Jan 9 = Solitude Nordic Center

We have an inversion in the valley and the air quality went from yellow to orange yesterday. I want to get out - and I want to pop my head above the fog and smog so I'm heading up into the mountains to the Nordic Center. It's my first time with the snowshoes this winter and this is a nice protected space free of avalanche worries.

I arrive around noon -- sunny, bright and a crisp 43 degrees. We haven't had new snow in about a week so the snow is ... well, crunchy. (from the thaw freeze cycles). Really don't need the snowshoes today but I brought them (and they will give me some traction on some of the slicker spots).

I start on the Yellow trail heading clockwise around Silver Lake. Just a few nordic skiers out on the track and I see only one other snowshoer -- a man with his small daughter asleep in his back carrier (the wonders of fresh air).

It's pretty quiet out. The snow, although old and crusty, still sparkles in the sunlight. The mountains look really pretty.

I thought there would be skiers but I see on a couple on the slopes ahead.

I work my way through the forest and around to the other side of the lake.

Then off on the orange trail through the summer cabin area. The cabins are definitely snowed in - probably 3+ ft on the ground but at least their roofs aren't very heavy with snow.

I get to the purple - pink trail split, I usually do purple but today I'm heading down the pink. Don't think I'll go all the way to the village -- maybe a bit much for my first trip. :)

Back in the thick woods now but there are finally sounds of bird life as I drop in elevation. Can't find them though. Strange calls, like a high pitched donkey calls (EEE-or). It's probably some woodpecker; they are sure noisy. I'm getting closer but still can't locate one.

I do locate an eaten food cache of probably a squirrel - lots of pine code scales with no seeds.

I'm getting a little cold so I decide it's time to turn around and start back.

I find a curious impression in the snow

... just people having fun in the snowy woods :)

Those birds are still calling and I STILL can't find them. I do find 2 black-capped chickadees though.and a squirrel roaming around some pine trees.

And snow eggs with small pine trees inside.

I'm finally also back to the yellow trail when I find another eaten cache - not too hard to miss.

It was good to get into the snowy mountains (and breathe some clean air).

Good day.