Anyway, I ignored the road closed sign and parked across from Cow Canyon Saddle and went up the ridge trail. Hung out at the summit chatting with a few folks. Very nice woman who said hiking the San Gabes was part of her therapy, just finished chemo treatments in November. I was inspired to get out more this year.
Someone had been on part of the trail within the last couple of days since I was following footprints most of the way in the solid inch of snow coverage. Since it was all in the sun I was actually warm there. Going down I took the road, which was actually cold in the shady parts. Saw a few more folks on that section, probably got tired of the traffic jam going to Icehouse and Manker.
Some pics below.
Perhaps the pile of melting snow was a decoy to get people to pay attention to the sign.
Trail up. I was able to do this in my trail runners.
Here we are in the deep stuff.
Not because I had to but because I can. Made up some oatmeal and hot chocolate for warming snack.
Baldy in the background. You're right Taco, might have to plan an alternate winter gathering.
Noticeably colder in the shade. I saw some drifts of nearly six inches.
Still another great day in the local mountains.
