Early February – it’d been warm for weeks, so the decision was made to hike up Ha Ling Peak (aka Chinaman’s). The trail was mostly covered in packed snow – some icy patches before the first switchback, but otherwise, largely snow all the way, and easy walking with Yaktrax on. A few other people were out there with mountaineering boots, even crampons – and on the other end of the scale, a stubborn couple was managing with just sneakers.
A gorgeous warm day, it was warmer than some Summer days I’ve hiked up there. And once you broke free of the trees, it was pretty easy to pick your way along snow-free scree (or stay on the snowy path).
Not the winteriest Winter.
