PA Ridgerunner
Active member
As we pulled into the parking lot at the end of Moonhaw Road at 8:20, we could see and hear the wind whipping through the trees. If it's like this at 1100', what are we in for up above?
Within a couple minutes, Hermit arrived. After a brief discussion we decided to leave the snowshoes behind, start in M-spikes, and carry the crampons, just in case. Micropspikes were all that were needed for the day. Perhaps a few areas may have warranted snowshoes, but by and large they would have been a PITA, as there was quite a bit of exposed rock, and a number of blowdowns to navigate.
The worst of the wind was on that initial climb of about 1000' in open woods (and the descent of the same area). Luckily no trees or branches crashed down on us. Hermit led us up old woods roads to a spot where we intersected the "typical" route above the cabin. This route stays entirely on state land and avoids trespassing near the cabin, which, sadly, has become a problem. Once we got up into the cliff bands we were shielded from the worst of the wind (until the summits).
It was a beautiful, sunny day, with bright blue sky, so we stopped frequently to enjoy the outstanding views (and to catch our breath!).
We met a fun group on Friday's summit, who had come up out of the bowl between Friday and BC, almost at the col, then came across the ridge to Friday. We joined forces for the descent back down through the ledges to the herd path at the big tree, had lunch, and continued on to B.C. We had a few laughs and a celebratory "nip", thanks to Brian! Our new friends opted to go back down the way they came, in search of the plane crash sight. So we parted company and continued our descent, enjoying the views of Friday's cliffs and the Ashoken Reservoir.
We made much better time heading down, and it was amazing to see how quickly our tracks had blown in. It was a truly spectacular day! I think Friday is quickly becoming a favorite. Thanks, again, to Hermit for leading the way -- top-notch hiking companion!
Within a couple minutes, Hermit arrived. After a brief discussion we decided to leave the snowshoes behind, start in M-spikes, and carry the crampons, just in case. Micropspikes were all that were needed for the day. Perhaps a few areas may have warranted snowshoes, but by and large they would have been a PITA, as there was quite a bit of exposed rock, and a number of blowdowns to navigate.
The worst of the wind was on that initial climb of about 1000' in open woods (and the descent of the same area). Luckily no trees or branches crashed down on us. Hermit led us up old woods roads to a spot where we intersected the "typical" route above the cabin. This route stays entirely on state land and avoids trespassing near the cabin, which, sadly, has become a problem. Once we got up into the cliff bands we were shielded from the worst of the wind (until the summits).
It was a beautiful, sunny day, with bright blue sky, so we stopped frequently to enjoy the outstanding views (and to catch our breath!).
We met a fun group on Friday's summit, who had come up out of the bowl between Friday and BC, almost at the col, then came across the ridge to Friday. We joined forces for the descent back down through the ledges to the herd path at the big tree, had lunch, and continued on to B.C. We had a few laughs and a celebratory "nip", thanks to Brian! Our new friends opted to go back down the way they came, in search of the plane crash sight. So we parted company and continued our descent, enjoying the views of Friday's cliffs and the Ashoken Reservoir.
We made much better time heading down, and it was amazing to see how quickly our tracks had blown in. It was a truly spectacular day! I think Friday is quickly becoming a favorite. Thanks, again, to Hermit for leading the way -- top-notch hiking companion!
