About six months ago I was on top of Badger Mountain for the longest day of the year (Summer Solstice). Today marks midwinter or the shortest day or winter solstice so I headed up Badger again via the Canyon Trail.
At the Top of Badger Mountain, Winter Solstice Sunrise 2011
The trail was kind of quiet this morning. I saw 3 or 4 other people on their way up or down.
I got to the top before sunrise, which was at about 7:20 a.m. The sun was beginning to create a beautiful palette on the east horizon.
Pre-Sunrise
You can see the snow that has dusted the tops of the hills around the Tri-Cities.
The sun finally peaked over the clouds over the Blue Mountains and it was a welcome sight. It has been kind of gray and dreary here in the Tri-Cities over the last couple weeks with low clouds and fog socking us in.
It was a nice day on Badger Mountain. The temperature was in the 20s but not too chilly with my hat, gloves and body heat keeping me comfortable. Heart rate at the top was in the 140s so I feel like it was a pretty good workout.