After two straight days of being thoroughly drenched, we wanted something relatively dry. I knew the excellent Leach Trail to Dial & Nippletop, with much of the hike on a ridge, would fit my criteria.
The DEC issued an advisory indicating that the Sewards are flooded. They are.
Having the entirety of Macomb and South Dix all to ourselves. Pushing right past Hough, our fourth peak of the day, onto the fifth: Dix, the highest and farthest peak of the day.
I’m pretty easy to convince to go hiking. Offer me a trip to the nearest majestic place and our niece and nephew, and I’m even willing to get up at 4AM to make it happen.
I took Mike up Owl’s Head, which was windy but fun and easy. We had earlier stopped near Beede Brook for some shots, and today I couldn’t resist the cloud Hurricane Mountain.
Having spent a couple decades in flatland Florida, I wasn’t sure how Philip would do, but we breezed up to Cascade. The view was typically spectacular, as was the stiff breeze.
“It doesn’t have to be fun, to be fun.” — Anonymous
Seasons pass. This far north they linger a bit longer than at home, which I seem to appreciate more each year.
The trio before me made it to about 2,600 feet; no one else had signed in for Allen since the 23rd of March. This would be one of the hardest hikes I’ve done.
For this year’s winter Gathering, I learned my lesson from the 14-hour behemoth hike last year and picked something that both Kathy and I could do.
As much as I dislike some aspects of the Ridge Trail, I have to admit that the ratio of wonderful views to effort is high.
I had forgotten just how breathtaking its views are; after all the climbing I’ve done, it was nice to scan the peaks from the opposite direction.
Eight hours after heading out, we returned to the car. All the new snow made this quite a challenge, but all day the landscape was stunning. And except for skiers on the ski trails, we didn’t see a soul all day.
No summit on this hike, but a good day out regardless. It was a good way to spend a few hours.