THEN SNOW

This was the site that greeted us when we reached the top, or as far as the road allows us to go.  The volcano crater that we could clearly see before was covered with snow, allowing only it's outline.  The depth of snow decreased further down, but it was plenty deep in places.

There was life in the ski village where there had been none before,  4 wheelers and sleds for rent, many lodges appeared open, tour buses in the lots, and people wandering.  There were  actually picnickers in the parks, families throwing snowballs and making snowmen.  With lots sunshine and vibrant colors, you hardly noticed that the thermometer was topping out at just over freezing.  We had a nice walk, followed a stream for a bit, found signs of life amidst the snow, and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate to round out the day.

 I bet the water from that cesme was COLD.

 Someone's footprints into the forest.

 Small icicles,

 Medium icicles,

 Large icicles.

 Look out!!!!  Snowball launched.

 Wonder how far to the waterfall we can hear?

 Ahh, a long way down I think.

 Snow meets color, the bottom most point of snow and top of color.

 Two nice specimens.....mountain and man.....Mountain man????

 My Mountain Man serving hot chocolate.

 She's a little bit serious....

 and  a lot crazy!!!!

 Picnickers set up in the snow.

 Because it had been a 3 day weekend in observance of  a military holiday, whoever made this Snowman was being patriotic.  Nice job.