Write-up: Lu Blanchard
Leader: Lu Blanchard
Co-Leader:Carolyn Eastman

It was a hike of fits and starts. The parking area for the Oregon Trail had about 8-10 inches of snow in it and neither driver felt confident of getting out. So we went to Fish Mtn. That parking area was also the plow turn-around and there was not enough room to park 2 cars there! Finally, the three yes, 3 determined hikers (more on that later) went to Foxy Brown x-c ski trail in Piseco and were able to put on snowshoes and hit the trail. The snow sticking to the trees showered down when a breeze came through making the trail a winter wonderland. By the time we left there were continuous snow showers until just below Mapledale.

We decided that the low turnout was due to 3 factors: 1. Those who like strenuous hikes saw Lu was leading and thought it would be too easy; 2. Those who like easier hikes saw Carolyn was co-leading and thought it would be too fast; and 3. The 8:30 starting time was too early for the rest! We are sure to be the hike with the lowest number of hikers! Bobbie stuck with us, though, and since Lu’s knee was not up to the whole hike, Carolyn became the leader and Bobbie took the co-lead while Lu turned around and waited in the parking lot for them to finish. (Losing 2/3 of the hikers is not an acceptable percentage!)