Finally my snow day.

**brewerpaul** · 2nd March 13, 06:18 PM

The Mid-west, or in my case Missouri, has been blanketed with a late but welcome by me bit of snow. Alas last weekend when it really hit I was on call and could not play and the week has been too busy for me to really get out to the woods. Well today was the day and it was prime hiking weather. Most of the times I get out I make it a workout so a hike meant a 30+ pound pack, trekking poles, mountain boots, gaiters and some good dried fruit to munch on. The snow has been thick and wet this last go round so the first part of the hike was a bit of work. This meant cedars were bent over the trail and it was over around or under. I did all three in time and was glad to have my leggings and gaiters on as I crawled on all fours under the trees. The rest of the trail, about 2.5 hours, was nice harder pack and already hiked trail. Ive run and hiked this trail for 18 years and never tire of its pristine trees and streams. Below are a couple of photos to share of the day. Temps were 29-31F with a decent west wind. I heat up rather fast so a quick dry short sleeve shirt, performance long sleeve shirt and polartec vest did the trick. The kilt is a Stillwater Standard Weathered MacKenzie I bought just for this purpose. Boots ae 18 year old Vasque mountaineering boots that have seen a few summits in their time and still fit like a glove. Some OR Crock Gaiters kept the snow out of my boots. The pack was smartly packed with a tent, fleece sleeping bag liner, rescue blanket, a couple dry shirts and wind jacket, food and water, Ive done this a few decades and dont go out without a bit of security. Well it was a grand hike, enjoy the photos.

From Coyote Bluff looking west.

Of course I have to show the kilt ...

Yes I love this stuff, makes me quite happy hearing the scrunch of snow under my boots.

Looking up the trail ahead

It doesnt get any better than this, really.

One of our many creeks flowing through the park.

May we never ever be without our wilderness and great out doors.

**KiltedDixon** · 2nd March 13, 06:29 PM

I can hear you crunching now.

You must be in pretty good shape to hike in those conditions. Nice pics btw.

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd March 13, 06:37 PM

Nice photos. Which tartan is that? I quite fancy it.

**brewerpaul** · 2nd March 13, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Nice photos. Which tartan is that? I quite fancy it.

Stillwater Kilts Standard Weathered MacKenzie.

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd March 13, 07:58 PM

Nice. I like it.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 2nd March 13, 08:58 PM

You got more snow up there than we did - a lot. I'm ready for spring.

**Pleater** · 3rd March 13, 10:39 AM

Although in past years we have had a bare covering of snow on the first weekend in March, this year I could feel the Spring - all the old clichés, air like wine, sun warming my back, first blossom on the trees, Spring bulbs in flower and the sap rising in everything - I was out in it. Feeling the seasons through the soles of your boots - or in my case, sandals, is the ideal way to have the experience.

Good to read you took sensible precautions - I left my jacket off

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**GMan** · 3rd March 13, 01:55 PM

Love it, simply love it!

**brewerpaul** · 3rd March 13, 05:10 PM

Just to add a couple more photos from today's venture. Went out the same trail with Jennifer and spent a good 2 hours working our way through the snow. This area has cedar trees which became quite loaded down when we had the wetter second snow this past week. Made for a bit of bush whacking and working in and out under and over the bent trees. It isnt to bad and always is a shocker when the snow drops down your neck from the limb above you.

The snow bound way ahead.

Having another great hike, especially great when Jennifer is with me.

Jennifer getting ready to head into the thick stuff. Im fortunate to have someone who shares my enjoyment of the outdoors regardless of the weather.