PA Ridgerunner
Active member
Fran and I had been eagerly anticipating this hike for quite some time. We've read and re-read Burnside's accounts of hiking the range. Same goes for Joel's Adirondackjourney.com and countless TRs. Then over the last few weeks I've been asking questions on the forums, both publicly and through pm's. As a result, with the contributions of the authors mentioned above and from many of you good folks, we felt very well prepared for what we knew would be the most challenging hike we have yet taken.
We arrived at the trailhead on the Upper Works road at about 6 a.m. Saturday, decided to start with headlamps, and by the time we had them all situated and were signed in and ready to go we realized we no longer needed them...doh!
Removed them, stashed them in the packs and were on our way. Made good time along the road, delighting to the sound of a loon coming out of the morning mist as we passed between Henderson and Harkness. After crossing the two bridges near the start of the Bradley Pond trail we began to see the mud about which we had been forewarned. Even with no rain for the last week, it was pretty much of a muddy mess, yet not too difficult to navigate through. Continuing up through the pass between the Santanonis and Henderson we enjoy the beautiful cascades of Santanoni Brook. Soon after we come to the large cairn marking the start of the "good old new, new old, slightly older than new, formerly used, then not used, now in sanctioned use" trail which leads to Santanoni. For those keeping score, that is the GONNOSOTNFUTNUNISU trail. We'll be descending by that route, but we proceed to the herd path that leaves the marked trail just beyond Bradley Pond.
What a delightful surprise is this path. It makes its way beautifully up above Bradley Pond, with lovely views of the pond on the way, passing cliffs that seem to go on and on. On this gorgeous sunny morning it's a real treat. Soon enough we descend to the crossing of Panther Brook. Very nice hiking along the brook. Shortly after filtering water we arrive on the ridge. Taking the lead of someone who had arrived earlier, we ditch our packs and head up to Panther. Immediately we are struck by...well, the cripplebrush. Just a little taste of what we can expect for the entire time on the ridge from Panther to Santanoni. Great views in all directions from Panther. Fran just loves the ears on little Couchie. I'm captivated by the views of the Sewards, just as I was by the views of the Santas from Donaldson a year ago. As we look off toward Couch, I'm reminded of Random Scooter's advice to not be discouraged at how far away and down it is. Truthfully, we weren't. Knowing the distance we have to travel, we don't tarry long on the summit. Instead, we head back to Herald Square to pick up our packs. As we're having a snack, Charlie (Sokol) shows up with three friends. My apologies but I only remember the name of the young lady, Sonya, who is from Siberia. Later on Couch when we meet again, she tells me that they have mountains like this in her home country and that they too have crazy people who hike them.
After a short visit with these nice folks, Fran and I headed off for Times Square and on to the notorious Couchsachraga. The first part of the never-ending descent is pretty tight, scratching up our arms and legs, and I even haul out the safety glasses for a little while. All in all, it was a very pleasant hike out to Couch. The bog was much less of an issue than I had been lead to believe. (I'm sure the lack of rain for the last week or more worked in our favor!) Followed the advice of most folks and went to the right, sinking in up to my knee at one point. On the way back I stayed right down the middle, using my trek poles to locate firm surfaces to step on and had no problems.
After a couple of advertised false bumps we finally made the last little scramble up to the summit. To our surprise there were some half-decent views, including the ones of Panther and Santanoni, placed there just to taunt us. Charlie and the gang were right behind us. We had a nice time on the summit together, then started out for the long pull back up to the ridge. Pretty uneventful until about a third of the way up from the bog, when I developed painful cramping in my right leg. First time I've ever had this happen. I had been drinking lots of water, didn't feel as though I was sweating all that heavily. Kind of took me by surprise. Stopped for about ten minutes to rest, stretch, eat some salty crackers, etc. Then took our time going the rest of the way up. Stopped and rested again at Times Square, stretched some more, ate more (although I had absolutely no appetite). I was feeling much better and figured we may as well continue on to Santanoni.
Why is it that when you look at these ridges in photos, the ups and downs are not as apparent? Even on the topos they look so benign. I don't suppose fatigue has anything to do with it. We finally get to the ascent of the first bump on Santa...it just didn't look as big from across the ridge! Up and over and we realize we're almost there, and the rest is not really that bad. We're on the lookout for the small rock marking the start of the GONNOSOTNFUTNUNISU herd path. It's there, but it sure doesn't look like there is a path. Man is it thick!! But a piece of flagging confirms that this is indeed the spot. We proceed to the summit, pay our respects, and do the obligatory summit photos. Then back to the real viewing spot for enjoyment and photos of the amazing views. Wallface is particularly impressive from here. With our longer than expected rest stops, we are mindful of the time. It's nearly 5:30 and although we could stay and gaze for hours at the mountains, and at Long Lake in the late day sun, we must be moving on. Don't want to be stuck on an unfamiliar herd path after dark.
The hike down off the mountain is fantastic, with gorgeous views much of the way...Henderson Mtn., Bradley Pond, Duck Hole, etc. We finally reach the Bradley Pond trail and are hoping to make it to the road without headlamps. After a few stumbles we abandon that idea and don our headlamps about a mile ahead of the road. We have a great time on our way out, singing up a storm. We arrive back at the car at 8:20, officially "aspiring 46rs." We toast our accomplishment with 46er IPA and head out. Between the parking lot and 28N we see a black bear, Fran sees a bobcat while I'm looking the other way, and then we both see a coyote crossing the road between Newcomb and Long Lake. A perfect ending to an amazing day!
Photo album: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/574557321FpVNmS
Slideshow: http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/574557321FpVNmS
We arrived at the trailhead on the Upper Works road at about 6 a.m. Saturday, decided to start with headlamps, and by the time we had them all situated and were signed in and ready to go we realized we no longer needed them...doh!
Removed them, stashed them in the packs and were on our way. Made good time along the road, delighting to the sound of a loon coming out of the morning mist as we passed between Henderson and Harkness. After crossing the two bridges near the start of the Bradley Pond trail we began to see the mud about which we had been forewarned. Even with no rain for the last week, it was pretty much of a muddy mess, yet not too difficult to navigate through. Continuing up through the pass between the Santanonis and Henderson we enjoy the beautiful cascades of Santanoni Brook. Soon after we come to the large cairn marking the start of the "good old new, new old, slightly older than new, formerly used, then not used, now in sanctioned use" trail which leads to Santanoni. For those keeping score, that is the GONNOSOTNFUTNUNISU trail. We'll be descending by that route, but we proceed to the herd path that leaves the marked trail just beyond Bradley Pond.What a delightful surprise is this path. It makes its way beautifully up above Bradley Pond, with lovely views of the pond on the way, passing cliffs that seem to go on and on. On this gorgeous sunny morning it's a real treat. Soon enough we descend to the crossing of Panther Brook. Very nice hiking along the brook. Shortly after filtering water we arrive on the ridge. Taking the lead of someone who had arrived earlier, we ditch our packs and head up to Panther. Immediately we are struck by...well, the cripplebrush. Just a little taste of what we can expect for the entire time on the ridge from Panther to Santanoni. Great views in all directions from Panther. Fran just loves the ears on little Couchie. I'm captivated by the views of the Sewards, just as I was by the views of the Santas from Donaldson a year ago. As we look off toward Couch, I'm reminded of Random Scooter's advice to not be discouraged at how far away and down it is. Truthfully, we weren't. Knowing the distance we have to travel, we don't tarry long on the summit. Instead, we head back to Herald Square to pick up our packs. As we're having a snack, Charlie (Sokol) shows up with three friends. My apologies but I only remember the name of the young lady, Sonya, who is from Siberia. Later on Couch when we meet again, she tells me that they have mountains like this in her home country and that they too have crazy people who hike them.
After a short visit with these nice folks, Fran and I headed off for Times Square and on to the notorious Couchsachraga. The first part of the never-ending descent is pretty tight, scratching up our arms and legs, and I even haul out the safety glasses for a little while. All in all, it was a very pleasant hike out to Couch. The bog was much less of an issue than I had been lead to believe. (I'm sure the lack of rain for the last week or more worked in our favor!) Followed the advice of most folks and went to the right, sinking in up to my knee at one point. On the way back I stayed right down the middle, using my trek poles to locate firm surfaces to step on and had no problems.
After a couple of advertised false bumps we finally made the last little scramble up to the summit. To our surprise there were some half-decent views, including the ones of Panther and Santanoni, placed there just to taunt us. Charlie and the gang were right behind us. We had a nice time on the summit together, then started out for the long pull back up to the ridge. Pretty uneventful until about a third of the way up from the bog, when I developed painful cramping in my right leg. First time I've ever had this happen. I had been drinking lots of water, didn't feel as though I was sweating all that heavily. Kind of took me by surprise. Stopped for about ten minutes to rest, stretch, eat some salty crackers, etc. Then took our time going the rest of the way up. Stopped and rested again at Times Square, stretched some more, ate more (although I had absolutely no appetite). I was feeling much better and figured we may as well continue on to Santanoni.
Why is it that when you look at these ridges in photos, the ups and downs are not as apparent? Even on the topos they look so benign. I don't suppose fatigue has anything to do with it.
We finally get to the ascent of the first bump on Santa...it just didn't look as big from across the ridge! Up and over and we realize we're almost there, and the rest is not really that bad. We're on the lookout for the small rock marking the start of the GONNOSOTNFUTNUNISU herd path. It's there, but it sure doesn't look like there is a path. Man is it thick!! But a piece of flagging confirms that this is indeed the spot. We proceed to the summit, pay our respects, and do the obligatory summit photos. Then back to the real viewing spot for enjoyment and photos of the amazing views. Wallface is particularly impressive from here. With our longer than expected rest stops, we are mindful of the time. It's nearly 5:30 and although we could stay and gaze for hours at the mountains, and at Long Lake in the late day sun, we must be moving on. Don't want to be stuck on an unfamiliar herd path after dark.The hike down off the mountain is fantastic, with gorgeous views much of the way...Henderson Mtn., Bradley Pond, Duck Hole, etc. We finally reach the Bradley Pond trail and are hoping to make it to the road without headlamps. After a few stumbles we abandon that idea and don our headlamps about a mile ahead of the road. We have a great time on our way out, singing up a storm.
We arrive back at the car at 8:20, officially "aspiring 46rs." We toast our accomplishment with 46er IPA and head out. Between the parking lot and 28N we see a black bear, Fran sees a bobcat while I'm looking the other way, and then we both see a coyote crossing the road between Newcomb and Long Lake. A perfect ending to an amazing day!Photo album: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/574557321FpVNmS
Slideshow: http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/574557321FpVNmS
