Laid-back Camp
Jay has exactly the same tent as the one Wendy bought me, so he helped me raise it for the first time. I was grateful for this because I think I'd have been frustrated to do it on my own. Site 12 has some decent shielding from the wind on most sides. Most importantly, my tent was shielded on the side coming up the valley from the lake.
Sunny was very impressed with John's kitchen setup.
It was in the teens Farenheit, but Sunny seemed content with his sleeping bag under him.
As usual, John's cooking game was strong. We ate very well that night with all manner of meats and veggies. We snacked on some charcuterie I brought while the delicious smells from the firepit filled the easy-up. John was kind enough to provide Sunny a chicken thigh since I absentmindedly forgot his kibble.
Even as it dipped into the single digits, we were fairly comfortable by the fire.
Sunny and I slept very well until about 2:30am when I woke up with a hangover. I try to maintain a decent water to alcohol ratio, but I was having such a great time chatting with the fellas and eating, that my water consumption slipped my mind. Worse, I'd failed to keep my water in my bag with me, so I had to wait a good 30 minutes for it to thaw enough to drink.
Throughout the next 3 hours or so, I napped and drank my water. There were a few times I woke to find Sunny exposed and shivering, so I had to re cover him and cuddle him up with me. At 6am, Sunny and I got up, got in the car, and drove to Lot 5 to call the family and finish an audiobook while waiting for the fellas to wake up.
Rin stopped by in the morning for a visit. She approved of our site.
Black Mt.
It was about a 40 minute drive to the Black Mt. Trailhead. I got water and snacks for Sunny and me. Although we hydrated fairly well on the drive, it wouldn't be until the next morning that I fully recovered. Still, I felt stronger and refreshed by the time we got to the trailhead.
As with the Thomas hike, the hike up Black was a packed snow and ice racetrack. We made quick work of the trail in our microspikes. Well, at least quick work by my standards.
Sunny had the best day ever.
We were in no great hurry. The hike up Black and back to the trailhead is under 6 miles. Moreover, the day was beautiful and the wind was light. I made the trip with just my base layer, shirt, and shell layer. My puffy only came out at the summit. I still wore my snowpants, however, and my legs did get a little sweaty.
We were rewarded with a gorgeous, bluebird day summit.
It's hard to see in this photo, but the High Peaks were very clear to be seen today, as were the Vermont peaks. I love how you can clearly see from this summit that Lake George and Lake Champlain run parallel with one another for several miles.
After enjoying sammiches and some conversation with other hikers, Jay snapped a quick selfie before we headed back down. By the time we got back to the car, Sunny and I were ready for a nap! Sunny did take a nap. I stopped at Stewies for a tall coffee. The fellas went back to the campsite for another evening of camping.
I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with this weirdo, then slept like the dead.
Icy hike up Black Mountain.gpx (338.19 KB)