peakn
New member
Met Mohamed at Rocky Branch Trailhead at 7:45. We spotted a car there and drove to the Glen Boulder Trailhead and were on the trail at 8:08. It promised to be a beautiful day with cool temps. As we were on the East side of the mountain, the sun warmed things up pretty quickly and we were soon removing layers.
The grade seemed moderate with good footing but gradually steepened significantly. Once out of the trees (back on with the Shells) we started to pick up beautiful views which only got better as we gained elevation. Approaching the Glen Boulder there were numerous steep sloping rocks to negotiate, which slowed us (me) down. The knowledge that once we reached the Davis Path it would be mostly downhill was good motivation.
The footing on the Glen Boulder Trail and the Davis Path was mostly excellent. Once back below tree-line the trail became muddy in spots but not bad. However this was just a prelude to the descent.
I get a very annoying and all too frequent hamstring cramp about half way through any strenuous hike. Predictably, about a tenth of a mile from the Isolation Spur it hit me. Fortunately 5 minutes of massage and positive thinking cleared it and it didn’t return for the rest of the hike. Though not in spasm it was uncomfortable.
The views from Isolation were unbelievable. Colors are approaching peak. The sky was clear and the summit not at all windy. To the West we could see Eisenhower, the Willey Range, and beyond that Franconia Ridge. To the East the Wildcats, Carters, Moriah we think and a ridge over near Maine. North, Big George. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t identify all of the peaks. Mohamed knew many of them. It was just a beautiful, spiritual place to be for the all too brief moment in time. As Mohamed said, “Life is Good”.
Starting down, we realized that we wouldn’t make it out before dark. Both the Isolation and Rocky Branch trails were more than muddy. Muck and Mire doesn't begin to describe it. They were inches deep in water causing a continuous rock hopping situation or plunge into mud above the ankles. Although the grade is relatively gentle this really slowed us down.
Due to the late hour, we decided to stick with the trails and not attempt the standard bushwhack to avoid River crossings. The 5 crossings required thought (mostly Mohamed’s) but he led over the perfect choice of rocks each time, so there no mishaps.
Out we finally came using our headlamps at 7:45 PM. 11 hours, 35 minutes, exactly 12 hours from when we met at Rocky Branch. Tired, but pleased that mission was accomplished. This was definitely a peak hiking experience.
I have to say that Mohamed is a true gentleman and a pleasure to hike with, never once seeming impatient with my slow pace. Thanks Mohamed.
The grade seemed moderate with good footing but gradually steepened significantly. Once out of the trees (back on with the Shells) we started to pick up beautiful views which only got better as we gained elevation. Approaching the Glen Boulder there were numerous steep sloping rocks to negotiate, which slowed us (me) down. The knowledge that once we reached the Davis Path it would be mostly downhill was good motivation.
The footing on the Glen Boulder Trail and the Davis Path was mostly excellent. Once back below tree-line the trail became muddy in spots but not bad. However this was just a prelude to the descent.
I get a very annoying and all too frequent hamstring cramp about half way through any strenuous hike. Predictably, about a tenth of a mile from the Isolation Spur it hit me. Fortunately 5 minutes of massage and positive thinking cleared it and it didn’t return for the rest of the hike. Though not in spasm it was uncomfortable.
The views from Isolation were unbelievable. Colors are approaching peak. The sky was clear and the summit not at all windy. To the West we could see Eisenhower, the Willey Range, and beyond that Franconia Ridge. To the East the Wildcats, Carters, Moriah we think and a ridge over near Maine. North, Big George. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t identify all of the peaks. Mohamed knew many of them. It was just a beautiful, spiritual place to be for the all too brief moment in time. As Mohamed said, “Life is Good”.
Starting down, we realized that we wouldn’t make it out before dark. Both the Isolation and Rocky Branch trails were more than muddy. Muck and Mire doesn't begin to describe it. They were inches deep in water causing a continuous rock hopping situation or plunge into mud above the ankles. Although the grade is relatively gentle this really slowed us down.
Due to the late hour, we decided to stick with the trails and not attempt the standard bushwhack to avoid River crossings. The 5 crossings required thought (mostly Mohamed’s) but he led over the perfect choice of rocks each time, so there no mishaps.
Out we finally came using our headlamps at 7:45 PM. 11 hours, 35 minutes, exactly 12 hours from when we met at Rocky Branch. Tired, but pleased that mission was accomplished. This was definitely a peak hiking experience.
I have to say that Mohamed is a true gentleman and a pleasure to hike with, never once seeming impatient with my slow pace. Thanks Mohamed.
