May 13, 2010
The weather forecast was stellar so I took a day off from work. I got to see a bear on the way to the trailhead. My camera was in my pack in the trunk so I wasn't able to get a picture of him.
Although there is still a lot of snow in the higher elevations, much of the snow in the Whites is gone so I will be hitting some new trails today. I had my pal Madison with me. We hit the trail at 7:20.
There were lots of blowdowns on the Greeley Ponds Trail but we got through and reached the first trail junction. We would take the Mt. Osceola trail, make a giant loop, and come back on the Greeley Ponds Trail.
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Up we climbed to the first lookout.
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We went by some patches of snow but nothing major. One final push up to the ridge.
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Looking over to Mount Osceola
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But first we had to finish the climb to East Osceola. The snow depth was fairly deep here but still firm since it was still early and cool. I put on my Stabilicers for traction.
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Madison and I both tagged the cairn at the summit.
A little past the summit we had this view to the northwest.
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Heading up "The Chimney"
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On the summit of Osceola with East Osceola in the background.
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We continued our traverse of the Osceolas dropping down the other side, passing several sets of hikers coming up. Next up was Mount Tecumseh, but first we had a road walk down Tripoli Road. I decided to take a bushwhack to save some time and mileage. It probably saved me about 20 minutes by taking this.
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From there, up we headed to the summit. A trail crew was out cutting out blowdowns which helped.
Madison on the summit of Tecumseh.
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We headed down the other side. Towards the end I cut out onto the ski slope to save a little time and enjoy the view.
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Looking up to the Osceolas
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Looking back up to Tecumseh
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From there I headed through the ski area parking lot. I decided to take another bushwhack to save some time. The brush was a little thicker here and although I saved some mileage I probably broke even as far as time.
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Towards the end I stumbled across a cross-country ski trail which brought me to this junction.
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I could see Tripoli Road ahead. Upon reaching the road, I headed over to the Livermore Trailhead.
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Now it was time to hike some trails I had never hiked before.
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I made great time on this trail.
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I don't have time to check out "The Scaur". Perhaps another day.
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I did have time to check out Goodrich Rock. Since I would be coming back this way, I drank some water, dropped my pack, and headed up the trail.
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Up some steps.
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Madison in front of Davis Boulders
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The trail cuts right through the boulders.
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That's one big rock.
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I reached Goodrich Rock which had a cool ladder. Madison was sad that she couldn't go up.
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If it wasn't for one tree, there would be a great view of Tecumseh.
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However, there was a great view of Sandwich Dome.
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I headed back down to the Greeley Ponds trails where I left my pack. A few minutes later I reached this junction. I was hoping to check out this trail today but after consulting with my map, my legs, and my watch, I decided to wait for another day.
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There are lots of bridges on the Greeley Ponds Trail
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Another trail that will have to wait for another day.
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At this sign I dropped my pack and took the ski trail to Lower Greeley Pond . . .
. . . where Madison went for a swim.
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I headed back to the trail. Greeley Ponds Trail came right up to the pond in a couple places.
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Next up was Upper Greeley Pond. My map was showing a short trail on the south end of the pond which I took. It led me to this nice grassy spot.
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A herd path continued around the pond so I took it. I followed it most of the way around before losing it. Rather than go back, I decided to bushwhack in order to continue my loop around the pond. I came to a cross-country ski trail which led me to the north end of the pond.
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I headed back to my pack and proceeded to finish my hike. This bog bridging meant I was almost done.
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A trail crew had spent the day on this trail and had cleared all the blowdowns. Thanks.
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Madison and I got back at 6:45, an 11 hour 30 minute hike. I'm jealous of Madison. While I drove, she slept all the way home. I can't wait for her to get her driver's license.
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