Picture of the week ~ ice storm

South Fork trail frost & ice

My husband and I started today's hike with a chill in the air, it was in the mid 30's when we began our hike. The northeast wind was blowing when we left our house, but thankfully we chose a nice out of the wind area for today's hike. The trail was frosty and cold, sooo glad I wore layers.

Skookum creek

The South Fork trail also known in some guide books as the 1000 puddles is one of my favorite hikes. it can be as short or long as you want it to be. We've heard that it continues all the to Hamilton. The longer route would include a crossing of Cavanaugh creek, which has several nice big rocks to aid in the crossing (even better with trekking poles for balance).  Today we chose to just go as far as the creek and then head out to the riverbank for lunch, just over 2 1/2 miles one way. A lot of work has been done on this trail and I've not ever seen the 1000 puddles. Today however we walked on frozen ground and saw lots of Hair ice and Needle ice.

We found a nice clearing and stopped for a "solar" rays warming snack break.

The closer we got to the creek the thicker the moss on the trees and logs.

Below is a macro shot of a strand of moss.....

from this log.

Cavanaugh creek

A mossy bough veil obscuring the creek view.

We then walked back to a fork in the trail and headed to the riverbank for lunch.

Moss covered with ice crystals.

Bits of snow & large frost crystals here and there.

The white on the bank in the photo below is frost.

South Fork of the Nooksack river, looking to the west.

South Fork of the Nooksack river, looking to the east.

Ice formations on the opposite bank from where we were eating lunch.

 Walking back I took some more photos of the magnificent Hair ice and ice along the trial.

We took a few of the side trails down to the river as we made our way back just for fun.

Another fine day on the South Fork trail.

Garmin stats -

total miles hiked - 6.38

*note, if you go to this trail a large sign that I used to enjoy reading is no longer near the gate. I'm glad I took a picture of it long ago.