Zealand Mountain, There-And-Back, Saturday July 5, 2014

[Driver8]

Enjoyed a visit to Zealand, its valley, falls, cliffs and approximately 50 peaks Saturday. The trails were mostly excellently maintained. The bypass near the parking lot was rocky and unpleasant, but not particularly different from the slog up from the base of the falls to Zeacliff. The winds on the ridgeline were, at times, frighteningly gusty, especially on the main summit and the rocky subpeak above Zeacliff Pond. The scramble up that peak was wet and treacherous, but there were plenty of handholds and butt-scooting spots for a safe descent. The eastern part of the ridge, near Zeacliff, was super-wet and boggy - beautiful flora abounded there especially. Views were excellent, Zeacliff was outstanding, true to its reputation. I also liked the view to Hancock and the Twins and Bonds from the rocky knob traversed by the Twinway right next to the cliffs, and the views from the "Zeacliff Pond Peak" were excellent in many directions. A long, but not terribly hard hike - very rewarding on a wet, windy, sunny afternoon, and, predictably, the Z falls were running strong, another highlight.

Pictures can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/Arkie.in.CT/media_set?set=a.10204503109320699.1073741852.1321623751&type=1