free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
This is more of a diary post than anything so I can keep track of my 2014 distances etc. but I thought I'd share the few shots I took yesterday whilst revisiting Prairie Mountain for the 3rd time. 1 hour faster than the first time and harder going due to deep snow in the forest section but it was a great day to be out.
Prairie Mountain is pretty close to home and well used by many so makes a good 'conditioning' hike in winter, but don't let that fool you, it is a hell of a grunt and at times the ascent seems almost endless
Starting out from the Elbow Falls Trail
The sun shines down as I make the first section comfortably and take a moment to look over the closed section of the road below
the snow is stable and easy walking as long as you stick to the trodden sections, a step to the side sees me down to the knee once or twice
There didn't look to be much nosh around for this little guy and I had nothing to give him today
Breaking out of the trees to the summit
Mt Cornwall, Mt Glasgow, Nihahi Ridge and others fill the horizon
Nice sheltered spot for a cuppa before descending