Continuing Adventures in Steamboat

Our third day in Steamboat, the weather gods smiled.

As Kim and I boarded the shuttle bus that morning, the radio began playing John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulder."  I couldn't have picked a more appropriate song - here we were in Colorado, and the sun was shining!  A good omen indeed.

Clear skies!

After skiing two cloudy, foggy days of limited visibility, we were finally getting a clear day on the mountain.  But these blue skies came with a price.  It was frigidly cold outside - temps hovered in the single digits (yes, Fahrenheit!)

Ready for day three!

Kim and I bundled up with all our layers, and Kim turned her boot heaters on high.  Then we rode the gondola once again to mid-mountain.  It was wonderful to finally have some views on our trip up, and we marveled as the valley below spread out before us.  Our seatmates included a wealthy man from Texas, who showed off his battery-powered heated gloves.  (Although we generally don't need such things in the mild PNW, I was coveting those gloves that day.)

Kim admires the view

Kim and I decided to try the Storm Peak Express Lift once again.  The mountain had received a couple inches of new snow overnight, and the low temps meant it would stay fluffy.  Plus many of the runs over there had been nicely groomed.

The fantastic scenery we'd been missing

It was a good choice.  The snow was amazing - soft and powdery.  And oh, were the views incredible from the top!  Plus all the trees had been coated in a thick white frost.

Skiing amongst the frosty trees

Oh yeah - fresh snow and beautiful scenery!  Ski days didn't get much better.

Flocked by Mother Nature

However, it only took a couple of runs before my feet began to freeze.  Not having heaters in my boots like lucky Kim, I needed a quick warm-up in the nearest lodge.  While inside, I purchased some cheap chemical "toe warmers" from the tiny store.  I stuffed them in my boots, and - voila!  My feet were toasty and happy the rest of the day.

Our favorite lodge

Back to the slopes!  The snow was soft and fun.  The sun was shining.  What wasn't to like?

Magical white trees

Because it happened to be a weekday, crowds were small.  Lift lines were non-existent.  Kim and I made multiple trips up and down, scoping out a particular run from the chair and then trying to find it.

Chairlift to the sky

Towards the mountaintop, all the trees were coated in a thick snowy blanket.  They looked like a group of people, hunkered down against the wind.

Sun peeking through the trees

I happened to catch the sun trying to peep through a frosty grove of trees.

White ghost forest

Yeah, it was a magical day!  Kim and I were having so much fun, we didn't want to stop.  But our bodies started complaining.

Steamboat City below

The trails at Steamboat are long - much longer than we're used to on Mt. Hood.  The lack of rest in lift line, combined with the long runs (and it was our third day of skiing) meant by noon, our legs were thrashed.

Kim makin' turns

But we had a plane to catch that evening, so shortly past noon, we decided it was time to head down the hill.

Trail to the base area

We made a slow descent down the slopes under Steamboat's gondola, stopping often to take in the fabulous views.

Steamboat base area

Back at the base area, the day's unlimited solar energy seemed to have warmed things up quite a bit.  It was a lot warmer down here!

Shoveling snow off the rooftops

After lunch in a nearby restaurant, Kim and I waited at the shuttle stop for our ride.  We passed the time watching a large work crew shoveling snow off the roof of a nearby hotel.  All the workers were harnessed and tethered to the railing above.  Looked like precarious work!

Giant icicles

It had been a fantastic three days in this winter wonderland.  I'd enjoyed the wonderful dry snow of the Rocky Mountains and exploring a different ski area.  As our plane lifted off, the sun slipped below the horizon, bathing the landscape and sky in incredible colors.  A fitting farewell to Colorado.  I'll be back again!

Adventures in Steamboat - 2016

Alright, let's switch to something a bit more in line with the current season!

Last fall, my friend Kim had a problem - leftover time share points that needed to be used.  Thinking of a ski vacation, she found January dates available in Steamboat, Colorado.  Kim wanted to know if I was interested in coming along.  Well......let's just say she didn't have to twist my arm!

Wild women in Steamboat!

I'd traveled to Steamboat twice before, most recently on a 2011 girl's trip.  Thrilled to be visiting again, I eagerly counted the days until our late January adventure.

Gondola Square

An unexpected four-hour layover in Seattle caused a later than planned midnight arrival into Steamboat.  But Kim and I were up bright and early the following morning, stoked to hit the slopes.  A shuttle dropped us at the foot of the mountain, and we grabbed a quick breakfast in Gondola Square.

"Let's ski over there!"

After picking up our passes (we lucked out and found a killer three-day deal!) Kim and I boarded Steamboat's iconic gondola for a quick trip to mid-mountain.  Deboarding, we consulted our trail map.  Steamboat is a huge ski area - it was hard to choose which run to try first.

Takin' a break at a mid-mountain lodge

We started out at the Storm Peak Express Lift.  From my last trip, I remembered some fun trails and good snow.  But the promised snowfall had yet to arrive, and the trails were skied-off and icy.  After a couple runs, Kim took a quick potty break at the Four Points Lodge, while I tried the cool Adirondack chairs out front.

The lodge we almost missed due to fog

Kim remembered the Sunshine Express Lift had some nice terrain.  Only one problem - it was on the other side of the resort.  We whipped out the trail map once again and plotted our route to get there.

Conditions were much improved on the south side, and we had some nice trips downhill.  But, late in the morning, the predicted weather system began to arrive, bringing with it thick foggy clouds.

Steamboat selfies

Visibility became an issue.  At the top of the lift, we could barely see ten feet in front of us.  Kim didn't like this at all.  As we traveled downhill, the clouds thinned slightly, but navigation became a challenge.  It's not a problem at my local ski area (which I know like the back of my hand) but skiing in the fog at a new, unfamiliar place wasn't fun.  While trying to find a nearby mid-mountain lodge, we kept following signs, but the clouds were so thick we didn't see the lodge until we were almost right next to it!

"See that great view out the gondola?  Not!"

While inside eating lunch, snow began to fall.  Thick heavy flakes filled the cloudy skies, limiting what visibility was left to nearly nothing.  Although the snow was beautiful (and we hoped for lots of it to fall!) it didn't help our wayfinding issue.

Foggy ride down

So, by mid-afternoon, Kim and I decided to call it quits and ride the gondola back down to the base area.  On a sunny day, the gondola ride gives spectacular views of the adjacent mountains, and valley below.  But not today!  Nothing to see but fog-shrouded slopes.

Dumping snow!

At the base area, the snow was dumping furiously.  The weatherman was predicting several inches overnight.  Kim and I were giddy.  Powder day tomorrow!

Second day sunshine - but not for long!

The next day dawned to partly cloudy skies.  Steamboat's website boasted seven inches of new fresh, fluffy snow had fallen overnight.  It didn't take much motivation to get us out of bed and up to the slopes!

Awesome aspens

Riding the gondola up that morning, Kim and I were treated to some blue skies.  Oh, it looked very promising!  Having had such a good time the prior day, we decided to head back to the Sunshine Express lift.

Frost-tipped trees

As we followed the trail to the mountain's south side, we noticed all the trees were covered in a frosty white coating.  Oh so pretty!  The Aspen trees that lined most of the trails were especially lovely.

Lots of fresh powder!

Oh was the snow fabulous!  A beautiful white carpet of sparkling white fluffy powder!  It was so soft and light - a dream to ski through!  Kim and I whooped and hollered with glee as we swooshed down the slopes.

Yahoo!  Powder day!

For the first part of the morning, sunshine dominated the skies.  It lit up the frosty trees and made the snow sparkle like diamonds. 

Admiring the scenery

The run under the Sunshine Lift was so nice, Kim and I kept going down repeatedly.  I had fun ducking into the Aspen glades, while Kim was content to slide through the fluffy untracked sides.  I got out my GoPro and documented the fun.

Sadly, by late morning our friend the fog was back.  Heavy clouds rolled in, and fat snowflakes began to fall.  Although I welcomed the additional snow, I wasn't too thrilled to battle low visibility again.

Clouds and snow came back

Still, we made the best of this special powder day.  After several more runs, lunch, and a warm up in the nearby lodge, Kim and I decided to go check out a couple runs by the Thunderhead Express Lift.

New snow smiles

But the morning's powder skiing had taken it's toll on poor Kim.  After one run, she decided to call it quits and take an easy run the rest of the way down.  I wasn't quite ready to stop, and told Kim I'd meet her at a nearby coffee shop.

I decided to try a black diamond run I'd eyed from the lift.  Although it looked a bit bumpy, I thought the soft snow would make it easier.  But ski runs always look a lot better from the chairlift.  Approaching the top, I discovered a gigantic field of moguls all the way down!  It was a quad-burner, and by the time I'd finally reached bottom, I was toast!

Foggy ski down

Instead of riding the gondola, I made a mellow trip to the bottom via the Heavenly Daze and Vogue Runs.  Then Kim and I met up, and spent a relaxing evening in our condo.

Two days done, one left!  We really hoped our final day in Steamboat would be a sunny one.  Would Kim and I finally luck out?  I'll share photos and story in my next post.

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Gorge November Ramble

Told you I was way behind!  Yeah, I'm barely into November......At this rate I may never catch up.  But consider yourself lucky - I'm bringing you another post of awesome fall colors.  (If it's spring where you are, just pretend you're in the Southern Hemisphere)

Multnomah Falls peeks through the foliage

Hiking the Columbia River Gorge's Multnomah-Wahkeena loop is one of my autumn traditions.  By early November, the woods here begin their fall fashion show.  Throw in several spectacular waterfalls, and you've got yourself a photographer's dream.

Multnomah Falls Lodge

I began the day's trek at Multnomah Falls.  Dropping dramatically from atop a sheer cliff, this waterfall tumbles 620 feet in two steps to the creek below.  This lovely cascade is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the number one tourist attraction.  The visitor area is well done, with a nice viewing platform and gorgeous stone lodge.

Upper and lower Multnomah Falls

Although I tried to get an early start, the paths and viewing areas were already busy, even on this gloomy, wet day.  A paved path takes visitors up to the historic stone Benson Bridge, which divides the upper and lower falls. 

Approaching the Benson Bridge

It's always a lovely trek to this point, and the views from the bridge can't be beat!  The rainy weather meant the waterfall was flowing full and strong.  Spray off this cascade was thick, and in an effort to keep my camera semi-dry, I didn't linger for long.

Gorge view from the bridge

Continuing up the paved pathway, the trail traverses 11 switchbacks to climb 700 feet in a half mile.  But hikers are rewarded with a view of Multnomah Falls at it's very top.  There's also a lovely little mossy creek and cute stone bridge to cross.

Upper falls close-up

My goal was to continue on the Larch Mountain Trail for another 3/4 mile until it's intersection with the Wahkeena Trail.  Then I'd follow this trail across the ridge until it wound back down the Gorge to the Historic Columbia River Highway.  From here, it was a mere half mile back to my starting point at Multnomah Falls.

Weisendanger Falls

The Larch Mountain trail above Multnomah Falls is one of my favorite fall hikes.  It passes by three lovely waterfalls, but my personal favorite is the gurgling Weisendanger Falls.  It was in fine form that day, surrounded by lots of yellow foliage.

Magic forest!

Further upriver from Weisendanger Falls, the forest closed in over the creek bed.  The thick mossy trees and yellows, greens, and golds, reminded me of a magic fairyland.

Lots of trailside yellow

I kept leapfrogging a young man out hiking.  Finally catching him at the Wahkeena Trail junction, we struck up a conversation.  The man told me he was from the South (don't remember which state) and said he'd traveled to Portland on business.  Having a weekend to kill, he'd come out to explore the Gorge.  The man was quite impressed with the scenery and number of waterfalls here in Oregon.  Made me realize how lucky I am to have this wonderful place practically in my backyard!

Stately trees

Traversing the Wahkeena Trail, I passed large groves of tall Douglas firs, standing silently in the foggy mist.  Tons of yellow leaves provided bright spots in the forest floor.

Yellow accents

I also marveled at several huge trees completely draped in thick carpets of moss.  Their gnarled branches looked ghostlike. 

Wahkeena Trail

The rain had held off most of the hike, but by the time I'd begun my descent towards Wahkeena Falls, the sky decided to open up.  Huge raindrops and tiny ice pellets pelted my face.  Forced to protect my camera, it got stowed in my backpack, and that was the end of my photo taking for the day.

Luckily, it was only a mile to my car.  Splashing through puddles, I hurried down the final switchbacks to the Historic Highway.  Passing by Wahkeena Falls, I didn't even stop to take a photo (I have tons already) and instead bypassed the people milling about it's base (even during a downpour, there were still crowds!)

Gnarled, mossy tree

I arrived back at my car, soaking wet, but satisfied.  The fall colors had once again lived up to my expectations.  Despite the wet weather, it was great to get out and enjoy the beauty so close to home.

Stats:  5.5 miles round-trip, 1600 feet elevation gain.


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Silver Falls Autumn Finery

It's March - my daffodils are coming up, the trees are beginning to bloom.....and I'm going to blog about autumn colors!  (You know me, always behind)

South Falls

Upon returning home from our fantastic mid-October Utah trip, I was keen to check out the fall colors I'd been missing.  One of my favorite spots for autumn leaf peeping is Silver Falls State Park.

Golden leaves

A crown jewel of the Oregon Parks system, this 9,200 acre property is the largest and most popular state park in Oregon.  Situated in a deep basalt canyon are 10 gorgeous waterfalls, the area's main draw.

Leaf-littered path

This park is lovely year-round, but I think autumn is the best time to visit, when the dense forests erupt in brilliant color.

Trailside color

Planning my visit for a Friday off work, I was a bit disappointed to see the forecast called for rain.  But I decided to go anyway - maybe it would only be a few showers (I'm such an optimist!)

Another view of South Falls

But I pulled into the parking lot in the midst of a heavy downpour.  Ugh!  Good thing I brought my raingear.

Mossy trees

After suiting up and covering my backpack and camera, I headed down the paved path past the lodge, leading to the canyon and waterfalls.

More gorgeous color!

South Falls, the first waterfall on the trail, is visible a short distance from the lodge.  A gorgeous 177 foot tall cascade, it tumbles gracefully down a steep basalt cliff.  A hiking trail winds down the canyon wall, passing behind this cascade's lacy curtain.

South Falls looking up

The autumn leaves were fabulous!  Although a tiny bit past prime, there was no shortage of vibrant yellows and orange hues.  The cloudy, wet weather made the bright colors pop (one advantage of photography on a rainy day)

Bright leaf

Choosing a prime South Falls vantage, I set up my tripod, tried to position an umbrella over top, and got to work.

Cascade through the vegetation

The waterfall was running full and strong - another advantage of rainy day photography!

Lone leaf

After a few dozen photos of South Falls from above, I wandered down into the canyon for a capture at it's base.  I didn't lack for photo subjects along the way!  As a matter of fact, my trip took much longer as there was always something lovely to distract my camera.

Top 'o the falls

I'd hoped to hike further down the trail and visit a few more waterfalls.  But after a hour, the heavy rainfall had drenched my gear.  Not wanting to ruin my good camera, I beat a hasty retreat back up the canyon.

Multi-hued vine maple

On the return path to my car, I did get distracted again.  This lovely multi-colored vine maple tree was just begging to be photographed.

South Falls Lodge

As was the beautiful, rustic South Falls Lodge.  Framed by brilliant yellow leaves, and tall, stately Douglas Firs, how can any photographer pass up a scene like this?

Puddle bubble

I spied a couple of pretty leaves in a puddle and got inspired.  The raindrop ripple made for an interesting composition, and I patiently waited for the right moment to snap my shutter.  The bubble that happened to form was icing on the cake.

Colorful puddle

Fall colors are fleeting, and although poor weather hampered the day's explorations, I was still glad I'd made the trip.  Despite the rain, I came away with several lovely images.  Now, months later, it's been kind of fun to look back and remember the glorious autumn show, courtesy of Mother Nature, at Silver Falls State Park.


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