~14 miles
~3,300 vertical
2:08:59
What an amazing day, sunny, warm, perhaps a touch over 70? I really enjoyed that loop Brandon, JP and I ran last Saturday, so I loaded up my MP3 player, remembered my bottle of water this time and headed over to Chautauqua. Today was one of the best runs I have had in a long time, one of those days where everything just clicks, weather, energy levels, enthusiasm, cadence, foot placement. Though it was certainly not one of my fastest runs (I really don't have the fitness to expect much more right now and I am totally content with that for now), the feeling of moving efficently, almost effortlessly at times was there.
Started at Chautauqua and ran through the park toward the Gregory TH at a slightly quick "warm up" pace. Arrived at the far side of the Gregory lot at 4:45 and terrain then dictated pace up Gregory Canyon. Made the Ranger shack in 21:??, 4 way in 39:3?, summit (top of the rock) 43:34, then immidiately back down the West side, straight through the 4 way to the top of Super Flag, arriving there at 56:20. Headed down the road, hopped the guardrail on the outside of the first switchback and negotiated the informal trail that cuts off a short bit of distance. Turned off the pavement to cut down the backside of Flag at 10 even (1:06:20). Splits beyond here become fuzzy, as I quit really paying close attention to my watch and just cruised and enjoyed the views.
The fence ducking was executed without a hitch and I got less dirty than last time (not that I cared). I made quick work of Canyon and was tempted to just plod once I hit the dirt, but kept the pace decent and upped it some when I saw a fit looking runner ahead. I passed him and was surprised, I am sure he was taking an easy day, as I got a good gap as I passed. I'm sure he would have dusted me in most circumstances.
The grind up to Flagstaff road was a bit tougher than last time, but I was able to run all but a few steps. Once I topped out, it was a fast cruise back down to Chautauqua, where I really poured it on for the last few minutes, sneaking in at 2:08:59.
Sierra
Sierra
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday, 11/10/09 Sanitas
Met my friend Wayne for a trip up Sanitas, then met our friend Steve near the summit and we all walked down together. Went up at Sierra pace, a very relaxed 21:54.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, 11/09/09 Sanitas
3.5 miles
1,300 vertical
24:53 up (Sanitas Valley/Dakota Ridge/East Side)
14 down S. Ridge to car at 4th/Mapleton
Went somewhat easyish to moderate today, up the valley to the first access trail to Dakota Ridge, up Dakota Ridge and up the East side. Took it easy coming down as it is starting to get dark at 5pm, enough light to see, but contrast is starting to get fuzzy. It will not be long till I need a flashlight for the descent. Hopefully the widespread paving/construction of all roads leading from work to Sanitas will end soon, I am counting daylight minutes now.
1,300 vertical
24:53 up (Sanitas Valley/Dakota Ridge/East Side)
14 down S. Ridge to car at 4th/Mapleton
Went somewhat easyish to moderate today, up the valley to the first access trail to Dakota Ridge, up Dakota Ridge and up the East side. Took it easy coming down as it is starting to get dark at 5pm, enough light to see, but contrast is starting to get fuzzy. It will not be long till I need a flashlight for the descent. Hopefully the widespread paving/construction of all roads leading from work to Sanitas will end soon, I am counting daylight minutes now.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday, 11/07/09 Green
The weather is still unseasonably warm. It was tempting to go to the high mountains, but even more tempting to not pack gear, not get up early, not drive far and not hike in snow, so I met Brandon and J.P. for a local run from Chautauqua.
The warm weather has really put the melt on the snow, as the trail was mostly melted all the way up to the summit, with only some inconsequential patches to negotiate. From Chautauqua, we ran up Gregory/Ranger to the top of Green, then West to SuperFlag, down Flagstaff road to the Amphi road jct. and headed down the backside of Flag to Red Lion, bike path to Eben G, then up Flag to the jct. with the main trail and back to Chautauqua.
Went mostly easy to moderate pace, except for the beginning where Brandon took it out hard. I was having trouble with the liter of water I just drank at the car (forgot my hand bottle, so I carried it all in my stomach instead). Felt great to be out on such a nice day and was great to run with Brandon and JP.
Brandon's much better than mine blog post.
The warm weather has really put the melt on the snow, as the trail was mostly melted all the way up to the summit, with only some inconsequential patches to negotiate. From Chautauqua, we ran up Gregory/Ranger to the top of Green, then West to SuperFlag, down Flagstaff road to the Amphi road jct. and headed down the backside of Flag to Red Lion, bike path to Eben G, then up Flag to the jct. with the main trail and back to Chautauqua.
Went mostly easy to moderate pace, except for the beginning where Brandon took it out hard. I was having trouble with the liter of water I just drank at the car (forgot my hand bottle, so I carried it all in my stomach instead). Felt great to be out on such a nice day and was great to run with Brandon and JP.
Brandon's much better than mine blog post.
Friday, 11/06/09 Sanitas x 2
2 laps on Sanitas, 18:14 for the first lap, then hiked with some friends for the second. 2 extra miles beforehand.
8 miles
3,000 vertical
Super warm.
8 miles
3,000 vertical
Super warm.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, 11/05/09 Bear/S. Boulder
Went casual today with Allison and Sierra. Amazingly warm, 77 degrees, shorts and t-shirt most of the hike, wore my Go Lite wind shirt up high as there was a bit of a breeze and still feet of snow in spots.
Started at the Cragmoor TH. The trail is mostly dry to the saddle, then above the saddle mostly ice and packed snow all the way to the summit of Bear and over to S. Boulder. Allison used studded shoes which worked fine and I opted for Microspikes on the upper section. Some sort of traction set-up is a must if you want to move efficiently and reduce your chances of a nasty spill.
1:10 up Bear
3:00 RT
Started at the Cragmoor TH. The trail is mostly dry to the saddle, then above the saddle mostly ice and packed snow all the way to the summit of Bear and over to S. Boulder. Allison used studded shoes which worked fine and I opted for Microspikes on the upper section. Some sort of traction set-up is a must if you want to move efficiently and reduce your chances of a nasty spill.
1:10 up Bear
3:00 RT
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, 11/04/09 Sanitas
After yesterday's hack and wheeze sufferfest, I decided to take it a bit easier today and promised myself that if I saw any competition at the start, I was going to ignore them and go my own pace. Luckily, I saw nobody and started up the trail very casual compared to yesterday, going on the low end of moderate until I got past the first steep section. I then slowly eased up the pace to moderate, then flirted with the high side of moderate over middle and upper section and felt like I was moving pretty well considering the comparable lack of hard effort. My throat felt a world better than yesterday and I never hacked, coughed or spit once. I was surprised to make the top in 18:23, a full 23 seconds faster at a much lower percieved effort. I felt like I could have held conversation most of the way today, whereas the day before, I could hardly remember my name. What a difference a day (and a reasonable start) makes. Went down the East side at a quick, but not too pressed tempo.
Up S. Ridge: 18:23
Down E. Side: 14:51
Up S. Ridge: 18:23
Down E. Side: 14:51
Tuesday, 11/03/09 Sanitas
Ascent: 18:43
Descent: 14:00
My plan was to warm up on the first section of trail and then go moderate, but as I got to the first trail junction just below the 2nd bridge, my timing could not have been more (less) perfect as I arrived there at the same time as a fit looking runner, going at a decent pace. If at work, I might have paused and said “no, you first”, but I decided to speed my stride and edge onto the now merged trail ahead of him.
Now I have committed myself and I up the pace a bit. I am going too hard for my planned “warm up” and feel as though I am really sucking wind. To make matters worse, this guy is matching me stride for stride. I almost said screw it and let him pass, but my ego would not allow it. We hit the steepest initial steps and I transition from running to long hiking strides, as is normal for about 10 steps in this section and he is now 10 feet behind and falling back a foot or two with every step I take. It is not long before I have him completely out of site, but I keep up the pace as to take no chances. Once I am sure my gap is in minutes, a fade a bit, semi deliberate, but mostly because I started off too fast and I don’t think my body was up for a real push today.
I make the summit in a disappointing 18:43, which seemed outlandish for the effort I was putting into it. My throat was also trashed, there was something about the air quality, dryness, temperature or something that has me hacking up a lung. It felt as though I was sucking on a metallic lozenge and it only got worse through the night, earning me a spot in the guest bedroom (it felt as though I was drowning when I laid down and I would panic myself awake gasping for air).
On the way down, I passed the guy who initially kicked me into gear after I had been descending for 2:30, so I am guessing he ended up being 5-6 minutes back.
Descent: 14:00
My plan was to warm up on the first section of trail and then go moderate, but as I got to the first trail junction just below the 2nd bridge, my timing could not have been more (less) perfect as I arrived there at the same time as a fit looking runner, going at a decent pace. If at work, I might have paused and said “no, you first”, but I decided to speed my stride and edge onto the now merged trail ahead of him.
Now I have committed myself and I up the pace a bit. I am going too hard for my planned “warm up” and feel as though I am really sucking wind. To make matters worse, this guy is matching me stride for stride. I almost said screw it and let him pass, but my ego would not allow it. We hit the steepest initial steps and I transition from running to long hiking strides, as is normal for about 10 steps in this section and he is now 10 feet behind and falling back a foot or two with every step I take. It is not long before I have him completely out of site, but I keep up the pace as to take no chances. Once I am sure my gap is in minutes, a fade a bit, semi deliberate, but mostly because I started off too fast and I don’t think my body was up for a real push today.
I make the summit in a disappointing 18:43, which seemed outlandish for the effort I was putting into it. My throat was also trashed, there was something about the air quality, dryness, temperature or something that has me hacking up a lung. It felt as though I was sucking on a metallic lozenge and it only got worse through the night, earning me a spot in the guest bedroom (it felt as though I was drowning when I laid down and I would panic myself awake gasping for air).
On the way down, I passed the guy who initially kicked me into gear after I had been descending for 2:30, so I am guessing he ended up being 5-6 minutes back.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday, Basic Boulder Mountain Slopfest
The snowy conditions deterred a lot of people, as there were only 25 or so runners this year. George, Homie, Brandon, Justin, JP, Bill (who I never saw), Ben, Adam all showed up, yet the rest I did not know. We scratched along sidewalks and road for a long time, taking it easy and chit chatting. Those of us in front all missed the cut off trail to get us over to Bluestem and got called back. Homie led the stretch through a field along the barb wire fence. No trail, just uneven bare ground, snow drifts, rocks and cactus.
Once on the main trail, Ben, Justin and I were running a comfortable pace, but were still slowly gaining on the remainder of the group. I stopped for a quick pee and Homie caught up, so I ran with him for a while as Justin and Ben creeped further and further up the trail. At the gate just before the turn up Bluetem, Justin had stopped to wait on the group, while Ben was long gone up the trail. We all mostly re-grouped, but just a minute of running and we were all separated again. Justin and I passed the remaining group who had gotten ahead of us while we were waiting and determined that we would turn on the gas a bit to catch back up to Ben.
I upped the pace a bit, thinking we would catch Ben sometime soon, but he had a pretty good gap and it took more work than I anticipated. The trail kind of sucked with all the snow, but was not too bad if you carefully picked you path.
I was surprised to have gapped Justin and was in no mans land between him and Ben. For a while, I went back and forth between waiting for Justin and the other guys and catching up to Ben. I ultimately decided to push a bit to catch Ben and see what happened. I figured Justin and some of the others would eventually catch back up on the (what I had hoped) well travelled Mesa Trail. I caught Ben on the climb just beyond the Bluestem/Mesa junction and was disappointed to learn that we would be breaking trail for a bit.
We took turns breaking trail for what seemed like longer than it was. The trail was variable, but beyond the Shanahan or Fern jct., the trail was better consolidated. We went fairly casual through here and I made it a point to eat a GU, some Chomps and drink some water, as we chatted with a fellow BTR runner who had joined us near Bear Canyon.
I had a feeling that I would not do much more than Green, so I ended up pushing a little up Gregory Canyon. I went fast enough to get a workout, but knew I needed to conserve a bit just in case I opt for more. When I arrived on Green, I decided that I would just wait for the group and see what the general consensus was. Ben arrived after 4 or 5 minutes and we discussed our options and ultimately decided to head down to the 4-way and hope we bumped into the group. We took another short break here and then decided we would head down Green/Bear and see how that went. I started down following a set or two of footprints, but it soon became obvious (as I expected) that it would be a rough time heading in that direction. I headed back up to the 4-way and reported my findings to Ben, where we both decided that we would prefer to run, rather than posthole for the afternoon.
After a few minutes of descending, we ran into the rest of the gang and I was surprised not to see George. Homie was looking strong and I had a strong feeling he was going to do the whole thing despite my poor conditions report.
The descent was interesting in the soft snow, footing was a bit tricky, but it was really fun. The Mesa Trail seemed to take a long time, especially with all the slush and mud. At Bear Canyon, we decided to head downhill instead of any more climbing, as we were both feeling as though we had enough.
Running the roads back to the start really sucked with the studded shoes and heavy legs and we just plodded along, finishing in 4:08. Since there was nobody around and we had no idea when anybody would return, we just split.
Although this year's edition of the Basic was not really competetive and the conditions were far from optimal, I had a great time regardless and it was fun running with Ben and getting to know him. He is a strong runner and made for good company.
Once on the main trail, Ben, Justin and I were running a comfortable pace, but were still slowly gaining on the remainder of the group. I stopped for a quick pee and Homie caught up, so I ran with him for a while as Justin and Ben creeped further and further up the trail. At the gate just before the turn up Bluetem, Justin had stopped to wait on the group, while Ben was long gone up the trail. We all mostly re-grouped, but just a minute of running and we were all separated again. Justin and I passed the remaining group who had gotten ahead of us while we were waiting and determined that we would turn on the gas a bit to catch back up to Ben.
I upped the pace a bit, thinking we would catch Ben sometime soon, but he had a pretty good gap and it took more work than I anticipated. The trail kind of sucked with all the snow, but was not too bad if you carefully picked you path.
I was surprised to have gapped Justin and was in no mans land between him and Ben. For a while, I went back and forth between waiting for Justin and the other guys and catching up to Ben. I ultimately decided to push a bit to catch Ben and see what happened. I figured Justin and some of the others would eventually catch back up on the (what I had hoped) well travelled Mesa Trail. I caught Ben on the climb just beyond the Bluestem/Mesa junction and was disappointed to learn that we would be breaking trail for a bit.
We took turns breaking trail for what seemed like longer than it was. The trail was variable, but beyond the Shanahan or Fern jct., the trail was better consolidated. We went fairly casual through here and I made it a point to eat a GU, some Chomps and drink some water, as we chatted with a fellow BTR runner who had joined us near Bear Canyon.
I had a feeling that I would not do much more than Green, so I ended up pushing a little up Gregory Canyon. I went fast enough to get a workout, but knew I needed to conserve a bit just in case I opt for more. When I arrived on Green, I decided that I would just wait for the group and see what the general consensus was. Ben arrived after 4 or 5 minutes and we discussed our options and ultimately decided to head down to the 4-way and hope we bumped into the group. We took another short break here and then decided we would head down Green/Bear and see how that went. I started down following a set or two of footprints, but it soon became obvious (as I expected) that it would be a rough time heading in that direction. I headed back up to the 4-way and reported my findings to Ben, where we both decided that we would prefer to run, rather than posthole for the afternoon.
After a few minutes of descending, we ran into the rest of the gang and I was surprised not to see George. Homie was looking strong and I had a strong feeling he was going to do the whole thing despite my poor conditions report.
The descent was interesting in the soft snow, footing was a bit tricky, but it was really fun. The Mesa Trail seemed to take a long time, especially with all the slush and mud. At Bear Canyon, we decided to head downhill instead of any more climbing, as we were both feeling as though we had enough.
Running the roads back to the start really sucked with the studded shoes and heavy legs and we just plodded along, finishing in 4:08. Since there was nobody around and we had no idea when anybody would return, we just split.
Although this year's edition of the Basic was not really competetive and the conditions were far from optimal, I had a great time regardless and it was fun running with Ben and getting to know him. He is a strong runner and made for good company.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Green Mountain, 10/30/09
We had an awesome time hiking Green today and there is quite a bit of snow on the trails as you would expect. Some trails are somewhat well trodden, but others have seen no traffic at all. We ascended Gregory/Ranger and the first half + mile was very slushy. The trail was reasonably consolidated for a bit before the ranger hut, then above that, it was mostly unconsolidated powdery snow. The wind has piled the snow deep along the ridge before the 4-way jct. and we took a few pictures of me wallowing in it (I deliberately got off trail). My inseam is nearly 35 inches and I was completely bottomed out. Sierra was going subterranean following my track.
I tried running some, up and down and it is somewhat slow and inefficent, so tomorrow should be a real workout (conditions are such that descending fast is a bit risky as each step is a mystery, a rolled ankle is a strong possibility if not really careful).
Not sure if I am going with my studded PI softshell Seek 3s, or my Gore Tex Sportiva Wildcats. I don't think any sort of traction will really help, but it might not hurt to have the studs as the shoes slide over snowy rocks (more of a controlled slide). Even though it is supposed to be warm tomorrow, I think pants would be prudent unless you don't mind postholing in shorts. Gaiters are a must.
1:30 up (going super easy and screwing around in the snow, taking pics etc...).
10 minutes on top
58 down
I took a bunch of photos, so I will them them continue the story.
Pictures.
I tried running some, up and down and it is somewhat slow and inefficent, so tomorrow should be a real workout (conditions are such that descending fast is a bit risky as each step is a mystery, a rolled ankle is a strong possibility if not really careful).
Not sure if I am going with my studded PI softshell Seek 3s, or my Gore Tex Sportiva Wildcats. I don't think any sort of traction will really help, but it might not hurt to have the studs as the shoes slide over snowy rocks (more of a controlled slide). Even though it is supposed to be warm tomorrow, I think pants would be prudent unless you don't mind postholing in shorts. Gaiters are a must.
1:30 up (going super easy and screwing around in the snow, taking pics etc...).
10 minutes on top
58 down
I took a bunch of photos, so I will them them continue the story.
Pictures.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
No running, but lot's of shoveling.
I actually like to shovel. I enjoy the fresh cold air, the snow, the exercise, and find it invigorating, but man, it makes my lower back and arms sore (especially when the bottom few inches are slush) using those infrequently used muscles.
I also have a sadistic side while shoveling, taking pleasure in shoveling in neighbors cars that park long term alongside our curb. It agitates me a bit that people use their garages as storage, then have 3, 4, or more cars and park them all over the street. Parking boats, RVs and trailers add to the mix and just further trash things up.
I like our neighborhood, it is relatively quiet, the people are nice, but long term street parking really gets on my nerves.
While shoveling, I wonder what brings people to the point where they have to store boxes and boxes of junk in their garage. How does one accumulate so much un-used junk? It looks like moving day when you walk by and see box after box piled to the ceiling(I am just itching for the opportunity to ask somebody if they are moving).
Several times per year, I systematically go through my belongings and assess what I use and don't use, will I ever use it? If I have not used it in a year, it gets donated or sold on Craigslist.
Now that I am at the point of my life where I have a garage, I don't take it for granted and enjoy using it. Less chance of getting broken into, less chance of hail damage and who wants to scrape ice and snow off their car at 5:30 in the morning before work?
Enough ranting, I will probably have to go shovel again in a bit
I also have a sadistic side while shoveling, taking pleasure in shoveling in neighbors cars that park long term alongside our curb. It agitates me a bit that people use their garages as storage, then have 3, 4, or more cars and park them all over the street. Parking boats, RVs and trailers add to the mix and just further trash things up.
I like our neighborhood, it is relatively quiet, the people are nice, but long term street parking really gets on my nerves.
While shoveling, I wonder what brings people to the point where they have to store boxes and boxes of junk in their garage. How does one accumulate so much un-used junk? It looks like moving day when you walk by and see box after box piled to the ceiling(I am just itching for the opportunity to ask somebody if they are moving).
Several times per year, I systematically go through my belongings and assess what I use and don't use, will I ever use it? If I have not used it in a year, it gets donated or sold on Craigslist.
Now that I am at the point of my life where I have a garage, I don't take it for granted and enjoy using it. Less chance of getting broken into, less chance of hail damage and who wants to scrape ice and snow off their car at 5:30 in the morning before work?
Enough ranting, I will probably have to go shovel again in a bit
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, 10/26/09 Green Mountain
Felt somewhat energetic during the day, but once I started up the icy trail in the cold shade at 4:20pm, I had little motivation and almost bagged it after 5 minutes. Due to low motivation, I just walked most of the way up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman.
On the summit, I bumped into some friends who were starting down, so I ended up walking most of the way down with them and was glad to have some company. This is probably my last post-work trip up Green for a while, as the upcoming time change will eliminate that possibility.
Sanitas here I come.
Up: 43:55
RT: 1:21
On the summit, I bumped into some friends who were starting down, so I ended up walking most of the way down with them and was glad to have some company. This is probably my last post-work trip up Green for a while, as the upcoming time change will eliminate that possibility.
Sanitas here I come.
Up: 43:55
RT: 1:21
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, 10/24/09 Kelso Mountain (13,164)
Kelso Mountain (13,164)
10/24/09
10 miles
3,400 vertical
5 hours RT from Bakerville (~3up, ~15 on summit, ~1:45 down)
Surprisingly, even though I have climbed Grays/Torreys nearly 20 times, I have never made it up nearby Kelso Mountain (even though we attempted it a few years ago but bailed due to weather/avy conditions).
We met Dave in Bakerville and hopped into the truck for the ride to the TH (or so we thought). When we rounded the first corner and the road gets steep where the bad rut used to be (the road is now perfectly smooth), we lost traction and begin to helplessly slide backward down the road, ending up with the back wheels in a ditch, perpendicular to the road with no harm done.
I jumped out, pushed the front end down the hill as Dave eased forward and we were back on track, however, we needed to figure out how to get back down the road without sliding off again. There was enough unconsolidated snow on the very far side of the road with some bare ground underneath, so Dave was able to make it down no problem.
We watched a Jeep lose traction and take a helpless slide as we did, as well as an Isuzu Trooper. As I waited for Dave and Allison to go park the truck and get ready, I figured it would be a good time to bust out my new Kahtoola Microspikes and the pair I got for Allison’s Christmas present and give them a shot. They were not entirely necessary, but were very helpful for the entire climb of Kelso and descent back down to the summer trailhead.
We hiked the normal summer path to about 12,000 feet and then cut right and directly up a grassy and slightly snow covered, East facing gulley/slopes all the way to the summit, which was surprisingly smooth and efficient.
Weather up high looked a bit windy and bleak, especially over Grays and Torreys, but we completely lucked out and had a nice wind shadow most of the time and even the summit was not too bad, where we lingered for a long time taking in the views. The snow is starting to accumulate, but as of Saturday, snowshoes were not needed.
The road to the summer TH is the smoothest I have ever seen it and would be a breeze right now with studded snow tires or chains, but I would not even bother to attempt it otherwise with the current conditions, as there is a high likelihood of sliding off the road (which many people had done throughout the day).
Since we only had time for Kelso, we were glad to have parked down in Bakerville, as Kelso would have been a lark from the summer TH and made for a bit more worthy hike.
As always, the dogs were happy to reunite and had a total blast.
Pictures
10/24/09
10 miles
3,400 vertical
5 hours RT from Bakerville (~3up, ~15 on summit, ~1:45 down)
Surprisingly, even though I have climbed Grays/Torreys nearly 20 times, I have never made it up nearby Kelso Mountain (even though we attempted it a few years ago but bailed due to weather/avy conditions).
We met Dave in Bakerville and hopped into the truck for the ride to the TH (or so we thought). When we rounded the first corner and the road gets steep where the bad rut used to be (the road is now perfectly smooth), we lost traction and begin to helplessly slide backward down the road, ending up with the back wheels in a ditch, perpendicular to the road with no harm done.
I jumped out, pushed the front end down the hill as Dave eased forward and we were back on track, however, we needed to figure out how to get back down the road without sliding off again. There was enough unconsolidated snow on the very far side of the road with some bare ground underneath, so Dave was able to make it down no problem.
We watched a Jeep lose traction and take a helpless slide as we did, as well as an Isuzu Trooper. As I waited for Dave and Allison to go park the truck and get ready, I figured it would be a good time to bust out my new Kahtoola Microspikes and the pair I got for Allison’s Christmas present and give them a shot. They were not entirely necessary, but were very helpful for the entire climb of Kelso and descent back down to the summer trailhead.
We hiked the normal summer path to about 12,000 feet and then cut right and directly up a grassy and slightly snow covered, East facing gulley/slopes all the way to the summit, which was surprisingly smooth and efficient.
Weather up high looked a bit windy and bleak, especially over Grays and Torreys, but we completely lucked out and had a nice wind shadow most of the time and even the summit was not too bad, where we lingered for a long time taking in the views. The snow is starting to accumulate, but as of Saturday, snowshoes were not needed.
The road to the summer TH is the smoothest I have ever seen it and would be a breeze right now with studded snow tires or chains, but I would not even bother to attempt it otherwise with the current conditions, as there is a high likelihood of sliding off the road (which many people had done throughout the day).
Since we only had time for Kelso, we were glad to have parked down in Bakerville, as Kelso would have been a lark from the summer TH and made for a bit more worthy hike.
As always, the dogs were happy to reunite and had a total blast.
Pictures
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, 10/23/09 Bear Peak
Allison, Sierra and I hiked Bear from Cragmoor. Slick snow/ice above the saddle. A bit cooler than yesterday, but still nice. Went super easy, just enjoying the day.
1:17 up
15+ minutes hanging out on top
2:40 RT
1:17 up
15+ minutes hanging out on top
2:40 RT
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