Winter At It's Best

We met at a local high school parking lot last Friday night, took attendance, climbed into the very last row of a 15 passenger van with 13 other people we didn't know, and were escorted along the winding road up to the base of Mt. Spokane. In just 25 minutes, it felt as if we were transported into a different world. We left the flat land of 40° and visible grass and ascended into a beautiful scene - quiet, serene, and snow covered everything.

We all climbed out of the van, strapped on a pair of snowshoes, adjusted our poles to a comfortable height, and made sure our head lamps were secure on our hats. It was supposed to be a full moon, but the skies were overcast and there was no moon to be seen. We left the light of the parking lot and entered into the snowy forest trail. A single file line of 15 or so snowshoers, climbing up a steep trail at a rapid pace. Complete silence except for the sound of your own breathing and snow crunching under foot. It was amazingly bright without the moon - we only turned our lamps on once. I wonder how much more beautiful it would've been if the moon was out.

We stopped at the top of the crest. The leaders asked if we wanted to continue on a gentle trail or a view point trail. The group opted for the view. Up we went...again. Lungs and heart out of shape and sweating heavily we pressed on, enjoying the coolness of the air on our faces. We gained about 600 feet of elevation before we came to the Bald Knob Picnic Area at approximately 5100'. We stood catching our breaths looking over the city lights of Spokane off on the horizon. There was probably 3 or 4 feet of snow on top of the picnic shelter. The trees were just gorgeous. Their branches heavy with the weight. A dim light from a nearby road shone just enough to make the snow twinkle and sparkle. It was like a scene you'd find on the front of a Christmas card. Raw, natural beauty.

We hiked back down on the more gentle route and arrived back at the parking lot we started from. Tired, but invigorated, we took in one last look around, soaking in the sights, before climbing back into the van. And just as quickly as we entered that winter wonderland, we were back on flat ground with not an ounce of snow in sight.

I think I like it that way. How cool to drive 40 minutes from your house and feel like you're in a different country! Reminds me so much of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe when little Lucy crawls through the wardrobe and enters the land of Narnia. It was three hours of our Friday night that has captured a place in my memory that I don't want to forget.