Echo Lake looking somewhat glacial Friday! (Keith Hammer photo)
A few snowy days improved skiing while road and trail clearing has improved hiking conditions!
The first 1.5 miles of the Strawberry Lake Road has been cleared of downed trees and it is reported Peters Ridge Road is being cleared also. Both roads are currently closed to motor vehicles due to "spring breakup," so enjoy walking them but keep out of the way of log-clearing equipment!
The Phillips Trail is reportedly clear to the first bridge and recent snow has prolonged the great skiing at Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails!
Click here or scroll down for some more photos and news from various "socially distant" Swan Rangers!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get out in the woods for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Recent big wind storms have felled most of the trees left when DNRC "thinned" the State Forest lands along Strawberry Lake Road 14 years ago, resulting in a virtual clearcut. These are logs from trees that had fallen across the roadway. (Pam Willison photo)
Well, it felt like Spring a couple of weeks ago, but not lately! (Pam Willison photo)
The clearing of Strawberry Lake Road has taken place only along the DNRC and private property, but there are only a half-dozen trees to duck under or climb over to reach the Echo Creek spring! (Keith Hammer photo)
Norma writes: "Two Lone Rangers travelled separately and skied socially distant on the Alpine Loop at Blacktail Nordic trails." (Norma Linsky photo)
Roger writes: "Can you believe this old fossil is still standing tall having survived many a storm?" (Roger Benson photo)
That's an osprey nest at the top of the old ponderosa pine snag at the Phillips/Beardance trailhead! (Roger Benson photo)