McRoberts Creek & Matanuska Peak Trails

 There were only 4 of us today for our Saturday Valley Wanderers hike, Jane. Judith, Sarah and me. It was a cold frosty morning, so we all started with our warm coats. Bella led the way as usual. We hiked up the McRoberts Creek Trail to the tripod that marks the junction of the Matanuska Peak Trail. Someone has damaged the tripod so that now it only has 2 legs, plus the red flag has been removed. I can't understand why anyone would want to destroy this important trail marker. I suppose we will hike up again soon and at least replace the flag. The trail had some significantly muddy places, but I mostly managed to avoid getting my feet muddy. Bella was quite muddy and ended the day with a bath. In quite a few places, streams were running right down the trail. But it was always passable. McRoberts Creek was running very full due to recent rains. The snow up higher has mostly melted, with only a light amount up on Matanuska Peak. I believe it would still be easy to climb it. But that was not our plan today. Once at the trail junction, we hiked down the Matanuska Peak Trail back to our cars for a total of 5 miles. That trail was much drier. Judith and Jane wore their micro spikes, but I didn't bother putting mine on. I didn't find myself slipping, even though it was a little damp and slippery in spots. On our way down, Karen and John who I had seen up on Matanuska Peak, came through with their big dogs. They recognized Bella even before they recognized me. She stands out in her bright pink raincoat. I so often run into friends along the trails. Today was a good day to be out enjoying the last few days of fall.