Twin Peaks Trail

 This was my first time to lead a hike with the Valley Wanderers. I wondered what kind of obnoxious weather we might encounter, considering it was fogged to the ground and raining at my house. But there were 11 of us who chose to give it a chance. We carpooled up to Eklutna Lake, where it was foggy in places but at least not raining. We hiked up the Twin Peaks Trail. At the first bench, the view was amazing, in spite of the fact that you couldn't see the water of Eklutna Lake at all. It was completely covered in fog. But it was quite beautiful with the mountains showing above the lake. Unfortunately, the tops of the mountains were mostly also obscured. We decided to move on to the second bench and encountered some fog but finally broke out and could see the twin peaks. At the second bench we were now in a few inches of snow at which point only 5 of us continued on up the steep rocks to the ridge, hoping to enjoy the even more amazing view of the lake we always see up there. Sadly, the view there was basically the same as at the first overlook. But it was lovely to look out above the clouds in the valley below. We had all added our micro spikes to climb up to the ridge. They were essential but they were also a pain because snow and mud kept building up in huge globs beneath our feet. We would take a few steps then need to kick all that mess off our feet at each bare rock. I do think they kept us from slipping but they certainly made the hike more challenging. Next summer I hope to finally go to the top of Pepper Peak, where this section of the trail eventually leads. But right now that would be a very snowy adventure. I wish the lake had been visible, but the fog made the view very fascinating. So it was a wonderful 6 mile hike.