PA Ridgerunner
Active member
Franny and I left the Round Pond TH at just a little before 7am Saturday, having driven up from Saratoga Springs that morning. It was pretty chilly, so the long-sleeve layer and lower part of the convertible pants stayed on til almost half way to Round Pond...I should know better.
What a beautiful morning on Round Pond!
Thanks to Pete Hickey and the trail crew, we encountered very little blowdown on this hike, and what we found was very easy to negotiate.
Overall, the trail was in very good shape, with little mud, at least by Adirondack standards. Fran got some lovely shots as we progressed along the river toward the lean-to.
Painted Trillium
Water levels at all stream and river crossings were very manageable, although Muddybottom did manage to get a wet foot, stepping on a wobbly rock crossing the Boquet.
We were both awestruck as we approached the slide. Seeing pictures doesn't adequately prepare you! So beautiful, so massive! Then, of course, you cross the slide and continue on the trail in the woods; so steep!
We made short work of the little climb to the summit...hahahaha! Actually, it was a blast! Plus, we got to gawk at the slide on our left and turn around and see ever more impressive views of Noonmark, Giant, & RPR. After the final push from the Hunter Pass trail junction we finally topped out and again were awestruck by the vistas.
Elk Lake
Hunter Pass, Nippletop and the Great Range
We spent 90 minutes on the summit; lounging, gawking, running out to the Beckhorn and back, generally having a great time, then while gazing down into the valley with Grace as the backdrop, we hear "Hey, is that Steve & Fran?" We turn and see Nancy (HOL) who has just arrived with her group, including Steve (MrUniverse Hiker), who have just completed the entire range! I apologize for not remembering everyone's names, but here's the group shot.
Reluctantly we left the summit, and after the knee-pounding descent to the base of the slide, enjoyed a pleasant walk in the woods back to the car. What a fantastic day for our 42nd peak!
More photos
What a beautiful morning on Round Pond!
Thanks to Pete Hickey and the trail crew, we encountered very little blowdown on this hike, and what we found was very easy to negotiate.
Overall, the trail was in very good shape, with little mud, at least by Adirondack standards. Fran got some lovely shots as we progressed along the river toward the lean-to.
Painted Trillium
Water levels at all stream and river crossings were very manageable, although Muddybottom did manage to get a wet foot, stepping on a wobbly rock crossing the Boquet.
We were both awestruck as we approached the slide. Seeing pictures doesn't adequately prepare you! So beautiful, so massive! Then, of course, you cross the slide and continue on the trail in the woods; so steep!
We made short work of the little climb to the summit...hahahaha! Actually, it was a blast! Plus, we got to gawk at the slide on our left and turn around and see ever more impressive views of Noonmark, Giant, & RPR. After the final push from the Hunter Pass trail junction we finally topped out and again were awestruck by the vistas.
Elk Lake
Hunter Pass, Nippletop and the Great Range
We spent 90 minutes on the summit; lounging, gawking, running out to the Beckhorn and back, generally having a great time, then while gazing down into the valley with Grace as the backdrop, we hear "Hey, is that Steve & Fran?" We turn and see Nancy (HOL) who has just arrived with her group, including Steve (MrUniverse Hiker), who have just completed the entire range! I apologize for not remembering everyone's names, but here's the group shot.
Reluctantly we left the summit, and after the knee-pounding descent to the base of the slide, enjoyed a pleasant walk in the woods back to the car. What a fantastic day for our 42nd peak!
More photos
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