The trail to the Summit became snow covered as we gained altitude
Goats Notes for Mt Zion
November 28, 2011
On this Monday Morning in late November, there were 12 goats gathering in the carpool parking area. It appeared to be the beginning of a wonderful day with the sun rising, few clouds, and a good forecast. However the cool weather of the prior week brought some concern regarding road conditions for Marmot pass trailhead.
Alternatives were discussed. Mt Zion was mentioned and soon quickly confirmed – some indicated that after Thanksgiving weekend they had a bunch to do and a short day was welcomed. (What is more important on a Monday than a day of hiking?). So, drivers with 4 wheel drive vehicles were popular and shortly three vehicles were headed to Quilcene Ranger station and on to Mt Zion.
Soon we were approaching the trailhead, using 4 wheel drive for the last few miles.
We began trekking up the hill. At the summit, there was some view.
John was rewarded with his own flocked Christmas tree as he awaited those coming up the trail later. (He then provided guide service to get to “lunch rock”). And he took a picture of the last to the Summit.
Upon reaching lunch rock the trail snow depth had increased. And the cloud cover ……….well it appeared to be retreating. Occasionally the sky became brighter – almost to the point of requiring sun glasses. However despite taking time for a snack, and beverage, the clouds did not lift, the views never became apparent, and the very little bit of snow flying did not dampen the enthusiasm. Here are the happy faces of Monday Hikers.
And we, or at least one, took in the refreshment of their choice, having carried it up the hill just for this privilege. Too bad it was not a Silver City beverage bottle. A picture of that, properly submitted could earn a prize.
Pictures provided by John D, Jim R and Neil.
Narrative by Jim R.
And we leave this week’s hiking report with a final view from the Summit. Due to the changing cloud cover, not all hikers were able to see this view in person.
Happy Hiking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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- Mount Zion Trail
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- Soon we were approaching the trailhead, using 4 wheel drive for the last few miles
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- Mt. Zion Trail
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- Flocked Christmas tree awaited those coming up the trail later
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- Flocked Christmas tree awaited those coming up the trail later
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- The trail to the Summit became snow covered as we gained altitude
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- The trail to the Summit became snow covered as we gained altitude
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- The snow provided interesting shapes and colors
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- Winter hikes provide great contrast of colors
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- Winter hikes provide great contrast of colors
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- Winter hikes provide great contrast of colors
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- Jean and Steve
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- Barbara and Lynn
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- We milled around for a while
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- We milled around for a while
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- We took in the refreshment of our choice
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- We took in the refreshment of our choice
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- colorful coats and hats were on while the snacking continued
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- And then we descended, and were all finished for the day!!!
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- final view from the Summit
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