Jabberwalk
New member
Would you let your child head off into the woods all day long with four strangers they 'met' on the internet??? No, but that is what I did on Saturday, November 1. I had been thinking about trying to summit West West Scar, after reaching West/East and the cannister two years ago. I saw an open call on RoT from Bigfoot for Scar, and then got an email from someone on Carl Rosenthal's Wednesday hiking group asking for company on a hike to Scar. We put two and two and one together and met at Loon Mountain at 8am: Bigfoot, Whichway, Mad Doc (that's Bob) and Good Nite (as in Irene), and me, Jabberwalk.
Mad Doc and Good Nite had found the herd path to Black Mountain twice before, but had to turn around because of weather, fatigue, and the thick stuff. I had gotten some good advice from Jason B, Michaelj, Amicus, and Marc which helped a lot. As reported the access to the herd path is about half way between the summit sign on N. Loon, and the cable post. Bigfoot counted 80 paces up to the sign at the top. A few large birches seem to guard the entrance.
It was smooth going along the herd path. We began our bushwack at a fairly level area, just before the path turned north. (However, on the return trip we were closer to the ridgeline and entered the path closer to Loon.) The advice to stay to the north of the ridge proved very helpful. This bushwack is not easy and a bit disconcerting since you have to traverse quite a ways as opposed to really climbing up, which is what feels more appropriate. We were well below the ridgeline, and moving pretty well. When we saw the ridgeline turn to the east, then we climbed up toward the high spot, and spotted the cannister without much trouble.
We arrived at the top at about 12:30 without too many scars or bruises - that was reserved for the return trip! Great surprise that two other hikers had just left the top! I can't remember their names but maybe Whichway took a photo and will chime in. They came up from Tripoli and Little East Pond, and reported that it was an easy climb. Personally I don't believe them! However, they did arrive at 12:10, but did not linger long to enjoy the cool temps on top.
We made a slight navigational error on the return trip by keeping too far to the north and not heading far enough west to the edge of the ridgeline. We could see the steep ledges and crossed as small stream, which gave a clue to where we ought not to be. Soon this was corrected and it was smooth sailing once we got to the edge of the ridge. We popped out onto the herd path closer to Loon, but still about .5 mile from the ski area.
The hike down the slopes and the tote road seemed endless to me - I needed something on my fee besides hiking boots. Back to the cars by 4pm all 5 accounted for. This was definitely a joint effort: Bigfoot has terrific map skills, Mad Doc helped us locate the herd path and keep to the compass bearing, and I managed to put together a good assortment of tips from VFFT friends.
I have never done photos, but will try. . .
Mad Doc and Good Nite had found the herd path to Black Mountain twice before, but had to turn around because of weather, fatigue, and the thick stuff. I had gotten some good advice from Jason B, Michaelj, Amicus, and Marc which helped a lot. As reported the access to the herd path is about half way between the summit sign on N. Loon, and the cable post. Bigfoot counted 80 paces up to the sign at the top. A few large birches seem to guard the entrance.
It was smooth going along the herd path. We began our bushwack at a fairly level area, just before the path turned north. (However, on the return trip we were closer to the ridgeline and entered the path closer to Loon.) The advice to stay to the north of the ridge proved very helpful. This bushwack is not easy and a bit disconcerting since you have to traverse quite a ways as opposed to really climbing up, which is what feels more appropriate. We were well below the ridgeline, and moving pretty well. When we saw the ridgeline turn to the east, then we climbed up toward the high spot, and spotted the cannister without much trouble.
We arrived at the top at about 12:30 without too many scars or bruises - that was reserved for the return trip! Great surprise that two other hikers had just left the top! I can't remember their names but maybe Whichway took a photo and will chime in. They came up from Tripoli and Little East Pond, and reported that it was an easy climb. Personally I don't believe them! However, they did arrive at 12:10, but did not linger long to enjoy the cool temps on top.
We made a slight navigational error on the return trip by keeping too far to the north and not heading far enough west to the edge of the ridgeline. We could see the steep ledges and crossed as small stream, which gave a clue to where we ought not to be. Soon this was corrected and it was smooth sailing once we got to the edge of the ridge. We popped out onto the herd path closer to Loon, but still about .5 mile from the ski area.
The hike down the slopes and the tote road seemed endless to me - I needed something on my fee besides hiking boots. Back to the cars by 4pm all 5 accounted for. This was definitely a joint effort: Bigfoot has terrific map skills, Mad Doc helped us locate the herd path and keep to the compass bearing, and I managed to put together a good assortment of tips from VFFT friends.
I have never done photos, but will try. . .
