Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe, Gold Creek Pond — Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025

Very satisfying, fun, and beautiful hike. It was nice seeing people enjoying the snow, throwing snowballs, and building snowmen, but also having moments of solitude to myself. I saw no one much north of the picnic area this afternoon. Did the loop around the pond and included the offshoot to Heli’s Pond. From the snowshoe trailhead parking on the road, I ended up doing 5 miles and spending 2 hours out there. My legs were enjoying the break from elevation, climbing less than 200ft. The pond looks mostly frozen from the southern picnic area, but has unfrozen sections in the northern part of the loop that offers some nice reflections. I used only traction that I put over my shoes and it was convenient to be able to put them on and take them off at the car versus in the middle of a hike. I appreciate all the snowshoers who went before me and helped create a packed down trail. I do hope that over the next 7 or so years while this area is closed for restoration, that they are able to reopen over winter when construction is on hold. And for those who just don’t know better, please be prepared to take all trash to include dog poo with you when you leave. Don’t add to a pile just because someone started one. Let’s not give them a reason to not reopen over winters please!