am sure that this could have been one of the last trips of the winter season. Maybe another snowboarding trip, a hike to the top of Lone Peak while the snow still sits high, who wants to join in the fun?
See the pictures of our trip here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26333262@N03/sets/72157615342160112/show/with/3358636296/
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