1 Followers
26 Following
knitwarpfactorya

knitwarpfactorya

The mists swirling about the ridge lifted

The 5 mile training trail begins upon taking a sharp right turn immediately after crossing the Clark Fork at the Swartz Creek bridge.. A wonderful Machine opens upon topping the ridge, with the views back into Swartz Creek, hundreds of square miles of the Sapphire Range, and Elk Mountain standing tall right in the middle. This mountainside trek was no different. At the end of that surprising hike I soaked my aching bones in the jaccuzi in our Missoula, Montana motel found at: warp knitting machine . The large and scenic Clark Fork River lies at the bottom. Wondering at my gradually fading vision, the startle effect was complete, as out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a hint of blue in the grass. On the return down the mountain there was a little more of a spring in my step.

 

The mists swirling about the ridge lifted, and the clouds started to break up, offering some sunshine. I marveled at the irony. Scattered among them were wonderful little yellow blossoms and white ones - the flowery beginnings of the springtime blossom parade! I laughed at the curious spin this startling realization provided my perspective as I had worked this same trail a dozen times over the past 4 months. The workouts range from relatively level stretches to full bore hill climbs, especially in the upper switchbacks criss-crossing the higher faces of the ridge. The higher climb provides steeper inclines, great views across the valley and surrounding range, and approximates the major Montana mountain trails elsewhere.

 

The Deities, being playful forces, seized the opportunity, springing a delightful surprise on me in the midst of all that grey and rain and grim introspection.. Throwing on my training pack I set out in the gentle rain and the swirling mountain mists on the upper 2. This grey, rainy June day took on a whole other hue and mood - those rascally Cosmic Forces. With hikes up that same route almost every weekend year round, a surprise on that familiar route would be.2 mile leg of the hill climb.

 

The trail switchbacks criss-cross the steeper face of Moccasin Ridge for the next mile and a half, with more open meadows, steep inclines, and less timber to shelter from the continuing spring rain. Upon refocusing dozens of little pink shooting stars were seen scattered among the grasses. This son of avowed peace loving, pacifist parents had voluntarily enlisted his services in a war machine, putting himself in dramatically dangerous circumstances. Getting out of the car, I was surprised at the lupines already forming flower heads. The Deities graced me with meadows now awash with the pinks and reds of Indian Paintbrush along with the rest of the blue, white and yellow blooms.In a light drizzle that chilly Sunday morning the Moccasin Ridge trek was underway.