Kevin Judy and Emma
Well-known member
Jude's Triumphant Return to the Mountains!
Mount Isolation 4004'
Rocky Branch Trail/Engine Hill Bushwhack/Davis Path/Mount Isolation Spur Path
12+ Miles 3300' Elevation gain
Kevin, Judy and Emma who met lots of folks along the trail!
Jude hasn't been feeling her best and hasn't been hiking much lately, last 4K being Mount Pierce in early December. She jumped right back into the fire with this one and did an admirable job! My feet had been bothering me from straps on the snowshoes and the fact that no one seems to make wide hiking boots that will fit my odd size feet so we made the decision at the trailhead to attempt this hike in our microspikes. We both probably would have liked a little more traction, but it worked out fine and my feet were thankful!
Emma in the Birch Glades
We knew that there were 25-30 people ahead of us that would have the trail packed firmly so we weren't too concerned about leaving the shoes in the car. At the junction with the Davis Path we met up with a large group who had already been to the summit and were having lunch. One gentleman asked where our snowshoes were and I explained too which he grumbled we should still have them with us. Of course he was right, but we were prepared to turn back if conditions dictated. I resisted saying anything about group size in a Wilderness Area.
Emma on the Summit of Isolation
On the way in we saw 3 blurs run past that were old acquaintances Jason, Mats and Farmer doing superhuman things I can only dream about. We spent some of the hike with Big Earl, Sue, Wendy and Mike who were pleasant company. At the Davis Path we ran into several familiar faces including J&J and Boo and Madhatter who we have only had an internet relationship with until now. Wolfgang introduced himself to me, it's always nice to put faces to names! WildPeaks and a father son team joined us on the summit. Dad was 75+ years old, I can only hope to live that long, let alone still be hiking! There were lots of other folks that it was nice to see and meet along the way, sorry if I forgot anyone!
Birch Glade Return
The temps along the way were pretty moderate though the wind was with us all day. It was especially evident on the windswept summit, but it cleared the clouds and gave us good views to the east that others before us didn't enjoy. We stayed above the trees just long enough for some pictures before heading back down. WildPeaks took our picture for us. He asked if I had the camera set right and I guess I should have checked. Despite my mistake he managed a decent enough shot, thank you!
Hugs All Around
The hike back out was quite pleasant. Despite being up hill most of the way on the return the route was so carefully chosen that it was hardly noticeable. I can't stress enough what a great job the route finders did and express my thanks enough to those who packed it out for us. I'm not ashamed of my "trail vulture" status and I can readily admit I probably wouldn't make it to most of these hills without packed trails. Although Jude was exhausted she marched on like a real soldier and I'm very happy to have her back out there, and so is Emma!
Pics Here:
KDT
