Wiley/Field (the easy way!) 5/29

[ctsparrow]

Out with my son again, the goal was Wiley,Field & Tom, but we ended up saving Tom for another day. I had heard about WRT and it's steepness from the Ethan Pond side, but was suitably impressed none-the-less. After a day of rest after our East Osceola trip, we headed up EP trl, thanking the AMC trail crews had at work on our way, then began the WRT. The trail crew assured us the ladders were in good shape as they rebuilt them two years ago, and once we reached them they were indeed in good shape, however, still quite impressive. We only met two hikers descending from Wiley all day with no one at the summit of Wiley or Field...this was actually the weirdest vibe of the day, i know people were traveling this day, but i thought we'd see more. I wasn't sure how long after the ladders it would take to get to the summit, but it seeemed to go on forever. We quickly enjoyed both views from the top, snacked, then hit the ridge section, when i did these peaks i did the over and back from Field so it was familiar to me, and not difficult. The bugs were beginning to harass us on Field...no gray jays either, which surprised me...it was considerably warmer this day, so the bugs weren't all that surprising...still alot of hovering and an occasional nibble, but serious buggage is nearing. We decided to head down the Avalon trail from here, saving Tom for another day and it was a good decision as the climb up was tiring for both him and I. I try not to push beyond a 6 hr day when i have one or more of my kids with me, and that's what it was in the end. Thanks to Kelly and her 8 year old daughter Jessica from No Conway for the ride back to our vehicle.

The trail work and maintenance on the steep section of WRT, while not perfect in all spots, is still a tribute to the hard work the crews do, and the preservation of a trail because of their methods etc. When comparing this trail to the very steep section of East Osceola..(descending to Greeley), it is night and day. East Osceola needs this kind of attention as well. IMHO.

So once again by ascending a steep and rough trail, i told my son he can claim Wiley & Field...the easy way!!(u gotta be a 10yr old!)..ctsparrow

BTW, we had a beautiful, blue sky weekend overall with minimal to no bugs, it was awesome being out helping him get his NH48, all sore thigh muscles are worth it!

 

[Paradox]

Willey & Field

I was up there in the fall of 2003, and it was one of the nicest days I can remember. Thank you for the memories

 

[kerry13]

What a difference a day makes. I was there sunday 5/28 and did T, F, W and Avalon. There were many folks on the trail, and no bugs at all. The Jays on Field were quite plump, but nonetheless very interested in what everyone was chowing down on. They get any bigger and they won't be able to fly. Sunday too was a great day weatherwise. Glad you enjoyed it. I certainly did.