Updated 5/23 with new pictures
That was a fun hike! And with 6 hours on the trail there were an inordinate amount of pictures shared, head to the
album to see them all. And please keep sending them in, I'll add to the album and post as I get them.
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| Blue skies on Sweet Clover Trail |
The hike that seemed destined to fail pulled through at the last minute. The ride north on Route 287 featured downpour after downpour, but once within 10 miles of the trail-head the rain had stopped and there were even signs of sunshine. After a short delay (we'll say due to faulty hardware) the trail looked like this when we began - a picture perfect start. Clouds later rolled in but we were never rained on despite hearing some thunder well off in the distance.
The climb to the highest elevation in Orange County was difficult and took some time, but the scrub pines and the regular views at the top were well worth it. It seemed between each open rock formation there was a lovely wild rhododendron tunnel, so the trail was rarely methodical.
The descent was difficult, both steep and muddy, and also with it's fair share of stream crossings. Andrew and I built a quick bridge to cross one of them, and only the bravest in the group even tried the last (I skipped).
A very special thanks to Andrew, Brandon, Madison, and Meghan for joining us and keeping the average hiker age to the lowest on record.
On to some of the pictures
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| And we're off! |
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| Railroad reflections |
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| This does not do our ascent justice - 1,150 ft in 1.2 miles is nothing to sneeze at. |
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| A seasonal cascade to take your mind off the initial climb |
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| Our first vista |
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| One of so many small (and relatively easy) rock scrambles that make this route so interesting. |
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| Really, no comment here is necessary. |
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| This does a great job of summing up the hike - open area on bedrock, scrub pines all around, and Brandon in a bush. |
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| Best team photo yet? Thanks for taking one for the team Stacey |
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| Whoo Hooo! |
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| Looks a lot easier than it was. |
And finally, at one point I said to Brian something like, "I don't know how to get to that ledge." I am fairly certain I heard him murmur to himself "challenge accepted", and he proceeded to do this.
2 minutes later Hani had joined him. Great job gents!
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