David led a dozen frozen hikers up to Dunlop Shores road. After a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, we traipsed down the road to the the ATV trail and headed south. Up the hills to the turn into Banana Lake and skirting ice filled puddles made our way to Liz's trail, past some enormous hemlock and pine trees to the bench overlooking the lake.
General agreement, (or at least his proxy) had us go further down the trail along the north shore of Banana lake. There are a lot of blowdowns on this section of trail.
We wound our way down the shore to a spot overlooking the west end of the lake. Pausing for snack and chat and a short rest we hit return and headed back along the trail.
With a few water breaks and sniffle stops we regained the roadway and our cars.
8.4 kms, -3 degrees, no snow on the ground but a little bit at the end of the lake. Wind high in the trees, but we were sheltered below.
The trail needs the attention of the trail cleaners and luckily we had both Trailmasters out today so no excuses..
