I've been wanting to get back to Steamboat Rock and that last report with the frozen lake was enough to make me face the long drive.
The lake was frozen around Steamboat Rock but it was melted around the shore. With 45+ degree weather, it won't stay frozen for long.
The hike up to the plateau seemed a little easier than the last time I was there. The ground was damp enough that your boots could get some traction. There's no snow to speak of up top. A few patches here and there but nothing you have to walk through.
There were tons of hoof prints, big and small, and other evidence of deer or maybe sheep. It seems like they like to go right to the edge for a peek. We looked everywhere but they remained elusive.
We did find a flock of birds. I should say, a flock of birds found us. They made so much noise when they took off it inspired a hearty discussion of the sympathetic nervous system and myocardial infarction.
As expected the hike down was harder than the hike up. My hiking pole was helpful. My daughter just scooted down the steep spots.
I took hiway 2 home and wow! The rolling hills west of Coulee City were out of this world beautiful covered in snow. So pretty!!
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