We arranged for a ride to pick us up at the Cog and drop us off at Appalachia.
This all went quite well, we were one of two cars at the cog, and one of about eight cars at Appalachia.
Our driver promised that would not be pulled over this week (good) but mentioned that the car seemed ready to break down (less good) and they then drove us v-e-r-y slowly to our destination which normally would be b-a-d but was mostly fine because we got to hear more of their legit insane stories. Getting a shuttle ride in this area is always an adventure.
We got off to a slightly late and chilly, but sunny start and did our best to hoof it up Madison speedily. We were sort of successful. I have been struggling with some foot problems, so going super hard hasn't been that thrilling. Plus, it was coats on/off spikes on/off weather which always slows a person down.
Valley way started dry enough.
But became hard pack snow/ice about 2.5 miles in.
The sun was shining beautifully, and we were glad it was not a sneaky hot day like the previous week. It basically hovered around 35-40 until the afternoon. (when it suddenly was 50!)
At the Madison hut, we were able to pull traction to make the final climb to the summit. We also dropped our packs, which makes for a nice break!
We encountered some wind on Madison but managed to get a quick photo.
We knew the winds would continue to diminish as the day went on, so were continued to Adams with confidence.
Of course, on the way to Adams, the stupid talus fields showed up.
And then got more intense, as expected....
We made quick work to the summit, and managed to take another pic on our second summit of the day that we had all to ourselves. Not a soul in sight.
There is something really unique about being on these trails when there is nobody else (or very few) people out there. We really enjoyed the solitude, and took time to enjoy the landscape with no others around. We saw a grand total of 17 people all day, and spent hours at a time seeing absolutely nobody.
After Adams, the trip to Jefferson took some time.
There was the coats on/off spikes on/off dance performed at least a half dozen times. Conditions were variable, and having wet shoes from the snow and puddles made dancing over the rocks more tedious. Plus, there is really no way to sugarcoat the fact that my foot was bothering me, and causing me to second guess many of my steps.
From a distance, we could see the Jefferson snowfield, and even though I had read that it was safe enough to cross, it looked like a dangerous nightmare.
Thankfully, upon arrival we discovered it was quite alright, unless you decided to be an idiot.
It was very pretty (you really can not appreciate the steepness!)
Between the snow/rocks/incline we all were feeling the miles as we made the last climb to Jefferson. Honestly though- I always think that once Jeff is checked off the list, the worst of it is over.
Also, it was the one peak that we didn't have to ourselves (2 other hikers there! First people we has seen since half way between Madison and Adams.)
Anyway, a couple quick pics.
Of very pretty everything.
And we were off to Clay and Washington.
This stretch of trail can either go by very quickly (it did for me when I did a solo prezi last summer) or it can take for absolutely ever! On this day- it was the latter. The weather was just spectacular, but there was nothing about the conditions to inspire ease or speed.
We debated going over Clay (it doesn't count for a Prezi- but we were not doing that! It does, however, have some of the best views of the Great Gulf and is one of those underrated mountains. So, we decided that an extra few hundred feet of elevation was worth it!
Sadly, just before we reached the summit, Ellie had had enough. This is RARE for her, and we were both extremely concerned. We knew we had kept her water and food needs well met, so when she ran off the (rocky) trail, and plopped down we assumed her little feet were hurting. (we felt that this was correct when we came too another long stretch of snow, and she pranced happily along!) With this new piece of information, we quickly began to descend.
Stuff like a sad dog is really worrying and upsetting to us, and the trip down (although fast!) was not very much fun. We have a rescue harness for her, so 100% could carry her if needed, but she was able to get along just fine. At this point, we just felt like bad dog parents and it took the wind out of our sails. (on a side note, she was just fine! She slept a lot the next day but her feet looked good and she was back to her normal self in short order!) (she is better off than I am- my foot got taken to the doctor the next day...)
So this was the longest and trickiest day of the 2022 season for sure. At the same time, it was also beautiful and amazing, and almost completely devoid of other hikers (Mother's Day hiking is a quiet time!) We enjoyed our first real parking lot picnic of the season, and soaked up the sun.
So.... This checks off 32-34 of round 2 off the 48, checks off all peaks for Spring (well, except Madison, as we got a spring climb in there last year) and all 3 peaks for May. Phew!
Miles: 12
Elevation: 6413
Time: 8:04:59, ugh
Fun: Eric: 7.5 until Ellie broke then it changed to a 2 until we decided she was ok
Sara: 6 because my foot hurt and it was tricky and then a 1 when Ellie broke.
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