Afterglow

This was my first snowshoe backpacking trip this year and it was harder than expected. Maybe I was slightly out of shape due to lack of exercises during the winter months, or I just didn't bring the right gear, this trail kinda destroyed me.

 

The trail was easy on paper as it was only 4 miles one way with 2000 feet elevation gain, but most part of it was on a side slope, and snow was very soft and slushy on the day when I hiked it. I had to twist my ankles the whole time, and wished I had brought my microspikes for better maneuverability. I could still remember there was a section that was very steep sideways and when everyone else in the groups switched snowshoes into crampons and ice axes, I had to stick with my 25 inch snowshoe for traction. It was too scary for me to follow the tracks from others so I had to glissade down the slope and climbed it again. By the end of the day, I got to camp with no energy left and this was the first time I ever skipped dinner before crashing into my tent in my backpacking career so far.

 

I don't remember if I took this image before or after my short nap, but I clearly remember that day we had a glorious sunset and even the afterflow was so amazing. The reflected light on the snow was subtle, surreal and so pretty.

Done