Today's hike up Stromberg Canyon was tough. Steep. We hiked 8.7 miles total with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

We needed both microspikes and snowshoes. We all used microspikes because we didn't want to carry heavy snowshoes.

The trail was covered in hard ice, then slushy snow. As we gained elevation, the snow got deeper. Up we went. The women were breaking through up to their knees and hips. Since I'm lightweight, I didn't break through much. I walked on top of the snow.

With eight women and seven dogs, we naturally divided into two groups of four, thank goodness. Five dogs streamed after the faster women. Bye.

I stayed with the slower group of good-natured women with two dogs. Much more peaceful.

We hiked at a good clip, quickly gaining elevation. Stopping for lunch after four miles, we relaxed in the sunshine. Beautiful mountain vistas.

Because the trail turned into deep snow and we were wallowing and struggling without snowshoes, we turned around after lunch.

As we descended, the sun dropped below the ridge. Temperature dropped. It felt like being in a refrigerator. The snow firmed up in cooler temperatures. It was much easier to walk.

We didn't see the speedy women the rest of the day. They hiked more miles and went higher.

Still, 8.7 miles is nothing to sneeze at.

Photos:

1. View of the Wenatchee Mountains from our lunch spot.

2. Julie, Karen and Dawn on the only bare patch of the trail. The trail curved to the left and descended. The sun dropped below the ridge.