Gold Mint to Snowbird Glacier

It was a beautiful hot sunny day as Kellie and I hiked down the Gold Mint trail.  We were in leisure mode and took advantage of scenic vistas to absorb the sun and of course chat.

Kellie Heading Down the Gold Mint Trail

 

Getting Up Higher

 

We sat up at Backdoor Gap for at least an hour just soaking up the steep walls, blue lakes and anemic glaciers.  When it was time we headed over and down the Penny Royal glacier to the valley below.  I have done a few variations in this area, but this was by far the easiest travel I have ever encountered, I think this is the way the Bomber Traverse is meant to be done.

 

 

Kellie and I soaked up the comforts of the cozy Snow Bird Hut, drank wine, watched a beautiful sunset and then were ready for bed.

The weather had turned to pea soup by morning and we packed up our stuff and headed out.

 

The sun came in and out on our way down, it looked like we were going to descend into The Nar, but instead the clouds kept parting and the sun stayed on us.

An awesome trip with fantastic company.

D.22.5:EG.6700

Late Night Mint Hut Trot

I work nights now, and I was on for 3 then off 1, back on for 3, so on my one night off I didn't really want to switch back to a day schedule. The only way I felt I could ensure I wouldn't fall asleep was to go do something outside. I stopped by the folks house, celebrated Father's day and then headed up to Hatcher Pass. I was a bit torn about where to go, but settled on the Gold Mint trail. I left the car at midnight, my camera made it look darker than it was, overall not very good lighting for my point and shoot camera.

Almost the Solstice

 

I can't really call my pace a walk, jog, or run, but more of a trot. The first 5 miles of the trail have been updated and is in excellent condition...the last 3 miles could use a little work. Although the night was clear I got completely soaked from the dew on the bushes.

Me in the Gold Mint Valley

 

The only wildlife I saw all night were some very busy beavers. It was very quiet and peaceful out there.

 

T.4:45:D.16.3:EG.2700

The Gold Mint Trail: Hatcher's Pass

"Its so green out today" was David's take on the scene. Something about the dourness of the day around us really made the greenery emanate its greenness that much more.

 

Originally our intent was to try and do the Bomber traverse. I kept thinking that surely the nice weather I saw from the south that morning should be arriving any minute to replace the soggy bottom clouds above us....it was not to be. I went up into the clouds to test their thickness....it was thick up there....and raining and white...all the things not conducive to finding the pass 1,500 feet above us.

The David Hiking up to the Mint Hut

 

So even though i'm not sponsored the 'Buff' I just have to say that it is my new favorite head covering. For those of you that know I'm actually serious when I say I'm organizing my hat collection, these are words not written lightly. Not only is it colorful, cute and festive, but its also highly functional. One moment its a hat, then a bandanna, then a balaclava, neck gaitor...whatever you need it to be.

The New 'Buff' Me

 

Looking Down on the Mint Hut

 

David Wearing His Signature Outdoors Man Long Undies
(I have to make fun on him till he buys a pair of proper pants!)

 

 

Me and My Friend David

 

Lupine