Weather creates stark difference on trail
After several consecutive days of cold temperatures and freezing rain, I came to a couple of conclusions. Although in no hurry to wish my life away, I was more than ready for the return of the spring season.
There would likely be precipitation aplenty. That was perfectly fine with me, though, as the temperatures would probably remain tolerable enough that one could don a rain jacket and at least get out in the midst of Mother Nature.
And as for getting out in the midst of the wonderful outdoors? It was becoming abundantly clear that I was growing weary of being cooped up in the house. Four days had passed since I had done anything that was outdoor related, other than perching in the recliner and watching YouTube videos of others fishing the boundary waters or reviewing outdoor gear.
We eventually experienced a break in the weather. In fact, the forecast called for sunny skies and a daytime high hovering near the half-century mark. That in mind, I immediately began pondering how I might take advantage of this sudden change in the weather.
Hardly any time had passed, and I had a game plan. There was an 11-mile section of trail that I had been intending to hike for some time. And I couldn’t think of a better time than the present to experience a walk along this particular route.
My friend, Taylor Bellott, had also grown stir crazy during the past few days and was also curious of what might lurk along the trail. That in mind, we met up bright and early on the following morning, prepared to embark upon what we suspected would prove a steep and strenuous ascent.
Crossing a creek immediately after getting out of the vehicle, we struck out in the direction of the south slope of the mountain. It quickly grew evident that our hunch was right, in the sense that we had a long climb ahead of us. But that was OK. We were both in fairly good physical condition, and the route had obviously been well maintained. It was simply a matter of setting a steady pace and putting one foot in front of the other.
Neither of us, however, had imagined how impressive of an environment we would be entering. We’re talking open woods shaded under the canopy of towering oaks. And although the grade was steep, the smooth substrate lent to a pleasant trek.
We followed the trail as it eventually topped the ridgeline and made its way down the south slope for a short distance prior to veering right and paralleling the mountaintop.
Hardwoods thrived along this section of the route as well. But there was a noticeable difference. The understory was far more dense with saplings. And the substrate was riddled with rocks and boulders. But there was yet another difference that was far more glaring.
The recent freezing precipitation had certainly had an adverse effect on the north side of the mountain. In fact, the ice covered canopy glistened in the early morning sun. And the limbs that couldn’t bear the extra weight had plummeted to the ground. We even happened upon a few trees that had fallen prey to the wintry conditions and now lie prone on the leaf-covered substrate.
Although we were only minutes from the beautiful setting that lurked on the opposing side of the ridgeline, it seemed that we were miles away. In fact, the pleasant hike that we had enjoyed earlier had grown somewhat treacherous.
Although sections of the route were clear, we also weaved our way through short mazes of fallen trees and limbs.
And as the sun grew higher and the temperatures increased, we were pelted by chunks of ice that were falling from the overhanging limbs.
I’ll have to admit that I was more than happy upon finally catching a distant glimpse of the truck and coming to the realization that our trek was all but behind us.
But on the other hand, I’m glad we experienced the walk. There were certainly sections that made our efforts worthwhile. And it was also a reminder that nothing should be taken for granted upon entering an uncontrolled environment.