Sunny was impatient as usual. "Let's go, Dad!"
I was expecting this part of the ADK to still be fully brown, but green was popping out all around us (I'd say about a week or two behind the Capital Region). Our family has really been feeling the allergies hard core all week in Mechanicville, but this hike seemed to alleviate all of my symptoms.
The trail moved consistently to the Southeast, so the sun was constantly in our faces. Although many of our pictures are a bit washed out by the sun, it felt really nice. I'd made sure to "be bold and start cold" back at the car, but I still ended up removing my upper base layer after a mile or so.
There was ample water. If you wanted to use your filter bottle for this entire hike, you could.
Sunny was very perky and alert. As the sound of the road faded behind us, the birds and chipmunks took over. A small group of Clarkson students passed us on their way back from the summit. They were getting a little hike in before finals, but took the time to give Sunny a round of pets before moving on. I'm sure he gave them good luck.
Along with a few decent stream crossings, there's one boggy section.
The blooms were just starting to pop out. According to a plant identifier app, the flower on the left is Painted Trillium (or Painted Lady) and the flower on the right is Red Trillium. Red Trillium is also known as Wake Robin due to its color and Birthwort due to its ancient medicinal use during childbirth.
The trail goes from soily to rocky about a mile into the hike. It's here where I took off my base layer.
Sunny was warming up, too. He took water at every opportunity, but he didn't slow down.
The 20%-30% grade begins at about the two mile mark. I can imagine this hike has been popular for years and years. The trail stewards have done a great job remediating trail erosion at these steep points. There are some fairly impressive stone stairs. Unfortunately, it does seem as if some hikers go around these rather than use them. We also found some wipes and toilet paper on this hike, but I forgot our trash bag. I'll be sure to add one to sunny's pack next time.
We found the 45% grade spot!
The climb was really fun for both of us, actually. There's only one tough, narrow pull-up near a boulder that I had to struggle with and pull Sunny up, but it wasn't a dangerous one. I really need to work on my arm strength, especially before we attempt Saddleback or Cliff (from what I hear).
Speaking of boulders, there are some really impressive rock formations on the South side of the mountain as you approach the ultimate ascent. I am not sure what the fun police think about people exploring around off-trail. I did resist the urge to poke around this time, but I don't think I'll be able to on our next visit.
"Yay! Snow!"
The final ascent!
"I will pee on all of this and make it mine!"
Here's a shot of the bouldery section from above.
I was determined to relax today, so I'd brought my relax-a-chair. We chatted with a couple of local 46ers who were already at the summit when we arrived. They talked about some of their hikes, especially the Sewards which were in clear view below.
Really feeling that Winter 15 in this photo, but not to worry -- it'll be gone soon.
I put on my windbreaker and we enjoyed the perfect day. We hung out on the summit for quite some time after the other group left. We do live 2.5 hours from the trailhead, so I had to make the $40 in gas worth it after all.
I showed the Seward Range to my new Oboz Bridger boots and told them to prepare themselves for a couple of long days ahead. I'd worn the boots all weekend and to work on Monday. My feet felt pretty good at the end of the day, so I think I broke them in pretty well. I'm still not sure if getting the waterproof version was the right call, but I was pretty comfortable the entire hike.
We passed a few more groups of college kids on the way back to the car and Sunny got some more love, which made his day. We made good time and were back at the car a little after noon and home by 3pm. Unfortunately, the moment we got home, my allergies fired up again. However, since we got back early enough that I was able to pick up Quinn from school and bring him to the playground.
My plan is to get us up to Dial & Nippletop via Gravestone Brook (#19 and #20) for our next hike. I'd originally planned it for late May, but my buddy reminded me that's Memorial Day weekend and that may be frustrating parking-wise. I'm a little torn because I'd planned these hikes to stagger them so they affect my family as little as possible, but I may need to reschedule that one. I'm also wondering if a shorter hike (8 or 9 miles) would be a good idea prior to the bushwhack up Gravestone Brook.
Both of these thoughts seem smart, so obviously I probably won't listen to my smart brain and just stick with my original plans!
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