Solo. Saranac 6 Winter 5/6.

Drove straight up off a midnight shift feeling less than great. I’m continually surprised at how many cars I see at trailheads on weekdays now. My week days off use to be my solitary time out in the woods, things have really changed over the years.

Pulled into the parking area with multiple other cars already there. Was on trail around 10am.

Since I was here years ago they’ve really spruced up the trail markings. The trail was well broken, only one patch of ice toward the beginning. The rest of it was packed snow just slippery enough to warrant spikes. I took the same route up and down, no loop.

I forgot how steep this little thing is and I struggled to keep my heart rate under control with my fatigue from work and the drive but made it to the top before I knew it. The weather was supposed to be partly sunny but it was very grey and dreary out with winds picking up and temperature dropping as I started my descent. I couldn’t find the summit marker on the tree, I either overlooked it or it’s gone away since I first hiked this six years ago. I saw two hikers on my way up and 3 more on my way out, plus 2 gearing up when I got to my car. Must’ve missed the other ones somewhere on the other trail I guess.

Made my way back down in good time, went home and took a short nap. Almost done with my first winter list!