Double Bow
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- Apr 29, 2005
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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.
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.
