Lazy Mountain Climb

 It has warmed up to a respectable hiking temperature, so Pam and I took our 2 dogs and decided to climb Lazy Mountain. We had heard trail conditions were pretty good, so we decided to go for the 4.5-mile trip up through the snow. I worried that my feet would be cold again, but they felt toasty warm the whole way. Bella was happy to have her buddy Dahla along again. The 2 dogs had a grand time running back and forth up and down the trail. I felt a little out of shape from a month of no big hikes. Pam also wanted to take it fairly slow. So, we just sauntered up, not trying to break any speed records. It was overcast, so not quite the amazing view we often get on this trail. But at least it was in the 20's and calm, making for great hiking conditions. We definitely needed our micro spikes on our shoes though. The trail was well packed snow from the many runners who like to train on the mountain. Above the first picnic table, the snow was a little deeper, but not so bad that snowshoes were needed. We met a few runners and a couple of dogs but mostly had the trail to ourselves. Meg, one of the most amazing athletes I know, ran past us on our way up and quickly disappeared, passing us again on her way down from the top. But we made our way comfortably to the top. Pam had a little fall on the summit ridge, hurting her arm slightly. So, she stayed there while Bella and I climbed the final rocks to the summit. I like to take my usual 360-degree video from the top. It's always a little sketchy climbing up that last rocky precipice, but I found the packed snow actually made it feel less treacherous. I remind myself not to trip as I climb up and down that last part. The overcast and clouds made the view a little mysterious, but in spite of the gray skies, it was still a beautiful view. We did have a few snowflakes on the top, but the storm waited until we were safely down before it really started to snow seriously. Bella did great and I feel that she is back to her old self. I think she was really happy to get out on a real hike again. I know Pam and I really enjoyed it too.

Bella on the summit