Gold Mint Hike

It was much too nice out to simply head home after skiing.  My friend Pam and I went on down to Gold Mine Trail and hiked another 3 miles.  A lot of the trail was clear of snow but we did start to encounter some ice about 1/2 mile in.  I had to wear my ice grippers to keep from falling on my face.  This time of year I would expect to be skiing up here.  But it looks like winter is going to hold off for a little while longer.

Independence Mine Ski

It was a spectacular day up at Independence Mine.  I skied with some friends from the Walkabouts hiking club.  It was so warm for November 1st.  The only real snow is right here at the mine.  There were small avalanches all over the higher peaks but nothing came close to the groomed ski trails.  It was a great up hill workout and a nice downhill returning to the parking lot. 

Palmer Happy Run

I heard about the group of runners who gather every Monday night at 6 pm here in downtown Palmer to run.  It was horribly windy tonight but I wanted to see what it was like.  It was really fun.  From now on , all of their runs will be at night in the dark until next spring.  But with a good headlight that won't be a problem.  They had three distance options and I chose the longest which was 5.6 miles.  There were only a small number who ran that distance. Naturally I was last.  But I was more motivated just knowing that I was part of the group even though the faster runners soon left me behind. 
Matanuska Peak looked amazing as the sun was setting.

Gold Mint Trail

I had several hours before the Ski Patrol meeting so ran the Gold Mint Trail.  There was a lot less snow on the trail compared to last week when I was there. There was even about a half mile that was nearly snow-free.  But the rest of the trail up to mile 3 where I turned around was covered with wet snow.  It really was quite warm, likely above freezing the entire way.  It was a little difficult to run in some places because even with ice grippers, the snow was somewhat slippery.  But I was able to run most of the way.  It was raining down in town but not at all up on the trail.  The sun actually came out right at the 3 mile point.  It was a wonderful 6 mile run.

Matanuska River Trail

I spotted this large new sign for the first time yesterday.  I knew it must at least reach the river, but I didn't know how far it went.  I was curious as to whether it eventually would connect with the old Railbed Trail that starts on the north side of Palmer at the corner of Valley Way and Eagle Street.  So I explored it with friend Mark.  It seemed to end at the Matanuska River Park Campground.  But there was an unimproved continuation that followed close to the high riverbank.  So we followed it for a couple of miles.  It does really almost end at the start of the Palmer Railbed Trail.  But instead of actually connecting to it, it ends at Gulkana Street, one block from the Railbed Trailhead.  Since it was starting to rain we walked back mostly along Gulkana Street then cut back through the Matanuska River Park and rejoined the trail.  I'm so happy I discovered this lovely trail. 

Climbing the Butte

Climbed the newer Butte trail with friend Mark.  It's quite short but certainly a great little workout if you like climbing a staircase.  This trail has as many steps as it has sections of trail.  Quite invigorating and of course the spectacular views of the entire valley from the top.  It's been a long time since I've been up there so it was definitely time to visit the 800 foot summit before it is covered with snow.

Eklutna Lakeside Trail

A wonderful run with some hiking on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail to Bold Creek and back.  So peaceful.  No one else on the trail.  It was so calm at first with hardly a ripple on the water. It felt so great to run out there through the forest by myself.