PA Ridgerunner
Active member
Fran and I had a delightful hike Saturday, reaching the halfway point of our 46er quest. It had rained buckets Thursday into Friday, so we knew we were in for some mud...and we were not disappointed. Lots of mudholes along the Blueberry Trail, and unfortunately it seems that many hikers walk around them, thus enlarging them. 
A few small blowdowns across the trail, but nothing too significant. Met up with a P.O.'d grouse along the way, who eventually went into the broken wing routine.
Saw a few hikers, including 3 at Blueberry Leanto who had just finished Seymour. They hiked in Friday over the Sewards via Calkins Brook and the water was really flowing (had an interesting crossing of Calkins Brook).
Found Ward Brook LT pretty much looking like a pig sty. No problem spotting cairn and beginning of herd path. Lower section of path was lovely...really enjoyed the little cairns marking the brook crossings. As the path steepened we found the advertised flagging, which was pretty easy to follow. Also as advertised, the steepest section is very steep, very very muddy, and slick. Also, lots of fun!
Nearing the summit we were joined by a sweet little dog who didn't have her human in sight. We enjoyed her company and the views at the summit ledges, but were chased off by really the only consequential black flies of the day. (sort of reminded me of Yvon's report of this peak from about a year ago. )
About 10 minutes below the summit we met up with a very relieved human companion for our little summit friend. The descent was every bit as fun as the ascent, resulting in wet and muddy boots, pants, hands, and butts! Had a nice cool, light rain off and on all day, but almost for the entire walk out from the herd path.
Lots of laughs, and another fantastic day in the mountains with my honey!
Slideshow here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/573020642OUMvWC
A few small blowdowns across the trail, but nothing too significant. Met up with a P.O.'d grouse along the way, who eventually went into the broken wing routine.Saw a few hikers, including 3 at Blueberry Leanto who had just finished Seymour. They hiked in Friday over the Sewards via Calkins Brook and the water was really flowing (had an interesting crossing of Calkins Brook).
Found Ward Brook LT pretty much looking like a pig sty. No problem spotting cairn and beginning of herd path. Lower section of path was lovely...really enjoyed the little cairns marking the brook crossings. As the path steepened we found the advertised flagging, which was pretty easy to follow. Also as advertised, the steepest section is very steep, very very muddy, and slick. Also, lots of fun!
Nearing the summit we were joined by a sweet little dog who didn't have her human in sight. We enjoyed her company and the views at the summit ledges, but were chased off by really the only consequential black flies of the day. (sort of reminded me of Yvon's report of this peak from about a year ago. )
About 10 minutes below the summit we met up with a very relieved human companion for our little summit friend. The descent was every bit as fun as the ascent, resulting in wet and muddy boots, pants, hands, and butts! Had a nice cool, light rain off and on all day, but almost for the entire walk out from the herd path.
Lots of laughs, and another fantastic day in the mountains with my honey!
Slideshow here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/573020642OUMvWC
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