| Neglecting to bring snowshoes, I was delighted to find the route from Hoosier Pass well packed by cross-country skiers as I started at about 8:20 am. It seemed relatively warm for the first mile or so, then the wind changed things once I was on the ridge proper. Several undulations later, I put on a fourth layer over my shell, a bit surprised with the windchill effect. This shouldn't surprise me, as the air of the Continental Divide has been treating me poorly since September. I suppose this wind is the price to pay for scoured slopes and ridges. As I continue on, Views of the ridge ahead don't seem to place the destination any closer for quite some time.
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If the wind were not equally forceful below the ridge to the east, It would be nice to stay below the crest. At least the route is gentle as far as effort goes. Great views of the Tenmile Range to the west and the Bald Mountain massif to the east are some added compensation. What I thought was the summit ended up being a third of a mile short of it. The drop was insignficant enough I could suppress any disappointment. There was a brief reprieve from the wind en route to the true summit of Hoosier Ridge. I could now make out the source of the fresh-looking tracks I'd seen along the ridge as two hikers made their way up Red C's summit.
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The drop to the saddle was quick, and for the most part bare. A bit of snow can be seen on Red Mountain's south ridge in the photo on the right. I still had a good deal of energy and had no reason to slow down getting to the summit, arriving at 11:00 am. I started to feel the hike a bit more returning to Hoosier's west false summit. It didn't get any less windy on the descent, and the ridge undulations seemed more evident. I also managed to find a harder way back to the pass for a short spell through willows. Another great winter route, nevertheless.
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