July 1, 2007
With church this morning, I got a very late start today. I didn't get to the trailhead until 2:00 pm. Although I knew I had a tough climb ahead, at least it would only be 7.6 miles roundtrip. The small parking lot was packed when I got there, and I had trouble finding a spot. Maddie and I headed off.
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My plan was to hike to Greeley Ponds afterwards, if the weather was nice. No such luck. I can't complain, my last few hikes I've had great weather.
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Like always, Madison enjoyed the stream crossings.
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Bog bridging
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The trail was very easy up to the trail junction. I had read the trail up East Osceola was very steep.
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The trail got steeper . . .
. . . and steeper.
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Looking down to one of Greeley Ponds.
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I got a fairly decent view for a bad weather day.
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How's this for steep?
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Looking ahead to Mount Osceola
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But first Madison and I reached the 4156' summit of East Osceola. That's White Mountains 4000 footer #46. I can't believe it, just 2 more.
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There were more steep sections as Maddie and I headed toward Mount Osceola. I past a couple hikers coming down at this spot. They had a dog. Maddie and the dog played together for a few seconds.
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About 5 minutes later I heard Madison behind me go off into the woods. She's a bit of a runner, but we've worked on that since we got her. She usually comes as soon as I call for her now. I called and whistled. Nothing. I called and whistled again. Still nothing. I waited for 10-15 minutes constantly calling for her. Nothing. I was getting very worried. I tried to go into the woods where she went but the woods was just too thick. There was no way a person could negotiate through it. A couple of times in the past she had done something similar and looped back to the trail, getting in front of me. She's probably waiting up on the summit for me. I decided to go check.
It was about another 10 minutes to the summit. She wasn't there. This was White Mountains #47. I only have 1 left. This should be a happy moment, but with Madison missing I couldn't have cared less. I was so worried about Madison. I stopped long enough to take one picture before heading back.
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MADDIE! MAADDDIE! Come Madison! There was no doubt in my mind. She was lost deep in the woods of the White Mountains. I went back to where I lost her as I continually called for her. I began walking down the trail. Maybe she came out, didn't see me, and headed back to the car. I met another hiker who was doing the Osceolas as a traverse. He hadn't seen her. He helped me look. Finally, I had to face reality. If I stayed any longer I would have to spend the night out here myself. I had to head back without her. Maybe, just maybe, she had gotten back on the trail further down and made her way back to the car.
I returned to East Osceola. It was a treacherous climb down, and I was quite emotional. I did my best to hold my emotions in so that I wouldn't jeopardize my safety. I got back to the parking lot. The lot that was full when I left was now completely empty other than my car. Worst of all, there was no sign of Madison. I got in my car and began the long ride home, alone.
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