The Stein Butte Trail (USFS #929) is one of the classic hikes in Southern Oregon’s Upper Applegate Valley. It was the last hike we did in 2014, near to the last hike we did in 2015, and the last one we did in both 2016 and 2017. So, in the spirit of unimaginative repetitive behavior, it seemed only fitting that it be our last hike for 2018 as well. 🙄
Thanks to the Motorcycle Riders Association, who maintain the #929 for the Forest Service, it was in great condition and clear of obstacles (and snow). Today was a bluebird day between storms. Big, sunny, near cloudless views started on Elliott Creek Ridge and continued to the butte’s summit at 4,398 feet. From there, snow along the Siskiyou Crest to the south looked a little skimpy. The snow was noticeably deeper on Dutchman Peak (7,417 feet) to the east, suggesting that snow with some depth is thus far confined to 6,000 feet and above (which is why Mount Ashland’s ski area is going full tilt at the moment). But we’ll need deeper snow at lower altitudes if we want to snowshoe somewhere other than Mount Ashland or Crater Lake (when it reopens 😡 ). So, in the spirit of unsubstantiated optimism, here’s hoping that we soon experience more snow to give meaning to our snowshoes. 
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!
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BOOTS on the TRAIL 
Happy New Year to you two too! Our rafting trip with ROAM was definitely the high point of our year outdoors. 😀 For 2019, we’ve got a deposit on a month-long trip with OARS to celebrate the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powells exploration of the Colorado River. Anticipating much fun! Maybe a trip with ROAM the year after?? Yes, get your knee fixed – you’ll quickly come to appreciate your increased mobility! 😉
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Happy New Year to both of you. Love your photos. We finally had prints made from Tatenshimi, so we have a big old photo of the group hanging in our family room. Looking forward to Chile excursion with Iroamtheworld next winter. In the meantime, have decided to bite the bullet and get my knee sorted. Karen & Steven
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True. That’s why we moved south from Portland. Still in Oregon but with many more sunny days. 😀
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Days like this get us through winter here in the PNW
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