Sat, Nov 2 2013 - Cox Hill from the North - Ice Hike or Snowshoe (View Original Event Details)
| Event Coordinator(s): |  |
Leonard Kampel
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| Participants: | | Leonard Kampel, Dale J, Rhonda K, Mick, Margaret B, Shabir R, Rod M, chris w, Andrew G |
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Write Up:Based on conditions the group decided on Prairie Creek to Powderface Creek rather than Cox Hill.
The weather forecasters were right on the money (just slightly later than they thought) with the snow arriving as we approached the entrance to K Country. It accumulated quickly as we got ready to head out so the icers went on almost immediately; it was decided the snowshoes could wait for another day.
Evidence of the June flood appears all along Prairie Creek; luckily the trail is still passable. The group made quick work of the distance to arrive at the Prairie connector junction just after 11 at which point lunch was called.
With the snow gently falling, the group had many opportunities for Zen moments of quiet contemplation of the beautiful surroundings. Picture postcards come to mind.
Upon our return to the vehicles, we got our first clue of how the roads had been impacted by our Zen snowstorm. Highway 66 was fully snow covered and becoming slippery. After the first few KM things were going very well with only a slip or two. After waiting our turn to cross the temporary bridge the fun really began. As my group began to climb the hill towards the highway, my rear tires began to lose traction on the icy hill. That brought us to a rapid stop. That is until the truck began to slide backwards on its own. This F150 ballet continued until the truck had completed a 180 on the hill, successfully missed hitting the guardrail and the road marker poles, and slid to the bottom. That ended our approach to the hill. Luckily Mick had 4 wheel drive so was able to maneuver the hill.
After waiting around 45 minutes our hero arrived - the sander/plow truck. The day was saved and all made it home safe and sound.
