6-14-2012 The flat hike to Ski Lake

We’re hiking again this morning.  Shannon says we’ll do a pretty “flat” hike today so we can rest up a bit after our two nights of roll clinic.  We’ve driven half way up Teton Pass to access the Phillips Canyon trail head in the national forest.  From there we’ll head for Ski Lake.  We look down on Jackson and the mountains south of Jackson from here.

Shannon’s dog, Sheeba, is accompanying us this morning.  She’s 13, but acts like she’s 5.  She loves the patches of snow we find along the trail.

Ally is becoming a great hiker.  She’s steady as a rock crossing streams now.

Flat hike?  Hmm, this doesn’t look so flat to me.

We’re definitely climbing.  We’re looking back over the meadow we’ve just crossed...

...and the meadow is below us.  We can see the peaks to the east of Jackson.  Shannon says we’ll do one of those this summer.  I love hiking new trails and it is so great to have our guide.

Now we’re headed down to Ski Lake.  This is the part of “flat” Ally likes.  I think roll clinic has taken the spring out of her today.

There are a lot of snow fields for Sheeba.  She’s one happy dog.

Dining out again, our style. 

The reflections in this small alpine cirque are beautiful.

The glacial blue color of Ski Lake shows off as I climb to a high viewpoint above the lake.

Here come my hiking buddies to join me. 

Now Ally has perked up after some fine food while “dining out, our style”.

With energy restored we decide to climb higher on our “flat hike”.

Now Ally is energized for sure.  Snow.  You have to climb that icy hill.

Shannon has the technique.   Dig those toes into the snow.

Sheeba says, “What’s the problem?  Just run up that hill.”

Ally has talked Shannon into switching sides so now Ally can climb in Shannon’s toe holes.  What are friends for?

Now that’s a little easier, but not much.

Almost there.

They did it!

Ally is trying to cross country ski in her hiking boots.  Good luck.

Time to head down the mountain. 

Photo op time.  I really was there with Shannon and Ally.

I’m glad we’ve had the opportunity to visit this beautiful area.

Hiking sticks really come in handy to keep us on our feet...and to fend off bears!

We’re picking up the pace.  Shannon mentioned that one of the really good bagel shops in Jackson has a second shop at the base of Teton Pass in Wilson.  That got us thinking about food and a nice fresh bagel.  They make them all day long and never toast them because they’re so fresh.   Oh, they were good. ..the reward for a nice flat hike!   This blog is boring, boring, boring.  I apologize.  But the hiking is great!