Indian Peak Wilderness (IPW) Adventure is last outing of 2011 for "The Hiker."

The Boulder Ranger Station reported 26" of snow on the ground in IPW with up to 4 more" expected throughout the day.  Plus strong winds with gusts up to and exceeding 70 mph.  Sounds like a challenge.  I called my buddy Ed, who when I told him was in, no questions asked.

As we went through Nederland, it started snowing.  At the Brainard Lake TH, we added an insulation and outside weather proof layer of clothing, strapped on snowshoes, cinched down our packs and headed into a snow squall.

Deep snow had all but neutralized any hint of an actual trail bed so we cut new trail for a few hundred yards untill we found the CMC Ski Trail.  A number of blow downs slowed our pace a bit.  A new experience was learning a safe and effective method of getting over, under, around and through the web of branches and splintered timber.

Well prepared for harsh conditions, Ed is enjoying the day.

 The meandering trail through this part of Roosevelt National Forest seemed foreign in a way.  Although Ed and I both hiked in IPW earlier this year, a snow covered trail can totally mislead you in winter.

We look for and find a large downed tree just off trail.  It would serve us well as a spot to have lunch.  After compressing a 4 X 4 square area of deep snow, we erect a small ultralite tarp to shield a backpacker stove from wind and snow.

Minutes later we have boiling water to rehydrate two large helpings of spaghetti with meat sauce.  A cup of hot coffee, ignited our energy boosters for the rest of the day.  As we are repacking a solo shoer stops on trail.  She is Suzanne, and like us, she is looking for Brainard Lake.  She takes an interest in the 3.8 oz. backpacker stove I am holding.  She moves up trail.

We approach a trail junction and take the one to our right.  It leads to an ice-covered creek bed.  We return to the junction.  On the way we meet Suzanne, who has been to the top of the ridge with no sight of the lake.
.     
We decide to try again, this time continuing beyond the ridge line into the parking lot before the lake.  Two Xcountry skiers approach looking for a trail to take them back to their vehicle.  They follow us to the lot and continue to their destination.

We can barely see the lake in the distance, due to more frequent wind gusts.  Snow and ice pellets are being hurled at us like tiny frozen beebies.  It sounds like we are in the middle of a sand storm.

Based on the deteriorating weather and time of day, we decide to start back to the TH.  When we reach the trail junction again, two women with two dogs are there.  Christa, a clothing designer for Patagonia, and her friend (did not get her name), a Medical Student.  Their vehicle is in the same lot as ours.  What began as a party of two is now a party of five plus two dogs.

Suzanne made the cut.  Her snowshoe kicks up a tail of snow as she steps over the camera.

Closer to the TH, I choose a spot on trail and ask everyone to play a role in an experiment.  I will lie across trail capturing images as each person slowly steps over me and continues up trail.  Some of the images in this journal entry are the result of that experiment.  Nothing great...first try.

Maybe the best shot of the day is of Suzanne on the move.

 Everyone arrived at the TH safely.  We exchanged names, business cards and email addresses before heading for home.

 Christa takes her second step after clearing the camera.

The only image captured of the dogs, sorry.

Christa (look between the boots) is up trail as her friend steps into the frame.

 

The group continues on to the TH as the dogs enjoy their play day together.

  What I Learned today:

• It was smart to pack two fire starters. One in the kitchen stuff sack that dropped in snow making it ineffective. One in my hiking pants pocket that started the stove .
• When snowshoeing, remain patient and flexible.  Weather can go sour quicky, changing ones initial plan.
• Meeting people who love the outdoors is inspiring.
• Dogs, like kids, totally enjoy themselves in snow.

Total distance: 5.4 mi.
Elevation Gain: 530'