Trip Report

After the weather reported 3 feet of new snow and difficult driving conditions, we had 2 cars drop out. That left us with 13 participants with 3 cars that could take passengers. After much thought, Chris put out an email stating that she wanted to make ALL of them part of the decision and proposed 4 options; if all of the group could not get up there, then the trip would be cancelled. She and Jane spent an entire day trying to offer other options, but it was now down to all or none. As a group we solved our problems and the car top carriers came out and another driver stepped forward. On the 28th the group left the LCC parking lot for Odell. We stayed in a 5 car caravan and began our 3 day adventure. The drive up was beautiful. It snowed the whole way after Oakridge. Big fat flakes. The road was plowed and sanded. One car put on chains but the others did not. The drive was easy. We arrived around noon, had lunch and people left on snowshoes or skis to explore the area around the lake. Dinner that night was chili with chicken or vegetarian with salad and apple pie and ice cream. The big question was where to go on Wednesday. With 2 feet of fresh snow, breaking trail was the question. I personally have not seen that much snow in years. Wednesday was exceptional. Clear blue skies and lots of sun. The snow lovers went several directions: to Rosary Lakes; from the Gold Lake snow park to the Odell Overlook and Diamond View Loop; and others snowshoed around Odell Lake to Trapper Creek through the diamond studded snow in the woods. That night we enjoyed a potato bar with all the trimmings, salad, homemade brownies and lemon bars. I think I can say for the entire group, everyone was very happy that we persevered, as all enjoyed a wonderful 3 days.