The Osceolas via Mt. Osceola Trail

[grumpygran]

June 30th 2009

Mud, standing water of up to 3" and slippery rocks always makes for a great hike? With the forecast for more afternoon thunderstorms Silverfox, Frank and I took off a little faster than the rest of the group hoping to get down before the weather caught up with us. The trail is, as I inferred, wet and muddy and the rocks were slippery as were the roots. We made good time to Mt. Osceola and headed off down the trail to East Osceola. Silverfox decided discretion was the better part of valor with his new knee and decided to turn back before the going got really steep...wise move on his part. Frank and I bypassed the chimney on the way down though he insisted on going up it on the way back.
Clouds and mist drifted in and out all day long and apart from a glance at the valley and far mountains as we finished eating lunch we saw no views today.
Were stopped on the way up by Motobobo who was delighted to meet the real live Silverfox and some Over the Hill Hikers. Had a nice conversation with him. Large group of campers on top of Osceola when we got back from East and met a few other hikers coming up as we descended early afternoon.

Grumpygran

 

[Silverfox]

Indeed some slippery spots today..go figure..

While the rocks and roots felt secure on the ascent it actually took me longer to descend..1:36 up..1:56 down as the need to check for proper footing slowed the pace..

Arriving at the parking lot I was greeted with warm and humid sun..a far cry from the blowing fog at the summit..

Nice report on a good day in the woods with OTHH

 

[OldMan]

Definately MUD. I hiked the Osceolas from Greeley Ponds on Monday in the rain. The Chimney was more of a waterfall...