Halcott & Sleeping Lion - Jan 16, 2009
Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:02 pm
Maria had asked me to join her on a hike to Halcott. Since I had a poor experience two week prior, it seemed like a good idea to return. Joining us was Jim, George, Jay, and Eric. We met at the parking lot right on Rt 42 at 8:30 AM. I was the first to arrive. I got my boots on, and Jim pulled into the parking lot. We talked briefly. Soon, Maria, George, Jay, and Eric showed up. By 9 AM, we were ready to start. We headed up the side of the waterfalls, and headed straight up the mountain.
Instead of moving south to the next stream, we headed straight up. This allowed us to get the elevation out of the way, and walk on the ridge. It is a route I had not done before.
After we got to the ridge, we headed south towards Halcott. The previous night there were clouds in the mountains, so the rime crystals were beautiful. With clear blue skies, it was a very nice day. Temperatures were between 30-40 degrees. Perfect for hiking.
At the summit everyone signed in to the canister. We also had the chance to watch some snowfleas (springbacks). There is a minor view from the top, but nothing significant. But, the rime on the trees made the hike magical.
After a little talking, we agreed to head to Sleeping Lion Mountain. When we got branch off point, we noticed that Pinpin had already been there to break the trail. We followed his tracks to the summit. The ascent went quickly. At the top of Sleeping Lion we rested a bit, and had something to eat.
We then headed down the southeast face to the parking lot. At one point we had a limited view. The descent was a little steep with sliding involved. The heat of the day had warmed up the snow, so the top peeled off nicely.
Instead of moving south to the next stream, we headed straight up. This allowed us to get the elevation out of the way, and walk on the ridge. It is a route I had not done before.
After we got to the ridge, we headed south towards Halcott. The previous night there were clouds in the mountains, so the rime crystals were beautiful. With clear blue skies, it was a very nice day. Temperatures were between 30-40 degrees. Perfect for hiking.
At the summit everyone signed in to the canister. We also had the chance to watch some snowfleas (springbacks). There is a minor view from the top, but nothing significant. But, the rime on the trees made the hike magical.
After a little talking, we agreed to head to Sleeping Lion Mountain. When we got branch off point, we noticed that Pinpin had already been there to break the trail. We followed his tracks to the summit. The ascent went quickly. At the top of Sleeping Lion we rested a bit, and had something to eat.
We then headed down the southeast face to the parking lot. At one point we had a limited view. The descent was a little steep with sliding involved. The heat of the day had warmed up the snow, so the top peeled off nicely.
