una_dogger
Well-known member
Trails: Zealand Trail, AZ, Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Thoreau Falls, AT, Zealand Trail.
Mileage: 17
Gain: ~3700
Trail time: 9 hours
MJ, Terra and I met up with "Charbs" for a big loop around the Willey Range -- I had done this hike a few Decembers ago, in reverse, starting at Ethan Pond and climbing Willey first. After a long slog out in the dark in wet snow, I vowed to return again and enjoy the splendor of the Ethan Pond Trail in better conditions.
It was Charbs idea and I was happy for the opportunity to tag along. TFW are on my 3rd round list, and also on MJ and my "Us" list -- combined with the fact that hiking with Charbs is one of Terra's favorite pastimes -- add a bit of sunshine, and you have the perfect day.
Not to many folks out on these trails today. Had a great break at Ethan Pond and Thoreau Falls, and a near moose sighting at the Beaver Ponds on the Zealand Trail. Other than that it was a great day to be out in the woods with good friends. All trails are in excellent shape. Lots of time to walk and talk and ponder more adventures.
Happy Trails
Mileage: 17
Gain: ~3700
Trail time: 9 hours
MJ, Terra and I met up with "Charbs" for a big loop around the Willey Range -- I had done this hike a few Decembers ago, in reverse, starting at Ethan Pond and climbing Willey first. After a long slog out in the dark in wet snow, I vowed to return again and enjoy the splendor of the Ethan Pond Trail in better conditions.
It was Charbs idea and I was happy for the opportunity to tag along. TFW are on my 3rd round list, and also on MJ and my "Us" list -- combined with the fact that hiking with Charbs is one of Terra's favorite pastimes -- add a bit of sunshine, and you have the perfect day.
Not to many folks out on these trails today. Had a great break at Ethan Pond and Thoreau Falls, and a near moose sighting at the Beaver Ponds on the Zealand Trail. Other than that it was a great day to be out in the woods with good friends. All trails are in excellent shape. Lots of time to walk and talk and ponder more adventures.
Happy Trails
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Back in 2005, I did a similar hike to what you did last time....taking Ethan Pond trail, then up Willey Range over the mtns, then down AZ, and out Zealand and Ethan Pond. What a fantastic trip that was, as the leaves were turning. The ponds have the best colors in the state, IMO. 
