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Because of the storm that really wasn't, this hike, originally scheduled for 3/1 went on 3/2. 7 hikers out on a Glens falls chapter ADK hike with Colvin and Blake as our destination. We assembled at the Rt 73 parking lot at 7:30 and left towards the gate in a balmy 20 degrees. We signed in and barebooted the road to the bypass trail. We all got our snowshoes on and started up. This trail had about 2 inches of white fluffy powder in it from the snow the night before.. When we hit the main Gil Brook trail, someone had already been up there earlier. Trail was well defined and easy to follow. A misstep off the trail sunk into waist deep snow.
Trail up to Colvin was moderate with a few steep areas. As we approached the summit, the wind picked up. I think it was the Mountain Gods just saying we aren't going to make this easy on you. Most of us that had shed layers, now put them back on. Over a bump or 2 and we summited a little before 12. The views on the way to the summit were outstanding. We had picked a blue bird type day. I don't remember seeing a cloud in the sky. Views of Nippletop and Dial, over towards Elk Lake and the Dixes were great. But nothing compared to the views of the Great Range. All I can say is Wow! We eat lunch and spent about 20 minutes on the summit shielded in the woods.
This was Shirley and my second High Peak in the winter. I was already feeling the effects of snowshoing the 6 miles or so to that point. At that point, thoughts were going thru my mind, leave Blake for another Day. I talked it over with Shirley and she said we're so close I don't want to have to come back here again just to proceed there. So Off we went.
Down the back side of Colvin. We did some great butt sliding. Here is where we met the 2 young fellows that groomed our trail out. They were having issues climbing back up Colvin as we buttslided by. We reached the col and headed up some very steep climbing. Even with the groomed trail, many spots were 2 steps up, sliding 1 step back. We summited Blake by 1:40. Took some photo's and headed back. Butt sliding down Blake was Shirley's favorite. I had fun too, but knew the back side of Colvin was going to be a challenge. The steepness alone was enough, but doing it one legs that were tired, that was another thing. Here is where we ran into a bit of luck the wind had all but stopped and the sun was now right over head and feeling nice and warm. The trail is quite open. The suns warmth had changed the snow on the trail back up Colvin. The snow accepted our snowshoes and gripped it very nicely. We were back to Colvin by 3pm, 20 minutes quicker than going to Blake. So much for tired legs. From here, its butt slides and a long trudge out. I know Shirley had a ball but by the end of the road, she was exhausted, As was I. So glad to see the car. Some food and a change of clothes waiting. We were back at 6pm. just as it's getting dark.
Thanks John Casey and group for setting up that trail for us the day before.
And to Jean, Jayne, George, Diana and Nancy for helping us get thru this beautiful long day!
Paul and Shirley
28ers now!
Photo's will follow as I was too sore to do anything last night.
Trail up to Colvin was moderate with a few steep areas. As we approached the summit, the wind picked up. I think it was the Mountain Gods just saying we aren't going to make this easy on you. Most of us that had shed layers, now put them back on. Over a bump or 2 and we summited a little before 12. The views on the way to the summit were outstanding. We had picked a blue bird type day. I don't remember seeing a cloud in the sky. Views of Nippletop and Dial, over towards Elk Lake and the Dixes were great. But nothing compared to the views of the Great Range. All I can say is Wow! We eat lunch and spent about 20 minutes on the summit shielded in the woods.
This was Shirley and my second High Peak in the winter. I was already feeling the effects of snowshoing the 6 miles or so to that point. At that point, thoughts were going thru my mind, leave Blake for another Day. I talked it over with Shirley and she said we're so close I don't want to have to come back here again just to proceed there. So Off we went.
Down the back side of Colvin. We did some great butt sliding. Here is where we met the 2 young fellows that groomed our trail out. They were having issues climbing back up Colvin as we buttslided by. We reached the col and headed up some very steep climbing. Even with the groomed trail, many spots were 2 steps up, sliding 1 step back. We summited Blake by 1:40. Took some photo's and headed back. Butt sliding down Blake was Shirley's favorite. I had fun too, but knew the back side of Colvin was going to be a challenge. The steepness alone was enough, but doing it one legs that were tired, that was another thing. Here is where we ran into a bit of luck the wind had all but stopped and the sun was now right over head and feeling nice and warm. The trail is quite open. The suns warmth had changed the snow on the trail back up Colvin. The snow accepted our snowshoes and gripped it very nicely. We were back to Colvin by 3pm, 20 minutes quicker than going to Blake. So much for tired legs. From here, its butt slides and a long trudge out. I know Shirley had a ball but by the end of the road, she was exhausted, As was I. So glad to see the car. Some food and a change of clothes waiting. We were back at 6pm. just as it's getting dark.
Thanks John Casey and group for setting up that trail for us the day before.
And to Jean, Jayne, George, Diana and Nancy for helping us get thru this beautiful long day!
Paul and Shirley
28ers now!
Photo's will follow as I was too sore to do anything last night.
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