Saturday, February 23, 2013

Local hikers can experience a contrast of scenery in Logan mountains


The Cache Hikers will end its winter season with a full moon cross-country ski trip on Saturday.

The group was founded in 1992 by Cache Valley residents who share a love of hiking and cross-country skiing and organize trips throughout the year.

“We have a scheduled meeting about twice a year,” said Dan Zanecnik on planning the hikes, “One in the spring for summer trips and one in the fall for winter trips. If you’re a regular you’ll come to the meeting with ideas and we just go from there.”

Dave Wallace, who has led the night excursions for eight years, said this week’s hike is different because the full moon trips only take place a couple of times a year.

“The moonlight trips are my favorite,” Wallace said. “It’s dark, but you can still see. The surroundings are totally transformed and it’s like magic.”

Wallace said that he and his wife, Jane Erickson, always try to make the trips fun.

“Sometimes we’ll go up a couple of days before and build something along the trail,” he said. “It’s usually just a place where people can sit and rest for awhile as they eat snacks and drink hot chocolate.”

While there’s no way to predict how many will show up for a given trip, Zanecnik said the Cache Hikers usually have four to 12 people participate each week. 

“You don’t really have to have any special qualifications,” said Zanecnik. “You just have to have an idea what you’re doing and show up.”

The group will meet at 6 p.m. at Smith’s Marketplace at 750 North Main Street and asks that those participating bring a warm drink, warm clothing, a headlamp and a donation for gas money if carpooling.

“It’s a good way to get out of the smoggy air in the winter,” said Zanecnik. “It’s a good workout, a good chance to take pictures and a way to be with people, and just share some jokes.”

Cameron Etherington, Rebecca Walker, Connor Comeau, Lilibeth Salvador and McCall Bulloch contributed to this article.

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