Hikes with Hannah
Member
Decided to take a longer more scenic loop to the Willey Range on Sunday. Started from Zealand Trailhead, around Ethan Pond Trail, up and over Willey Range Trail and Mt. Tom Spur, then out on AZ and Zealand Trails.
Most of the trails were in very good shape - beginning of S-bridge on Zealand Trail is almost underwater again due to recent beaver activity. Some bog bridges on AZ Trail are nearing their life expectancy. Sections of AZ Trail show signs of recent brushing, with the clippings not cleared from the trail - definitely a bit messy in spots.
Day started out cloudy but we had good views rounding the base of Whitewall Mountain. Hiked through one passing shower further down Ethan Pond Trail. Interesting but somewhat limited views from the outlook near Willey with low clouds, but more visibility from Field and the outlook on Tom. Fortunately the afternoon rains held off until we were headed home.
Hannah had a great day - plenty of snacks from the humans, mud holes and streams to play in, and the discovery of being able to eat blueberries straight off the bush. There was no water between the three peaks, but it was cloudy and cool enough where it wasn't an issue. She did fine on the ladders up to Mt. Willey, though dogs that aren't comfortable using ladders would have a very hard time with that section of trail.
Thanks to Tim, Val, Cynthia, Mark, Andrea and Hannah for a fun hike, and a great day to help me finish off my summer grid!
Most of the trails were in very good shape - beginning of S-bridge on Zealand Trail is almost underwater again due to recent beaver activity. Some bog bridges on AZ Trail are nearing their life expectancy. Sections of AZ Trail show signs of recent brushing, with the clippings not cleared from the trail - definitely a bit messy in spots.
Day started out cloudy but we had good views rounding the base of Whitewall Mountain. Hiked through one passing shower further down Ethan Pond Trail. Interesting but somewhat limited views from the outlook near Willey with low clouds, but more visibility from Field and the outlook on Tom. Fortunately the afternoon rains held off until we were headed home.
Hannah had a great day - plenty of snacks from the humans, mud holes and streams to play in, and the discovery of being able to eat blueberries straight off the bush. There was no water between the three peaks, but it was cloudy and cool enough where it wasn't an issue. She did fine on the ladders up to Mt. Willey, though dogs that aren't comfortable using ladders would have a very hard time with that section of trail.
Thanks to Tim, Val, Cynthia, Mark, Andrea and Hannah for a fun hike, and a great day to help me finish off my summer grid!
