Cable mountain hike ~ Yes 2snow in Echo ~ UTB Nepal canyoneering and how about a report from Zion?

I did an overnight backpack up to Cable Mountain from Weeping rock on Friday, and yes there was snow and ice in Echo. It was flowing too. Looked really fun! Also heard and then saw a HUGE snow and rock fall into echo from a high cliff above and was happy that no canyoneers were in the vicinity! I didn’t hear the echo of anyone screaming anyway!

Most of the N. side of the mountain where the switchbacks start after you get over the slick-rock were covered in snow. It was beautiful & pretty exciting. Lot’s of post-holing though, and half way up I was hoping it would end. From the East entrance junction over to cable mountain was mostly snow and mud.

After posting a report here, of a few solo hikes I did in Feb., Phillip Rhoades (I think it was him) suggesting a solo backpack. I picked cable Mountain cuz it had a “well defined” trail and I wanted to get out to Zion while there was still snow. The weather window for the weekend had to be agreeable, and “this” w/e turned out to just right, so I went for it.

It was perfect! Not too much snow and ice, but enough to lend that “magical” winter appeal to the place! And frankly, without the snow, I don’t think most of that hike is very pretty. Once you’re on the ridge, you’re hiking through burned forest, and what seems like swampy pastureland. It was OK, but not scenic enough to “wow” you, and I think being alone, ya kinda need that (or maybe it’s just me). I needed music too and didn’t have any. Making a note to “buy Ipod before next solo hike”.

Hiking down the next day, I was happy to meet a couple of guys headed down to the East Entrance (where I was headed). Saved me from hitchhiking, and that part of the trail is even less scenic. I was getting a little bored talking to myself by then, so it was nice to have company!

I was gonna stop by the Ponderosa on Sat. to say Hi and hang out for a bit, but when I got down from the mountain it was noon and I figured everyone would be out in the canyons. I needed to get home to attend to kid stuff anyway!

I checked out some of the pics from the ACA gig, and it looks like everyone was having a good time! Wish I would’ve had a week off work to join you guys!

~Happy outdoor adventures!

~Randi

— adkramoo adkramoo@aol.com> wrote:

> I will > be disappointed > if no one pokes their head into Middle Echo…a > reminder, check the > snow from down below before committing to the top. > You need to get > out and do canyons too you know, big guy! ;-)

> Thanx….love some more when you get um. > R