Last hike of 2024 was just after dawn on the 30th, on the Camel Bluff Trail at Mill Bluff State Park. It was a cool and foggy morning, no breeze to speak of, and about 28 degrees. There was snow and ice on the trail in some places, but mostly it was easy to just walk along at an ordinary pace.
Once I got warmed up the hiking was pleasant, but because of time pressure I skipped visiting Cleopatra’s Needle this time.
The coffee in my smallest vacuum bottle was just the right temperature and it was welcome refreshment !
I was going to put off the first hike of 2025 until the weekend, until I looked at the long-term forecast; the temperatures were going to nosedive, in fact they were already beginning! I undertook a quick trip to Wildcat Mountain State Park in the afternoon on New Years Day as a result.
As I drove, the wind was picking up, and snow flurries were becoming more frequent, so on arrival I felt motivated to get out on the trail quickly! The Ice Cave Trail parking lot was almost full so I continued up the road to the main park.
From the Amphitheater parking lot I set out on the Old Settler’s Trail, just going as far as the Taylor Hollow Overlook, then backtracking to another overlook that I enjoy visiting. All the while, weather conditions were deteriorating. The wind was strong, the temperature dropping, the snow getting heavier … I measured the temperature with a pocket thermometer; 19 degrees! I did not linger at the overlook; just took this picture and turned around.
Eh, all I can say is: I made a minimally acceptable observance of my last-and-first-hike ritual. Transcendence is optional; maybe next year!
Thanks for visiting driftlessqrp!
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