Jan 15 - Cardiff Fork

 Sunny day with highs in the mid-40s. Heading out to hike Mill D South to the Cardiff meadow.

But when I arrive at the trail head parking, the sun hasn't come up over the mountains and it's in the low 20s.

I gear up with YakTraks and start off. The road is snow packed; good thing, I have the Traks :)

Really quiet other than the cars heading up towards the ski resorts.

I'm surprised by the amount of snow since we've barely had any this winter (55% of normal). It's only a foot or two but really nice to see.

Pretty crisp out right now but hoping the weather gets better.

I arrive at the trail head and cross the bridge. 

The water is still flowing but it's pretty low.

But the real surprise is that the bridge plowed!! I've never seen that before! Also the gate is open; never has been before.

I start up the road and it's plowed; or shall I say groomed. Perhaps this usually occurs but in my sporadic winter visits it's not groomed. It's just and an uphill slog trying to find the most packed down parts of the trail to walk. This is absolutely lovely; a walk in the park; even easier than walking on the rocky road in the summer. I love it!!!

No creek noises alongside the initial hill. In fact, the creek is covered in a couple feet of snow!

I cruise on up and soon I'm arriving at the meadow. It's really pretty even though it's still in the shade and hey, it has to be after 10am by now. 


Come on sun! My feet are freezing!!

I continue along because it's just too easy; no stopping at the meadow today like normal. I continue towards the tailing pile.

Arriving there, the tailing pile looks like a big snow covered hill. 

The large water puddle is still there and the little creek is still flowing. I have to head around the bottom of the tailing pile to get around the pile.

I cross the creek over some snow cover pieces of wood (just like summer). I stop while crossing to enjoy the ice covering the rocks in stream.

On the other side I really want to continue to the mine, I'm so close but my feet are so cold. Go another 1/2 mile one-way to get to the mine or head back. 

Well, my better judgement wins (unfortunately) and I turn around head start back. At least I'm in the sun now.



The entry to the meadow looks a little different now.


Great day! I can't wait to go back if the snow-free winter continues. (And yes, my feet were back to warm before I get back to my car.)




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