U.S. LOWEST POINT
Er, not really...

Bagging Boundary Peak, the highest point in the state of Nevada was a bust but not the country's lowest point...sort of. In Death Valley, there's a sign on the wooden tourist deck at Badwater which reads -282ft but, somewhere in all the DVNP literature, we read that Bw is the lowest point you can "drive" to. The actual lowest point can be reached by hiking several miles west into the basin. So, how low can you go there? -290ft? What?

I bought this (see pic) little pewter-looking USGS DV Lowest Point Bench Mark pin (because I wanted it to decorate my Death Valley cap...and it cost $4.95 and, no, it wasn't on sale and neither was the cap - $19.95 which I also wanted, both purchased in Furnace Creek).

Afterwards, w/an inquery, we stood in a long line at the FC Visitor Center info counter to ask Smokey the DVNP Ranger clerk where the actual marker could be located. He kinda brushed us off with something like, "There isn't one. Next!" We then gave way to a jabbering group of Germans - seemed like there were more foreigners than natives in these parts.

Anyway, we wandered west into Badwater basin about .2mi looking for a defining post or the marker that didn't exist and set the Magellan on the ground. It danced about an elevation reading of -282ft or so, close enough for tourists and purists. Somewhat disappointed, we took our pictures and moved on.

Death Valley is a quite worthwhile experience. Expect to spend big $$$ to lodge in FC, but dining is more reasonable. Campers and RVs are also accommodated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley

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 weeks 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).

A STATE LINE CURIOSTITY
And fickle history...

TTS was due for another Geo-Glitch posting like that odd arc at the top of Delaware and SE PA forming the state line.

Back in early New Castle, and obsession with possession and boundary lines, the Duke of York decided that the top of Delaware would be defined by a 12-mile arc projected from New Castle. So the DOY commissioned a team to procure a huge drawing compass and strike the arc. Originally, the compass point was placed at the old courthouse spire but later, it somehow happened that Broad Dyke, about 2 blocks northeast, was designated as the center of this unique line. As well, the arc is not a true circle segment, having been fudged to suit various boundary/land agendas over time.

The historical marker pictured is at 3rd & Chestnut & Wilmington Sts. where one can stand and muse over how that gigantic compass was hefted into place and rotated from the Delaware River to the Mason-Dixon Line. Also, visit all the other sites of interest in quaint New Castle. Rife with history, it was founded in 1640, the first state's capitol (1664). Here, in 1682, William Penn first set foot in America on the west bank of the Delaware River.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Castle,_Delaware
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAAN_BROAD_DYKE_DE_NC_22
http://www.howderfamily.com/blog/?p=475

Meanwhile, here's another: Keep busy and take a turn by Googling the "Southwig Jog," go there, then report back here w/pics and on-site story.

ANOTHER BOUNDARY PEAK SUCCESS
Long Island highpointer bags a new one...

On September 14, Lanny Wexler bagged his 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.

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.

MORE T-SHIRT WISDOM
In time for Halloween?


Another shirt for the collection. Couldn't resist glomming onto this one on a recent trip to NV, CA, and, of course, Death Valley.

A BOUNDARY PEAK TRIP REPORT
Lois & Randall Horne #33....

The couple flew to Reno from New York, rented a car, then based themselves in Bishop before making the climb on 9May. Lois reports as follows:

Yesterday I got the photos from our Nevada trip developed so I thought I would share a few with you all. Nevada's highest peak is ranked 9th in elevation (13143ft.) and considered a strenuous hike. It took us 11.5 hours round trip and approximately 8 miles to reach the summit and return to camp. The weather was gorgeous. High's in the mid to upper 70's and low's in the low 40's. While we were in NV we were able to travel into CA to talk to the ranger's about Mount Whitney which is the highest in the continental US (14496ft.) and not far from Boundary Peak. Mount Whitney still had snow at 9000 feet and above. Fortunately for us, and despite what the rangers told us before we left for the West coast, there was very little snow on top of Boundary Peak.

Pic set: http://bilwe.jalbum.net/NVhp/

AL/GA/FL VISIT REPORT
Bug spray and boots recommended...

This tri-point trip report/update is provided compliments
of Jack Baker (35), long time Highpointers Club member ('89).

Following protocol for this one, Jack contacted land owner Ansely Whatley by e-mail and made arrangements to meet him on May 1st for a trek to the AL/GA/FL corner. Mr. Whatley, who lives in Dothan, AL, drove 30 miles to accommodate tri-pointer Jack (16). Since the heavily wooded access to be crossed was home to rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, chiggers, and skeeters, Whatley, a true Southern Gentleman, kindly provided Jack with bug spray and knee high rubber swamp boots before driving him to within 300 yds. of the marker. From here a bushwhack to the Chattahoochee River followed, and they trodded merrily to the recently erected sign atop a 15 ft tower which faces east, meant to be seen from the river.

It is important to understand that this tri-corner is on private property in a county with strict enforcement of trespassing laws. In that Whatley’s land is directly east of the Chattahoochee State Park, some have attempted to access the tri-point through the park. Mr. Larry Weaver, park ranger, strongly advises against this route. The owner of the land directly south of the FL line has erected a fence along his property line that prevents access by this previously suggested route described in Jack Parsell’s U.S. State Tri-Corners guide. Mr. Whatley is your only way in.

Ansely Whatley owns 700 acres of land dedicated as a nature preserve, 300 of which are set aside as a nature sanctuary. Hunting of deer and turkey is allowed on a limited basis. Whatley feels fortunate that he is able to warden this piece of paradise and feels obligated to share it with others. This particular area is rich in history including a goodly share of boundary issues. Tri-pointers are very welcome within the access window between the end of April and October 15th. Contact Ansely Whatley by e-mail well in advance of your travel schedule to arrange a visit: answat@aol.com

And, remember the above mentioned snakes and bugs to be dealt with here - just another example that tri-pointing is NOT FOR WUSSES!!!

Preceding post w/sign view: http://trekstop.blogspot.com/2009/03/algafl-tripoint-update-news-is-good.html

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?

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

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.

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.

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 members, 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.

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/

FOUR CORNERS OFF BY 2 1/2 MILES!?
Aaarrrggghhh...

...and egad! What's going on thataway, anyway? U.S. corner enthusiasts are astir with this news. The first report heard here said "2 miles," then it was "2 1/2," and later, 1807 ft. The Trek Stop staff, all conspiratorial thinkers, concluded that there was no mistake, essentially: the U.S. Gov and Indian factions decided at some point, locating the formidable marker where it is would be more convenient to US160 for visitor access and concessionary interests, i.e., t-shirts, jewelry, and sundry trinkets sales. But, hey, that's just us. Should the marker be relocated 2 1/2 miles east of it's actual "erroneous" site, tracks could be laid and a train ride offered from Rt160 for an inflated fare, of course. Envision Disney World-like train cars brightly painted in a SW motif and glass floors to watch the railroad ties ripple by to compensate for the otherwise featureless landscape ride. And, just think of all the tourists who would now have to revisit the site.
So, who said the US economy was off-track?

Pictured are 2 posed unsuspecting tourists and one of the site's nearby concession stands.

News links, etc:

Click here: The Associated Press: Correction: Four Corners marker story

Click here: Four Corners: Colorado-Arizona-New Mexico-Utah

AL/GA/FL TRIPOINT UPDATE!
The news is good...

Our too-laid-back HP Club man in Alabama, Gary White, a proven Southern Gentleman, has successfully made contact with the Florida landowner and established the criteria for achieving this tri-corner.

Mr. Ansley Whatley is graciously open to this site's visitations based on hunting season dates. The access window is set between the end of April and October 15th. He asks that ample/advance visit plans are sent via his e-mail address answhat@aol.com. Do not, otherwise, attempt to access this tri-point site via the Chattahoochee State Park.

While, the landowner recognizes the significance of this post as importantly historical, and is agreeable to access wishes, please show respect and appreciation for Mr. Whatley's willingness to welcome visitors.

This maxim, of course, applies to all highpointing pursuits and other club spin-off activities where landowners are a factor. And, while we really are a bunch of incurable eccentrics, always try to behave as if you're closer than you are to the summit of the bell curve, i.e., "normal."

Although we never got to bag a new tri-corner and picture on our trip (maybe next year), this really neat state-intersect sign on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River, is mounted atop a post, and faces the river.

A dedication ceremony was held 21Jan00 by Voyage of Discovery, Inc., (VOD), in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Dothan Landmarks Foundation, and other groups.

DRY TORTUGAS - WEST OF KEY WEST
Definitely drier than Key West....

This was a serendipity stop for us on our Southern-Most U.S. 48 trip that turned out to be our south venture highlight. In Key West, we boarded the Yankee Freedom II ferry early Fri, Feb 20 for a bumpy "ocean-in-motion" 68 mile sail to DT. A cold front from the NW stirred the blue sea into 6 ft waves, but we arrived alive 2 1/2 hrs later at Fort Jefferson/DT - an absolutely fascinating historical brick enclave plunked onto a 14-acre dot of terra firma in big water named Garden Key.

The 11-acre fort leaving little left, was the intended "Guardian to the Gulf." Construction began in 1846 but forgone in 1875 resulting in a not-quite completed/armed fort. Still, there are a helluva lot of bricks here (16 million). In the Northern Hemisphere this masonry hulk of it's kind is second to the Great Wall of China.

If we go again, er...if you go: think about sticking around a few days for camping, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, birding, exploring, and generally hanging out, cheap. It's .6 miles around the fort via the moat when you need to step out. Take tent, food, and water (beverages). Per the name Dry Tortugas, there's no fresh water available except to keep the NP staff hydrated.

The return trip was on calmer water. The Yankee Freedom II crew are pros who know the route and these waters intimately. See the borrowed YouTube video below for a nicely presented look at DT.


Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry: http://www.yankeefreedom.com/
NP info: http://www.nps.gov/drto/

"SOUTHERNMOST POINT" OF THE U.S. 48
Myth Busters, eat your heart out....

Having recently bagged the U.S. 50 southernmost point at South Point on the big island, Hawaii, the U.S. 48 point remained to be had. At the intersection of South and Whitehead Streets in Key West, a formidable black, red, and yellow "Nun Buoy" marks the spot. Depending on when arriving here, you may have to wait your turn to pose with the marker for your album shot. This landmark, dedicated on Sept 10,'83, is probably the most photographed site in Key West. Try getting there early while the tourists are still sleeping off hangovers from late-night bar hopping on Duval Street.

If you go: Traveling the last few miles of US 1, you'll know you've arrived in this historic, quaint town when you pass the Home Depot on the left. Take a big bagful of quarters to feed parking meters (1 quarter = 10 min.). Generally, take plenty of $$$ (credit cards) because you'll be nickeled and dimed to poverty here. Despite a plunging stock market, Key West operates on it's own economy. Obama might want to consider it as a loan source to bail out the rest of the U.S.

Oh, and the Nun Buoy at N243246/W0814750 is not REALLY the southernmost point on this key. That's at N243238/W08148178 to the right of the marker at the dump site on the public-inaccessible Truman Annex Naval Air Station, strategically located to best control illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Anyway, the vandal-proof buoy is pretty neat.

It gets better, geo-extreme purists: Western Dry Rocks off Key West is the southernmost at low tide; nearby Ballast Key, privately owned, is continuously above water. Google these spots.

Note: From the graffiti/bullet-resistant, pseudo marker, go east on South Street to reach more important coordinates N243249/W0814747. Those would be for the Southernmost Beach Cafe and a cold victory (sort of...) drink.

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.

STUFF NEEDED TO SURVIVE
Definitive items to carry...



Lost in the woods? Spending the night? Here's a list of 17 items you might wish you had in your pack, recommended by an experienced SAR ranger. Have this stuff already? If not, get out your wallet for these info-ads:
Click here: Backpacker Magazine - Ultimate Survival Kit

DID YOU GET YOURS, YET?
Buy this patch!


Sew it on a cap, attach it to a pack or... glue it on your cat.

SAVING A LIFE - YOUR OWN!
Using wit and skill to survive...



Here's a demonstration of something that's been around for a long time but not used much anymore. It's called THINKING!!! Did it save this pilot's life...or a wing and a prayer?

At any rate - YIKES!!!

Fasten your seat belt and tune this in: http://www.chilloutzone.de/files/08102703.html
(Note: "X" out the overlaying ads before clicking the Play button)

Click here: On a wing and a prayer .