Pitchoff
Hey - I've been waiting for a TR from the Pitchoff group -- I didn't take any pictures... share them people!! And, who's camera has the group pix of the Pitchoff hike? Come on you EMSer's!!
[Speaking of pictures - Audrey - you have my new Avatar?? ]
My statement about Pitchoff, the hike: WHY DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL ME THIS WAS SO GREAT?!?
TR: What an excellent hike. I have known that it was a wonderful contender for a through hike - with a spotted car. Totally awesome views starting as soon as you crest out on the ridge (after a rather aerobic hike up... starting right NOW! at the road). Spence and Brian were our leaders and Spence promised some fun surprises on the tour. EMSer's Greg and Andie (sp?), brother Graham, bignslow, Nicole (mrs bignslow) and I were those ready for an exhilerating hike. We got just what we were looking for!
Pitchoff follows a ridge opposite Cascade/Porter. The trail weaves back and forth from side to side, offering splendid views in every direction. When the hike is complete, you have virtually had a 360-degree view of the High Peaks, Sentinel and western peak ranges.
Best of all along the ridge, you find some excellent huge boulders to climb on, get under and lunch near. Spence showed us some caves and narrow rock creavases to play around with. Good fun with this. We also left the trail in a few places to give the hike a bit more "exposure" to the plentiful rock surfaces and dramatic cliffs next to us... nice added adrenaline boost!
Coming down the other side was a fun and not-to-punishing rock hop all the way out. When hiking, we maintained a nice, brisk pace for the entire hike. Best part was that we had plenty of time to admire the views, play around with all the special formations and gather rasp and blue-berries that were plentiful as well!!
It all added up to a super mountain outing... another ADK HH for me and lots of great people out doing our thing on a spectacular, alibiet unexpected, clear and sunny day.