When sidewalks and trails are slick with ice and snow, ice cleats or mini crampons are a lifesaver. I put mine to good use last Sunday, walking into the Soapstone Valley.
I started at Audubon Terrace and found it very well plowed, with chunks of “snowcrete” piled at the end.
I entered the Soapstone trail at the dead end and was surprised at the paucity of footprints.
Soapstone Creek had not yet frozen solid. I could even hear it gurgling.
At one point the stream disappeared under the snow, and the first crossing was not discernible, so I decided not to press my luck. I turned back and thought about taking the steps down to the lower portion of the trail, but those looked treacherous.
Instead, I hunted further along Audubon Terrace for another way down. I found one, and was able to get a better look at the creek and a gathering of ducks.
Reflections in the creek and shadows in the snow caught my eye.
Then, an even larger duck gathering came into view.
Snow-frosted rocks in the stream contrasted with apartment buildings along the western edge of the park.
How lucky we are to have such a trail within our urban realm!