Got to 62 degrees today after a cold spell during the first week of January. I packed up the new Prius C and drove to Hawn, arriving around 11:20. Both parking lots were packed and there were a fair amount of hikers on the trail (including but not limited to): a couple with a 6 year old Lab, a couple with a furry white sheep dog and a tiny boy wearing a super hero hat, two high school boys who were using sticks to sword fight, and three middle aged guys getting ready to back pack over night. I think I was the only person hiking sans companionship in human or canine form.
The trail next to Pickle Spring was slow going as it was extremely muddy and still icy in parts. I had forgotten until I started hiking that this week brought a snow storm south of St. Louis and that the Farmington schools even had a snow day while St. Louis had only rain. But the ice left over in the creek and the River Aux Vases made for exciting scenery and the comforting sound of running water. I realized I hadn't been to Hawn in three years! Much too long to be away.
It's difficult to tell, but this rock is covered in a sheet of ice. I was a bit lazy today (and probably over-careful) to get close. Was feeling my age a bit. Alas.
Immediately, when I started hiking the beginning of the trail along Pickle Spring, I thought about all the times Sam would run ahead and jump into the creek at the start of the hike just like the 6 year old black lab belonging to the young couple. Memories of Sam gave me that curious adult mix of feelings: happiness and loss mingled into one.
I love winter leaves that are left on branches. The ones that have persevered and so have unique colors and textures compared to the rest.
Controlled burn. Even though it was sunny during parts of the hike, most of my photos do not seem to reflect it.
Ah, the bluffs. I didn't spend too long here today--too many other people around, lunching, traipsing, taking up space, space, space, but I had to get a shot of one of the vistas. First saw them 15 or 16 years ago when Katherine Hoelscher first brought me here to hike. During that time, I've been to Hawn with a host of others besides Katherine: Paul, Lynnette, Dena, Evelyln, Phyllis, Emily Molina, Shelly Williams, Christine, Robyne Elder, Paul's sister Mary. Phyllis, Lynnette and I camped here.
Last leg of the hike: Sam would always climb into this creek to cool off.
I did get a little lost today, and a whole family followed me. I panicked a bit but knew I had my cell phone and that it was only 2 o'clock. Climbed two ridges and the second one lead me back onto the trail. Checked with a couple who was resting and lunching about which way to go--and discovered my intuition--for once--was correct. The direction I thought I should be hiking in was the right one. That was a tad scary. I also had to hike in wet socks and boots because I crossed the River Aux Vases in my boots after sticking one naked foot in the water and chickening out because of the cold.The last time I was here, in December of 2011, I was much more adventurous and crossed in bare feet. Today, I paid. And as I sat there, wringing out my socks, the two sword fighting high school boys put down a branch and crossed quite easily and quickly, remaining dry. If only I'd waited five minutes, they would have come along and helped me as well. The whole hike took me from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., but besides taking a detour, the trail was wet and difficult to hike today--but still worth every minute.
