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Smithfield Canyon Ski/Snowshoe, 25 February, 2018

Seven skiers, eight snowshoers and one dog participated in the Smithfield Canyon outing, meeting at 10 a.m. in Logan. We drove up to Smithfield stopping at Jack's house to pick him up. He joined the caravan which soon parked at the forest boundary. The group donned equipment and headed up the trail at about 10:45am. There was recent snowfall which made the conditions near optimum and the temperatures were comfortable. Deanna had her dog Jasper harnessed to her pulling her along at a faster pace. (This is called skijoring.)

We passed other hikers on the trail, some with dogs and crossed two bridges. There was also a spring water structure on the side of the trail. As we climbed on the trail we warmed up, removing layers. Just after noon the group stopped and then decided to continue for another twenty minutes eventually reaching the trailhead sign and gate. We retreated back a short way to find a sunny spot for lunch. After a half hour lunch break the group packed up and headed back down the canyon.

The day had warmed and we enjoyed the setting and sounds of water running down Summit Creek. The skiers as usual made quicker time back down. The whole group was back to the cars by 2pm.

Trip Summary:

• Seven skiers Christine, Teresa, Laurel, Dave W, Dave P. Jack, Deanna (and Jasper the dog)
• Eight snowshoers Kathy, Jane, Maggie, Brent, Lynn, Susan, Jeannie, and Dan (leader)
• Drove 12 miles to the Forest Boundary in Smithfield Canyon
• Started on the trail about 10:45 and turned around at the Smithfield Canyon Trailhead about 12:15
• Lunch from 12:25 - 12:55 and back at our cars by 2:00
• Partly cloudy with comfortable temperatures, a light breeze and fresh snow on the ground
• Our GPS track shows about 4.7 miles and 650 feet of ascent and descent
  

Thanks to Dan for the narrative and photos, Deanna for photos and Dave W. for photos and the GPS data.