Prairie Mountain 2020

Our parks had been shut for 6 weeks with re-opening suddenly announced for May 1.  Praise be.  If we’re not in Pittsburgh we usually climb Prairie and though it wasn’t something I thought we’d be able to do this year I was ecstatic to hear it was on for Saturday.  Until we were in, parked and had feet on the trail at 9 am I didn’t take anything for given.  

Things got off to a lovely start when we ran across Crystal, she was already on her way down.  Everyone we passed was so happy to be out there, it was one of the most joyful trails I’ve ever experienced.  

We got about 2/3 of the way up before getting into deep snow.  The last steep climb before leaving tree line was quite an adventure.  I was happy to be in my Hoka Torrents with their awesome grips.  Hiking boots would have sucked without yaktrax/spikes.

Once you’re on the final ascent the views are fantastic.  There was a bit of snow on this section also, no big deal.

Reaching the top is such a treat.  It was a little windy but still warm in the sun.  

This is what I look like when instead of having a complete mental breakdown I find myself on top of a mountain surrounded by blue sky, fresh snowy air and pine trees.  Plot twist. 

If it had been too crazy to consider descending the steep snowy slopes there is a more gentle back way down but we thought we’d manage.  And we did.  

Spotted on the way out:

The first flowers of the year - Prairie Crocus. 

This Grey Jay wanted to say hello and see what we were up to.

Just a perfect day, you made me forget myself.