Yesterday, it was
snowing here. Today was a clear blue sky day. Cold, but beautiful. That just gives me every excuse to laze around all morning while the temperature perks up.
Eventually I got out the door and headed up to Smith Rocks State Park. On the road, I could see every Oregon cascade peak to the west and north, up to Mt Hood. All are nicely frosted with white stuff.
Once there, I got ready for a hike, opting to keep my 'stich Darien as a wind-breaker for the hike down the canyon until I warmed up. The wind was whipping today. Warm in the sun, chilly in the shade.
I hiked the river trail around to the Monkey Face pinnacle, up the Mesa Verde trail, and then wandered around on the top for a while before descending. All in all, it was a great couple hours hiking around with some lung burning climbs.
Doesn't look so much like a monkey from this angle.
Between a rock and a hard spot
Shadow climber on rappel
