To be accurate, Eric and Ellie had snuck off to set a massive PR on Pierce the weekend before while I was traveling. Hence, they were in good shape and I was not feeling super strong for a hot minute. I ended up being good, but this hike is a sneaky little fucker.
So right. Sunday March 27, and the best weather that we have had in ages meant 28 degrees up high, snow flurries all day, but thankfully- little to no wind.
We have hiked these peaks a weird amount considering that none of them really have remarkable merits (except Avalon which can be quite lovely.) This being said, we have never managed to do all 4 in one go, so this was actually a new adventure. Fun!!
We went to Avalon first, which meant climbing up a stupid steep icy hellscape of death. Pretty standard procedure for this trail in the winter.
After that, of course, it was off to Field. A one mile walk which, oddly, felt like 1200 miles. Gross.
Thankfully, after that marathon of stupidity, things improved immensely. The walk to Wiley was quite pleasant and we made great time. So much so, that we were actually stunned to come to the summit as quickly as we did (the summit is like, in the woods. There is a lookout a short walk down trail where you can see clouds and snow, if you are lucky like us!)
From there, we absolutely led the CHARGE back to Field, where we were able to point some slightly disoriented hikers in the right direction (we totally get this- for some reason, Field really screws with you. Turn around ONCE and you have no idea where the christ you came from, or are going.)
We took some silly pics, and then headed off at high speed towards Tom.
We definitely grew progressively snowier, but it was actually a pleasant hiking day, and it was also pretty.
Tom was lame. I held a Grey Jay which made up for it! Poor Tom. It's just how it is!
We flew down, top speed, and that was that.
Despite the dubious start, this turned into a good day. What the hell is it with this trio/quad of mountains that is such a grind? I'll admit we made good time, but they are sneaky and harder than one would expect. (and then once you have accepted the suck, they get easier and better. you just need to get Avalon and Field done and then it gets decent.)
Anyway, let's see. That was 19-21 of round 2 (almost half way!) Plus, we checked them off the grid for March. Go us.
Miles: 9.5
Elevation: 3719
Time: 4:19:12
Fun: I say... 7. The first few miles were crap and then it got better
Eric says 8.5, because he is crazy
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