The other day we drove by the trail head. WOW, the place was PACKED. If you “must” hike in this condition (Sat & Sun) go for it. Not me…..I’ll wake up at 0445 on a Monday morning to hike a trail.

The trail and weather were great ( not crowded, cool and dry). With my pack on we made great time.

Do you like trails with steps? Trails that are rocky? Trails that have elevation gain?

Do you like “switchbacks” and more elevation gain?

Do you like great views? If so, this is your trail……

Snack time….. My plan was to have coffee and a snack at the lake. I had 2 – 700ml SmarWater bottles. Dog water for Kersee and MiO Energy for me. I was too lazy to use my Katadyn. So, dog water it was. Set up the stove, boil the water, and make coffee. What a day, what a life. Kersee and I sitting on a rock drinking coffee, hot chocolate and a eating dog food & a candy bar. Kersee got the dog food. After 15 min of sitting in the sun it was time to head down.

Doing the right thing…. On the way up to the lake, I bagged some poo left by Kersee. Yes, I left the bag on the side of the trail. Not only did I get Kersee’s bag on the way down. I also picked up 5 other poo bags.

Only 3 miles this am.

With a late start we were on the trail after 0630.

We took the Woody trail up to the RR grade cut off. Then the Railroad grade back down.

The Falls are great , but we didn’t have time today. Next time.

K & I need to do an overnighter at the lake.

I was up at 0530 and on the road soon after that. We were at the trail head by 0630 and on the move.

We were at the top in 45 min. The view was “great”. Strike that. My view was fog and a dog. The trail is almost empty at this time of the morning.

My gear this am was a 20.2 lbs Dueter 42 Futura Pro backpack. Outdoor Research: rain gear, cold weather hat, and gloves. Mountain Hard Wear puffy (for me), Ruffler puffy (for Kersee), MSR PocketRocket 2 mini w/ lighter and cleaning kit, Katadyn Hiker Water Filter w/ 2 – 700 ml SmartWater bottles, Black Diamond headlight, first aid kit, food ( 3.74 lbs), Gerber knife, Emergency blanket, Space All-Weather blanker w/ 550 cord, bathroom kit, and a Titanium spoon.

Kersee had on a Ruffewear Singletrak Pack and a water bowl.

Thanks for looking at my blog. Life is short, get outside. I’m a 55 year old guy that likes to play in the woods. Rain or shine, if i’m not at work you can find me in the woods.

Hiking Etiquette

Turn your cell phone down, if not off. Enjoy the sounds of nature and let others do the same.

If taking a break, move off the trail aways to allow others to pass by unobstructed.

Don’t toss your trash – If you packed it in, pack it back out.

Hikers going downhill yield to those hiking uphill.

When bringing a pet on a hike, be sure to keep them on a leash and undercontrol.

Don’t feed the wildlife. While many animals stay hidden, others are not so shy. Giving these creatures food only disrupts their natural foraging habits.

Leave what you find. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories. (And maybe an improved fitness level!)

When relieving yourself outdoors, be sure to do so 200 feet away from the trail and any water sources. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Walk through the mud or puddle and not around it, unless you can do so without going off the trail. Widening a trail by going around puddles, etc. is bad for trail sustainability. Just because it looks easy to cut the corner off of aswitchback doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Help preserve the trail by staying onthe trail.

If hiking in a group, don’t take up the whole width of the trail; allow others to pass.

Have fun & Be safe!