Showing posts with label HPing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HPing. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
COUNTY HIGHPOINTING
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
ELBERT COUNTY HIGH POINT
a.k.a. THE GEORGIA GUIDESTONES
We're not county highpointers but this controversial site, as part of our recent Christmas/New Years, Down-South side-trip, turned out to be one of those (currently totaling 3142, though not all legally accessible, according to County HPer Guru Andy Martin). We landed here on 4Jan. Nice day; nice countryside. But the "stones" were a tad spooky. This formidable granite Stonehenge-like monolith is composed of 4 vertical "tablets" plus capstone amounting to a not-quite 20ft. height. Weight = 119 tons. Displayed are ten Moses-like engraved precepts for the world's inhabitants in 12 different languages. The most provocative guideline recommends: "Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature." These upright blocks, like Stonehenge, encompass astronomical aspects. Ordered and bought by mysterious Mr. "R.C.Christian" from the nearby Elberton Granite Finishing Corporation, it was unveiled on March 22, 1980. Visible from the highway, it's located just off GA77 between Hartwell and Elberton in NE GA. For more info, Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia will provide much. Plug in Georgia Guidestones.
Note: About a mile or so south of Nuberg, the "stones" have an actual address - 1065 Guidestones Road. It wasn't recognized by our GPS but maybe yours.
Friday, October 30, 2009
BOUNDARY PEAK (NOT!)
Get Lucky! Sharing lessons learned....
It was a matter of spending down many accumulated UA air miles. But, reserving too late meant enduring 4 flights to reach Reno from Harrisburg, PA. Ditto on the return. Aarrgghh...!
It was a 2-week trip, the focal point being to bag BP, but the lack of a crystal ball resulted in the unexpected - a cold weather aberration - 6 wee
ks early low temps for the west and southwest. When we finally spied it, the day before the planned climb, BP looked like a snow cone from Rt6. 7Oct was chosen as a climb date but the window couldn't have been wider to secure a laid-back, up/down Lanny Wexler day (see previous post).
Yeah, it's fair-weather climbing for this gang. We prepped as best we could here on the east coast then spent time at the 9-10Kft Whitney Portal, hiking to Lone Pine Lake as well. We have high regard for weather/trial conditions/elevation, and expect the pleasure of the questing experience, views, pics, etc., NOT more chest hair from macho-killer uphill struggles. Negotiating the airports to reach Reno was hair-raising enough.
Once back home, this blurb found on Peak Bagger said it all:
Get Lucky!!! - Mountain conditions
Just like any other desert peak, the conditions on Montgomery (Boundary) are difficult to determine. Many times lesser storms are trapped by the Sierra and fail to make it to the Whites, but use your head. This extreme northern end of the Whites is often beset with ferocious wind conditions, especially in the saddle and ridgeline areas. The nearest towns for web weather checks would include Bishop & Mammoth, CA, along with the modern ghost town of Montgomery Pass, NV.
Research, plan, prepare, train, spend, travel and then...get lucky! And, remember - the hills are alive. As for high point #43...maybe next year. Yo!
Pic: Boundary Peak, NV, 14140' (ctr); Montgomery Peak, CA, 14441 (rt).
Get Lucky! Sharing lessons learned....
It was a matter of spending down many accumulated UA air miles. But, reserving too late meant enduring 4 flights to reach Reno from Harrisburg, PA. Ditto on the return. Aarrgghh...!
It was a 2-week trip, the focal point being to bag BP, but the lack of a crystal ball resulted in the unexpected - a cold weather aberration - 6 wee
ks early low temps for the west and southwest. When we finally spied it, the day before the planned climb, BP looked like a snow cone from Rt6. 7Oct was chosen as a climb date but the window couldn't have been wider to secure a laid-back, up/down Lanny Wexler day (see previous post).Yeah, it's fair-weather climbing for this gang. We prepped as best we could here on the east coast then spent time at the 9-10Kft Whitney Portal, hiking to Lone Pine Lake as well. We have high regard for weather/trial conditions/elevation, and expect the pleasure of the questing experience, views, pics, etc., NOT more chest hair from macho-killer uphill struggles. Negotiating the airports to reach Reno was hair-raising enough.
Once back home, this blurb found on Peak Bagger said it all:
Get Lucky!!! - Mountain conditions
Just like any other desert peak, the conditions on Montgomery (Boundary) are difficult to determine. Many times lesser storms are trapped by the Sierra and fail to make it to the Whites, but use your head. This extreme northern end of the Whites is often beset with ferocious wind conditions, especially in the saddle and ridgeline areas. The nearest towns for web weather checks would include Bishop & Mammoth, CA, along with the modern ghost town of Montgomery Pass, NV.
Research, plan, prepare, train, spend, travel and then...get lucky! And, remember - the hills are alive. As for high point #43...maybe next year. Yo!
Pic: Boundary Peak, NV, 14140' (ctr); Montgomery Peak, CA, 14441 (rt).
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
ANOTHER BOUNDARY PEAK SUCCESS
Long Island highpointer bags a new one...
On September 14, Lanny Wexler bagged his.JPG)
42nd state high point - Nevada - certainly a desolate one. The drive from Rt 6 to the Queen's Mine parking and camping area is 7mi+ on a rustic dirt road. From here a 4WD is called for to cover an additional steeper and rougher 1 1/2 mi to the trailhead at 9.9Kft. His guide had recommended that Wexler leave some backpack contents in his rented car. So, off he climbed at 7AM, 10lbs lighter.
Lanny describes a trail that is well-defined and straightforward with a memorable 700ft steep section before glimpsing BP. Some suspicious clouds had gathered but proved to be nonthreatening and served to block the hot sun..JPG)
At 1045AM, summit was achieved though a cold wind was reason not to linger long and begin descent. A stop for lunch at Trail Saddle afforded a glimpse of wild horses, ancestors of those which escaped from Spaniards after being brought from Mexico in the 1500s.
The guide's truck at the trailhead was reached at 145PM. Total trail time: 6hrs, 45min. Wexler owes this achievement to losing the pack weight for light travel and fun as opposed to an uphill struggle. He also credits short stops, not breaking momentum, and pressure breathing.
Note: In the upper photo, that's Montgomery Peak in the background, the same as in the snowy May 17 post photo. MP is 13441' or 300' higher than BP. And, it's it California. The 2 peaks are under a mile apart and the CA/NV line passes though the saddle. Both can be bagged on the same trip. White Mtn., the 3rd highest in CA (14,252'), can be seen to the south as well as the Sierra range, more SW.
Long Island highpointer bags a new one...
On September 14, Lanny Wexler bagged his
.JPG)
42nd state high point - Nevada - certainly a desolate one. The drive from Rt 6 to the Queen's Mine parking and camping area is 7mi+ on a rustic dirt road. From here a 4WD is called for to cover an additional steeper and rougher 1 1/2 mi to the trailhead at 9.9Kft. His guide had recommended that Wexler leave some backpack contents in his rented car. So, off he climbed at 7AM, 10lbs lighter.Lanny describes a trail that is well-defined and straightforward with a memorable 700ft steep section before glimpsing BP. Some suspicious clouds had gathered but proved to be nonthreatening and served to block the hot sun.
.JPG)
At 1045AM, summit was achieved though a cold wind was reason not to linger long and begin descent. A stop for lunch at Trail Saddle afforded a glimpse of wild horses, ancestors of those which escaped from Spaniards after being brought from Mexico in the 1500s.
The guide's truck at the trailhead was reached at 145PM. Total trail time: 6hrs, 45min. Wexler owes this achievement to losing the pack weight for light travel and fun as opposed to an uphill struggle. He also credits short stops, not breaking momentum, and pressure breathing.
Note: In the upper photo, that's Montgomery Peak in the background, the same as in the snowy May 17 post photo. MP is 13441' or 300' higher than BP. And, it's it California. The 2 peaks are under a mile apart and the CA/NV line passes though the saddle. Both can be bagged on the same trip. White Mtn., the 3rd highest in CA (14,252'), can be seen to the south as well as the Sierra range, more SW.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
NC HIGHPOINT REVISIT
Finally, views from a hp mountain top...
This is HP #4 of 4 to take a look at the new "wheelchair accessible" tower. From Asheville, the Blue Ridge road that would ordinarily take us to Mt. Mitchell, was detoured. We agonized awhile over taking 1 1/2 hrs to reach it this route. Our pioneer spirit won out and, with gas at 2$/gal, what the hell...? And, the weather was in our favor for a change. Doing the detour turned out ok: a winding mountain road and, with little traffic this time of year, an enjoyable, cut-the-butter drive.
While we miss the original NC hp stone tower, this new mountain topper was quite nice, though more like an observation deck. The sky was clear and the views spectacular.
There were no original marker disks to be found. Before, one was centered in the floor of the tower and another on a close-by rock cropage which was, supposedly, the highest natural point. Excavation for the new masonary topage, it turns out, negated those. Based on the recent Four Corners fiasco, who knows where's what?
Finally, views from a hp mountain top...
This is HP #4 of 4 to take a look at the new "wheelchair accessible" tower. From Asheville, the Blue Ridge road that would ordinarily take us to Mt. Mitchell, was detoured. We agonized awhile over taking 1 1/2 hrs to reach it this route. Our pioneer spirit won out and, with gas at 2$/gal, what the hell...? And, the weather was in our favor for a change. Doing the detour turned out ok: a winding mountain road and, with little traffic this time of year, an enjoyable, cut-the-butter drive.
While we miss the original NC hp stone tower, this new mountain topper was quite nice, though more like an observation deck. The sky was clear and the views spectacular.
There were no original marker disks to be found. Before, one was centered in the floor of the tower and another on a close-by rock cropage which was, supposedly, the highest natural point. Excavation for the new masonary topage, it turns out, negated those. Based on the recent Four Corners fiasco, who knows where's what?
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
SC HIGHPOINT REVISIT
And, an encounter with an errant tree...
HP return #3 of 4. This visit was more an aside/country drive to take another look around the Sassafras Mountain high point site. We sloshed around in the rain and mud, and left the area satisfied that the tree in front of the Foothills Trail signage was the highest natural point here. The tree, with a white trail blaze, is 50 feet east of the brass disk/concrete post which seemed lower than it's surroundings as we recall from the first time here.
On the drive back down F. Van Clayton Hwy, within a half-mile of the hp parking area, the road was now obstructed by a small, live tree, tall enough to block the road. It's roots had given away to the wet ground and it tipped over. Of course, my backpack with folding saw was not in the car. Since we didn't expect "help" to arrive anytime soon, we managed to bare-handed break off the top branches until just enough by-pass clearance was made for the Honda. Driving off , we wondered if it was a sassafrass tree.
Revisit video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgL4vIxTLH8
And, an encounter with an errant tree...
HP return #3 of 4. This visit was more an aside/country drive to take another look around the Sassafras Mountain high point site. We sloshed around in the rain and mud, and left the area satisfied that the tree in front of the Foothills Trail signage was the highest natural point here. The tree, with a white trail blaze, is 50 feet east of the brass disk/concrete post which seemed lower than it's surroundings as we recall from the first time here.
On the drive back down F. Van Clayton Hwy, within a half-mile of the hp parking area, the road was now obstructed by a small, live tree, tall enough to block the road. It's roots had given away to the wet ground and it tipped over. Of course, my backpack with folding saw was not in the car. Since we didn't expect "help" to arrive anytime soon, we managed to bare-handed break off the top branches until just enough by-pass clearance was made for the Honda. Driving off , we wondered if it was a sassafrass tree.
Revisit video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgL4vIxTLH8
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
CLINGMAN'S DOME REVISIT
Seems like it's always "smoky" up here...
This is # 2 of 4 recent hp returns for fine-tuning sake. The goal of this TN visit was to discover a concealed marker that was rumored to exist and most accurately identify the highest natural point: the top of the wheel-chair accessible tower is NOT that.
The rumor-marker was said to be located at the base of the tower and inside a door in the pedestal. We arrived there in the mist to discover...no door. Somewhat discouraged, we squirreled around a bit and did locate a door, but underneath the ramp abutment, not ordinarily visible. The steel door was actually wide open and led into a room that tapered darkly to zero.
Without a flashlight, we groped blindly in this confined space, finally deciding there was no brass disk in here, anyway. (Sour grapes?). Our GSMNP Clingman's Dome brochure did state that there was a marker "nearby." There are, according to the NGS Datasheet Point Radius Form web site, 2 marks near the parking lot - a survey disk and a horiz cont disk - not what we had in mind. The datasheet says the "mark" on summit is the tower, i.e., the center of the tower.
Seems like it's always "smoky" up here...
This is # 2 of 4 recent hp returns for fine-tuning sake. The goal of this TN visit was to discover a concealed marker that was rumored to exist and most accurately identify the highest natural point: the top of the wheel-chair accessible tower is NOT that.
The rumor-marker was said to be located at the base of the tower and inside a door in the pedestal. We arrived there in the mist to discover...no door. Somewhat discouraged, we squirreled around a bit and did locate a door, but underneath the ramp abutment, not ordinarily visible. The steel door was actually wide open and led into a room that tapered darkly to zero.
Without a flashlight, we groped blindly in this confined space, finally deciding there was no brass disk in here, anyway. (Sour grapes?). Our GSMNP Clingman's Dome brochure did state that there was a marker "nearby." There are, according to the NGS Datasheet Point Radius Form web site, 2 marks near the parking lot - a survey disk and a horiz cont disk - not what we had in mind. The datasheet says the "mark" on summit is the tower, i.e., the center of the tower.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
KY HIGHPOINT REVISIT
Questing for the true highest elevation...
The recent Le Conte trip offered an opportunity to accomplish SE 4 highpoint re-dos. This was the first stop:
Of the two highpointing guides we've used, Holmes and Wingers, each identify different sites for the KY high point on Black Mountain. Holmes version states, "The USGS marker is under the tower" (the fire tower). That's where I discovered it to be on two previous visits, at the SW footer of the tower. Later, I learned, according to Wingers, it was set in a big rock about 50 yds (more like half that in brush & small trees) east of the tower. Also, "There was some confusion about the exact location of the highpoint on this fairly flat site." Anyway, we're probably talking elev inches here twixt the rock and the tower site.
On this 3rd visit, the tower marker could not be found. Heavy trash had been deposited underneath, so the disk was either covered over or had been removed, perhaps leaving the "rock" site as the only option now. Anyway, we're covered, having now posed for summit photos at both markers. Highpointing as purists can sometimes be a PITA, yo!
Our south approach was again from Appalachia, VA, Rt60, a quite winding, kinda depressing uphill drive, mining in that area having left it's mark. You'll know when you've reached your turn west to the site, about 1 mile on a skinny blacktop. Just past the FAA comm cluster, park at the fork and head left around the gate.
If you go, remember to mail in the wavier beforehand. Download this from the HP Club site.
Questing for the true highest elevation...
The recent Le Conte trip offered an opportunity to accomplish SE 4 highpoint re-dos. This was the first stop:
Of the two highpointing guides we've used, Holmes and Wingers, each identify different sites for the KY high point on Black Mountain. Holmes version states, "The USGS marker is under the tower" (the fire tower). That's where I discovered it to be on two previous visits, at the SW footer of the tower. Later, I learned, according to Wingers, it was set in a big rock about 50 yds (more like half that in brush & small trees) east of the tower. Also, "There was some confusion about the exact location of the highpoint on this fairly flat site." Anyway, we're probably talking elev inches here twixt the rock and the tower site.
On this 3rd visit, the tower marker could not be found. Heavy trash had been deposited underneath, so the disk was either covered over or had been removed, perhaps leaving the "rock" site as the only option now. Anyway, we're covered, having now posed for summit photos at both markers. Highpointing as purists can sometimes be a PITA, yo!
Our south approach was again from Appalachia, VA, Rt60, a quite winding, kinda depressing uphill drive, mining in that area having left it's mark. You'll know when you've reached your turn west to the site, about 1 mile on a skinny blacktop. Just past the FAA comm cluster, park at the fork and head left around the gate.
If you go, remember to mail in the wavier beforehand. Download this from the HP Club site.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
THE LE CONTE LODGE, TN
Highest-type hostel E. of the MS R.
Ahhh, at last...Le Conte. As regular travelers into the GSNP we've been aware of it for a long time and finally got around to 'get 'er done.'
We were two in a group of 33 (max. cap. 50) which included a small contingent of HPer Club m
embers, always eccentric and always eager for such ventures. We hiked via the 5.5 mile Alum Cave Trail, the shortest of several foot routes trails to LC, somewhat independently based on individual and preferred paces/starting times on this Easter weekend. Variously then, we ascended in a cloud, got fairly soaked, but arrived alive for coffee and hot chocolate on top at the rustic/cutsey digs we envisioned. Damp clothing became our lodge wall hangings which dried well owing to the cabins' butane gas heaters.
Highest-type hostel E. of the MS R.
Ahhh, at last...Le Conte. As regular travelers into the GSNP we've been aware of it for a long time and finally got around to 'get 'er done.'
We were two in a group of 33 (max. cap. 50) which included a small contingent of HPer Club m
embers, always eccentric and always eager for such ventures. We hiked via the 5.5 mile Alum Cave Trail, the shortest of several foot routes trails to LC, somewhat independently based on individual and preferred paces/starting times on this Easter weekend. Variously then, we ascended in a cloud, got fairly soaked, but arrived alive for coffee and hot chocolate on top at the rustic/cutsey digs we envisioned. Damp clothing became our lodge wall hangings which dried well owing to the cabins' butane gas heaters.Of the several trails that lead here, our route was not a "walk-in-the-park." 'Bout midway, cables anchored in rock-face came in handy on wet, gnarly footing plus some tricky snow/slushy patches. A goodly supper was provided, plentiful wine included, and everyone unwound, not to mention, got a bit goofy. The individual lodges are comfy, warm, a tad intimate-tight, but w/great beds/blankets. Waddaya want - Holiday Inn at 6593 ft? All supplies arrive here by occasional, expensive helicopters and routine llama tranport by another trail.
Prior to the Easter morning descent, a hearty pancake breakfast was served, Saturday's cloud was gone, temps were up, and the views were as clear as the blue Tennessee sky above.
Prior to the Easter morning descent, a hearty pancake breakfast was served, Saturday's cloud was gone, temps were up, and the views were as clear as the blue Tennessee sky above.
If you go: Reserve well in advance, read the weather as best you can so's not to over-pack and, just in case, take a length of rope for stringing damp/wet articles inside to dry.
Before and after we stayed in and did Gatlinburg, including the Ober tram ride, the chair-lift, and the space needle for all the views since we're really into gettin' high!!!
Note: Le Conte is 3rd highest in TN, Clingman's Dome leads as numero uno. In between is Guyon. Google for more TN elevs. info. Pictured is the Le Conte summit cairn "wall." If you go, add a rock.
Check the links: http://www.leconte-lodge.com/
Click here: Southern Sixers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Our own pics: http://bilwe.jalbum.net/LeConteLodge/
Friday, February 27, 2009
THE LOWEST HIGH POINT
Lakewood Park, Florida - Revisited
After an aborted AL/GA/FL corner attempt the day before, we decided to check out the close-by FL highpoint, ranking 50 on the U.S. high point chart at 345ft. elev. While this site wasn't all that shabby the first time we visited, it has nevertheless been upgraded with new signs, fencing, and, we believe, restrooms. Although remotely located in the FL panhandle, roads leading to this point are well-designated and good. It was a rainy day, and mud puddles were the only obstacle. So, waddayawant?! - you can drive right up to this one. Ignore the mud.
See video below.
Lakewood Park, Florida - Revisited
After an aborted AL/GA/FL corner attempt the day before, we decided to check out the close-by FL highpoint, ranking 50 on the U.S. high point chart at 345ft. elev. While this site wasn't all that shabby the first time we visited, it has nevertheless been upgraded with new signs, fencing, and, we believe, restrooms. Although remotely located in the FL panhandle, roads leading to this point are well-designated and good. It was a rainy day, and mud puddles were the only obstacle. So, waddayawant?! - you can drive right up to this one. Ignore the mud.See video below.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
HUMPHREYS PEAK ARIZONA3 false summits?
It seemed more like 4. This was the first of 42 hps I've scored that needed a repeat try. The scheduled AZ08 "managed hikes" for our day was in a bad weather scenario. Monsoon stuff. Yo! I opted out at the 11,400 ft. marker since I wanted pics on top, having missed photo ops on Wheeler a week before - not a Cedar Point Amusement Park experience. None of our late-start team (745A) made it. The leader and determined 'Ruth' got partway into the saddle when she, spooked by close-by thunder, decided against being electrocuted far from Seattle.
To become psyched and prepared, I like doing research prior to attempting any iffy goal, but I failed doing my best homework on this one. None of the popular hp guide books made mention of multiple false summits and rock scrambling over a gnarly basalt rockslide, a resultant characteristic of this one-time-volcano state high point, with summit non-trails at times.
The second attempt went much better on a better day. Great views for pictures all the way and on summit, but a tad too much sunny-Sunday traffic, amounting to mostly capless twen-tish hikers (NAU?) in t-shirts, shorts, sneakers, maybe a water bottle. They roared past us coming and going. And dogs, dogs, dogs. What's w/the dogs on these western peaks, anyway? Stepping narrowly aside for hikers/pooches broke our own momentum. The trail was challenging enough.
Distance: aprx 9 mi rt. Total time: 10 1/2 hrs incl 45min on top. Not bad for 2 old guys, me and Tucson Bob climbin' with his new "On Sale" $20 Walmart boots, original-issue Air Force cotton OD pants, WWII canteen/web belt, and curtain rod hiking pole. No wonder others couldn't wait to pass. Both coming and going.
Note: Bob's curtain rod did come in handy for draping our bedsheet summit banner w/felt marker lettering. Coo-wel, right? And, I confess to afterward leaving it rolled up in the log box for other's use. So, sue me! Otherwise, there's no summit marker there but several trail signs below. Huh? What's w/the USFS anyway? They sound like incomp dolts to us, speaking for The Trek Stop staff. Why make enjoying the outdoor experience almost as complicated as brain surgery?
Please put the friggin' engraved, rustic, wooden Humphreys Peak summit marker BACK!!! Jeeeze.... And, after that, get a life - like turning back ill-equipped hikers from doing that mountain at all in uncertain weather.
Links: Google Humphreys Peak AZ for lots of info. And, don't miss the important parts.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
WHEELER PEAK, NM
Go short. No, go long....
On our road trip to AZ08, Flagstaff, one of our goals was Wheeler. We researched trail info, read trip reports, and learned there were 2 popular routes: Williams Lake Trail, short (7 rt) but steep w/scree, and Bull-of-the-Woods (16 rt), over twice as long but gradual. When we contacted both HP Club NM liaisons for advice, one told us to "go long"; the other advised "go short." Well...back to square one. Once in the area, Taos and Ski Valley, local hikers seemed to lean more toward "short." So we did.
It was steep and there was scree but both were doable. Threatening clouds appeared about 2/3s the way, not to mention temp drop, poor visibilit
y, wind, and sleet. I wound up solo, struggling with and cursing at the scree. Once in the saddle, I forgot - go left or right? I remembered...right. The ridge was akin to a dragon's back as I made my over it's humps, looking for the hump that would be Wheeler. The wind and sleet were getting serious and, as I was about to settle for the 3rd hump, return, and claim I made it, two hikers in shorts and cotton jerseys appeared out of the cloud. Which way to Wheeler? I asked the lead man. This way, he pointed as he roared by, disappearing into the white curtain which was hiding the 360 view I would never get from up here.
At the summit plaque I asked the rear power hiker to take 3 quick shots of me. He said his hands were too frozen but took the camera and clicked 3 off - the only pics I was to get on top. Then it was time to get down...NOW! We 3 headed out together. The 2 had come up long and now wore ponchos. I needed to find the scree in the saddle, but spied another nicely defined down trail after the 2nd hump. The lead guy told me it looked like a good trail. I took it, knowing better. Soon the sleet was masking this path and I had no idea where I was going except down. Where was the scree and the ascent drainage trail to return on? I slipped once on the sleet and again on wet grass. I had talkie contact w/Diane who was now back at the lake. I reported being lost. She said she was cold and was going to the car. No, I told her, not yet because I'm friggin' lost. As I dropped lower, the sleet let up and visibility improved. I glimpsed the trail and headed for it. The left drainage would have resulted in a bushwhack.
The summit pics came back from processing. Two of the 3 shots were blurred. One worked. (See here). I got a better shot of a marmot. How I hate to hand my camera to a stranger but couldn't take the time setting up my Leki hike pole/monopod in that environ.
Recommendation: Bite the bullet - just go short on Wheeler but choose a better day.
Go short. No, go long....
On our road trip to AZ08, Flagstaff, one of our goals was Wheeler. We researched trail info, read trip reports, and learned there were 2 popular routes: Williams Lake Trail, short (7 rt) but steep w/scree, and Bull-of-the-Woods (16 rt), over twice as long but gradual. When we contacted both HP Club NM liaisons for advice, one told us to "go long"; the other advised "go short." Well...back to square one. Once in the area, Taos and Ski Valley, local hikers seemed to lean more toward "short." So we did.
It was steep and there was scree but both were doable. Threatening clouds appeared about 2/3s the way, not to mention temp drop, poor visibilit
y, wind, and sleet. I wound up solo, struggling with and cursing at the scree. Once in the saddle, I forgot - go left or right? I remembered...right. The ridge was akin to a dragon's back as I made my over it's humps, looking for the hump that would be Wheeler. The wind and sleet were getting serious and, as I was about to settle for the 3rd hump, return, and claim I made it, two hikers in shorts and cotton jerseys appeared out of the cloud. Which way to Wheeler? I asked the lead man. This way, he pointed as he roared by, disappearing into the white curtain which was hiding the 360 view I would never get from up here.At the summit plaque I asked the rear power hiker to take 3 quick shots of me. He said his hands were too frozen but took the camera and clicked 3 off - the only pics I was to get on top. Then it was time to get down...NOW! We 3 headed out together. The 2 had come up long and now wore ponchos. I needed to find the scree in the saddle, but spied another nicely defined down trail after the 2nd hump. The lead guy told me it looked like a good trail. I took it, knowing better. Soon the sleet was masking this path and I had no idea where I was going except down. Where was the scree and the ascent drainage trail to return on? I slipped once on the sleet and again on wet grass. I had talkie contact w/Diane who was now back at the lake. I reported being lost. She said she was cold and was going to the car. No, I told her, not yet because I'm friggin' lost. As I dropped lower, the sleet let up and visibility improved. I glimpsed the trail and headed for it. The left drainage would have resulted in a bushwhack.
The summit pics came back from processing. Two of the 3 shots were blurred. One worked. (See here). I got a better shot of a marmot. How I hate to hand my camera to a stranger but couldn't take the time setting up my Leki hike pole/monopod in that environ.
Recommendation: Bite the bullet - just go short on Wheeler but choose a better day.
Friday, July 25, 2008
NEWLY-ADDED BLOG LINK:
The County High Pointers site
But, hey, just how many lists can you manage, anyway? You'd have to be a super goal-oriented, o
ver-achieving whacko to aspire to reaching all of the 3000+ county hps in the U.S - an ambitious and arduous undertaking. Like, after achieving each co hp quest, you stumble out of the hinterland, torn, scratched, bloody, dazed, dehydrated, exhausted, frozen or cooked (there are tales of broken bones), and arrive back at your car where dry clothes, a warm can of beer, and band-aids await. No matter though, because you get to check still another one off that list. Let's see...New Castle County, Delaware. But, wait, that's the same as the Delaware state high point. That's not so tough! - well, except for the road traffic there.
Aye, a truly hardy lot are those county high pointers, challenging the terrain, the elements, the wildlife, the cactus and brambles, and...the barbed wire. A number of these points are on private property so beware of owners who don't take kindly to trespassers as the faint sound of Dueling Banjos in your head accompanies the dancing GPS reading. Maybe check with the owner first. Try hard to give a plausible explanation of why you're there, then offer a big bag of Doritos as a goodwill token. After all, these ventures require some investments beyond the above mentioned.
The County High Pointers site
But, hey, just how many lists can you manage, anyway? You'd have to be a super goal-oriented, o
ver-achieving whacko to aspire to reaching all of the 3000+ county hps in the U.S - an ambitious and arduous undertaking. Like, after achieving each co hp quest, you stumble out of the hinterland, torn, scratched, bloody, dazed, dehydrated, exhausted, frozen or cooked (there are tales of broken bones), and arrive back at your car where dry clothes, a warm can of beer, and band-aids await. No matter though, because you get to check still another one off that list. Let's see...New Castle County, Delaware. But, wait, that's the same as the Delaware state high point. That's not so tough! - well, except for the road traffic there.Aye, a truly hardy lot are those county high pointers, challenging the terrain, the elements, the wildlife, the cactus and brambles, and...the barbed wire. A number of these points are on private property so beware of owners who don't take kindly to trespassers as the faint sound of Dueling Banjos in your head accompanies the dancing GPS reading. Maybe check with the owner first. Try hard to give a plausible explanation of why you're there, then offer a big bag of Doritos as a goodwill token. After all, these ventures require some investments beyond the above mentioned.
The new link is in blog column right or http://www.cohp.org/
Friday, July 18, 2008
THE HIGHEST POINT IN D.C. - NOT!!!
Or, back in ought-five...
On our return from a Virginia trip in May05, we decided we ought to swing into D.C. to stand on the highest point in the "51st State." It seemed odd that the high point was the entire berm of the reservoir at Fort Reno. But, we did our "NOT!!!" summit shots (shown here) and stuck th
em into our HP-ing album. Since then, an accurate survey located the true, highest natural elevation which was nearby and on a not-too-exciting grassy knoll. At least reaching the berm was a climb of sorts.
The official highest elevation was designated with a nifty brass marker-disk last year and ceremoniously dedicated last April as reported in the latest Highpointers Club Newsletter.
Note: The primary impetus for this post was to helpfully provide this blog's readers the Washington Post story mentioned in the NL to save them the agony of typing in the foot-long address to access it. Enjoy!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/17/AR2008041703859.html
Also: http://flickr.com/photos/americasroof/sets/72157604099698802/
Or, back in ought-five...
On our return from a Virginia trip in May05, we decided we ought to swing into D.C. to stand on the highest point in the "51st State." It seemed odd that the high point was the entire berm of the reservoir at Fort Reno. But, we did our "NOT!!!" summit shots (shown here) and stuck th
em into our HP-ing album. Since then, an accurate survey located the true, highest natural elevation which was nearby and on a not-too-exciting grassy knoll. At least reaching the berm was a climb of sorts.The official highest elevation was designated with a nifty brass marker-disk last year and ceremoniously dedicated last April as reported in the latest Highpointers Club Newsletter.
Note: The primary impetus for this post was to helpfully provide this blog's readers the Washington Post story mentioned in the NL to save them the agony of typing in the foot-long address to access it. Enjoy!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/17/AR2008041703859.html
Also: http://flickr.com/photos/americasroof/sets/72157604099698802/
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
PLUGGING THE HP WEB RING AGAINCheck out Scott Surgent's super site....
The latest issue of the High Pointer's Club Newsletter, Apex to Zenith (#80) just arrived here - another good one. On P.14, for those who have a computer or just need a reminder or want to contribute, there's mention of The High Pointers Web Ring w/a link to it.
There are about 25 Ring member/contributors currently, and we took the time to peruse them once again. One particularly impressive site belongs to Scott Surgent with nifty collages of state and county high points within their state's outline. The well-written trip reports include more shots of the summit, trails, and views, and links to related info. His accumulated documentation provides entertaining and informative details which Scott generously shares with hopes they'll enhance your climbs.So, take a look and e-mail Scott w/your comments on a job well
done.
Click here: The Highpoints and Prominence Peaks of the United States - www.surgent.net
Scroll to bottom of blog to access the High Pointers Web Ring.
Pix: Top to bottom: Picacho Peak, AZ; Big Hatchet Peak, NM; Scott atop Big Hatchet.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
A REDEFINED LOCAL HIGHPOINT
Mostly unknown but always higher...
"Round these parts, that bein' Berks County, PA, it was long thought that the highest point was a rocky outcrop near it's
northern tip. This elevation, "The Pinnacle," just off the A.T., has been an ongoing destination for hikers for it's a great 270 degree view of that part of the county and it's rural makeup. This prominence also provides lots of cracks and crevices and boulders to climb around and explore.
In '02, as reported in the Reading newspaper, a local school teacher, Caleb Frantz, intimately familiar with the Blue Mountain east of his Bethel home, pointed out that the true Berks HP was about 20 miles SW of the popular 1635ft. Pinnacle. His highpoint was ringing in at 1680+ft. The geological data doesn't lie. But, not all " high points" afford a breathtaking view, and this nondescript, flat, scrubby area, that rises agonizingly slow to it's rocky loft, surely qualifies.
A geocacher, inspired by the newspaper article on Frantz's observation, using a GPS, located the hp, leaving an ammo box and the start of a cairn to mark the site. To reach it, some bushwhack is involved, but the following describes the so-far most direct route:
Drive to the Blue Mountain crest on Rt183 above Strausstown & park near the yellow gate where the A.T. crosses. Hike southwest, following the white blaz
es aprx. .6mi , passing the formidable stone Fort Dietrich marker midway. At the red game land sign, discontinue the AT tack & go left (south), following the redundant, blotchy, white game land boundary markings - a good trail. In about .1, there are orange markers, a white arrow, and an A.T. lands marker. Turn right here, going west for about 1.3mi. If using a GPS, go hard south at W076 15 08 for aprx. 300ft. Near this south turn, look for the yellow survey tape flags which roughly follow a vague wildlife path. Once close-in, the hp and cairn will appear, proving to be at the highest prominence, a rocky mound w/cairn, in that flat terrain.
Pix set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11330680@N06/sets/72157603848216518/
TopoZone: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=40.51776&lon=-76.25216&u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG
Geocache: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=d7baf0c5-38aa-476a-bd73-560fe0f3dbcf
Note: Caleb Frantz, 86 at the time of the article, is now deceased.
Mostly unknown but always higher...
"Round these parts, that bein' Berks County, PA, it was long thought that the highest point was a rocky outcrop near it's
northern tip. This elevation, "The Pinnacle," just off the A.T., has been an ongoing destination for hikers for it's a great 270 degree view of that part of the county and it's rural makeup. This prominence also provides lots of cracks and crevices and boulders to climb around and explore.
In '02, as reported in the Reading newspaper, a local school teacher, Caleb Frantz, intimately familiar with the Blue Mountain east of his Bethel home, pointed out that the true Berks HP was about 20 miles SW of the popular 1635ft. Pinnacle. His highpoint was ringing in at 1680+ft. The geological data doesn't lie. But, not all " high points" afford a breathtaking view, and this nondescript, flat, scrubby area, that rises agonizingly slow to it's rocky loft, surely qualifies.
A geocacher, inspired by the newspaper article on Frantz's observation, using a GPS, located the hp, leaving an ammo box and the start of a cairn to mark the site. To reach it, some bushwhack is involved, but the following describes the so-far most direct route:
Drive to the Blue Mountain crest on Rt183 above Strausstown & park near the yellow gate where the A.T. crosses. Hike southwest, following the white blaz
es aprx. .6mi , passing the formidable stone Fort Dietrich marker midway. At the red game land sign, discontinue the AT tack & go left (south), following the redundant, blotchy, white game land boundary markings - a good trail. In about .1, there are orange markers, a white arrow, and an A.T. lands marker. Turn right here, going west for about 1.3mi. If using a GPS, go hard south at W076 15 08 for aprx. 300ft. Near this south turn, look for the yellow survey tape flags which roughly follow a vague wildlife path. Once close-in, the hp and cairn will appear, proving to be at the highest prominence, a rocky mound w/cairn, in that flat terrain.Pix set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11330680@N06/sets/72157603848216518/
TopoZone: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=40.51776&lon=-76.25216&u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG
Geocache: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=d7baf0c5-38aa-476a-bd73-560fe0f3dbcf
Note: Caleb Frantz, 86 at the time of the article, is now deceased.
Friday, February 01, 2008
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA's HIGHEST POINT 
Newly surveyed. Neat. Go there.
Hey, this recently designated natural highest DC site w/implanted super-size, shiny brass disk is cool. Locating it is a bit of a no-brainer and, not to be a spoiler, it's 20ft lower in elevation than the reservoir at Fort Reno, long-time-thought-to-be-the-DC-hp. Just hone on that hefty, high oak on the grassy rise after you roll into the parking area.
We experienced the fun of informing a DC policeman there, Fort R
eno being his regular beat, about the disk. On arriving, we asked if he knew where it located. "Huh?" After doing our own short search, we wound up showing him it's location. He was truly impressed. This was an area he regularly patrolled, but the BM was unknown to him though he had excellent knowledge of the site's history. Go figure. Maybe the survey team worked at night in dark clothing.
Our nitty-gritty approach to Fort Reno was via bite-the-bullet Wisconsin Av., NW starting at M St. in Georgetown. I-495/270 above Bethesda is the north approach. DC traffic is BAD! Definitely try to skirt the rush hours which is somewhat helpful. As heretofore mentioned, tri-pointing is NOT FOR WUSSES! Around DC, neither is High Pointing!
If using the Wisconsin route, just head for Tenley Circle & Nebraska Av. Ft. Reno is tucked in north of these. If lost, don't bother rolling down the window for directions because no one within 2 blocks ever heard of it. This was our second trip since '05, thinking first-time that the reservoir's lid was the DC hp. Like the DC cop, some still believe it is...or the National Cathedral site several blocks south on Wisconsin.
Pix set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11330680@N06/sets/72157603831641036/
HP Club: http://highpointers.org/archives/2007/03/21/dc/
Ft. Reno: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Reno_Park
http://www.nps.gov/archive/rocr/ftcircle/reno.htm
Newly surveyed. Neat. Go there.
Hey, this recently designated natural highest DC site w/implanted super-size, shiny brass disk is cool. Locating it is a bit of a no-brainer and, not to be a spoiler, it's 20ft lower in elevation than the reservoir at Fort Reno, long-time-thought-to-be-the-DC-hp. Just hone on that hefty, high oak on the grassy rise after you roll into the parking area.
We experienced the fun of informing a DC policeman there, Fort R
eno being his regular beat, about the disk. On arriving, we asked if he knew where it located. "Huh?" After doing our own short search, we wound up showing him it's location. He was truly impressed. This was an area he regularly patrolled, but the BM was unknown to him though he had excellent knowledge of the site's history. Go figure. Maybe the survey team worked at night in dark clothing.Our nitty-gritty approach to Fort Reno was via bite-the-bullet Wisconsin Av., NW starting at M St. in Georgetown. I-495/270 above Bethesda is the north approach. DC traffic is BAD! Definitely try to skirt the rush hours which is somewhat helpful. As heretofore mentioned, tri-pointing is NOT FOR WUSSES! Around DC, neither is High Pointing!
If using the Wisconsin route, just head for Tenley Circle & Nebraska Av. Ft. Reno is tucked in north of these. If lost, don't bother rolling down the window for directions because no one within 2 blocks ever heard of it. This was our second trip since '05, thinking first-time that the reservoir's lid was the DC hp. Like the DC cop, some still believe it is...or the National Cathedral site several blocks south on Wisconsin.
Pix set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11330680@N06/sets/72157603831641036/
HP Club: http://highpointers.org/archives/2007/03/21/dc/
Ft. Reno: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Reno_Park
http://www.nps.gov/archive/rocr/ftcircle/reno.htm
Thursday, December 20, 2007
MORE BIRDMAN-TYPE FOOTAGE
A new mode for the work commute?
The Highpointers Club only requires the date a state high point was completed. How you got there is a non-issue. So imagine this: You climb to the summit of Whitney and simply don your "wingsuit" then glide down to Lone Pine where you can literally drop in for a beer at Jake's Saloon on Main. Of course, you're wearing a chute which you know when to deploy, and w/o smashing into the east face, on descent. The hot dog in the YouTube video is really pushing the envelope (and buzzing the parking lot) - cool! - which is how you start out, zooming to town, 10,767ft. below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWF8KV4IW5o
A new mode for the work commute?
The Highpointers Club only requires the date a state high point was completed. How you got there is a non-issue. So imagine this: You climb to the summit of Whitney and simply don your "wingsuit" then glide down to Lone Pine where you can literally drop in for a beer at Jake's Saloon on Main. Of course, you're wearing a chute which you know when to deploy, and w/o smashing into the east face, on descent. The hot dog in the YouTube video is really pushing the envelope (and buzzing the parking lot) - cool! - which is how you start out, zooming to town, 10,767ft. below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWF8KV4IW5o
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
U.S. ISLAND HIGH POINTS
Is There a Future for "Island Pointing"?
Our recent acquisition of the highest point in Long Island, NY (30Aug07 post) sparked the idea of, Probably-Al
ready-Thought-Of, "Island Pointing" as still another offshoot of the Mother of Geographic Extremes - State High Pointing. Some research and discussion with a small on-line group yielded various island lists including Canada and beyond. Unfortunately, the information does not necessarily include the highest elevation for each entry. Also, it may turn out that every island does not have a definitive highest point. E.g., from Bob Dew, Louisiana Regional Biologist, regarding Marsh island: "There is a small beach ridge along the south side of Marsh Island. The elevations along this ridge are approximately 5 feet. The remaining portions are considered coastal marsh and the approximate marsh elevation is around 1.5 feet." 5 feet counts, doesn't it?
County HighPointer Guru Andy Martin contributes these state islands hps:
AZ - Kodiak > 4,470' Kenaig Peak; CA - Santa Cruz Island > Devils Peak, 2,450'+; HI - the state HP; ME - Cadillac Mountain 1528'; MI - Isle Royale > Mount Desor; NY - Long Island HP, Suffolk Co.; UT - Antelope Island HP, 6596'; VT - Grand Isle cohp > one of the following: 1.5 mile southwest of South Hero 279' or South Hero 1.5 mile northeast of Grand Isle 270'+ South Hero.
http://worldislandinfo.com/blog/index.php/2007/09/04/largest-atlantic-islands-of-the-us/
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/US%20Island%20Superlatives.html
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/USSTATESV1.html
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/CANAPROVV1.html
Is There a Future for "Island Pointing"?
Our recent acquisition of the highest point in Long Island, NY (30Aug07 post) sparked the idea of, Probably-Al
ready-Thought-Of, "Island Pointing" as still another offshoot of the Mother of Geographic Extremes - State High Pointing. Some research and discussion with a small on-line group yielded various island lists including Canada and beyond. Unfortunately, the information does not necessarily include the highest elevation for each entry. Also, it may turn out that every island does not have a definitive highest point. E.g., from Bob Dew, Louisiana Regional Biologist, regarding Marsh island: "There is a small beach ridge along the south side of Marsh Island. The elevations along this ridge are approximately 5 feet. The remaining portions are considered coastal marsh and the approximate marsh elevation is around 1.5 feet." 5 feet counts, doesn't it?County HighPointer Guru Andy Martin contributes these state islands hps:
AZ - Kodiak > 4,470' Kenaig Peak; CA - Santa Cruz Island > Devils Peak, 2,450'+; HI - the state HP; ME - Cadillac Mountain 1528'; MI - Isle Royale > Mount Desor; NY - Long Island HP, Suffolk Co.; UT - Antelope Island HP, 6596'; VT - Grand Isle cohp > one of the following: 1.5 mile southwest of South Hero 279' or South Hero 1.5 mile northeast of Grand Isle 270'+ South Hero.
http://worldislandinfo.com/blog/index.php/2007/09/04/largest-atlantic-islands-of-the-us/
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/US%20Island%20Superlatives.html
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/USSTATESV1.html
http://www.worldislandinfo.com/CANAPROVV1.html
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