Great Pumpkin
Member
Saddleback Mountain wonderfully accommodating to uphill trekkers; just need to check in at base, sign waiver, and follow instructions. Spaderman, Roy Boy, Mighty Quinn and meself started from the base lodge (appx. 2500') at 9 a.m., ascending Grey Ghost (blue slope) to the warming hut at top of the double chairlift. MSR televators were very helpful in this stretch. Ski patrol checked with us re. whether we intended to go over to the Horn, and we answered in the negative, as wind was very strong even at this point. We layered up, put on goggles and face protection, then humped up Tri Color to the top of the quad chair. Scrambled over some rocks, between two small buildings, and up a bit of a "chute", in fierce wind we estimated at 40 to 50 mph. Followed a Waterman-like low rock wall path to the AT and the summit sign, then beat a hasty retreat from the summit, with NE Winter 4K Number 56 in the books for Steve and me.
No views from the top on this one. Descended via the more gentle grade of Green Weaver, which Mad Dog and Jeff had taken for their ascent, minus Bear the Dog, since pooches are not permitted on the ski slopes. Our RT time was just about 3 hours, and Mad Dog and Jeff did it in a little over 2 hours....very strong. Sorry that Kevin could not join us on this hike, as he returned home with Bear, whilst we got some lunch at Pickford Pub, and had a warm afternoon in the pool/hot tub at Rangeley Saddleback Inn....
No views from the top on this one. Descended via the more gentle grade of Green Weaver, which Mad Dog and Jeff had taken for their ascent, minus Bear the Dog, since pooches are not permitted on the ski slopes. Our RT time was just about 3 hours, and Mad Dog and Jeff did it in a little over 2 hours....very strong. Sorry that Kevin could not join us on this hike, as he returned home with Bear, whilst we got some lunch at Pickford Pub, and had a warm afternoon in the pool/hot tub at Rangeley Saddleback Inn....
