2021 Hike 1: Stan's Lookout
Actual Hike date: January 23rd. It has taken me a while to write this, but I am finally blogging again! Stan’s lookout was especially hard to write about, because not only does the trail bear Dad’s namesake, but it is also the second to the last hike Dad and I ever did, as well as being the first hike I have done since his passing, that we did together.
Patrick at the trailhead
This hike begins with a straight gravel path that goes steadily up, until it cuts across an area with power lines.
Brook under the power lines
What is interesting about this trail, is that there is a parallel biking trail that starts at the same area, and cuts across the hiking trail at regular intervals, leading to the same destination. This is a particularly ingenious way to build the trail system, as it allows both hikers and bikers the ability to experience the landscape, while neither restricting, nor colliding with each other.
Patrick on trail
On the way, we were privileged to catch a glimpse of a rare phenomenon: a frost flower. These beautiful oddities were all over the trail, and we had to look them up to figure out exactly what they were. It turns out that they form only when weather conditions are in a very specific configuration. When mold grows on the undergrowth, the frost will sometimes adhere to it, and grow out from it, creating a magnification of the shape of the original mold, in frost form. There are fairly rare, and quite temporary, so we were lucky to catch them!
Frost flower on a log
It was hard getting to the end of this trail, just as it is hard writing this blog today. I felt a little heartsick staring out over the expanse as I did back in 2015, and remembered being here with Dad. In a way, though, it is comforting, as I can remember him as he was before his decline. Given the amount of time spent with him in his final months, it is sometimes difficult to recall memories of when he was well. Given this opportunity, I am grateful.
Dad at the summit
Patrick staring at the view, picture taken by Dad in 2015
Patrick staring at the view, picture taken by Brook in 2021
Patrick and Stan doing a selfie at the summit
Patrick and Brook doing a selfie at the summit