Mt. Prindle

Yesterday a crew of us went up to Mt. Prindle for an OD workout in the form of a long hike.  The area is one of the most beautiful in the Interior, but unfortunately it was cloudy the whole time so we didn't get any of the spectacular views that one associates with Prindle and its ridges.  It was also more buggy and wet than any of us had ever seen it, which was tolerable until the last few miles which tested our patience (the group got noticeably quieter) as we were swarmed by mosquitoes while we slogged along a boggy and frequently flooded path.  I think we were fairly happy to reach the van for the hour and a half drive home. 

I have not had the best luck taking groups hiking in this area.  Whenever there is a good group that can make the trip, we always end up socked-in.  Oh well, better luck next time.  It is still a beautiful area, and the crew did get to see the 45km of smooth pavement that we will be enjoying for our final OD of this training cycle in three short weeks. 

Some pictures from the day:

Ema crosses Nome Creek 50 feet into the hike

Cold water first thing is pretty invigorating...

Walk another 100 meters and you get stream crossing #2

Passing around the Bug Spray

Ian leads us up the valley

Skeeto

The tundra was spotted with wildflowers and lingering snowfields

La famille Rorabaugh: Eliza, Willy, Darren and Skeeto

Taking a break at one of the first Tors after the steep hike to the ridge.

Ian grabbed Megan to try and do a Lion King scene

Up the ridge and deeper into the clouds

Max leads Vanya, Ema and Skeeto

It looks like Ema is casting someone out of the group!

The group pauses in the lee of one tor while another tor lurks behind.  This was our turnaround point.

Ema's choice for trail food?  Bok Choy.

Skiers are drawn to snow...

I count 6 mosquitoes in this photo...

One last stop on the way out

Ian, Megan, Johnny and Eliza

One final creek crossing and we're done!