They always say to be prepared for everything when heading into the mountains and this trip was no exception.

Six Jeeps met at North City market: Steve Baker and Kevin Fox, Jerry McGeorge, Nick Constan, Greg Alsum and Kelly Myslak, Paul and Julie Wilson, and Kevin and Tabitha Heckman. Joe Scott, and Amy Mayer and Frank Waggoner met us at the Silverton Visitors Center.

It was a warm and sunny morning After a few stops at Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass, we headed on to Lake City. We had two great surprises along the way. First, we saw a family of Mountain Sheep with 2 very little ones. Then just before the Carson turnoff, Joe Scott, noticed a moose on the opposite bank of the river. We all had lunch at the Cannibal Grill. YUM! Nick Constan left us from here and headed back to Pagosa Springs. The clouds were starting to roll in so we decided to head out toward Engineer Pass.

The clouds then started to let loose with some rain and then came the thunder and lightening. As we appoached, what used to be Thoreau's Cabin, we could see the rain was turning to snow up the mountain. Soon we were driving in a Summertime Winter Wonderland. The roads were not slick but the snow sure was piling up on the sides. We all stopped at the top of Engineer Pass for some pictures and to play in the snow. Then it was back down the mountain to Animas Forks and toward Silverton. Over all, this may have been one of the most enjoyable Alpine Loop trips we have been on. Fun was had by all and we definitely look forward to our next trip on the Loop.