I assumed I’d be hiking by myself, poor assumption. Glad I didn’t have to use the bathroom when a trail runner passed me in the last 5 miles. Fair is fair, I don’t think he expected to see me either. 

For more than half the hike I was sharing the trail with wildlife, no evidence of humans at all on the reroute section. Spooked one huge spike buck coming up through the ridge closest to Morrison Run. 

As it turns out, the Morrison Run side had less snow than the other. Consequently, the only thing hiding the acorns were the oak leaves on the ground!! It’s hard to describe how intimidating it can be to discover soooo many tracks on the ground with every single leaf turned up. There were obviously 50 deer in the few acre plot I’d just plodded through very shortly before I arrived. 

I am so fascinated by the reservoir at Winter pool. I will be making a point to make it to the Elijah Boat launch to check out the original stream beds that seem to converge there. 

I’d rate this hike moderately difficult because of the length and need for good orientateering skills in the Summer months.