Saddleback & Horn, #59 & 60 -- 5/28/06

[Double Bow]

After doing COP Snow the day before, the plan was now to do Saddleback and Saddleback Horn via the AT. I had entertained the idea of just going up and back via the ski slopes, but I wanted a longer mileage hike to help prep for the "Pound the Presis" event. I had slept with my ankle propped up and had been kickin' back ibuprofen like Pez to help with my ankle since I had rolled it the day before. It felt weak but, it didn't hurt. I took the some extra weight out of my pack (17lbs) to reduce the strain.

The first part of the hike, from the trailhead to Piazza Rock went by really fast. We made great time getting there. Unfortunately, I wasted it by spending half an hour checking out the various large rocks there. After that the trail seemed to wind around the pond forever going through very wet and muddy areas. I couldn't wait to climb! I got tired of the flat stuff.

Finally, we crossed a gravel road and began to climb somewhat steeply. I was very glad, Shamie... not so much. When we got above treeline, I was absolutely blown away. I had no idea just how expansive the alpine zone is up there! The only let down was that there were very few flowers. There were few people too so, I can't complain! The climbing there was so much fun! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to go back. I could only imagine what it's like in winter!

At the top, we took more pictures and enjoyed our lunch. I was sorry to leave the summit but also anxious to get over to The Horn. The decend into the col was a little slow but not too bad. The climb up was a lot of fun and that more than made up for it. On The Horn, we celebrated another 4K we hadn't done and took in the views of Sugarloaf, Spaulding, Abraham, and all the other nearby peaks. Although it was a "clear" day, the haze cut down on the quality. Still, we enjoyed it emencely.

That break proved sufficient rest for us to head back down into the col and back up Saddleback where we took a mini-break and talked to some people who were just doing Saddleback. We left them and then headed off on the long way out. I improved my speed a little as my motivation grew. We needed to get to a restaurant in Rangely before 8pm! my ankle held up and I flew past Piazza Rock and back to the trailhead much faster than I thought I would have, all things considered. Sure enough, we make to a restaurant (The Hungry Trout) and had the best potato skins I think I've ever had followed by pecan crusted trout!

It was an amazing day out. Sure, I got a sunburn that made me look like I'd been huffing on the tailpipe but, it was still great. Saddleback has to be one of my top favorite moutains in New England! Man, I can't wait to go back...

Here are my pics.

 

[marty]

I have been wondering if you and Shamie were going to do a TR on this. Nice job and I am glad you enjoyed the Hungry Trout. It is definitely a nice choice up in God's Country.

Also glad you enjoyed this excellent hike! Wish I could have joined you, but my friend picked Tumbledown & Little Jackson, which were awesome too. I would highly recommend hitting them when you visit the Rangeley area again.

Best regards,
Marty

 

[injektilo]

I could only imagine what it's like in winter!

It's pretty wild...

Saddleback is a real gem. Glad you had a good day to be out!

 

[Artex]

Great TR, DB! Sounds like a fun time! Let's get together for another hike again sometime this summer, eh?

 

[LenDawg]

Great T/R, DB. Do you have an Ibruprofen (as opposed to a PEZ) dispenser of Bugs Bunny's head for the advil? J/K. Good Job!

 

[Double Bow]

The Rest of the Story...

The plan for Monday had originally been to do Abraham but, after making our way through the series of logging roads (only turning around once) we reached a bridge that just looked too dicey to try that day. Not having the time to add a roadwalk, we left. While Shamie drove, I looked over the atlas to find something short on our way to Portland. We wound up doing Mt Blue. I was at least glad to get in a 3Ker. This hike packs quite a punch as the 1.7mi trail is rather steep. Coupled with the 86 degree temp, it was a good enough workout. The view was good and the cabin was neat to check out. I high recommend this "on the way home" peak!

Julie, I'm now at 60/67(NE4K) and 74/100(NEHH). My remaining 4Ks are: Katahdin (Baxter & Hamlin Peaks [attemped previously]), N. Brother, Bigelow (West & Avery), Abraham (ME), and Mansfield (which, weather permitting, I'll attempt again this weekend).

For the NEHH, in addition to the above, I need S. Brother, Weeks, S. Weeks, Goose Eye, Vose Spur, Fort, Jay Peak, Equinox, E. Sleeper, PAtN, Bigelow S. Horn, Coe, E. Kennebago, Big Jay, Cupsuptic Snow, Baldpate, Scar Ridge, Elephant, and Dorset.

I'm going up to Baxter next month and, if all goes well, I'll be able to get 6 peaks then. I also expect to get the two Jays and Weeks in July as well. It ain't all baggin' new peaks though. I'm more excited about helping my friends work toward their 48! Maybe I'll finish the 67 this year, maybe next. We'll see how it goes!!