Gimpy Knees on Garfield - Sat 4/6/09

[David Metsky]

Amy and I were planning a hike for the weekend, something relatively mellow because we're both complaining of sore knees. Garfield fit the bill so off we went, meeting at the Park and Ride at 7:30, on the trail just before 10:00. The gate is closed on south end of the Gale River Road so you have to loop around from the north. The parking lot was completely full with only 7 cars because apparently people forgot the concept of parking; there were gaps just slightly too small for another car between each parked car.

It was warm and we started out at a fine pace. Water crossings were trivial, lots of bugs but none biting for now. The hike up was pleasant, we only saw a handful of people heading out and before we knew it we were at the ridge. Just a short climb from there we approached the summit when we saw a few familiar faces. J&J were up top wandering around looking for a bathroom. We took a few photos with them, caught up on the local gossip, then they took off for Galehead and we settled into lunch mode.

It was lovely up top, sunny and warm, but without much wind the bugs were getting a bit annoying. We sat on the warm rocks and ate our lunch in near solitude. There was one other guy up top when we arrived, then a couple who we saw in the parking lot arrived about 45 minutes after we did. Not much else to report, we packed up and headed down around 2:00, arriving back in the parking lot at 4:25, which only took 20 minutes less than the climb up.

A quick run over the Tarry Ho Campground, the Mecca of hiker operations in Twin Mountain where we met up with Geri and Bob and Jazzbo who had done Vose Spur that day. Then back to the city and real life.

 

[Jason Berard]

Sounds like a good day in the woods!

Of course, you had excellent company!

Sorry you both have gimpy knees.

Are those fir waves in the 4th photo?

 

[David Metsky]

Our knees are fine, it's our brains that are getting gimpy.

Yes, those are fir waves on North Twin. I take that same picture every time I'm on the summit of Garfield.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Are they're photos in the above post? If so, they're not loading. Maybe something is amiss with the server/connection hosting the photos?

 

[Jason Berard]

When I'm on Blueberry in the Benton Range, I always like to look at the fir waves between Slide Brook and Tunnel Ravine, just below the summit of Moosilauke.

Have you been able to see the pattern change over time as trees die, and new growth comes in? That would be pretty neat!

As I recall, the wave advances up the mountain as trees die on the leading edge and new growth occurs on the trailing edge?

 

[David Metsky]

Are they're photos in the above post? If so, they're not loading. Maybe something is amiss with the server/connection hosting the photos?

I noticed that hikethewhites was unavailable earlier today, so they may be having some issues at my hosting provider. But it was up now when I just checked.

 

[Nutsosa]

I ran into you and Amy on your way down. I was on my way up to do some trail work on the ridge. It was nice to meet both of you!

If it's any consolation, your gimpy knees are in good company . . . my heels are hamburger

 

[David Metsky]

Your first post in almost a year! You really were a lurker.

 

[J&J]

Dave-- Now that you know where the bathroom is I hope you use it. Remember also that it needs some fresh tp. The roll is gone and it has been for quite a few years. At least the roof is still standing though.