Pileated woodpecker on Tiger 3

Seen along the trail: Pileated woodpecker

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation gain:  2,000 feet. 
Location: Tiger 3
Conditions: Cool, clear skies, slush and packed snow
Load: 14 pounds
Statistics, year to date:

Distance: 51.7 miles

Elevation gain:16,730 feet

I still surprised at my lackluster energy level on hikes. But I plodded on and made it to the top in 2 hours and 10 minutes from the parking lot. I took 90 minutes to return. Two of the three miles to the top involved snow hiking. At the point where Tiger 3 crosses the Cable Line trail I took the Cable Line, and climbed the steep incline by driving the toes of my mountain boots into the snow, for traction.

That's dirty snow, but not dirt. Near the top the snow was whiter.

Mountain boots were uncomfortable on the rocky descent. Best get padding inside the boots.

I was overdressed. I left my down liner in the car because I had a backup packed, and took my hooded insulated snow jacket. I ended up tying it around my waste by the sleeves. The mountain boots hurt my feet a little bit; I think I probably need to add pads with supportive arches to help. But the boots were helpful on the snow in place of Yaktrax.

I spotted a Pileated woodpecker on a tree near the trail just before the 2.2 milepost. Too small for a cellphone photo. It fluttered between trees, showing off its plumage, then crossed the trail and moved among the trees looking for a meal. An impressive show.

I downloaded the woodpecker pix.