Mailbox Peak

My first snowy climb

The hike began up an old loggin road it was snowing at the parking lot with about an inch covering. Once reaching the trailhead the snow was about 3 inches heading up the trail there was little snow from tree cover. Mud was prominent factor on the first leg of the trail. Ater winding through the flattest part of the trail it begains to climb directly to the top snow started falling harder about 1500ft route finding skills came into play thruout the rest of the hike making the trip a real challenge compared to summer conditions. As I crept out of the tree line the snow became deeper and deeper eventully reaching my knees. Wind near the bottom of the rock feild was blowing snow at me ruthlessly forcing me to sheild my face. looking up after the snow had stopped i realized the route i crossed during summer is atop a large avalanche feild. Talus route should have been my choice but i had heard it was more challenging terrain, but apperently there is no risk of avalanches. with little visability an no experience with winter conditions i decided i was lucky to have made it as far as i did an i turned back kicking myself in the back every step

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