Flume & Liberty 6/11

[Double Bow]

Not having had nearly enough after hiking Sandwich Dome and Jennings Peak on Friday, I had to go out Saturday!

As I am trying to finish my 48 (working on since 9/01) before my birthday in the middle of July, this was going to be an important hike for me. Shammie doesn't really care when she gets them done but, she want to get them done.

We thought that the Flume Slide trail might be too wet and so we decided to do an "up and back" trip on the Osseo trail (read as Wilderness trail to Osseo to Franconia Ridge and back). As usual, heading out on the Wilderness trail was quick paced and uneventful. We soon reached the Osseo trail and began the humid buggy climb that had actually been rescheduled a couple times. We had a great time with it though Shammie is still working on getting up to her usual summer pace. She is making great progress though and, later on, she amazed me!

Just as we reached the beginning of the wooden stairs, we saw the rhodora in full bloom. They were fantastic! We couldn't remeber seeing wooden stairs that numerous before but, we certainly could see why they were there.

We were very happy when we reached the summit of Flume and could see the hazy view. It had been years since we had been up on this ridge when we did the Triple L loop. That was actually one of our first 4K hikes.

However, the weather was moving pretty quickly. When we had arrived at the summit, some people were sunning themselves. Then they heard the rumbled and the sky darkened. We quickly took our pictures and moved on toward Liberty. The storm opened up and moved on top of us as we were just starting up from the col. We opted to put on the pack covers but, like the day before, it was so hot that the rain felt good so we didn't put on raingear.

Then, as the rain is pouring and the thunder and lightening are crashing, I hear a voice from up the trail saying "I know that guy!". It was hikered! He was leading a trip that had come up Lafayette and was going over to Flume and would be doing something with a bushwack back to their cars. I wasn't too clear on those details. Well, we chatted for a moment before he moved on. Alone again, Shammie and I discussed our plan. In the past, she had experienced major fears of being on a mountain in thunder and lightning. I asked her if she wanted to turn back and she said no. She realized that the storm had moved in quickly and it was leaving quickly. She had also realized that, surrounded by trees in the col, we weren't in the greatest danger. I was happy with her decision but proud of the fact that she had overcome her fear and took a rational look at the situation. We moved on and so did the storm.

By the time we got to the summit of Liberty, the rain had stopped. Here, we once again took pictures before heading back, drying off as we went and making good time.

Once we got back to the Wilderness trail, she understood why the trail is so disliked be hikers on their way back to the trailhead and was eager to get back to the car and call it a day. I would be calling it a day, but not a weekend. I would be heading out again in the morning.

48 count
Shammie: #34 & 35
Double Bow: #40 & 41

 

[sapblatt]

Nice job

Ross and Shammie -

Congrats...you are almost there!
I would like to try the Osseo some time, have not gone that way yet.

 

[Double Bow]

Thanks Mike! Osseo is a really nice trail. Definately worth doing.

 

[Sherpa John]

Wow... had no clue you were so far along. let me know when #48 comes up... and perhaps I'll make a surprise visit with a gift.

 

[Double Bow]

The History of Double Bow the Peak Bagger

The greater suprise should be that it's taken me so long to get to this point! Just because I've only been on VFTT for a few months doesn't mean that I'm a "newbie". If I had been driven to work on "the list" when I started, I probably would have finished about 8-9yrs ago.

It was almost 12yrs ago that me and some friends drove up and climbed our first 4K (Adams) which was followed almost 11yrs ago by my second (Washington).
Then, I was down in Virginia from '95-'97 ramblin' 'round the Blue Ridge Mtns. After that, I came back home and would hike here, there, and anywhere in New England, caring more about who I was hiking with than where I was hiking.

Then in '01, I was looking in the back of a book (not the WMG) that I had given to Shammie and saw "the list". I wasn't instantly hooked but, it gave me some additional direction in choosing hikes. I did have the idea that it might be neat to hike them all, especially since I already had a start on 'em but, I didn't know that there was a certificate or anything.

So then I started sprinkling them into my hiking/camping/backpacking plans, as an extra special treat. I never wanted to get them done quickly. I wanted to savor them. I used to only go out if the forecast was pretty darn good and it wasn't too hot or humid. That's why in '02 I only climbed four 4Ks. It was an ultrahot summer that year! The most I've ever climbed in a year was 13. I've just found that there are so many other great places to see that I shouldn't let elevation be the determining factor. Given the choice between Crawford Mtn. and Tecumseh, I would take Crawford anyday.

I suppose each year as I've been getting closer, the urge to finish has gotten stronger. I would have to say that now I am a peak bagger and am looking at lists but, it sure took that bug quite a few years to do its thing!

Starting this year, I realized that I would probably be able to finish the list this year and then I thought, "Why not up the ante and shoot for finishing by my birthday?". So that's where I am now after almost 12yrs of hiking, camping, and backpacking, finally a peakbagger lookin' to wrap things up though, I do feel a little guilty about it.

I had at one point thought of posting something about when my 48th was going to be but, in the end decided that I'm going to keep it small and just invite the folks who have been with me along the way.

 

[NewHampshire]

Way to go Double Bow! Im hoping it doesnt take me 12 years to do my 48, but hey, ya never know .
Brian

 

[Double Bow]

Way to go Double Bow! Im hoping it doesnt take me 12 years to do my 48, but hey, ya never know .
Brian

Hey... just take it as it comes. There should be no rush. The journey is more important than the destination.

While I know that I'll be glad that I completed them, the mystery of what those places are like will be gone for me. Luckily, there are plenty of other mountains that I have never climbed and while they may not have the same elevation and some of them may not be difficult or exciting, they are all unique and will be new to me.

Besides, it's these peaks that are less popular and where solitude can be found. However long it takes you, enjoy it and savor every moment.

 

[carole]

Given the choice between Crawford Mtn. and Tecumseh, I would take Crawford anyday.

I most heartily agree!!