Starting the year out right

First hike of the year - cold, but perfectly sunny

So Jan first was cold, but the sun came out and that's all it takes to get me outside!   That first hike of the year I was testing my abilities to dress for winter sport successfully, and my brand new microspikes that Chris got me for xmas.  Lessons learned:

• Microspikes are amazing
• Yes I remember how to dress appropriately for winter sports
• My hiking boots are not sufficiently waterproof even for snow
• Bring an extra pair of shoes/boots if planning to use the spikes - trying to detach them from my boots in minus-stupid weather was not a fun task.  But driving with them wasn't going to be a reasonable option either.

For the curious, these are microspikes. 
They hook over the normal hiking boots.
Less intense than full on ice clamps, but still effective.

I spent a very long time at this waterfall.
So peaceful, no people, no sound but rushing water and birds
I missed having my good camera here - I could've gotten some really fabulous shots.

The second hike came earlier than expected - after days of miserable weather (think freezing rain), it was suddenly 10 degrees and sunny?!?!  AND - I was still on vacation.   Today I didn't *think* I was testing anything, but the lessons learned were:

• Microspikes are spectacular at dealing with ice that has a sheen of water on top (those who know...)
• Microspikes fail horribly with mud; like actively made the situation worse.   This could make for some interesting life choices on spring hikes which generally include both.
• It is super fast and easy to pull of micro-spikes when it's not minus-stupid out and you can reasonably use bare hands because if they get wet for a few seconds won't freeze.  Therefore, the above rule for extra boots only applies when it's actually *cold*
• I apparently do NOT know how to dress for spring sports.  😂  Layers saved it but I ended up carrying a lot more than I should've.

With two 4-day hikes to cover the peninsula portion of the BT already planned for this year, I have to be in shape early AND ready for any weather.   I feel like this is a good start :)

The "Hemlock" trail I came across by accident and followed to the top of the hill;
I will go back another day to follow it for real; today did not quite have enough time.

lol overall not a bad start to the year :)