Hike Distance: 8.1 miles Yearly Hike Distance: 1781.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1895 feet Yearly Elevation Gain: 201110 feet
My goal for this hike was to exceed 200,000 feet of elevation for the year! As a result, I went on a road I knew to have significant elevation gain in a short distance.
It was raining steadily up until I reached 1800 feet of elevation. And, it was fairly cold since the temperature was hovering just above freezing. Snow/pellets were accumulating above 2000 feet of elevation, and it turned into a winter wonderland! It was so beautiful with snow covering the ground and trees, and I stopped often to take pictures. When I got up to 2300 feet of elevation it turned to snow that was falling from the sky.
I so enjoy being alone in this winter wonderland, breathing in the crisp, and clean air. I really wished I could have stayed out longer but it was going to get dark early.
On the way back to the car I saw two elk saunter onto the road, oblivious to my existence. I froze in place when seeing them, and they eventually looked around and saw me, and then they froze in place. I waited a few seconds and then started forward, at which time they quickly made their getaway.
About 3/4 mile before the trailhead I turned my head to see a deer staring at me from the forest. We stared at each other for many seconds before she walked away! So amazing to see wildlife on this hike. 🙂
This hike could have been miserable, due to the cold rainy and snowy weather but I was well prepared for it. Such a spectacular day, and I reached that 200,000 feet of elevation goal, which was quite satisfying. 🙂