TDawg
Well-known member
Well I had grand plans of the 18 mile loop over Hale, Zealand, Guyot, South and North Twin if mother nature at all cooperated. She didn't, but I still took an abbreviated trip on some new ground, while adding another tick on my 48x2 list.
Starting off on North Twin trail, I was under a sub-50 degree, heavy mist with the peaks socked in above and I was soon greeted by a nice new sign. (not so nice
) The mist would turn to a rain shower by the first crossing, there was also constant drip off the trees and everything was wet, wet, wet. So I threw out the loop plan but stuck with the Fire Wardens trail to Hale. Figuring, Hale has a sub-par view anyway, so I wouldn't be missing too too much socked in up there.Now, a lot has been said on VFTT about this fine trail so I'll spare you the long winded report. But I will echo everyone's sentiment that this is a fine route through some of the prettiest birch glades I've ever seen! And just picturing them loaded with snow really made me want the winter to come and return with the ol' shred stick!!
When it wasn't raining lightly I was under a heavy mist and drip off the trees. Wind was light though, I had all the layers I needed so I was content and warm throughout. Made it to the summit after being soaked the last half mile by wet spruce, stayed for 5 minutes looking at the fog and turned right around. I took my time on the way down and really enjoyed the birches, poked around the Little River along the herd path and N. Twin trail a little bit on the way out too. Found and nice swimming hole just off trail and took a couple pics of the fall colors.
So without the VFTT, the beautiful woods and other sights and smells of fall made the trip all worth while. And I didn't see a soul all morning, just the way I like it.
Picture album can be found here. Mostly of the trees b/c there wasn't much else to look at!!
Thanks for reading.
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