Sunday was such a gorgeous day for a hike! When we drove up to Mount Baldy to do a half-day hike, we were pleasantly surprised with snow! We knew it rained the other day, but I didn’t think it got cold enough for snow. Man, was I wrong!
But gorgeous, warm days mixed with snow can also lend for erratic conditions. And starting into our hike was like playing Angry Birds. Mac and I were dodging falling chunks of snow coming off the trees and we were getting drenched from the melting snow raining above us.The ground was icy and very slippery. While we were equipped for the hike, the elements didn’t make for the relaxing hike we wanted. So, we ditched our half-day hike and headed up to the top of the mountain for a scenic ski lift ride, breakfast and beer (still a great plan, eh?).
=> Day Hiker’s Ten Essentials List
But if you didn’t know… Ski Lifts scare me! The sheer anticipation that comes with having to hop on it at the right moment. The fact that one is just sitting on a really simple contraption of metal & wood. The other fact that its just suspended on a cable many, many feet above the ground. And then you need to hop back off and hope the chair doesn’t hit you on the butt. It’s terrifying!
I’m not afraid of heights, but ski lifts scare me. Haha. Let’s just say I gripped the center pole tight.
But *whoosh*, we barely made it. I was so famished from the ride up that I had to stuff myself with potatoes and eggs. And a cold beer.
Remember: Less oxygen at higher altitudes means drinking less will have the same effect as drinking more at sea level. <=Get all that? 
Look at that view, won’t you? This pic is from the lodge restaurant at the top of the mountain. And it was about mid-60s. I only needed my long sleeve shirt. It was gorgeous out. Well, the snow was blinding at times, too.
We ate, we drank, watched the people snowboard and ski down the expert hill. Then we caught a glimpse of the kids tubing. Finally, we sloshed our way back over to the ski lift. So I could tense up about having to hop back on. But I did well. I felt a little more calm on the ride down. I mean, it was only right to enjoy the awesome snow scaped views – the fresh powder and the icicles on the trees.
Do Ski Lifts scare you?
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Love your pictures! I wouldn’t know what to do with all that snow! What state do you live in? I’ve never seen snow like that ( I’m in Louisiana). We had one freakishly cold day in winter and it snowed a little in the morning. It barely covered the grass and was gone by lunch, so that’s the only snow I’ve seen.
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Thank you! It was a gorgeous day out! I’m in Southern California. 40 mins to the mountains, if that. An hour to the beach. its great.
I can’t imagine not seeing snow. Wow. Just like when I mention the beach, I have to remember… not everyone has been to the beach either. Well, if you get yourself to snow, wear something waterproof, plop down and make yourself a snow angel. its a fun lasting memory.
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Look at you braving the snow to hike! How fun is that?
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I love hiking in the snow! I just wish the trees weren’t being so mean. LOL.
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I actually really enjoy ski lifts – at least when I’m on them. I find them peaceful.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..An Awesome Food & Fitness Weekend!
I did have a nice ride down. maybe after i go a few times, it will get better. This was probably my second time being on them… It was a beautiful view.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..How to Peel Hard-boiled Eggs without Peeling {and more egg-tastic stuff!}
I haven’t been on a ski lift in ages (like 8 years?) because the last time I tried skiing, I hated it. And I also remember thinking I was going to fall of the lift and die a tragic death. I was like 13, so my attitude has probably changed about them now
Beautiful pictures!
That is how I feel on a ski lift. like the cable is going to break and I will plummet to my death. Oi! I think I just need more experience.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Finale: Body for Life Review
Looks gorgeous out there (and your breakfast looks yummy too! I love my eggs over-easy!)
Ski lifts don’t scare me…well, maybe sometimes!
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Was a pleasant surprise to see snow! And breakfast was yummy! love using my toast to clean up my egg mess.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Kale Chips & Quinoa Patties
Love it! I can’t believe all the snow! Winter seems like a long time ago considering it’s hot here in NYC. Sounds like you had a lovely time. Jealous. That’s kind of funny that you’re afraid of ski lifts. I guess since I’ve ridden them since I was little I haven’t thought much about it. Except, one time when I was little I literally had to jump off the lift because I forgot to get off at the mid-mountain station!! Amusing to think about it now. Not so much when I was 6.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Supposed to be Race Day
The snow surprised us, too! But I love it. I just wish we had more time to spend up there, but my husband had a golf game to attend to in the afternoon. Least we live close by.
You jumped off the ski lift? freak out! my brother in law did that when he was younger and tumbled a few times. then they yelled at him for jumping off. I can’t imagine. I’d be stuck on the that lift. no way would I jump off. haha.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..WIAW: Clean Eating
Those mountains are incredible!!!
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Especially for not thinking there was any snow on them either! Was a great time.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Kale Chips & Quinoa Patties
I guess it depends on the ski lift lol. Mount Baldy looks awesome but I don’t think my body could take the elevation up there! That breakfast looks delicious!
It’s 7800 ft in elevation. I could feel the change when driving up, but luckily I adapt pretty well to it. Breakfast was good. but then I looked at the menu again… and found they have a breakfast bowl with black beans, eggs, salsa and cheese. Sounded so good. Just means I need to go back up to the top of the mountain.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Finale: Body for Life Review
That breakfast meal looks AMAZING! Beer looked good too! Thank goodness for high altitudes
haha. it was perfect. I just wish we got to stay up there longer. Well… just means I need to go back up there another day.
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Ski lifts scare me too!! And the scariest thing to me is just getting OFF the lift in skis!
I’m just not a fan of skiing in general either- because IT scares me!
What a beautiful hike though. And love your Angry Birds reference.
And hey- are you going to Blend? I’m making the nametags and THINK I just got a notice to make one for you!
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haha! least I am not alone.
I am going to BLEND and so excited! It’s going to be great. Now I hear I need to go shopping (like that’s a problem) for a cocktail dress…
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Adventurous Friday!
hee hee you got me chuckling about the ski lifts! i used to teach skiing back in the day so you can imagine that ski lifts were crazy for people learning to ski. i had quite a few close calls! looks like you had a fun weekend!
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you probably got many a good chuckles watching people get used the ski lifts. haha. but once calm… it was so gorgeous to take in the scenery. that’s cool you taught skiing. my husband did too. but he won’t teach me. thats probably a good thing.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Kale Chips & Quinoa Patties
My heart always jumps a little bit when getting off and on ski lifts.
That breakfast would make my heart jump in a good way – I LOVE runny eggs.
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the song Anticipation by Carly Simon is running through my head. haha.
Breakfast was good. but i am going back up for their breakfast bowl. caught that after my breakfast. black beans and eggs… See you in Colorado!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..WIAW: Taco Wedge Salad