I need to get caught up because this weekend is going to include more big things!!
So after Cardigan I wanted to hit something else quick on the way home. I recently have been rethinking my hiking "goals" as I said before. One of the best ways to describe what I think it happening is to get rid of goals. It makes hiking more like a job instead of my love.
In trying to foster this way of thinking I did print more lists but not in a GOT TO GET THIS CHECKED OFF sort of way but more like a suggestion. There are a lot of places to be outside and it can be overwhelming, especially if you want to do and see it all.
One of the neater lists is the 52 With a View and these are are smaller mountains but all are supposed to have a great views. Who doesn't like a view?
So in the direction of home I headed to Kearsage-not North but the one in Warren. I did the loop counter-clockwise doing the 1.1 mile steep Winslow trail up and choosing to do the 1.7 mile Barlow Trail back. The day was grey and a little light rain but it was warm. There were a few people ahead of me and a few who turned back. I don't think they expected the mud or running water on the trail.
ON a side note I don't recall seeing as much woodpecker work. Maybe I just didn't notice before but this photo showed a tree that sure took a beating.
I was pretty happy to be back in this kind of woods. I have been enjoying the local conservation areas but it just isn't this rooty-rocky landscape where you need to stop to catch your breathe and catch the views when you can.
I'm not sure this photo above captures it but the slabs were wet with water literally running down in sections. I passed 2 women who had decided to turn around just before this. The first woman had on running clothes and shoes, no pack and a walking stick. She said she was worried about making it back so they turned around. I also bumped into 2 men in jeans taking a rest. We talked about how he used to hike up this trail and hang glide down about 25 years ago. COOL! We talked about our hike and when I explained I planned to take this tougher route up to meander down he seemed surprised. I didn't know there was another route, hmmm.
I don't usually give advice to other hikers, it isn't my business but I really wish people did some work on the area they plan on hiking. For safety and for their enjoyment.
He may have made it to the Summit on the other unknown route and the women would have easily made it if they had even a rain coat and a map to know they were almost there. Well to each there own, the mountain will be there for them another better weather day.
On a side note, these weather days keep the people away and I got the Summit to myself.
It was a quick hike and I was able to enjoy a tuna sandwich and a stroll around the summit. You could tell it definitely was a popular place on a better weather day. The pictures look blah but the views were still far. The layers on mountains in the distance were just grey and a little muted but still spectacular as always.
Mud Bath anyone?
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