One Day Full Presi Traverse
One day - 23 miles give or take depending on your path and summit the following peaks:
Madison-Adams-Jefferson-Clay*-Washington-Monroe-Franklin*-Eisenhower-Pierce
(*Not on 4000 footer list due to precipice rule)
The weather could not have been better lower 60s, clear with light winds. We still prepared for the worse in terms of gear but completed most of the hike in tank/short sleeve shirts. We begin at 3:30 am with headlamps and finished with headlamps on the Crawford path descent which at times seemed endless. My very patient husband waited for us at the Highland Center with champagne. We arrived at 7:30.
My hiking partner was Sarah Elia a great friend who unfortunately due to the daily commitments of life I have not spent much time with in recent years. I feel like reconnecting with friends is a big part of what this empty nest hiking quest is about - not so much about bagging peaks. Sarah pushed though the pain of blistered feet - not sure I could have pushed through like she did. I am sure her hiking boots are in the trash this am.
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Thank you Lynn Campbell Fitch for sharing your great home allowing us to be a bit closer to the trailhead for our planned 3:30 am start. We limited ourselves to one glass of wine the night before - enough to help us get some sleep before our 2:00 am wake up |
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We hiked Valley Way trail up Madison in 3 hours to catch the sunrise. We were only afraid a few times by both the large toads on the trail and a few bear shadows. When we arrived Madison was in the clouds but then cleared just for us :) - the first of many great views! |
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A great hiking partner |
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Mt Adams was the only peak which was clouded in during our summit. The sun just needed a bit of time to burn off the clouds |
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As we approached Jefferson the clouds began to lift... |
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Lifted a bit more... |
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...and the rest of the day looked like this.... |
My loving husband not only sat waiting in the Highland Center Parking lot for 3 and 1/2 hours but also brought us champagne to celebrate our finish. We did not open it last night as Sarah had to drive herself home. Richard and I opened it today to celebrate. Sarah we will have to have a celebratory night out soon!!!!
This was an awesome day! There were moments of pain, fatigue and frustration but the weather, views, and company made it all worth it. Thanks Sarah
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