Isolation July 31st - A long Day!

[HikerBob]

Poison Ivy organized a small group hike to Isolation by way of Glen Boulder and out via the Rocky Branch trails.

This was a long day made even longer for Karen and myself when Karen's knee went out on her with over three miles to go. She did the last two miles trying to keep her leg straight to ease the pain and didn't complain much above the occasional whimper. She is made of stern stuff indeed!

More than enough words from me and a bunch of pictures (some even in focus) can be found HERE

Thanks again to Ivy and the others who waited countless times for the slow contingent to catch up and finally emerge from the forest in the dark and rain at around 9pm!

 

[MichaelJ]

Great pics as always, Bob! Isolation is, well, a slog (I did it over two days), but you did it as well as it can be done (and with more than 25' foggy visibility!!! )

 

[HikerBob]

Thanks Michael,

Karen's knee problem has mostly subsided with her having taken it easy for the last few days. First thing in the morning after the hike she bought a knee brace and that helped a lot. We'll probably tackle something a little shorter next time out and see how it goes with the brace on. Work up from that.

I am looking forward to revisiting Isolation in the winter. An in/out via Rocky Branch may not offer much in the way of views but with all those nasty rocks under snow the grades would make for a pretty easy jaunt. I'm assuming of course the river gets frozen up or safely bridged.

On a crisp, clear winters day the views from Isolation must be amazing.

Bob

 

[MichaelJ]

Ah, but in winter you don't even bother with that trail ... you take the bushwhack, which has two halves. First, you leave Engine Hill at its height of land and just follow the contour until you hit the Rocky Branch. Cross easily. Then, there's a bit of alignment to do but not much, and follow a bearing right up to the Davis Path.

Others know the exact details, but my point is that you wouldn't be on any of the Isolation Trail along the Rocky Branch anyway.

 

[Jasonst]

I am real interested in doing that Isolation hike this winter. If you are looking for company, let me know!

Jason

 

[HikerBob]

Sounds like another HikerBob hike in the making!

Bring on the snow!

Bob