Little Sister
New member
Meb and I left Freeport ridiculously early Saturday morning to squeeze in a "quick hike" and make it back home in time for family dinners. We had decided to tackle the Osceolas....why not, it's fairly short mileage, and driving time is reasonable too.
So we're on the trail a bit before 8am. Right away my calves were burning. It took me about a mile to figure out that maybe I had tied my boots too tight, and I was cutting blood flow off. After a quick re-tie, I discovered to my delight, that's exactly what it was! The first 1.3 mile of trail was broken out, hard and crusty snow. From the junction on Meb and alternated breaking trail (ok, she did way more than me!) Here's where I realized that although the O's may be a short hike, they certainly can be challenging in certain conditions! The new snow got deeper as we climbed, under the light and fluffy stuff was a pretty hard layer of ice crust....yes, the same conditions I've encountered on MANY hikes this winter.
Along the ridge, we hiked like 2 hunchbacks, unable to stand up straight for any period of time. And so, I began asking myself "Is this fun?" and "Why exactly am I out here?", for which no answer ever came....
At the chimney, I proceeded to have a small temper tantrum, cursing winter(I know it's now spring) and all it had to offer. Off came the snowshoes, on went the crampons, and then the same procedure was required on the return.
We made it to the main summit by 11:30, enjoyed what I beleive to be the best summit views around, and then scurried back to the car.
I must thank my favorite hiking partner for putting up with my less than desireable attitude. I was having "one of those days", and I let it be known! I humbly admit that this short hike....whupped my a**!!
So we're on the trail a bit before 8am. Right away my calves were burning. It took me about a mile to figure out that maybe I had tied my boots too tight, and I was cutting blood flow off. After a quick re-tie, I discovered to my delight, that's exactly what it was! The first 1.3 mile of trail was broken out, hard and crusty snow. From the junction on Meb and alternated breaking trail (ok, she did way more than me!) Here's where I realized that although the O's may be a short hike, they certainly can be challenging in certain conditions! The new snow got deeper as we climbed, under the light and fluffy stuff was a pretty hard layer of ice crust....yes, the same conditions I've encountered on MANY hikes this winter.
Along the ridge, we hiked like 2 hunchbacks, unable to stand up straight for any period of time. And so, I began asking myself "Is this fun?" and "Why exactly am I out here?", for which no answer ever came....
At the chimney, I proceeded to have a small temper tantrum, cursing winter(I know it's now spring) and all it had to offer. Off came the snowshoes, on went the crampons, and then the same procedure was required on the return.
We made it to the main summit by 11:30, enjoyed what I beleive to be the best summit views around, and then scurried back to the car.
I must thank my favorite hiking partner for putting up with my less than desireable attitude. I was having "one of those days", and I let it be known! I humbly admit that this short hike....whupped my a**!!